CMRL to Run Metro Trains Every 6 Minutes on Poonamallee-Porur Stretch from January 2026
The Chennai Metro Rail Limited (CMRL) has announced plans to operate metro trains at six-minute intervals during peak hours on the Poonamallee-Porur stretch of its Phase II project.
Train services are expected to begin in January 2026 on the 9-km section of Corridor 4, which connects Poonamallee to Lighthouse via Porur.
Key Highlights
- 13 three-coach trains will be operated on this stretch - Around 30 train operators will be deployed - Though designed for driverless operations, the transition will be implemented gradually
At present, the Phase I and Phase I extension network spans 54 km, with 45 four-coach trains operating every six minutes during peak hours. On shorter stretches such as Washermanpet–Alandur, trains run every three minutes, while longer routes like Chennai Central–Airport and Central–St. Thomas Mount operate at 12-minute intervals.
Operations & Passenger Facilities
The Delhi Metro Rail Corporation (DMRC), which has been awarded the contract to manage the 118.9-km Phase II network, has already mobilised staff and begun preparations to take over station operations. Operator training and trial runs are currently in progress.
Phase II stations will be compact in design, enabling quicker access to platforms. Passengers can continue using National Common Mobility Cards (NCMC) and QR code tickets, similar to Phase I services.
Additionally, the Poonamallee–Porur stretch will feature half-height platform screen doors, a new safety enhancement introduced on elevated Phase II stations.
Regulatory Clearance Pending
CMRL is currently awaiting a key regulatory approval from the Railway Board. Once received, the project can move to the next stage of safety clearance.
“We are closely monitoring the approval process and expect clearance soon,” a CMRL official said.
