Chennai Metro Phase II: Poonamallee - Porur Stretch to Open Soon; Tamil Nadu to Add 1,000 AC Electric Buses

The Tamil Nadu government has announced that the first operational stretch of the Chennai Metro Rail Phase II project, connecting Poonamallee Bypass and Porur Junction, will be opened to the public soon. The announcement was made during the presentation of the Tamil Nadu Budget 2026–27, which also included major investments in Chennai`s public transport infrastructure.

Finance Minister N. Marie Wilson stated that the 118.9-km Chennai Metro Phase II project, being developed at an estimated cost of ₹63,246 crore, is progressing rapidly. The first operational section spans 14.64 km and includes 11 metro stations, linking Poonamallee Bypass with Porur Junction while providing seamless connectivity to the existing Vadapalani Metro Station.

Chennai Metro Expansion Plans

The Tamil Nadu government is actively pursuing approval from the Union Government for three additional Chennai Metro corridors:

- Chennai Airport to Kilambakkam
- Koyambedu to Pattabiram via Avadi
- Poonamallee to Sunguvarchathiram via Sriperumbudur

In addition, the State is working jointly with the Central Government and the Karnataka Government on a proposal to extend the metro network from Hosur in Krishnagiri district to Bommasandra in Karnataka, enhancing interstate connectivity and regional mobility.

1,000 AC Electric Buses for MTC

To modernize Chennai`s public transportation system, the government will introduce 1,000 new air-conditioned electric buses into the Metropolitan Transport Corporation (MTC) fleet during the current financial year under the Gross Cost Contract (GCC) model.

To support the induction of these electric buses, the government has allocated ₹500 crore in the Revised Budget Estimates to upgrade the electrical and mechanical infrastructure at MTC bus depots.

Tamil Nadu Transport Budget 2026–27

The State Budget has allocated ₹13,561 crore to the Transport Department, including:

- ₹7,675 crore as subsidy for State Transport Undertakings (STUs)
- ₹2,650 crore as performance gap funding
- ₹1,005 crore as share capital assistance
- ₹500 crore for electric bus depot infrastructure upgrades

Key Highlights
- 14.64-km Chennai Metro Phase II stretch from Poonamallee Bypass to Porur Junction to open soon.

- 11 metro stations will become operational in the first phase.

- 1,000 AC electric buses to be added to the MTC fleet under the GCC model.

- ₹63,246 crore Chennai Metro Phase II project progressing at a rapid pace.

- Approval is being sought for four major metro connectivity projects, including new Chennai Metro corridors and the proposed Hosur–Bommasandra Metro extension.

The latest announcements reaffirm the Tamil Nadu u government`s commitment to expanding Chennai Metro, strengthening public transport, and promoting sustainable urban mobility through modern metro rail infrastructure and a cleaner electric bus fleet. These initiatives are expected to improve connectivity, reduce travel time, and provide a more efficient and environmentally friendly transportation network for the people of Chennai and surrounding regions.