FAQ

1.How is the Chennai Metro Rail Project being implemented in Chennai?
The Government of Tamil Nadu created a Special Purpose Vehicle (SPV) for implementing the Chennai Metro Rail Project. This SPV named as “Chennai Metro Rail Limited” was incorporated on 03.12.2007 under the Companies Act. It has now been converted into a Joint Venture of Government of India and Government of Tamil Nadu with equal equity holding.


2.Is it a Central Government project or a State Government project?
It is a Joint Venture project of Government of India and Government of Tamil Nadu with equal equity holding. The Government of Tamil Nadu have given in principle approval for the two initial corridors on 7-11-2007. The Government of India have approved the Chennai Metro Rail project on 28-1-2009.


3.What is the structure of Board for Chennai Metro Rail Limited?
Chennai Metro Rail Limited Board consists of Chairman, Managing Director and 8 Directors. The Chairman is nominated by the Government of India and at present, Secretary to Government of India, Ministry of Urban Development is the Chairman of the Chennai Metro Rail Limited. MD is nominated by Government of Tamil Nadu .Out of the 8 Directors, 4 are nominated by the Government of India and 4 are nominated by the Government of Tamil Nadu.


4.Where is the registered office of Chennai Metro Rail Limited?
The office of the Chennai Metro Rail Ltd. is functioning at the following address:
Chennai Metro Rail Limited,
Admin Building,
CMRL Depot,
Poonamallee High Road,
Koyambedu,
Chennai – 600107,
TamilNadu,
India.
Phone : +91 – 44 – 23792000
FAX :+91 – 44- 23792200
Email : chennaimetrorail@gmail.com


5.What is the web site address and email address of Chennai Metro Rail Limited?
Website address : www.chennaimetrorail.gov.in
E-mail address : chennaimetrorail@gmail.com


1. What is the necessity for the metro rail project in Chennai?
Chennai Metropolis has been growing rapidly and the traffic volumes on the roads have also been increasing enormously. Hence the need for a new rail based rapid transport system has been felt and towards this objective the Government of Tamil Nadu have decided to implement the Chennai Metro Rail Project. This project aims at providing the people of Chennai with a fast, reliable, convenient, efficient, modern and economical mode of public transport, which is properly integrated with other forms of public and private transport including buses, sub-urban trains and MRTS.


2.What is the aim of the Chennai Metro Rail Project?
The aim of Chennai Metro Rail Project is:

  • To provide fast, convenient, efficient, modern and economical mode of public transport system.
  • To properly integrate with other modes of transport.
  • To de-congest the ever growing road traffic
  • To provide reliable transport system with fixed travel time.
  • To provide a reliable all weather, all season transport system with no need to worry about rain, water clogging, political processions, public meetings and human chains.
  • To provide an environment friendly means of transport.

3.What are the advantages of Metro Rail system?
Metro Rail System is recognized as a modern, reliable, safe and environment friendly mode of Mass Rapid Transport. The advantages are:-

  • Lowest carbon emission amongst various modes of mass transport. Causes no air pollution in the city.
  • Provides for very high passenger capacity
  • Uses clean technology and is energy efficient. Requires 1/5th energy per passenger km compared to the road based system.
  • Causes lesser noise level.
  • Ensures enhanced mobility and reduces congestion on roads
  • More Reliable, Comfortable and a safe mode of transport
  • Reduction in road accidents, thus protecting human life and yielding financial savings.
  • Ensuring a 50% to 75% reduction in journey time depending on road conditions leading to improvement of national productivity.
  • Has a linkage with other forms of transport. (Links will be provided with Chennai Airport, Central Station, Egmore Station, Mofussil Bus Terminus and MRTS)
  • Last but not the least, international experience has shown that the value of property abutting Metro alignment often tends to appreciate.

4. What are the salient features of Chennai Metro Rail Project?

  • Chennai Metro Rail Project integrates all important locations along the three arterial roads of Chennai namely Anna Salai (Mount Road), E.V.R.Periyar Salai (P.H. road) and Jawaharlal Nehru Salai (100 Ft. Road).
  • The Chennai Metro Rail Project aims at integrating other modes of transport viz. Long distance train services, Sub Urban train services, MRTS, Metropolitan Transport Corporation bus services, Moffussil Bus services and Chennai Airport.
  • Unlike other metro systems, Chennai Metro Rail system, in its first phase itself, links important passenger hubs and terminals like Chennai Central, Chennai Egmore, Central Moffussil Bus Terminal (CMBT), Chennai Air Port, St. Thomas Mount, Govt. Estate and High Court.
  • The project will be elderly friendly and physically challenged friendly. All metro stations will have escalators and lifts.
  • Initially, the frequency of trains will be 5 minutes. This will be further reduced depending on the patronage.
  • Automatic Fare Collection System will be used in Chennai Metro Rail system. Smart Card system will also be introduced. A woman carrying the smart card in her hand bag can have access to the station by simply showing the bag at the panel.
  • Feeder bus services and Park and ride facility will be introduced wherever possible.
  • It is 5 times energy efficient i.e Energy consumption is only 1/5th when compared to road traffic.
  • Chennai Metro Rail Project is a Green Project. UN Agency will be giving Carbon Credits to this system under Kyoto protocol. Carbon Credits can be sold to some one who is polluting.

5.What is the estimated cost of the project? How will it be funded? What is the interest rate and re-payment schedule of JICA loan?
The estimated cost of this project is Rs.14600 crores, including escalation, central taxes and interest during the period of construction, but excluding state taxes and value of vacant state government land. Of this, the Central and State Governments together are expected to contribute about 41%. The balance will be met by a loan granted by the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA). The loan agreement between the Government of India and the Government of Japan was signed on 21-11-2008 at Tokyo.
The interest rate for JICA loan is as follows

  • Consulting Services – 0.01% per annum.
  • Construction works and Procurement of related goods and services – 1.40% per annum.
  • The loan is repayable in 30 years including moratorium period of 10 years.

6.Is Chennai Metro Rail Project financially viable?
Yes, the project is financially viable. Considering the revenues and costs over a period of 33 years, the estimated Financial Internal Rate of Return (FIRR) as per DPR is 1.40 % without taxes and 0.86% with central taxes.
The Economic Internal Rate of Return (EIRR) of the project without taxes is estimated as 16.22% which is well above the cut-off criterion of 12% as prescribed by Planning Commission for infrastructure projects, implying that the economic benefits accruing out of this project are substantial and will yield high savings to the economy as a whole.


7.What is the fare structure adopted for estimating financial viability of the Project?
Though the exact metro fare structure will be decided at the time of starting of train operations, the fare structure adopted for estimating the financial viability of the project ranges from Rs. 8 to Rs. 23 for a distance ranging from 2 kms to 27 kms and beyond. The actual fare structure would be finalised closer to completion in 2013 & 2015.


8.Apart from Passenger Earnings, What are other sources of revenue generation?
Revenues from other sources have been estimated as 10% of the fare box revenues during operations. Apart from Property Development at Metro stations and depots, it is possible to raise resources through leasing of parking rights at stations, advertisements on trains and tickets, advertisements within stations and parking lots, advertisements on viaducts, columns and other metro structures, co-branding rights to corporate, film shootings and special events on metro premises.
The property development will be undertaken on joint venture basis in most cases though in some cases it may be by outright purchase of the land. The estimated property development cost including land cost is Rs.1136 crores. The Estimated income to CMRL from property development is Rs.276 crores from the year 2014-15.


9.Chennai Metro Rail’s Detailed Project Report envisages 7.74 Lakhs passenger trips per day during 2016 and 12.85 Lakhs Passenger trips per day during 2026. How is this proposed to be achieved by Chennai Metro Rail Limited?
CMRL has projected realistic Passenger trips per day after conducting detailed traffic studies. CMRL is the only project which connects all the important passenger hubs in the first phase itself. Apart from this, DPR of Chennai Metro Rail Project provides for running of feeder bus services to all Metro stations. With all these measures, it is expected that CMRL will achieve the projected passenger trips per day as envisaged in the DPR.


10.What are the Corridors in the Phase 1 of the Chennai Metro Rail Project?
Two Corridors with a combined length of 45 Kms. will be constructed in the first phase of the Chennai Metro Rail Project. Of this, 24 Kms. will be underground while 21 Kms. will be elevated. Corridor I, with a length of 23.1 kms. (14.3 Kms. underground and 8.8 Kms. elevated), will run from Washermanpet to the Airport via Anna Salai. Corridor II, with length of 22 Kms. (9.7 Kms. underground and 12.3 Kms. elevated), will run from Chennai Central to St. Thomas Mount via Koyambedu. The portions from Washermanpet to Saidapet on Anna Salai in Corridor I and the portions from Chennai central to Thirumangalam in Corridor II will be underground and the remaining portions will be elevated.


11.Why were these Corridors chosen in the first phase?
These two corridors have been decided after a detailed study of the traffic density in the roads of Chennai city. After due consideration, these corridors were approved by Government of Tamil Nadu to take care of the ever growing public transportation need. These two corridors which cover the three arterial roads of Chennai city viz. Anna Salai, EVR Periyar Salai and Jawaharlal Nehru Salai, will help to decongest these roads to a great extent. One Metro train is expected to displace 16 buses or 300 four wheelers or 600 two wheelers off the road.


12. Will the Chennai Metro Rail services have inter connectivity with other mode of transport? How is it planned?
The basic principle of introducing the integration is that all the transport systems should complement and supplement each other rather than competing among themselves. Unlike other metro projects, Chennai Metro Rail Project, during its first phase, will link important passenger hubs and terminals like Chennai Central, Chennai Egmore, Central Moffussil Bus Terminal (CMBT), Chennai Air Port, St. Thomas Mount, Guindy, Govt. Estate and High Court. It would integrate all important locations along the arterial roads of Chennai namely Anna Salai (Mount Road), E.V.R. Periyar Salai (P.H. Road) and Jawaharlal Nehru Salai (100 Ft. Road). The Chennai Metro Rail Project aims to connect the following modes of transport: A] Long distance train services at Chennai Central, Chennai Egmore, St. Thomas Mount and Guindy. B] Sub-urban train services at Fort, Chennai Central, Chennai Egmore, St. Thomas Mount and Guindy. C] MRTS at Fort, Central, St. Thomas Mount. D] Long distance Moffussil bus services at CMBT, Ashok Nagar, Alandur. E] MTC bus services at High Court (Parry’s corner) and along the three arterial roads of Chennai namely Anna Salai, EVR Periyar Salai and Jawaharlal Nehru Salai. F] At Air Port Metro Station for Air passengers of Chennai Air port. G] 2-wheelers and 4-wheelers will be integrated by providing parking facilities at Metro Stations wherever possible. Inter connectivity with the other modes of transport is planned as below: 1) By introducing common ticketing system with other modes of transport. 2) Introduction of Park and ride facilities wherever feasible. 3) Introducing multi-level parking facilities near Metro stations. 4) By linking the metro stations with other modes of transport by providing escalator, walkalator, walkways, etc. wherever possible. 5) By running feeder bus services at terminal and peripheral stations like Washermanpet, Mugappair etc. 6) By providing the entry and exit arrangements of Metro stations very near to Railway stations, bus stops, traffic junctions, etc.


13.Will the Metro Rail be underground or elevated? If it is underground to what extent will it be underground?
In corridor – I the portions from Washermanpet to Saidapet (14.3 Kms.) will be underground. The remaining portions will be elevated. In corridor– II the portions from Chennai Central to Thirumangalam (9.7 Kms.) will be underground. The remaining portions will be elevated.


14.How many stations will be constructed? What are they and where will they be located?
CMRL has proposed to construct 17 metro stations in corridor – I. The proposed stations viz. Washermanpet Metro, Mannadi, High Court, Central Metro, Government Estate, LIC, Thousand Lights, AG-DMS, Teynampet, Nandanam and Saidapet Metro, will be underground (11 stations). The proposed Metro stations at Little Mount, Guindy Metro, Alandur, Nanganallur Road, Meenambakkam Metro and Airport will be elevated (6 stations). In corridor – II it is proposed to construct 17 metro stations. Central Metro and Alandur Metro stations are included in both the corridors. The proposed Metro stations viz. Central Metro, Egmore Metro, Nehru Park, Kilpauk, Pachaiyappa’s college, Shenoy Nagar, Anna Nagar East, Anna Nagar Tower, and Thirumangalam will be underground (9 stations). The proposed Metro stations at Koyambedu, CMBT, Arumbakkam, Vadapalani, Ashok Nagar, Ekkattuthangal, Alandur and St. Thomas Mount will be elevated (8 stations).


15.Why standard gauge is adopted for Chennai Metro Rail Project?
Standard Gauge (1435mm) is invariably used for metro railways the world over. Most metros have gone in for Standard Gauge even though the national gauge for mainline railways was different from Standard Gauge. In India, the national gauge is Broad Gauge (1676mm). The reasons for selection of Standard gauge are:
(i) Standard Gauge is advantageous since it permits adoption of sharper curves compared to Broad Gauge and it will minimise the land acquisition along the alignments.
(ii) Land requirement for depots is also reduced in Standard Gauge. Therefore, Standard Gauge is more suited for use in urban area where land availability is scarce.
(iii) For Standard Gauge, optimised state-of-the-art rolling stock designs are available ‘off-the-shelf’. This is not so for Broad Gauge, where new designs for rolling stock have to be specially developed which entails extra time and cost.
(iv) Most metro rail systems across the world, including Delhi and Bangalore have chosen standard gauge. Because of the availability of a very large market, constant up-gradation of technology is possible for Standard Gauge coaches. Thus upgraded technology is available on a continued basis in case of Standard Gauge. This is not so in case of Broad Gauge.
(v) For a city like Chennai with small road widths and sharper turning radius, standard gauge permits sharper turns with smaller turning radius.
(vi) For the same capacity, gross weight of a metro coach is lower for Standard Gauge than for Broad Gauge which results in recurring saving in energy consumption during operation.
(vii) Standard gauge requires a smaller diameter tunnel, hence the cost of construction will be correspondingly lower.
(viii) Once technology for Standard Gauge coaches get absorbed and a manufacturing base is set up in India, possibilities for export of coaches are likely, since almost all the countries use Standard Gauge for their metros.
(ix) It is some times argued that adoption of Broad Gauge for metros would enable inter-operability of metro trains with Indian Railways since the latter uses Broad Gauge. Inter-running is, however, technically and / or operationally not.
feasible as the two systems have different:

    • Rolling Stock characteristics,
    • Signaling Systems,
    • Headways
    • Tariffs,
    • Moving dimensions, and
    • Loading standards.

(x) Track gauge is not a technical parameter for any metro rail system. It is a planning parameter. The choice of Gauge for a metro system should be based solely on technical and economic considerations on which Standard Gauge turns out to be superior.


16.Whether any public consultations were held for selecting these two corridors?
No public consultations were held for selecting these two corridors. However, these two corridors have been proposed after a detailed study of the traffic density in the roads of Chennai city.
After due consideration, these corridors were approved by Government of Tamil Nadu to take care of the ever growing public transportation needs of Chennai city. Public consultations were held with the Project Affected People situated along the two corridors.


1.Can you compare Metro Rail system with Bus Rapid Transit System (BRTS)?

  • Bus Rapid Transit System is a bus based transit system provided on a dedicated bus lane or corridor which allows buses to operate at a high level of reliability and speed. Metro Rail system is a rail based system usually provided in an urban environment and is grade separated from road traffic.
  • Carrying capacity of Metro Rail system is high compared to BRTS. Metro Rail system can carry more than 30,000 passengers per hour per direction where as BRTS can only carry less than 10,000 passengers per hour per direction.
  • Pollution levels are very low & safety levels are high in Metro Rail system and it can serve all types of commuters.
  • Providing park & ride facilities, inter-modal transfers are easily achievable in Metro Rail system.
  • In BRTS, there are chances for pedestrian and vehicle conflicts and hence increased accident levels.
  • BRTS has got the advantage of more flexibility, easy adoptability, easy access and less costly.
  • In the case of Chennai, where the roads are narrower and trunk corridor traffic requirement is more than 30,000 passengers per hour per direction, the ideal solution is to go for Metro Rail System.

2.In what way will Chennai Metro Rail Project differ from Mass Rapid Transit System (MRTS) of Chennai?

  • MRTS is operated by Southern Railway, whereas Chennai Metro Rail is proposed to be operated by CMRL.
  • Metro Rail alignment is passing through the arterial roads of Chennai whereas the MRTS alignment passes through the Buckingham canal.
  • Metro Station will have easy public access since the alignment goes along with the arterial roads.
  • Metro Station will be elderly friendly and physically challenged friendly. Minimum of one escalator and one lift will be provided at all stations.
  • In-situ-construction method has been adopted in MRTS whereas in Metro Rail project, segmental construction technology will be adopted. Segments will be cast in casting yard and shifted to the required place and launched as and when required.
  • MRTS is running on Broad Gauge whereas Chennai Metro Rail line is planned for Standard Gauge.
  • MRTS has tracks on surface and at elevated level, whereas Metro Rail will have tracks on elevated and in underground tunnels.
  • MRTS works on line side automatic colour light signalling arrangements whereas Chennai Metro Rail Project will have cab signalling arrangement.
  • Trains in MRTS system have headway (time gap between two trains) of 10 to 30 minutes whereas in Chennai Metro Rail system, the trains will have headway of around 3 to 5 minutes.
  • Metro Coaches and underground stations will be air-conditioned in Metro Rail system whereas in MRTS the coaches and stations are non-AC.
  • In MRTS coaches are designed to have more sitting and less standing whereas Metro Rail coaches will be designed to have more standing and less sitting.
  • Metro Rail will have a safer automatic door closing and opening system which is presently not available in MRTS.
  • Coaches in Metro Rail system will be provided with station indication display and announcement systems, which is presently not available in coaches of MRTS system.

3.What are the problems faced by Chennai Metro Rail Project when compared to Delhi metro rail project?
Most of the roads in Delhi are wider and the foot paths are wide enough to accommodate the Metro stair cases, lifts and escalators on foot paths. Compared to Delhi roads, Chennai roads are narrower and foot paths are also very narrow. Set back area between the road and the buildings at the station locations are very narrow in Chennai. Hence special precautions need to be taken during construction.


4.Can you compare Chennai Metro Rail Project with Delhi metro rail project?

  • In Delhi Metro both Broad Gauge and Standard Gauge are being used whereas in Chennai, the Metro Rail Project has selected only one gauge i.e. standard gauge.
  • In Delhi, the Roads and Foot Paths are wider whereas in Chennai, the Roads and Foot Paths are narrower
  • The Traffic problems during the construction phase will be more in Chennai than at Delhi.
  • The Detailed Project Report for both the Delhi and Chennai Metros was prepared by DMRC. Delhi Metro Rail Corporation was our interim consultant and now they have been appointed as Prime Consultant.
  • The technical and execution problems faced by the Delhi Metro during the construction, operation and maintenance will not be there in the Chennai Metro Rail Project, as necessary changes in the designs have been incorporated based on the experience and advice given by Delhi Metro Rail Corporation.
  • Chennai Metro Rail Project will be an improvement over the Delhi Metro Rail system.

1.Has the metro rail project work started?
Yes. The first contract for elevated viaduct for a length of 4.5 kms from Koyambedu to Ashok Nagar has been awarded to M/S Soma Enterprise Limited, Hyderabad at a cost of Rs. 199.20 crores and they have commenced the work, for the construction of the elevated viaduct on 10.06.2009.
You can see tenders awarded page for more details.


2.When is the work expected to be completed and opened for passenger traffic?
The phase-1 of the project is programmed for completion by 2015-2016.


3.Phase-1 of the Project is planned to be completed by 2015-16. What about Phase-2 of the Chennai Metro Rail Project?
Regarding further expansion and Phase-2, Government of Tamil Nadu will take the decision.


4.How are the contractors selected for the work?
The contractors for the works are selected by inviting open tenders. The tenders are published in the leading newspapers and hosted in the following websites: www.tenders.tn.gov.in and www.chennaimetrorail.gov.in


5.Who are the Consultants for Chennai Metro Rail Project?
Chennai Metro Rail Limited has appointed the “General Consultants” (GC) for Phase-1 of the project on 24.02.2009. A five member consortium led by Egis Rail S.A., France has been appointed as General Consultants. The other members of the consortium are (a) Egis India Consulting Engineers Private Ltd., India, (b) Maunsell Consultants Asia Ltd., Hong Kong, (c) Balaji Rail Road Systems Ltd., India & (d) Yachiyo Engineering Co. Ltd., Japan. The General Consultants will assist Chennai Metro Rail Limited in design, supervision, quality control, safety and contract management for the project.
In addition, Chennai Metro Rail Limited has appointed Delhi Metro Rail Corporation (DMRC) as the Prime Consultant (PC) for Phase-1 of the project. The Prime Consultant will assist CMRL in an advisory role in the execution of the project.


6.Who will supervise the works of the contractors?
The General Consultants, a five member consortium led by Egis Rail S.A., France will assist Chennai Metro Rail Limited in contract management for the project.


7.What is the role of Delhi Metro Rail Corporation in Chennai Metro Rail project?
Delhi Metro Rail Corporation prepared the Detailed Project Report (DPR) for Phase – I of the Chennai Metro Rail Project. DMRC was entrusted with this work since they have successfully designed and implemented the Delhi Metro Rail Project. They were engaged as Interim Consultants before the selection of General Consultants.
Now DMRC has been appointed by the CMRL as their Prime Consultant for Phase – I of the project. The Prime Consultant will assist CMRL in an advisory role in the execution of the project.
His Excellency the Governor of Tamil Nadu in his address in the Tamil Nadu Legislative Assembly on 21st January 2009 has announced: “based on the request of people from Thiruvottiyur that their town should also be linked under this project, detailed investigation will be undertaken immediately.’’ In this regard Chennai Metro Rail Limited has entrusted the work of detailed investigation to Delhi Metro Rail Corporation. The Draft Detailed Project Report has been submitted to the Government on 29.6.2010 and is under examination.


8 What is the technology used for construction of underground and elevated corridors?
Latest Tunnel Boring Machines (TBMs) will be used for constructing underground corridors. Segmental construction method will be used for constructing elevated viaducts. Segments will be cast at the casting yard, transported to the site and launched. Whereas, in Calcutta, cut and cover method was used for tunnelling works when the Metro rail system was built in 1970s.


9.What are the safety precautionary measures taken in the Metro work sites?
Good barricading to international standards will be done at the work site to ensure safety for the public, such that it can withstand shocks even if a vehicle hits the barricade. All the prescribed international safety procedures have been incorporated in the tender conditions which will be strictly enforced during execution.


10.Will there by any threat of water seepage when TBM is put into operation particularly in view of the proximity to sea shore?
Modern technology is available to take care of water seepage when tunnelling work is done under the sea and near the sea shore areas.


11.When will the tunnelling work start?
It is proposed to start the tunnelling work during the third quarter of 2012.


12.What is the cost for constructing 1 Km. of Elevated Track and 1 Km. of underground tunnel? What is the cost of construction of Underground Station?
The estimated cost of underground tunnelling is Rs 300 crores per km, whereas the cost of elevated track works is Rs 100 cores per km. The estimated cost of underground station is Rs 100 crores, whereas the cost of elevated station is Rs 30 crores


13.What will be depth of the Tunnel from the surface level and what will be the diameter of the tunnel?
Average depth of the tunnel will vary from 15 to 17 metres from rail level with an outer diameter of 6.2 Metres and an inner diameter of 5.8 Metres. The tunnel will start from a depth of 9 metres from the surface level.


14.Will tunnelling affect the building structures above ground during construction?
No. Latest Tunnel Boring Machines (TBM) will be used for tunnelling and all safety precautionary measures will be taken to ensure safety of the structures above ground


15.What precautionary measures will be taken during the monsoon rain/flood times at the time of tunnelling?
Construction work and tunnelling will be done in accordance with well established norms to ensure that construction activities are not affected due to flooding and subsidiary soil etc. All safety and precautionary measures will be undertaken by each contractor under supervision of CMRL and the General Consultants for the project.


16.How will the underground metro stations be built?

  • At any point of time, Excavation will be taken up in stages. In the first stage, half of the road will be closed and excavation and concreting of the walls will be done. Then temporary decking will be done at this place with the support from the walls. Then, Traffic will be diverted on the decked area. Then the other half of the road will be taken up for construction. Work of excavation will continue in the underground portion below the deck slabs.
  • Good barricading of International Standards will be done to ensure safety of the road users.

17.Whether during the construction of Chennai Metro Rail, any services like Electricity, Water pipe lines, sewerage lines etc. will be affected?
Chennai Metro Rail Limited has taken advance action to shift all the services like electric cables, telephone cables, water pipe lines, sewerage lines and street lights which are coming in the Metro alignment and this will be done before the starting of the construction work. Hence, there will not be any disruption to these services.


18.There are sewerage, electric cables, telephone cables and water pipe lines underground. Will they be affected while boring tunnels? How deep will the tunnel be bored?
There will be a minimum of 9 meters clearance from ground level to tunnel level. So it will not affect any of the utilities in underground.


1.What is the total land requirement for the Chennai metro rail project?
While formulating the project, CMRL has taken all possible care to see that the land to be acquired for the project, as far as possible, is government/ public land. Only to a limited extent and when unavoidable from the technical angle, private lands are proposed to be acquired. Moreover, to the extent possible, acquisition of schools, hospitals and religious institutions are proposed to be avoided or minimized.
Accordingly, (as on 15.8.2010) total requirement of land works out to 75.16 Hectares (185 acres). Out of which, 57.68 Hectares (142.52 acres) of land belong to State Government, 6.86 Hectares (16.95 acres) of Land belong to Central Government and 10.61 Hectares (26.21 acres) of land is to be acquired from Private Parties. This extent is minimal given the size of this project..


2.How private lands are proposed to be acquired? What is the policy of the Chennai Metro Rail Limited with regard to land acquisition?
Policy for Land Acquisition:
To avoid and minimize the land acquisition from the private parties, the following action has been initiated by the Chennai Metro Rail Limited.

  • Wherever possible, stations and other facilities will be located in the Government land.
  • While doing so, efforts are being made to further reduce the private land acquisition by suitably modifying the design suiting to the local site conditions.
  • In most private properties, only set back area is being acquired for the project.
  • In spite of the above, to some extent private lands are required for the project.
  • It would be the endeavour of CMRL to see that the land needed for the project is purchased or acquired in a fair and transparent manner after mutual agreement and with the consent of the land owner. Accordingly,
  • Every effort will be made to see that the land is acquired with the consent of the landowners, by negotiation
  • The negotiated price for land will be fair and reasonable, taking into account current market conditions.
  • The compensation for the buildings and structures will be paid based on the present day cost of construction without deducting any value for depreciation.
  • Chennai Metro Rail is also offering Transferable Development Rights (TDR) in consultation with CMDA. All the property owners will be given the option of choosing for TDR certificates.
  • Under this scheme, the property owners will be given TDR certificates issued by CMDA instead of cash compensation, indicating the area in the certificate based on applicable FSI to the acquired land.
  • The area indicated in the TDR certificate can be built at a new location over and above the FSI of the new location subject to certain conditions.
  • Extra area can also be added on the existing buildings.
  • TDR certificates can also be sold to real estate promoters or land developers.
  • In case TDR is used for building in a sub-urban area, there will be a corresponding increase in area mentioned in the TDR based on the guide line value of sub-urban area.

3.Which Act will be used for the purpose of Land acquisition?
Land acquisition will be done under the urgency clause 17(2) of the Land Acquisition Act 1894.


4.What are the Central Government departments from which the land will be acquired?
Southern Railway, Defence, Bharat Sanchar Nigam Limited, Department of Posts, Life Insurance Corporation, Air Port Authority of India, Kendriya Vidyalaya and Central Institute of Plastics Engineering and Technology.


5.What is the R & R (Relief & Rehabilitation) policy of the Chennai Metro Rail Project?
Consistent with the policy of the Government of Tamil Nadu, a liberal and comprehensive package has been designed for relief & rehabilitation. The aim is to provide Relief and Rehabilitation to those persons whose land/property has to be acquired for implementing the project, both owners and other occupants. There is a separate R&R policy for both legal owner and encroacher for residential and commercial. This R & R policy has also been approved by Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA).


6.Whether the CMRL has any idea to provide employment opportunity?
No, The PAPs are provided with better compensation when compared to any other schemes in Tamil Nadu.


7.Whether there is any separate compensation for the tenant both in residential and commercial lands?
They will be paid rental allowance for 6 months, shifting allowance of Rs.20,000/- and right to salvage materials if any addition done by tenant. The advance/security deposit paid by the tenant to the owners shall be withheld from the compensation due to the owner and reimbursed to the tenant.


8.What are all the benefits offered to the slum dwellers (vulnerable PAPs)?
Vulnerable PAPs are those who are below poverty line. The benefits offered for them are

  • Alternate accommodation through TNSCB
  • Right to salvage materials
  • Shifting allowance of Rs. 20,000/- for all those who loose complete house
  • Subsistence allowance for 12 months equivalent to monthly minimum wages to all.
  • Also skill training will be imparted for the PAPs to meet their livelihood requirements. (IRP)

9.Whether any slum area is affected by the Chennai Metro Rail Project?
Yes. Roughly about 275 families of slum dwellers in Adyar River at Saidapet will be affected.


10. How many families are affected by the metro rail project? What is the plan of action for their settlement?
Approximately 228 Private properties and 519 slum dwellers are affected by the Chennai Metro Rail Project. Slum dwellers, projected affected person deprived are entitled for alternative accommodation and income restoration programme (IRP) through Tamil Nadu Slum Clearance Board, subject to availability (for vulnerable PAPs only) with two weeks notice to demolish affected structure; Right to salvage materials, shifting allowance of Rs.20,000/- for all those (slum dwellers) who lose complete house; Subsistence allowance for twelve months equivalent to monthly minimum wages to all those who lose complete house (only for vulnerable PAPs) i.e. Rs.(30,000/)- per PAF. For Private properties market value compensation were paid according to the provision of LA Act.


11.How the grievance of PAP will be redressed?
A Grievance Redressal Committee (GRC) has been constituted, comprising of the Chief General Manager (Project Finance) as Chairperson and DRO and Senior Planner as its members. The GRC is formed for the redressal of the grievance of PAP only in regard to R&R. No general grievance will be entertained by this GRC.


1.What will be the environmental impact of Chennai Metro Rail project during construction and operation?
There will be some environmental impacts during construction like reduced road width, traffic congestion, etc. Effective barricading to the international standards will be provided at the work sites and measures will be taken to reduce soil spillage into roads, etc.
Though, every effort is taken to minimize the pollution, it cannot be totally avoided. In order to minimize the dust pollution near the worksites and to reduce soil spillage into roads,
(a) Watering will be done at required intervals
(b) Effective barricading of international standard will be provided.
There will not be much noise pollution since segmental construction method will be used in elevated parts of the proposed corridors.
Once the metro system is fully operational, one rake of metro system per trip is expected to remove 16 buses/300 cars/600 two wheelers from the road, thereby considerably reducing the traffic congestion in the road and less carbon emission and contributing to reduction in air pollution. Metro system helps in less fuel consumption leading to foreign exchange savings. Metro system also helps in reduction of noise pollution. UN Agency will be giving Carbon Credit to this system under Kyoto protocol. It is an income that can be sold to someone who is polluting.


2.How many trees are likely to be cut for implementation of Phase 1 of Chennai Metro Rail Project? What are the measures taken to plant new saplings?
Approximately 385 trees will be cut on the proposed alignment. 10 new saplings will be planted for each tree cut. This will be done in consultation with Forest department of Government of Tamil Nadu.


3.Will there be any noise pollution and vibration during the implementation of the project?
A study on the noise pollution and vibration was undertaken by the Anna University and IIT respectively and found no severe impact would arise


4.Is the Chennai Metro Rail Project environmental friendly? Is it a green project?
Yes. It is a green project, environment friendly and five times more energy efficient i.e. energy consumption will only be one fifth comparing to road traffic. It has the lowest carbon emission.


5.Where will you dump the tunnelled waste earth?
This will be disposed of in consultation with Tamil Nadu Pollution Control Board and other competent authorities in suitable locations.


1.How much road space will be used at the site of construction on elevated corridors? How much space will be available for road traffic?
During construction, five meters on either side of the road i.e. ten metres in the centre of the road will be used. After construction, only 2 metres at the median of the road will be used. In most of the places, two lane traffic will be available on either side.


2.When tunnelling work is in progress will it affect road traffic above the ground?
No it will not. Traffic above ground will not be affected.


3.How will be the traffic regulated at the site of underground stations during the construction?
During the construction of underground stations, the following special steps will be taken for better traffic management:

  • At any point of time, Excavation will be taken up in stages. In the first stage, half of the road will be closed and excavation and concreting of the walls will be done. Then temporary decking will be done at this place with the support from the walls. Then, Traffic will be diverted on the decked area. Then the other half of the road will be taken up for construction. Work of excavation will continue in the underground portion below the deck slabs.
  • Barricading will be done to the International standard to ensure the safety of the travelling public
  • Traffic Marshalls and guides will assist.
  • Since, the Metro Rail project is being carried out in the arterial roads of Chennai, the other roads in Chennai city will be widened wherever possible to take care of the extra flow of traffic

4.How long traffic regulation will be enforced at a particular work site?
Traffic will be disrupted for about two years at the underground metro station locations. Traffic will be disrupted from one to two years at the site of the elevated stations. In other places, traffic regulations will be there for about six months. However, alternate plans to divert traffic and reduce the impact of disruptions would be put in place with help of the police.


5.Is there any system/committee for better traffic management?
In order to have better traffic management during the construction, traffic Co-ordination Committee headed by the Secretary (Special Initiatives) to the Government and Managing Director, Chennai Metro Rail Limited has been constituted by the Government of Tamil Nadu to co-ordinate with various Government departments and agencies. The committee will take suitable decisions to maintain smooth traffic movement to the possible extent


6.What are the steps planned to be taken to minimise traffic disruption?

  • Though, major portion of the metro rail alignment runs along important arterial roads such as Anna Salai, EVR Periyar Salai and Jawaharlal Nehru Salai, Public will have to face some traffic disruptions, traffic congestions and diversions during the construction of Chennai Metro Rail Project.
  • A traffic Co-ordination Committee headed by the Secretary (Special Initiatives) to the Government and Managing Director, Chennai Metro Rail Limited has been constituted by the Government of Tamil Nadu to co-ordinate with various Government departments and agencies. The committee will take suitable decisions to maintain smooth traffic movement to the possible extent.
  • In most of the places 2-lane traffic movement on either side of the median will be made available during the construction.
    At Elevated Corridors In the viaduct portion, 5 Metres of the road on either side of the median will be barricaded during the construction. Balance two lanes on both sides of the road will be available for movement of traffic. The restriction will continue for 8 to 12 months at a particular location. At the locations where the elevated stations will be constructed, traffic regulations will continue for over a year. At Underground Corridors as far as underground tunnel construction is concerned, there will not be any traffic disruption above the ground. State-of-the-Art Tunnel Boring Machine (TBM) will be used for Metro Rail Project. In Calcutta Metro which was constructed during 1970s, the entire tunnelling work was done by cut and cover method, whereas Chennai Metro will be adopting latest technology. At the underground stations, the construction will be done by cut and cover method. There may be traffic disruptions and diversions at all locations of underground stations, which fall on the roads. To ease the traffic congestion, construction will be taken up in two stages. At underground station sites, construction work may go for over a period of 2 years. During the construction of underground stations, the following special steps will be taken for better traffic management:
  • At any point of time, Excavation will be taken up in stages. In the first stage, half of the road will be closed and excavation and concreting of the walls will be done. Then temporary decking will be done at this place with the support from the walls. Then, Traffic will be diverted on the decked area. Then the other half of the road will be taken up for construction. Work of excavation will continue in the underground portion below the deck slabs
  • Barricading will be done to the International standard to ensure the safety of the travelling public.
  • Since, the Metro Rail project is being carried out in the arterial roads of Chennai, the other roads in Chennai city will be widened wherever possible to take care of the extra flow of traffic.
  • The construction work will be done after shifting all the services like electric cables, telephone cables, water pipe lines, sewage pipe line and street lights. There will not be any disruption to the services and action has been taken in advance to shift the services which are coming in the Metro alignment.
  • A retired Police Officer has also been appointed in CMRL as Traffic Co-ordination Officer for coordinating the traffic management issues with the City Police Hqrs. and at the field level for better traffic management and coordination.
  • Services of NSS volunteers, private security personnel will also be utilised for field level traffic management wherever feasible.
  • APPEAL
    Public are requested to co-operate with the Chennai Metro Rail Limited and bear with the temporary inconvenience for a long term future benefits. Public are welcome to contact Metro Rail Limited Officials to offer their suggestions. Email: chennaimetrorail@gmail.com and phone No: 044-23792000.
  • ADVICE TO THE TRAVELLING PUBLIC
    Please start little early to reach your destination in time allowing cushion time for possible traffic disruptions at Metro work sites

1.What will be the speed of the train?
Metro trains are designed for an operating speed of 80 Km/hr and the average speed of the metro train will be 34 Km/hr. Trains will stop for 30 seconds in each station.


2.What will be the frequency of the train operation?
The train operation plan provides for 4.5 minutes Headway with 4 – Car train in Corridor – I & II during peak hours and 15 minutes Headway during lean hours in the initial stage of train service. Dwell time will be 30 seconds in each station.


3.What is the running time between the terminal stations?
45 minutes to one hour from Washermanpet to Chennai Airport


4.Whether Night train services will be operated in the Chennai Metro Rail system?
This will be considered at the time of starting of train operations and a decision will be taken based on the patronage.


5.Is there any plan to open a part of the corridor for train operations?
Partial opening of the elevated corridor may be thought of even before 2014-2015. However, this is subject to the condition that Rolling stock, maintenance depot and other service facilities are ready in advance.


6.What is the electric traction system planned for CMRL project?
25 KVA Electric traction will be used, as in the suburban and MRTS train services.


7.How much power will be required for the train operation?
Power supply is required for operation of metro system for running of trains, station services (lighting, lifts, escalators, tunnel ventilation system, signalling, telecom, fire fighting, etc.) and workshops, depots and other maintenance infrastructure within premises of metro system. The major component of power supply is traction requirements and auxiliary requirements for underground section.
Metro system is 5 times energy efficient i.e Energy consumption is only 1/5th when compared to road traffic
The total estimated energy requirement for the phase 1 of the Project is less than 70 MW per day, which is less than 1 % of the total grid requirements. When compared to the annual increase in the consumption of energy which is 10%, the requirement of energy for the Metro system is minimal.


1.What is the fare structure? Will it be affordable to the common public?
The exact fare structure will be finalized at the time of starting the train operation. It would be the endeavour of Chennai Metro Rail Limited to see that the fares will be affordable for the common man.


2. Though the fare structure will be finalized when the project becomes operational whether the reasonableness of it will be ensured in comparison with bus fare and Sub-urban Railway ticket fare?
Yes. The fare structure will be reasonable when compared with MTC bus fare and Suburban Railway ticket fare.


3.What is the ticketing system?
Automatic fare collection system will be introduced in all the Metro Rail stations. Smart card system will also be introduced.


4.Will there be feeder bus services at peripheral stations? If so what are the stations these facilities will be available?
In the Detailed Project Report of Chennai Metro Rail Project itself, operation of feeder bus services has been envisaged. Feeder bus services will be introduced across the system including peripheral stations. It may be operated by CMRL or it may be done by any other agency in consultation with MTC.


5. Will the elevated metro stations have parking facilities for two/four wheelers?
Wherever possible, Park & Ride facilities will be provided in the metro stations.


6.Will there be separate coaches viz. First class/AC/ladies/vendor etc.?
All the metro coaches will be air-conditioned. Having dedicated space for women and / or separate coaches for women can be considered. Each four-car rake will be provided with a First Class seating section in the coach closest to the operator’s cab


7.Will there be toilet facilities in the metro rail coaches?
No. But toilet facilities will be provided in all the Metro stations.


8.Will the mobile phones work in the underground metro stations?
In all the underground Metro Stations and also while travelling through the underground tunnels, commuters will be able to use the cell phones. Provision of mobile coverage facilities for the commuters in underground Metro Stations and while travelling through underground tunnels have already been planned and included in the design of the stations and tunnels


9.How can public communicate in case of emergency situations?
Emergency buttons will be provided in the coaches to alert the driver. Public can also use mobile phones to contact the emergency numbers


10.What are the safety measures and other facilities available in metro rail coaches?
All coaches will have emergency buttons to alert the driver. All metro coaches are of state of the art design, air-conditioned, light weight, made of stainless steel, with 3 phase AC drive and regenerative braking system. The cars will have Automatic Train Protection (ATP) and Automatic Train Operation (ATO). All the cars are provided with electrically operated bi-parting automatic sliding doors to ensure the safety of passengers. Besides, these cars will have electronic route map, Public Address system, Passenger Emergency Intercoms, Video surveillance and CCTV. Each rake shall have two wheel chair parking location for the benefit of physically challenged persons. The cars will be equipped with gang ways to facilitate easy movement of passengers from one car to another. The cars will operate on 25 KV through an Overhead Catenary System.
Each 4-car rake will be provided with a 1st class seating section in the coach closest to the operator’s cab. The 4-car configuration will be designed and manufactured for future convertibility to a 6-car rake at a later date when traffic demand goes up.
The maximum allowable operating speed of the vehicles shall be 80 kmph with maximum design speed of 90 kmph. For a 4-car metro rake composition, the capacity will be 1276 persons including seating and standing


11.What are the facilities available at metro stations? Is it elder/physically challenged friendly?
Metro stations will be elder friendly and physically challenged friendly with escalators and lifts. Other facilities includes AC comfort in under ground stations, Automatic fare collection system, Automatic announcement system, electronic information display boards, shopping malls, toilet facilities, CCTV systems, feeder bus services, park & ride facilities etc


12.What are the comforts provided in the Metro trains for top-end car travellers?
Apart from AC comfort, other facilities like Cell phone charging facility, Laptop charging facility, Wi-Fi internet coverage etc can be considered subject to feasibility.


13. How many passengers can travel in a metro rail at a time during peak hours?
At one time 1200 people can travel in a four car metro train. Four car rakes will be operated in the initial stages which can be subsequently increased to six car rakes depending upon the need in later stages of operation. Carrying capacity of one 6 Car Metro Rate is 1580 passengers. One 6 car metro rake per trip is expected to remove 16 buses/300 cars/600 two wheelers from road.