St. Thomas Mount Ascends: Chennai Metro's New Transit Hub

In a bid to streamline metro connectivity and eliminate mid-journey transfers, Chennai Metro Rail Limited (CMRL) is extending Corridor 5 from Alandur to St. Thomas Mount by constructing a new 1.25 km elevated viaduct. Running parallel to the existing elevated corridor, the new structure will feature two up and two down tracks, enabling seamless integration between Corridor 2 (St. Thomas Mount–Chennai Central) and Corridor 5 (Madhavaram–Sholinganallur).

Previously, passengers traveling from Madhavaram to southern suburbs such as Madipakkam, Medavakkam, or Sholinganallur were required to change trains at Alandur. The revised alignment will now allow uninterrupted train movement across corridors, enhancing operational efficiency and commuter convenience.

To facilitate construction, land acquisition and modification of existing infrastructure near Railway Station Road are underway, including adjustments to track curves. A new station building with upgraded passenger amenities is also planned at St. Thomas Mount, positioning it as a major southern transit hub akin to Alandur.

The project gains further strategic significance with St. Thomas Mount’s planned integration into the long-delayed MRTS extension from Velachery, according to T. Archunan, Director (Projects), CMRL.

News by Rahul Yelligetti.