CHENNAI (Metro Rail News): After five years of construction, the first leg spanning from Poonamallee Bypass to Vadapalani of the Chennai Metro Phase 2 has neared its launch. This section is part of Corridor 4.
Unlike Phase 1, Chennai Metro Phase 2 will feature driverless trains that will run in Grade of Automation 4 (GoA4). As of now, CMRL has received 34 trainsets out of 36, the remaining trainsets will reach the Poonamallee depot by July.
Initially, CMRL plans to deploy 15 trainsets on the 14.6 km Poonamallee Bypass and Vadapalani corridor that will operate at 10-minute intervals. Even after receiving safety clearance from the Commissioner of Metro Rail Safety (CMRS) nearly 5 months ago, the launch date has not been decided.
The delivered trains are currently undergoing mandatory inspections including routine static tests, routine dynamic tests, signaling and telecommunications (S&T) static tests, S&T dynamic tests, integration tests and service trials. Every train undergoes these inspections before official passenger services are commenced.
An official also confirmed that the Poonamallee Bypass and Vadapalani corridor is ready for its launch. The request to finalise the inauguration date has been sent to the Centre and awaits approval, as reported by TOI.
Once operational, this line will provide the first metro connectivity to several western suburbs of Chennai and significantly reduce travel time between Poonamallee, Porur and Vadapalan.
Chennai Metro Phase II
The Phase II of Chennai Metro has been planned for a length of 118.9 Km network with 128 metro stations. It consists of three corridors. The total estimated cost of the project is Rs 63,246 Crore.
| Corridors | Names | Length |
| Corridor 3 | Madhavaram to SIPCOT | 45.8 km |
| Corridor 4 | Lighthouse to Poonamalle Bypass | 26.1 km |
| Corridor 5 | Madhavaram to Sholinganallur | 47.0 km |
Phase II will add approx. 118.9 Km of new metro lines connecting the North to South and East to the West of Chennai and significantly enhance the metro connectivity. As stated by CMRL the project is proposed to be completed by the end of 2028.
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