The Tamil Nadu government has urged the Union government to grant early approval for Chennai Metro Rail Phase 3 to expand connectivity across the metropolitan region. The proposed network includes routes connecting the airport to Kilambakkam and Poonamallee to Sunguvarchatram. The state has also requested the inclusion and early clearance of the Koyambedu–Pattabiram stretch in the approximately 65-km Phase 3 network to improve metro connectivity across Chennai. Meanwhile, a 14.64-km stretch between Poonamallee Bypass and Vadapalani under Phase 2 has been opened for public use, while construction work continues on other sections of the network. The state has also sought approval for an interstate metro link connecting Hosur in Tamil Nadu with Bommasandra in Karnataka, which is expected to improve transportation between the two states. Additionally, the government has requested early clearance for a proposal to make Tamil the principal language of proceedings in the Madras High Court and sought the release of Rs 5,110 crore in pending central funds under the Samagra Shiksha Abhiyan scheme. Add a stronger news-style leadSeparate the metro and funding updates