The final speed trial for Chennai Metro Rail Limited (CMRL) Corridor four Phase two stretch from Vadapalani to Poonamallee Bypass is expected towards the end of the third week of February ahead of regulatory approval. The Metro Rail Safety Commissioner (CMRS) continued statutory inspections on the priority section for a second consecutive day, bringing the project closer to the start of commercial operations. The schedule reflects completion of core systems and the planned sequencing of safety certification steps prior to passenger services.

Anant Madhukar Chowdhary, commissioner of Metro Rail Safety (Bengaluru Circle), inspected the elevated section between Iyyapanthangal and Vadapalani, covering eight and a half kilometre of the 14.64-kilometre priority corridor. The two-day inspection conducted on February 11 and 12 spanned 11 stations between Poonamallee Bypass and Vadapalani, including Porur Junction and Iyyapanthangal. The inspections focused on electrical systems, track alignment and civil infrastructure as part of the mandatory safety clearance process.

A CMRL release said the authority has chosen to prioritise extending services up to Vadapalani rather than commissioning the stretch only to Porur Junction in view of expected ridership patterns. The decision was taken to mitigate limited patronage resulting from the absence of direct connectivity with the operational Phase one network. Project teams are aligning commissioning plans to ensure integration with existing services when safety clearance permits.

With statutory inspections advanced and the speed trial planned, regulatory approval remains the final milestone before commercial operations can commence. Officials indicated completion of remedial works identified during inspections will determine the precise opening date and that coordination with the safety regulator will continue until all criteria are satisfied. The priority corridor advancement is intended to enhance connectivity and support network expansion once passenger services begin.