Chennai Metro’s Poonamallee–Vadapalani Stretch Ready for Inauguration, Operations Await Official Launch

Chennai Metro Rail Limited (CMRL) has informed both the Tamil Nadu government and the Central government that the first operational section of Chennai Metro Phase II, connecting Poonamallee and Vadapalani, is ready for inauguration. The development marks a major milestone for Chennai’s ambitious metro expansion programme and is expected to significantly improve urban mobility across the western parts of the city.

The 14.6-km elevated corridor forms part of Corridor 4 of the larger 118.9-km Chennai Metro Phase II project. The route connects several fast-growing residential and commercial areas and is expected to reduce travel time while providing seamless public transport connectivity.

The readiness announcement comes after Chennai Metro received the necessary authorisation for operations following multiple safety inspections. Officials confirmed that the latest approval allows train services to run at improved speeds and frequencies across the corridor. Trains will be operated at intervals of 10 minutes, enhancing passenger convenience and improving overall service efficiency.

The corridor includes stations at Poonamallee Bypass, Poonamallee, Mullaithottam, Karayanchavadi, Kumananchavadi, Kattupakkam, Iyyapanthangal, Thelliyaragaram, Porur Bypass and Porur Junction. While some stations between Porur and Vadapalani are still under construction, trains will continue directly to Vadapalani, ensuring early operational benefits for commuters.

According to Chennai Metro officials, the project underwent a series of safety reviews and technical assessments before securing the final clearance. Necessary structural works, including deck slab construction and engineering evaluations, were completed to satisfy regulatory requirements.

The opening of this corridor is expected to provide a major boost to connectivity between western Chennai suburbs and the city’s core commercial zones. It will also support reduced traffic congestion on key arterial roads, improve last-mile connectivity and encourage greater use of public transportation.

With the first stretch now ready, Chennai Metro Phase II moves closer to transforming the city’s transport landscape and supporting sustainable urban development across Chennai and its rapidly expanding suburban regions.