Chennai Metro Vadapalani–Poonamallee Line to Open in July, Travel Time Reduced to 30 Minutes

Chennai is set to witness a major transportation milestone as Prime Minister Narendra Modi is expected to inaugurate the 14.6-km Vadapalani–Poonamallee Bypass (Nazarethpet) Metro Rail corridor in the second or third week of July. The stretch forms part of Chennai Metro Rail Phase II Corridor IV and is expected to significantly improve connectivity between western Chennai and the city centre.

The new metro corridor has received all mandatory operational clearances and is ready for public service. Once operational, commuters will be able to travel between Poonamallee and Vadapalani in approximately 30 minutes, compared to the current travel time of around 90 minutes by road.

The metro line will provide seamless connectivity with Chennai Metro`s existing Green Line at Vadapalani, enabling passengers to travel conveniently towards Chennai Central and St. Thomas Mount. Initially, trains from Poonamallee Bypass will stop at all stations up to Porur before operating directly to Vadapalani, ensuring faster travel for long-distance commuters.

The launch of the metro corridor is also expected to support the planned opening of the Kuthambakkam Mofussil Bus Terminus near Thirumazhisai. The new bus terminal has been designed to reduce congestion at Chennai Mofussil Bus Terminus (CMBT) and improve regional connectivity for passengers travelling to destinations including Vellore, Hosur, Krishnagiri, Tirupattur and Bengaluru.

In addition to inaugurating the metro corridor, the Prime Minister is also expected to dedicate completed railway projects to the nation and lay the foundation stone for new National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) infrastructure projects during his visit to Tamil Nadu.