Chennai to get India's first metro station with trains running through commercial building

The proposed development, described as India's first project of its kind, will combine metro rail infrastructure with commercial office spaces, retail establishments and parking facilities within a single integrated complex. The project is expected to become a prominent example of transit-oriented development, bringing public transportation and commercial activity together.

According to the project details, the development will feature three commercial towers, each rising nine floors, along with a two-level metro station. One of its most distinctive architectural features will be the integration of the metro alignment through the fourth to sixth floors of the complex, allowing trains to pass directly through the building structure.

The project will have a total built-up area of approximately 6.85 lakh square feet, accommodating commercial offices, retail outlets and supporting facilities. Three levels of underground parking are also planned to cater to vehicles accessing the commercial complex and the surrounding transport network.

The development forms part of CMRL's broader strategy to make better commercial use of land around metro stations and generate revenue beyond passenger fares. By integrating offices, retail facilities and public transport, the project could attract businesses seeking locations with convenient metro access.

CMRL's official tender records confirm that Capacit'e Infraprojects secured the construction contract on October 1, 2026, at approximately ₹368.98 crore excluding GST. Procurement records put the total awarded value at approximately ₹446.89 crore, consistent with the reported ₹447-crore figure. The construction period specified in the tender is 730 days.

However, CMRL's published development plan describes four towers, including three nine-storey structures and a two-storey building, rather than simply three towers. It also identifies an integrated metro station box between two towers. The precise claim that trains will pass through the fourth to sixth floors, and the description of the project as India's first of its kind, require further confirmation from CMRL's detailed engineering plans.

The Thirumangalam project nevertheless represents an important step towards integrating commercial real estate with Chennai's expanding metro infrastructure. If successfully executed, it could offer a model for similar transit-oriented developments in other Indian cities.