Chennai Deputy Chief Minister Inaugurates New Metros Park at CMRL Headquarters
Deputy Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu, Udhayanidhi Stalin, officially inaugurated the newly developed Metros Park on Friday at the Chennai Metro Rail Limited (CMRL) headquarters located in Nandanam, Chennai. This recreational facility, constructed at a cost of ₹3.5 crore, aims to enhance green spaces and sports infrastructure in the city alongside the expanding metro network.
Facility Details and Features
The park has been developed on a 3,750 square meter land parcel, which includes 3,588 square meters of Open Space Reservation (OSR) land belonging to the Greater Chennai Corporation (GCC), along with CMRL's own land. The complex is designed to cater to fitness enthusiasts and families, offering a variety of amenities:
- Three badminton courts for indoor sports activities
- Two open pickleball courts, a growing sport in urban areas
- An open-air gym equipped with modern exercise equipment
- A 370-meter walking track and additional walking paths for joggers and walkers
- A dedicated children's play area with safe and engaging structures
- Essential facilities including drinking water stations and public toilets
- Indoor and outdoor seating areas for relaxation and socializing
- Adequate parking space for visitors' convenience
Eco-Friendly Initiatives and Accessibility
In line with sustainable development goals, the Metros Park incorporates several environmentally conscious features. The campus includes 20 rainwater harvesting structures to conserve water and three compost pits to process garden waste efficiently, promoting organic recycling.
The park is easily accessible via an entrance from Anna Salai, one of Chennai's major thoroughfares. Operating hours have been set to accommodate early morning and evening visitors: the facilities will be open daily from 5:00 AM to 9:00 AM and again from 5:00 PM to 9:00 PM.
Project Significance and Broader Impact
This initiative is part of a larger effort to integrate recreational and sports infrastructure with public transportation hubs, making healthy lifestyles more accessible to Chennai residents. By utilizing OSR land and CMRL property, the project demonstrates effective collaboration between government bodies to maximize urban space utility.
The inauguration by Deputy CM Udhayanidhi Stalin underscores the state government's commitment to enhancing public amenities and promoting physical activity among citizens. The Metros Park is expected to serve as a model for similar developments along Chennai's metro network, contributing to the city's urban beautification and community well-being.
