Chennai Metro to begin construction of multi-storey building at Arumbakkam station

Chennai Metro Rail will soon commence the construction of a multi-storey building on the Arumbakkam Metro Rail station premises. 

In both the 54-km phase I and phase I extension networks and the upcoming phase II project, Chennai Metro Rail has been focusing significantly on constructing high-rise buildings based on land availability near the stations. The idea is that if office spaces and shopping options emerge in such places, many may use the Metro Rail network for travel, and it would substantially help in bringing in additional revenue.

Being built behind the Arumbakkam Metro Rail station near the parking lot, this structure will have a basement, stilt floor (with a four-tier mechanical car parking system), and seven upper floors. 

According to officials of Chennai Metro Rail Limited (CMRL), this building will be spread across 1,660.34 sq. m of land. The Arumbakkam Metro Rail station, situated on 100 Feet Road, is a mixed residential neighbourhood and hence, CMRL is planning to set up a combination of commercial development and office spaces. “Of the seven floors that we have planned, four floors will be used as commercial spaces, which can have retail and food outlets, and the remaining three floors will be turned into office spaces,” an official said. CMRL has floated bids for this project, and if it is awarded to a contractor within about three months, the chosen company will have nearly two years to complete the construction.

While Ekkatuthangal already has an office building, at Saidapet too, CMRL will be building a structure dedicated for commercial and office spaces to attract non-fare box revenue.

Rajaram, a working professional who frequently commutes by the Chennai Metro Rail system, said, “It is a good move to have office spaces near the stations since everyone is keen to avoid congestion on roads to get to their workplaces. In addition, allocating spaces for food outlets too is an added advantage, as people will certainly want to grab a bite before or after travel.”