Chennai Metro Phase II Clears First Hurdle

Chennai Metro Rail Limited (CMRL) has received authorization to commence operations for the first stretch of its Phase II project. The 14.6-km route from Poonamallee Bypass to Porur Junction includes 10 stations and is set to revolutionize urban commuting with increased service frequencies planned.

The Chennai Metro Rail Limited (CMRL) has been given the green light for a significant development. On Saturday, Commissioner of Metro Railway Safety Anant Madhukar Chowdhary authorized the operation of the first stretch of Phase II, marking a crucial step forward. This particular segment runs from Poonamallee Bypass Metro to Porur Junction and forms part of the 14.6-kilometer Corridor 4.

Trains are set to run at 15-minute intervals along this stretch initially. Between Porur and Vadapalani, a single train will operate in each direction, traveling at a maximum speed of 25 kmph. This means commuters can expect a train every 20 minutes on this route, with frequencies set to improve in a month.

However, additional infrastructure developments are still pending. The Commission has stipulated that full operation between Porur Junction and Vadapalani can only occur after completing 26 deck slabs in Corridor 5's double-decker section by March 25. As the first operational segment of Phase II, this authorization marks a milestone for CMRL and Chennai's urban transit options.