Press Release

New Delhi, March 31st, 2022: Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) signed loan agreement with the Government of India to provide Japanese Official Development Assistance (ODA) loan amounting to JPY 73,000 million (approximately INR 4710 crore) for the construction of Chennai Metro Rail Project Phase 2 (II).

The project aims to not only inter-connect existing metro networks for providing a seamless ride to commuters but to cope up with increased traffic congestion and road accidents in Chennai. In addition, regional economic development will be promoted by expanding the mass rapid transportation system in the Chennai region.

This project is envisaged to develop additional Metro Rail System network of approx. 51 km that includes Corridor 3 from Madhavaram Milk Colony to Sholinganallur, and Corridor 5 from Madhavaram Milk Colony to CMBT. It would help in mitigating the increasing traffic, enabling a shift from the road traffic to public transportation system. This will also create lesser traffic related pollution and lead to an environment friendly future.

The loan agreement was signed between Mr. Rajat Kumar Mishra, Additional Secretary, Department of Economic Affairs, Ministry of Finance, Government of India and Mr. SAITO Mitsunori, Chief Representative, JICA India.

Speaking on this occasion, Mr. SAITO Mitsunori, Chief Representative, JICA India office said, "Upon the completion of the project, the Chennai metro system would ensure comfortable, reliable and greener transport for the citizens. JICA is proud of its partnership with CMRL. As traffic congestion in Chennai is increasing, Chennai Metro will play a pivotal role to address the issues such as vehicular pollution, and traffic accidents, by further promoting the modal shift from road traffic to public transportation. We strongly hope that the new loan also supports CMRL in further strengthening its operational structure, providing a convenient mode of transportation to the citizens."

Once the project is completed, Corridor 3 will provide improved access to public transport for dense population clusters, comprising predominantly of industrial workers, who move towards the central business districts of the city for work. On the other hand, Corridor 5 will cover the centre business district, residential, and institutional complex of the Chennai Metropolitan Area.

Cumulatively, JICA has extended ODA loans of over 1.6 trillion Japanese yen (approximately INR^[1] 107,505 Crore) to develop metro rail systems in Chennai, Bengaluru, Kolkata, Delhi, Mumbai and Ahmedabad.

About JICA

Established, by a specific law, as an incorporated administrative institution under the Government of Japan, the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) aims to contribute to the promotion of international cooperation, as a sole Japanese governmental agency in charge of ODA implementation. JICA is the world's largest bilateral donor agency. JICA works as a bridge between Japan and emerging countries, and provides assistance in forms of loan, grant and technical cooperation so that the emerging countries can strengthen their capabilities.

• JICA India Office Web
• JICA India Brochure
• JICA Facebook Page (external link)

For further information, please contact:

JICA India Office
Shusaku Takada / Aishwarya Mishra
+91 11 49097000
Takada.Shusaku@jica.go.jp ; Mishra-Aishwarya@jica.go.jp

Edelman India
Rakhi Aurora
(+91) 9599067185
Rakhi.Aurora@edelman.com