The Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank (AIIB) has approved a USD356.67 million loan to the Government of India for the expansion of the Chennai metro rail system. 

The project involves the construction of a new corridor in the metro network as part of the Chennai Metro Rail Phase 2 project. The new corridor will go from Lighthouse in the east to Poonamalee Bypass in the west. The aim of the project is to ensure seamless multimodal transport across Chennai, by providing integrated access to suburban rail, bus stations and the main airport. The project will be implemented by Chennai Metro Rail Limited.

The design and construction of the metro will have environmentally friendly features to help reduce its carbon footprint. In addition to solar panels installed on the roofs of the elevated stations, the project will feature dedicated spaces for bicycles and green vehicles, and signage to raise environmental awareness. The project also integrates climate change resilience measures to reduce its vulnerability to climate-related events.

D. J. Pandian, AIIB Vice President, Investment Operations, said: “This project is aligned with AIIB’s mandate to support high-quality and sustainable infrastructure. The improvement and integration of the transport sector in Chennai will further promote trade and economic growth.”