Poonamallee - Vadapalani Metro to Run Every 10 Minutes

The upcoming Poonamallee–Vadapalani Metro Rail service under Chennai Metro Rail`s Phase II project is expected to attract significant public attention. Each metro train will have the capacity to carry up to 900 passengers, with services initially planned at a 10-minute interval.

The Chennai Metro Rail Phase II project is being implemented across five corridors. The third corridor will connect Poonamallee and Lighthouse, with both elevated and underground sections.

As part of the first phase of this corridor, the section between Poonamallee and Vadapalani has been completed and is ready for service. After a delay of around six months, Prime Minister Narendra Modi is scheduled to inaugurate the new service and travel on it on October 11 (Sunday). Chief Minister Vijay will also participate in the event.

15 Metro Trains to Operate

Project Director Arjunan said that 15 metro trains will initially operate on the Poonamallee–Vadapalani corridor.

Each metro train will consist of three coaches. According to him, this is expected to be sufficient to meet passenger demand during the initial period. If passenger demand increases, additional metro trains are ready to be deployed.

A total of 36 trains have been procured, of which 15 will initially be put into service.

Driverless Metro Trains

The metro trains being introduced under Phase II have been designed with modern technology to operate automatically without drivers.

During the initial stage of the project, the trains will operate with drivers. They will subsequently be operated without drivers using an automated system.

A maximum of 900 passengers can travel in a single metro train on the new corridor. Initially, trains will operate at 10-minute intervals. If passenger numbers increase, the interval will be reduced and services will be increased.

Enhanced Passenger Safety Systems

The new metro service will have several differences compared with the existing metro rail services. The new trains are equipped with Automatic Train Control and Automatic Train Protection systems.

The trains also have control systems based on modern information technology, while the signalling system is managed using advanced technology.

The date from which the new metro service will be opened for public use will be decided before the inauguration ceremony.