SYSTRA has been awarded a major consultancy contract by Chennai Metro Rail Limited to develop a Detailed Project Report focused on improving multimodal integration across 41 stations on Chennai Metro’s Blue and Green lines.
The project aims to strengthen connections between metro services and other transport modes within a 500-metre radius of each station, helping passengers move more seamlessly between rail, bus, taxi, suburban rail and other mobility options.
The contract marks another significant milestone in SYSTRA's long-standing relationship with CMRL, with the consultancy set to support the programme through design development, infrastructure enhancement proposals and implementation planning.
A key objective of the scheme is to improve first and last-mile journeys, encouraging greater use of public transport throughout Chennai by making stations more accessible and easier to reach.
Proposed upgrades include:
- Wider and more accessible footways
- Shaded pedestrian walkways
- New pedestrian bridges
- Improved station access points
- Reconfigured parking facilities
- Better-organised drop-off and pick-up zones
- Bus stop relocations closer to metro entrances
These improvements are intended to create a more integrated transport network, reducing barriers between different modes of travel while improving the overall customer experience.
The initial phase of the programme will prioritise several of Chennai Metro's busiest and most strategically important stations, including:
- Central
- Airport
- Guindy
- Thousand Lights
- Thirumangalam
- Alandur
These high-footfall locations are expected to undergo redevelopment first, delivering early benefits for passengers and providing a blueprint for improvements across the wider network.
SYSTRA has played a central role in the development of Chennai Metro for more than ten years.
Since 2015, the company has served as detailed design consultant for extensions delivered under Phase 1 of the network. It has continued that involvement through Phase 2 since 2021 and has also recently supported studies examining two strategically important transport corridors.
In 2023, SYSTRA contributed to the update of the Chennai Metropolitan Area's Comprehensive Mobility Plan (CMP), further reinforcing its position as a key partner in the city's transport development strategy.
Hari Somalraju, Managing Director of SYSTRA India, said:
“We are proud to advance, alongside CMRL, a vision that strengthens first- and last-mile connectivity and promotes the use of sustainable public transport. This project highlights our continued commitment to delivering integrated urban mobility solutions that meet the needs of Chennai’s residents.”
The project reflects a growing global focus on integrated transport planning, where seamless interchange between transport modes is increasingly seen as essential to boosting public transport usage and reducing reliance on private vehicles.
For Chennai, the initiative is expected to improve passenger convenience, encourage more sustainable travel choices and help support the city's long-term urban mobility ambitions.
Image credit: iStock
