According to officials, of the 128 stations on the 118.9-km Phase II network, property developments have been planned in at least 25. While huge towers will come up at major stations such as the ones at Central, Mandaveli, Thousand Lights, and Thirumangalam, additional floors will be constructed for use as office space or to set up retail outlets at many stations including Perungudi, Sholinganallur, Karapakkam, Thoraipakkam, Madhavaram High Road, Sembiyam, Ayanavaram, Otteri, Perambur Barracks Road, Purasawalkam, Chetpet, Sterling Road, Nungambakkam, Royapettah, Adyar Depot, and Thirumayilai.

From the Phase I project, officials noted the need to create such infrastructure at the construction stage itself. Based on land availability—whether above the entry/exit points or on adjoining land—multi-storey buildings are being set up to function as office, commercial, or retail spaces. The goal is that commuting for work, shopping, or dining should eventually shift to public transport.

Experts indicated that the city would significantly benefit from a massive supply of office and retail space over the next few years. There is an increasing demand for office spaces in the city, and developing office and retail spaces integrated into Metro Rail stations or on adjacent land parcels is seen as an ideal strategy at a time when there is land scarcity for commercial spaces.

It was also noted that large property development projects near stations would attract major players to set up offices or malls in these areas. Smaller stations such as those at Boat Club, Nungambakkam, and Sterling Road are expected to boost premium retail demand in specific micro-markets and generate fresh demand.

The information technology corridor on Old Mahabalipuram Road and the corridor along Mount-Poonamallee Road are expected to gain substantially from the connectivity offered by the Metro Rail system along with the addition of office and commercial spaces. Almost every station has been designed with retail and commercial development in mind. Whether companies establish offices or retail and food outlets come up, the entire ecosystem is expected to strengthen after the completion of Phase II, transforming the network into a world-class facility as transit-oriented development takes root in the city. 

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