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