Chennai Metro Phase II: Vadapalani–Poonamallee Stretch Likely to Open by March

Chennai Metro Rail's much-anticipated Phase II corridor between Vadapalani and Poonamallee Bypass is inching closer to becoming operational, with a crucial safety inspection expected to take place later this month. The Commissioner of Metro Rail Safety (CMRS) is likely to conduct a three-day inspection beginning February 11, marking a major regulatory checkpoint for the stretch.

The inspection has been scheduled after the Railway Board granted the mandatory speed certificate, a key prerequisite before any metro section can be cleared for passenger operations, according to a report in The New Indian Express.

If the CMRS inspection is completed without major observations, final safety clearance is expected soon after. The Railway Board would then issue formal authorisation to start services, following which both the Tamil Nadu government and the Centre will be informed to finalise the inauguration date.

In all probability, commercial operations on this section could begin as early as March.

Originally, Chennai Metro Rail Limited (CMRL) had planned to open services on this stretch only by June. However, the decision to advance operations up to Vadapalani was taken keeping passenger demand in mind. Officials noted that stations between Vadapalani and Porur are targeted for completion by June, allowing for further extension of services once infrastructure and safety clearances are in place.

The Vadapalani-Poonamallee Bypass stretch is expected to bring significant relief to commuters using the heavily congested Nazarathpet Road corridor. The area witnesses intense peak-hour traffic due to the presence of several major engineering colleges, including Sastha, Alpha, Panimalar and Rajalakshmi Institute of Technology. Daily movement of students, staff and office-goers often results in long traffic snarls, particularly during morning and evening hours.

Once metro services begin, commuters travelling from Arcot Road towards Poonamallee are likely to see a dramatic reduction in travel time. Journeys that currently take anywhere between 90 minutes and two hours during peak traffic could be cut down to just 30 to 45 minutes, offering a reliable and predictable alternative to road travel.