4 days ago
Tamil Nadu Targets 50% Public Transport Share by 2048
Tamil Nadu wants more people in Chennai to use buses, trains and the Metro instead of private vehicles.
The government hopes public transport will make up half of all travel by 2048.
Today, it says public transport accounts for 28% of travel, based on 2018 figures.
Chennai’s Metro Phase-II will add 118.9 kilometres of track and 128 stations.
The project is expected to cost ₹63,246 crore.
The government says better public transport could reduce traffic and pollution.
Chennai Metro is also using solar power and systems that recover energy during braking.
Officials are studying new Metro links and similar transport systems in other cities.
They are also working to connect different kinds of public transport more smoothly.
Tamil Nadu plans to increase Chennai’s public-transport share from 28% in 2018 to 50% by 2048.
Chennai Metro Phase-II will span 118.9 km, with 128 stations across three corridors.
The Phase-II project has an estimated cost of ₹63,246 crore and received Union government approval in October 2024.
Chennai Metro Rail Limited has secured funding from JICA, ADB, AIIB and NDB for various stretches.
The State is also studying Metro extensions and MRTS-type systems in other Tamil Nadu cities.
- Who
- Tamil Nadu Chief Minister C Joseph Vijay and the State government, through the Special Initiatives Department, outlined the plans.
- What
- The government plans to expand Chennai’s mass rapid transit system and raise public transport’s share to 50% by 2048.
- Where
- The main expansion is planned for Chennai and the Chennai Metropolitan Area, with additional studies covering Coimbatore, Madurai, Salem, Tiruchirappalli and Tirunelveli.
- When
- The target year is 2048; the policy note was tabled in the Assembly on Friday, and Phase-II received Union approval in October 2024.
- Why
- The policy note says existing transport systems will not be sufficient for rising mobility needs and that expansion could help address congestion, pollution and dependence on private vehicles.
Key facts
- Current public-transport share
- 28% in 2018
- Target public-transport share
- 50% by 2048
- Operational Metro Phase-I
- 54.1 km and 41 stations
- Metro Phase-II
- 118.9 km and 128 stations across three corridors
- Phase-II estimated cost
- ₹63,246 crore
- Solar capacity
- 10.6 MWp, generating around 28,000 electricity units daily
- Carbon emissions avoided
- Approximately 45,325 tonnes of carbon dioxide
- Non-fare revenue
- Around 33% of Chennai Metro Rail Limited’s total revenue during 2025-26
Sources
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