The Asian Development Bank (ADB) and the government of India have signed a USD 350-million loan to build new lines and improve the connectivity of the metro rail system in Chennai.
Reportedly, Rajat Kumar Mishra, Additional Secretary, Department of Economic Affairs, Ministry of Finance, and Nilaya Mitash, Officer-in-Charge, India Resident Mission, ADB, have signed the agreement to develop three new metro lines in Chennai.
The investment project supports the development of three new metro lines — 3, 4, and 5. For line 3, the project will construct 10.1 kilometres (km) of the elevated section between Sholinganallur to State Industries Promotion Corporation of Tamil Nadu-2, including nine metro stations and system components.
For line 4, the project will help construct 10 km of the underground section between Lighthouse and Meenakshi College including nine stations.
The ministry said multimodal interchanges and facilities would be established along metro rail corridors to improve commuters’ experience such as drop-off and pick-up areas, sheltered waiting areas, bicycle facilities, and passenger information.
According to the ministry of finance, an additional USD 1-million ADB technical assistance (TA) grant will help the Chennai Metro Rail Limited with the planning and management of the metro system’s multimodal integration.