Metro projects slowed down after TN cut short CMRL budget by ₹ lk cr

THE tug-of-war between the centre and Tamil Nadu on the status of Phase-II of Chennai Metro Rail project seems to have cast a shadow on the project, with just 8,000 crore of the planned ₹12,000 crore likely to be spent on the project during the current financial year.

- C SHIVAKUMAR

This would be a nearly 40% markdown on the projected spending this year.

The ₹63,246 crore-project has been facing headwinds since last year due to financial issues and this year may not be different. The dispute may not only impact the project deadline, it may also affect the state's borrowing capacity from external agencies.

The Chennai Metro Rail Limited (CMRL) till August has spent 2,900 crore of 12,000 crore earmarked for Phase-II of the project in the state budget for 2024-25, sources said.