With population nearing ten million, and the vehicle population approaching three million, Chennai is badly in need of alternate transport means. Thank God, Metro-rail is all set to arrive.

Two lines, one from Washermanpet to the Airport and the other from Chennai Central to St. Thomas mount are to be through. The first 14 kms of the Washermanpet line � up to Teynampet will be underground. The intermediate stations will be Mannadi, Fort, Central Egmore, LIC, Thousand Lights, Gemini, Teynampet, Chamiers Road, Saidapet, Velachery Road, Guindy, Alandur, OTA, G A Colony and Meenambakkam. In the other route, the stations will be Vepery, P H Road, Kilpauk, Aminjikkarai, Shenoy Nagar, Anna nagar east, Anna Nagar tower, Thirumangalam, Koyambedu, Arumbakkam, Vadapalani, Ashok nagar, KK Nagar, Sidco, and Alandur. The total cost of the project is Rs 9575 Crores. The project work is expected to commence in July. A metro-line inside the airport is also provided for.

Little doubt, when this project is completed in another three to three and a half years, it is bound to be a boon to the city.