CMRL Completes Track Laying Till Vadapalani; Trial Runs Soon
Chennai Metro Rail Limited (CMRL) has completed track laying up to Vadapalani on Corridor 4, paving the way for trial runs and testing of Metro trains from Poonamallee Bypass to Vadapalani within the next fortnight.
A senior CMRL official said the final stretch of track work was completed late Monday night, after which signalling and traction works are currently underway and nearing completion. To meet the revised deadline, CMRL deployed over 4,000 workers and 57 cranes, operating round-the-clock to expedite construction.
Trial runs with drivers at speeds of 80–90 kmph are expected to begin in January, followed by gradual driverless trials. Corridor 4, a 26-km stretch from Poonamallee to Lighthouse, is a priority under Phase II of the Chennai Metro project.
Metro services on the 15.8-km stretch from Poonamallee Bypass to Vadapalani are likely to commence in February, subject to final approvals. Passengers will be able to interchange at Vadapalani using a skywalk currently under construction and expected to be completed soon.
With rapid progress, the first phase of Chennai Metro Rail Phase II is moving closer to becoming operational.
