.
It will come up on a 17,872sqft plot behind the station, according to the tender. The total built-up area will be 34,206sqft. In Phase-2, CMRL plans nearly 12 lakh sqft of property development across Corridors 3, 4 and 5. When Phase-2 links more areas in the city, it could boost both ridership and commercial interest,” said former CMRL director S Ramanathan.
The push comes as commercial spaces inside Phase-1 stations have seen limited interest, partly due to low footfalls.
It is surrounded by Jawaharlal Nehru Road (100ft road) on one side and the Cooum on the other,” the tender document said. A CMRL official earlier said the buildings would provide public spaces and places for people to hang out. Experts said parking and traffic management would be crucial. Adequate parking and smooth entry and exit are essential to prevent congestion,” said urban planner S Kamalakannan.
The complex, integrated with the Arumbakkam metro station, is expected to generate non-fare revenue. It will have a basement and stilt floor with a four-tier mechanical car parking system, followed by seven floors of commercial space. “The building is situated in a mixed residential neighbourhood, which offers potential for commercial development. Construction is underway at Mandaveli, Thoraipakkam, Sholinganallur and Thirumangalam, with other locations including Sembiyum, Perambur Barracks, Purasaiwakkam, Chetpet, Boat Club, Kutchery Road and Alwarpet. “These buildings will attract private vehicles too. “Metro systems cannot depend only on ticket revenue. Property development is crucial for additional income.