CHENNAI, September 25: Forty-one Chennai Metro Phase-I stations are set to get a detailed multimodal integration plan aimed at improving first- and last-mile connectivity, with SYSTRA preparing the Detailed Project Report under a consultancy contract awarded by Chennai Metro Rail Limited (CMRL).
CMRL awarded the ₹2.829-crore contract, excluding GST, to SYSTRA MVA Consulting (India) Pvt. Ltd. on August 3. The assignment covers multimodal integration within a 500-metre radius of 41 Phase-I metro stations.
SYSTRA, which detailed the programme on September 25, said the DPR will examine how metro stations can be better connected with buses, taxis, suburban rail and other transport modes across the Blue and Green lines.
The proposed improvements include more accessible sidewalks, shaded pedestrian walkways, pedestrian bridges and easier approaches to stations. The plan will also examine reorganisation of parking areas and drop-off zones and relocation of bus stops closer to station entrances.
High-traffic stations including Central, Airport, Guindy, Thousand Lights, Thirumangalam and Alandur are expected to be taken up on priority under the programme.
SYSTRA will support CMRL in preparing the design, identifying infrastructure improvements and developing an implementation strategy for the proposed interventions. The objective of the consultancy is to prepare the DPR before the proposed works move towards implementation.
SYSTRA India Managing Director Hari Somalraju said the programme is intended to strengthen first- and last-mile connectivity and encourage greater use of sustainable public transport in Chennai.
The assignment adds to SYSTRA’s existing work on the Chennai Metro network. The company has served as a detailed design consultant for the Phase-I extension since 2015 and for Phase-II since 2021, and also contributed to the 2023 update of the Comprehensive Mobility Plan for the Chennai Metropolitan Area.
The latest study shifts attention beyond station infrastructure to the wider passenger journey, focusing on how commuters reach metro stations, interchange with other transport modes and complete the first and last legs of their trips.
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