Chennai Metro to get a second depot

Chennai Metro Rail will soon have a second depot to facilitate better maintenance of trains when the other corridors become operational.

This depot may be located near the Chennai airport, according to officials of Chennai Metro Rail Limited (CMRL).

“It is not an immediate need. We are holding discussions with defence authorities to take over their land located opposite Chennai airport. Once land acquisition is over, we will gear up to begin construction of the depot,” an official said.

CMRL plans to acquire about 10 hectares for this project. Currently, there is one depot for Chennai Metro Rail at Koyambedu, housing maintenance workshops, stabling lines, a test track and a washing plant for the trains. This depot, spread over 26 hectares, also houses the Operational Control Centre (OCC) for the Metro Rail from where movement of trains across the city can be monitored.

“Since we have two corridors (Washermenpet to Chennai airport and Chennai Central to St. Thomas Mount), there will be a requirement for an additional depot to carry out maintenance of trains. Also, if technical problems arise in the Koyambedu depot, this will come to our rescue,” another official said.

It may take about two to three years for the second depot to be completed, the official said.