New densification study to induce developments along metro rail corridor

C Shivakumar

Chennai:

As the elevated section of Chennai Metro Rail is expected to be completed by 2013, Chennai Metropolitan Development Authority is set to launch a densification study along the Chennai Metro Rail corridors to assess the influence area of metro rail and support CMRL by inducing developments along the corridor.

Sources said Tamil Nadu Urban Infrastructure Financial Services Limited (TNUIFSL) is now inviting consultants for the study for CMDA.

Plans are also on to review master plan of Chennai Metropolitan Area besides comprehensive traffic and transportation study and other relevant studies.

 The study will also include delineation of the influence areas of CMRL stations on both sides based on modes of transport including walking or bicycling from residence to stations and from work place to stations.

Sources said the boundaries of influence will follow the existing road network besides influence areas of CMRL stations.

There are also plans to carry out household survey and commercial and institutional survey within the influence areas on the use of CMRL facilities to identify the areas from which commuters are likely to be attracted.

 The Consultant is also expected to carry out classified traffic volume surveys during morning or evening peak periods at the approach intersections of various stations along CMRL corridors to prepare traffic projections for various phases and scenarios besides formulating a strategy for densification of corridors.

Besides preparing the Corridor Management Plan, including land use and transport infrastructure inventory for the influence area of each station, the study will also look into growth prospects, infrastructure development plan and transportation network plan including traffic and transport recommendation with necessary projections.

Interestingly, there are plans to attract private investment with the preparation of a financial feasibility document entailing investment opportunities. A detailed study will also be done on risks associated with each of the opportunities and a sensitivity analysis of project cash flow with regard to various variables that might have an impact on revenue generation potential of the project.

Snapshot:

1.  Delineation of influence areas of CMRL stations on both sides based on present modes of transport
2.  Carrying household survey and commercial and institutional survey within influence areas of CMRL
3.  Carrying out classified traffic volume surveys during morning or evening peak hours
4.  Preparation of corridor management plan
5.  Review of Development Control Rules
6.  Conduct rapid social and environmental impact assessment
7.  Reviewing the quality of life of the inhabitants of the corridor

Study area;

Corridor                                           Length

Washermenpet to Airport                 23.1 km

Chennai Central to St Thomas mt    22.0 km

Total                                               45.1 km

Corridor1

Washermenpet-Broadway (Prakasam Road)—Chennai Central station – Rippon Building – along Cooum River—Government Estate --- Tarapore Towers --- Spencers --- Gemini --- Anna Salai --- Saidapet --- Guindy --- Chennai Airport

Corridor 2:

Chennai Central – along EVR Periyar Salai – Vepery --- Kilpauk Medical College --- Aminjikarai – Shenoy nagar --- Anna Nagar East – Anna Nagar 2^nd Avenue – Tirumangalam --- Koyambedu --- CMBT --- along Inner Ring road – Vadapalani --- Ashok nagar --- Sidco – Alandur – St Thomas Mount

Elevated Stretch to be operational by 2013

Underground stretch to be completed by 2014-15 (financial year)