The Commissioner of Metro Railway Safety (CMRS) has completed the first round of inspection of trains for Chennai Metro Rail’s Phase II network, clearing a key step towards the launch of services on the Poonamallee Bypass–Vadapalani stretch. In a slight change from the earlier plan, Chennai Metro Rail Limited (CMRL) is now set to commence operations on the 15.8-km corridor in February.

Originally, CMRL had planned to begin services between Poonamallee Bypass and Porur Junction by the end of January and extend them to Vadapalani a month later. However, officials decided to start services directly up to Vadapalani to ensure early connectivity with the Phase I network, benefiting commuters from the outset.

According to officials, the initial CMRS inspection of the trains was completed a few days ago, while the final inspection, covering station facilities and passenger amenities, is likely to be conducted in the last week of January. As a precursor, trial runs are scheduled to be extended up to Vadapalani on January 9. “If rain does not disrupt the work and trials, we are planning to commence services from next Friday,” a CMRL official said.

Between Poonamallee Bypass and Vadapalani, a total of 987 pillars have been constructed, including the double-decker stretch between Alwarthirunagar and Alapakkam. However, around 2 km of track still needs to be laid between Porur Junction and Vadapalani, along with the installation of overhead equipment masts. CMRL has mobilised around 600 workers to complete this challenging task within a tight timeline.

Initially, entry and exit at the Vadapalani Phase II station may not be operational, and commuters are expected to use the Phase I station via the upcoming skywalk. While stations between Poonamallee Bypass and Porur Junction will be ready, those between Alapakkam and Saligramam are likely to open only by June. Trains will halt at 10 stations up to Porur Junction and then stop directly at Vadapalani after Alapakkam. 

News source: The Hindu