Chennai Metro is strategically aligned with the urban transportation framework: T. Archunan, IRSE, Director-Projects , Chennai Metro Rail Limited.

T. Archunan, IRSE, Director-Projects , Chennai Metro Rail Limited. is an expert in Metro Rail management. Previously, he has worked in the Kochi Metro Rail and now is on the board of Patna Metro and Gujarat Metro in Ahmadabad. In an exclusive conversation with CXO News and APAC News Network, he outlines the best practices in intelligent transportation and how it synchronizes within the urban framework.

What are your roles and responsibilities as project director of Chennai Metro?

The Director of Projects plays a critical role in advancing the Chennai Metro Rail, overseeing all civil works, project planning, dispute resolutionfor the Phase I Extension, Phase II, and future metro initiatives across Tamil Nadu. This role ensures that every project aligns with the strategic objectives of the Chennai Metro and adheres to safety, quality, and regulatory standards.

Core Responsibilities

• Civil Works Management
  The Director leads detailed design, procurement, contract awarding, and execution of civil works. This includes continuous monitoring and supervision of construction to meet project deadlines and maintain safety and quality benchmarks.
• Dispute Resolution
  The Director oversees court cases and arbitration related to civil works, managing these processes to prevent project delays and uphold contract integrity.
• Project Planning
  Creating Detailed Project Reports (DPR) and Feasibility Reports (DFR) for future metro expansions, the Director ensures a thorough evaluation of financials, viability, and community impact.
• Governance and Compliance
  Responsible for organizing Governing Body Meetings, ensuring adherence to regulatory requirements, and maintaining industry standards, the Director plays a key role in aligning project execution with broader governance structures.

Additional Duties

In addition to these responsibilities, the Director manages stakeholder relationships, budget allocation, scheduling, and resource distribution to ensure seamless project execution and coordination.

In addition to these responsibilities, the Director manages stakeholder relationships, budget allocation, scheduling, and resource distribution to ensure seamless project execution and coordination.

What are the project highlights of Chennai Metro Phase I, Phase II and Phase III and the targeted deadlines especially with this being one of the largest metro projects in India?

Here are some highlights of the Chennai Metro Rail (CMRL) Phase I& Extension project:

• Length: The project covers a total distance of 54 km

• Corridors: The project has two corridors: Corridor-I from Wimco Nagar to Airport and Corridor-II from Chennai Central to St. Thomas Mount

Stations: The project has 41 stations, with  20 elevated and 21 underground , Depot at Koyambedu and Wimco Nagar

• Interchange stations: The project has interchange stations at Alandur and Chennai Central
• Connectivity: The project provides connectivity to Airport, MRTS, CMBT and suburban trains at Tirusulam, Thomas mount, Gunidy, Egmore&Washermenpet.
• Funding: The project was funded by the Government of India, Government of Tamil Nadu, and Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA)
• Commissioned stage wise starts from 2015 and completed by 2021

Here are some highlights of the Chennai Metro Rail (CMRL) Phase 2 project:

• Length: The project covers a total distance of 116.1 km (Elevated-73.5 Km, Underground -42.6 Km)

• Corridors: The project has three corridors: Corridor-3 from Madhavaram to SIPCOT, Corridor -4 from Lighthouse to Poonamallee Bypass and Corridor-5 from Madhavaram to ELCOT.

Stations: The project has 118 stations, with 76nos of elevated and 42 nos of  underground 

• Multi Model Integration:

• Funding: The project was funded by the Government of India, Government of Tamil

Nadu,  Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) , Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank (AIIB), Asian Development Bank (ADB) and National Development Bank (NDB).

• Expected Date of Commissioning: The project will be commissioned stage wise starts from Dec 25 and completed by Dec 28.
• BIM technology: The project used BIM (3D Virtual Design Construction Platform) for detailed drawings and clash detection

What are the best practices in intelligent transportation and which of these have been incorporated in Chennai Metro?

Smart Card System:

CMRL has introduced a contactless smart card system, commonly known as “Travel Cards,” which can be recharged online or at designated kiosks. Commuters can easily obtain and top-up these cards using CMRL Mobile App as well as CMRL website which has various options for payment like UPI, Net Banking etc., enabling quick and hassle-free entry into the metro stations. The smart cards offer convenience, as users can tap their cards at the gates, eliminating the need for physical tickets or cash transactions.

National Common Mobility Card:

CMRL has inaugurated the National Common Mobility Card on 14th April 2023. The card has new era digital ticketing features like transit application of small value transactions, online purchase transactions and retail outlets use cases.

CMRL Mobile App – Online Ticket Booking and Recharge:

CMRL has introduced a mobile app available in Play store and IOS platform allowing commuters to purchase and validate tickets using their smartphones. The passengers can recharge their smart cards online.This digital solution enhances customer convenience and reduces dependency on physical interactions. Through a dedicated mobile application, passengers can easily browse fare options, select their desired ticket, chose from available routes, plan their journey, recharge their smart cards and make secure payments using various digital payment methods. The mobile ticketing system eliminates the need for physical tickets, reducing queues, paper usage and enhancing the overall ticketing process.

QR Code Integration:

To increase the digital footprint of CMRL across Chennai city, CMRL has introduced QR code mode of ticketing in September 2020. Passengers can purchase QR code ticket through the mobile application. These QR codes are scanned at the entry/exit gates, allowing smooth access to the platforms. This technology significantly reduces the time required for ticket validation, effectively advantageous post COVID-19 situation.

Integration with Digital Payment Platforms:

To promote cashless transactions, CMRL has integrated its ticketing system with various digital payment platforms, including credit cards, debit cards, mobile wallets, and UPI (Unified Payments Interface). This integration allows commuters to choose their preferred payment method, enhancing flexibility and convenience while purchasing tickets or recharging smart cards. All these payment instruments are available across all platforms of ticketing available for CMRL passengers.

Parking Fare Collection Digitalization:

CMRL is the first Metro organization to integrate the digital payments through CMRL Contactless Smart Cards for parking fares at facilities given by CMRL metro stations launched in December 2018. The application was further enhanced with vide options and customizations for revenue reporting and reconciliation. The full-fledged release of the enhanced app was released in October 2021. New requirements are taken up and developments go on as per management requirements and customizations for providing better facilities and benefits to CMRL passengers. Apart from that CMRL also gives dynamic discounts to metro commuters based on the number of trips they made in metro; more the trips, more the discount!

More developments under progress:

• ABT Implementation – Account Based Ticketing is under testing and will enable passengers to use bank cards as fare media.
• CMRL Also provides the passenger the following information to Plan their Journeys on their convenience

Real-time Passenger Information:

CMRL has deployed digital displays at metro stations to provide real-time information on train schedules, platform details, and service updates. Passengers can easily access this information, allowing them to plan their journeys effectively. Additionally, CMRL provides real-time updates through its mobile application and official website, ensuring commuters are well-informed about any disruptions or changes in services.

Real-time Parking availability Information:

The real time parking slot availability is made accessible to all the commuters through CMRL official website and mobile application. With this facility CMRL Commuters can find out the capacity, type of vehicle parking available and currently availability of parking slots at all the parking areas which are managed by the CMRL.

How is Chennai Metro being synchronised with the overall urban transportation system of the city?

The Chennai Metro  Project Phase 1 and Phase II are strategically aligned with Chennai’s urban transportation framework to create a seamless transit ecosystem. The multimodal integration (MMI) approach plays a crucial role in this synchronization by connecting major transit hubs such as bus terminals, rail stations, and the airport, making it easier for commuters to switch between transportation modes.

Metro stations are designed as interchanges for easy access to public transport along with pedestrian-friendly infrastructure. Apart from this Unified ticketing system, Traffic management system, last mile connectivity allowing passengers to reach their destinations efficiently after exiting the metro.By aligning with urban transport systems through MMI, the Chennai Metro Phase 1 and Phase II Project is enhancing commuter convenience, reducing travel time, and supporting sustainable urban mobility in Chennai.

How was the alignment done between CMRL and MRTS?

The alignment between Chennai Metro Rail Limited (CMRL) and the Mass Rapid Transit System (MRTS) was carefully designed to minimize land acquisition and integrate both transit systems effectively. Key elements include:

1. Double-Elevated Section: From St. Thomas Mount to Adambakkam, the metro and MRTS share the same alignment, positioned as a double-elevated corridor, which is efficient for space and reduces the need for extensive land acquisition.
2. Common Pier Arrangement: A shared substructure for both MRTS and Corridor-5 is used, utilizing common piers to support both systems. This approach economizes on structural resources and reduces the project’s footprint.
3. Double-Height Continuation on Service Road Shoulder: Beyond Adambakkam, the alignment continues in a double-height format on the left side of the corridor. Piers are strategically placed on the shoulder of the service road, minimizing interference with the existing road infrastructure.

This alignment strategy optimizes land use, ensures structural coherence, and enhances connectivity between the Metro and MRTS, ultimately benefiting urban mobility in Chennai

What are the key digital initiatives undertaken at Chennai Metro and what are their use cases?

The digital transformation in ticketing at Chennai Metro Rail Limited has revolutionized the way passengers interact with the ticketing system. Through the implementation of mobile ticketing, QR code integration, smart card systems, and online platforms, CMRL has significantly improved
convenience, efficiency, and customer satisfaction. By embracing digital technologies, CMRL continues to enhance its services, ensuring a seamless and enjoyable experience for commuters using the Chennai Metro Rail network.

What were the challenges in implementation of Phase II and how were these being mitigatedin the next phases?

CMRL Phase II- Project Challenges including the General Challenges inclusive of

• Land Acquisition
• Traffic Management
• Utilities – Dry and Wet Utilities
• Dealing with different stakeholders of State and Central government.

And the challenges of execution of Metro infrastructure in the urban environment both Elevated and Underground.

Solution:Through collaboration with designers and stakeholders, including Chennai Corporation, Airport Authority, Water, and Electricity Board, a span arrangement was developed to minimize inconvenience to the public. Additionally, construction methodologies were devised to carry out the works without disrupting ongoing traffic.Use of latest technologies in construction, signaling, rolling stocks and strict safety and quality measures with the help of international agencies.

Rupa Singh & Rajneesh De, APAC News Network