Chennai Metro Rail plans a skyscraper to accommodate HQ

C Shivakumar

Chennai:

Chennai Metro Rail is planning to build a skyscraper in around ten acre plot of land in Nandanam to house its headquarters.

Chennai Metro Rail sources told Express that the plans for the multi-storied building is at the initial stage. It could be anywhere more than 20 to 25 storey building.

It is believed the building could be built provided it gets clearance from Chennai Metropolitan Development Authority as well as Airport Authority of India.

A Metro rail spokesman said that piling work for the headquarters has already started but refused to provide any further details stating that the work is at an initial stage.

The spokesman also said that tenders for incomplete seven stations on elevated stretch has been issued. The stations include Koyambedu, CMBT, Arumbakkam, Vadapalani, Ashok Nagar, Ekkatuthangal and Alandur.

After contract of Consolidated Construction Consortium Limited (CCCL) was terminated for the delay in the completion of these stations, Chennai Metro Rail is trying to complete the work in time so that the elevated stretch between Koyambedu and St Thomas could be thrown open to public this year.

Meanwhile, a total of 32 percentage of work on the tunnelling section is complete besides the Koyambedu depot would be getting two more trains by the end of this month.

Currently, there are seven trains in the depot, including two indigenously made trains at the Sri City plant. “We will be getting two more from Brazil by next week,” the spokesman said.

Meanwhile, Chennai Metro rail’s mock up at Chennai Moffusil Bus Terminus will be thrown open in the next two to three days. “We are planning to erect a barricade before opening it for display,” said the spokesman. The mock-up was built in Sao Paulo, Brazil.