Unlike the phase I network, Chennai Metro Rail’s phase II stations will serve not only as mass rapid transit hubs but also as public spaces for commuters to dine, shop, and relax.The work to build such spaces – both on a large scale and at neighbourhood level – has already begun in some locations. Now, the preliminary work is taking off in 11 stations of the phase II network.According to officials of the Chennai Metro Rail Limited (CMRL), they are going to undertake work to design spaces in 11 underground stations of the phase II network. They include six stations — Chetpet, Royapettah, Sterling Road, Nungambakkam, R.K. Salai and Adyar Depot — in corridor 3 (Madhavaram to SIPCOT), and five stations — Kutchery Road, Alwarpet, Bharathidasan Road, Boat Club, and Nandanam — in corridor 4 (Poonamallee to Light House).Besides transforming the neighbourhood, such transit-oriented development measures can persuade people to switch to the Chennai Metro Rail system. It will also significantly strengthen CMRL’s revenue stream and financial stability, officials said.The CMRL is looking at small-scale development of these stations such as kiosks for retail outlets or eateries. “We are taking up this work in parts. In these 11 stations, there are spaces available above the entry/exit structures. In most of the stations, there is space for a ground floor and three upper floors over the entry/exit structures. We have floated bids for a firm to design these spaces. Once the design is ready, the work to build the structures will begin. Finally, when the stations are ready and the train services begin, the spaces can be leased out,” an official said.Unlike the phase I network where such property development measures were taken up after the commencement of train operations, in the phase II network, the CMRL wanted to take them up alongside the station construction work.“It is easier to build such structures during the construction stage. Otherwise, making modifications at a later stage becomes difficult,” he added. Published - June 07, 2026 11:42 pm IST