CMRS Inspects Phase II Trains Ahead of Chennai Metro Launch

08 Jan 2026 CW Team

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

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

Infrastructure Transport

01 Jun 2026

MMRDA advances 250 m on Orange Gate–Marine Drive tunnel

The Mumbai Metropolitan Region Development Authority (MMRDA) has completed 250 m of underground tunnelling for the Orange Gate–Marine Drive Urban Road Tunnel using India’s largest slurry shield tunnel boring machine (TBM) deployed for an urban road project.The project involves twin tunnels extending over 7 km beneath critical transport corridors, including Central Railway, Western Railway and Metro Line 3. The work requires high-precision engineering to navigate densely developed urban infrastructure.Once completed, the tunnel is expected to reduce travel time between Orange Gate and Marin..

Infrastructure Urban

01 Jun 2026

Hindustan Zinc Pays Rs 188.46 Billion in FY26

Hindustan Zinc contributed Rs 188.46 billion to the public exchequer in FY 2025-26, according to its 9th Tax Transparency Report. The contribution, equivalent to 46 per cent of the company’s revenue, included direct and indirect taxes, government royalties, dividends to the Government of India, withholding taxes and other statutory levies.The company’s five-year cumulative contribution to the exchequer stood at Rs 915.72 billion. In FY26, Hindustan Zinc reported revenue of Rs 408.44 billion, EBITDA of Rs 221.62 billion and profit after tax of Rs 138.32 billion. It also achieved its highest..

Infrastructure Urban

01 Jun 2026

World of Concrete India 2026 Opens in Mumbai

Informa Markets in India will host the 12th edition of World of Concrete India 2026 from 3–5 June 2026 at the Bombay Exhibition Centre, Mumbai. The specialised B2B exhibition will bring together manufacturers, suppliers, contractors, developers, architects, consultants, infrastructure companies, project leaders and government stakeholders.The event is expected to feature over 350 brands and more than 18,000 trade professionals. It will cover concrete and cement, dry mortar, precast technologies, formwork, construction chemicals, industrial and commercial flooring, scaffolding, safety solutio..