Chennai, September 26, 2025 – In a major boost to the city's public transport infrastructure, the Chennai Metro Rail Limited (CMRL) has floated global tenders worth ₹10,000 crore for Phase III, envisioning a 120 km elevated and underground network to connect underserved suburbs like Tambaram, Avadi, and Sholinganallur with the bustling core. Chief Minister M.K. Stalin, inaugurating the tender process at a virtual ceremony from the Secretariat on Friday, reaffirmed a 2028 operational deadline, emphasizing the project's role in easing Chennai's chronic traffic congestion and fostering equitable urban growth. "Phase III will be the lifeline for our suburbs, reducing commute times by 50% and creating 50,000 jobs— a Dravidian model of inclusive development," Stalin declared, underscoring the state's commitment to sustainable mobility amid a projected population swell to 15 million by 2030.
The tenders, issued through the e-procurement portal of the Government of Tamil Nadu, mark the formal kickoff for detailed engineering, procurement, and construction (EPC) contracts, inviting bids from international consortia including Japan's Mitsubishi, Singapore's SMRT, and domestic giants like L&T and Tata Projects. Divided into six packages—three for elevated viaducts, two for underground stations, and one for signaling and rolling stock—the project aims to integrate with Phases I and II, forming a seamless 300 km network by decade's end. With Phase II's 118.9 km corridors nearing 60% completion, Phase III's suburban focus addresses long-standing demands from peripheral areas, where two-wheelers dominate 70% of trips, per a 2024 RITES study.
Suburban Connectivity: Bridging Chennai's Urban Divide
Phase III's blueprint, approved by the Union Cabinet in July 2025 with ₹8,500 crore in central funding (matched by the state), spans three corridors:
Corridor A (Tambaram-Sholinganallur, 42 km): An elevated line linking southern suburbs to IT hubs in OMR, with 28 stations including interchanges at Guindy and Perungudi.
Corridor B (Avadi-Ambattur-Porur, 35 km): Underground segments through industrial belts, featuring 22 stations and depots for electric bus feeders.
Corridor C (Madhavaram-Koyambedu, 43 km): A north-south artery with 30 stations, incorporating multimodal hubs for suburban trains and airport links.
The 120 km extension targets a daily ridership of 15 lakh by 2030, up from Phase II's projected 10 lakh, with fares capped at ₹50 for end-to-end travel to ensure affordability. "This isn't just tracks and trains; it's about reclaiming time for families in Tambaram or Avadi, who lose hours in traffic daily," said Stalin, referencing a CMRL survey showing 40% commute reductions in Phase I areas. Environmentally, the project pledges 100% green energy operation, with solar canopies over elevated sections generating 50 MW—enough to power 20,000 homes.
Tenders emphasize advanced tech: driverless trains on GoA4 standards, AI-optimized signaling for 90-second headways, and universal accessibility with braille signage and ramps. Bidders must commit to 30% local sourcing, aligning with the state's MSME push, which could inject ₹3,000 crore into Tamil Nadu's supply chain.
| Corridor | Length (km) | Key Stations | Estimated Cost (₹ Cr) | Timeline |
|----------|-------------|--------------|-----------------------|----------|
| **A: Tambaram-Sholinganallur** | 42 | 28 (incl. Guindy, Perungudi) | 3,500 | 2026-28 |
| **B: Avadi-Ambattur-Porur** | 35 | 22 (incl. Poonamallee, Vadapalani) | 2,800 | 2026-28 |
| **C: Madhavaram-Koyambedu** | 43 | 30 (incl. Koyambedu, Ayanavaram) | 3,700 | 2026-28 |
| **Total** | **120** | **80** | **10,000** | **2028** |
Stalin's Ambitious Timeline: Challenges and Safeguards
Stalin's 2028 deadline—three years from tender award—hinges on fast-tracked land acquisition (only 10% pending, per CMRL) and JICA's ₹5,000 crore soft loan, building on Phase II's Japan funding. "We've learned from delays in Phase II; now, with digital tendering and a dedicated monitoring cell, we'll deliver on time," assured CMRL MD Mahesh Kumar, who revealed that pre-bid meetings are scheduled for October, with awards by December 2025.
Yet, experts flag hurdles: Urban displacement in dense suburbs like Ambattur, where 5,000 families may need relocation, and funding overlaps with the ₹63,000 crore Phase II. "Phase III's suburban sprawl demands robust R&R policies—anything less risks protests," warned urban planner D. Ranganathan from IIT Madras. The state has allocated ₹1,000 crore for rehabilitation, including skill training for affected youth.
Stakeholders are bullish. L&T Metro Rail's MD Vikas Kumar called the tenders "a golden opportunity for hybrid EPC models," while commuters' groups like the Chennai Citizens' Forum praised the focus on last-mile connectivity via e-rickshaws. Opposition AIADMK's Edappadi K. Palaniswami welcomed the move but critiqued the "overambitious" deadline, urging audits to prevent cost escalations seen in Delhi Metro.
A Metro for the Masses: Economic and Social Ripples
Beyond steel and concrete, Phase III promises a ₹25,000 crore economic multiplier over five years, per a NITI Aayog projection, through real estate booms in Porur and Madhavaram. It aligns with Stalin's "Dravidian Mobility Mission," integrating with the MRTS merger (approved August 2025) and 1,000 EV buses. For women and students—targeting 40% ridership—dedicated coaches and 24x7 helplines will enhance safety.
As bids pour in from Seoul to Singapore, Chennai's suburbs stand on the cusp of transformation. "From crowded buses to sleek metros—this is progress with people at its heart," Stalin concluded, envisioning a congestion-free megacity.
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