Alandur may get shopping hub and IT park linked to metro station

CHENNAI: Alandur may emerge as a new hub for shopping and IT offices, as Chennai Metro Rail Limited (CMRL) is planning a seven-storey plaza behind the metro station. Spread over 3.75 lakh sq ft, the proposed construction is expected to be directly connected to the upcoming Phase-2 metro station through a link bridge, allowing seamless pedestrian access for commuters. The building will also have two basement levels for two-wheeler and car parking.CMRL floated a tender to appoint a consultant to prepare a detailed design for the project, which will house retail space on lower floors and office space for IT and IT-enabled services above. Officials said the structure may feature a modern façade, an atrium, and open green spaces on upper floors for office-goers.The project is part of CMRL’s broader plan to monetize land under its control, raise non-fare revenue, and increase footfall in its stations. “We are utilizing the air rights of lands under CMRL and other govt agencies to generate additional income. At the same time, the city needs more public spaces: this is evident from the crowds seen in city spots on weekends. These developments will be modern and well-connected to metro stations,” an official said.CMRL already developed Urban Square beneath the Kathipara grade separator to improve footfall at Phase-1 Alandur station, which is an interchange of Corridor 1 from Wimco Nagar to Airport and Corridor 2 from Central Metro to St Thomas Mount.Under Phase-2, the metro rail plans property development spanning nearly 30 lakh sq ft at Mandaveli, Thirumangalam, Perungudi, Karapakkam, Thoraipakkam, Sholinganallur, Madhavaram High Road, Perambur Barracks Road, Chetpet, Purasawalkam, Nungambakkam, Adyar Depot, and Thirumayilai.In Dec, CMRL awarded contracts worth ₹435.88 crore for commercial projects at Sholinganallur, Thoraipakkam, and Mandaveli. In Mandaveli alone, a ₹167.08-crore contract was awarded to develop commercial and office space at the bus depot near the upcoming underground station.In Phase-1, however, similar attempts saw limited interest due to low footfalls. “Property development is crucial for metro systems to sustain operations. With Phase-2 connecting more neighbourhoods, ridership and commercial interest are expected to rise,” said R Ramanathan, former CMRL director.