Chennai Metro: Koyambedu - Nandambakkam Trial Run to Begin in November

The Chennai Metro Rail trial run between Koyambedu and Nandambakkam is expected to begin in November, according to Metro Rail officials. The trial operations will be conducted ahead of the opening of the stretch for commercial passenger services.

The Chennai Metro Phase 2 project is currently being implemented across three corridors to improve connectivity between several key areas of the city. The project includes:

Corridor 3: Madhavaram Milk Colony to SIPCOT – 45.8 km

Corridor 4: Lighthouse to Poonamallee – 26.1 km

Corridor 5: Madhavaram to Sholinganallur – 47 km

The three corridors are being developed at an estimated cost of ₹63,246 crore, with a total of 119 Metro stations planned across the Phase 2 network. The project is targeted for completion by the end of 2028.

Koyambedu - Nandambakkam Metro Stretch Nears Completion

Construction work on an approximately 26-km stretch from Koyambedu to the Chennai Trade Centre in Nandambakkam, which forms part of Corridor 5, has largely been completed.

Around 90% of the track-laying work on this section has been completed. The remaining 1.5 km of work involves minor construction activities near Koyambedu Metro station, Mugalivakkam and the elevated section. These works are expected to be completed within the next 10 days.

With the track work nearing completion, the Metro administration is planning to commence the Koyambedu–Nandambakkam Metro trial run in November.

Driverless Metro Trains to Be Tested

A Metro Rail official said the trial run between Koyambedu and Nandambakkam is scheduled to begin in November and could continue for around four months before the stretch is opened for commercial passenger operations.

The corridor is planned to operate with advanced driverless Metro trains. Special software has been installed in the trains, and continuous testing is being carried out to ensure the systems function safely and efficiently.

Nandambakkam–Alandur Link Work Underway

The 3.6-km connection between the Nandambakkam Trade Centre and Alandur is also under construction. According to officials, the remaining work is expected to be completed within 45 to 60 days.

Once this link is completed, full passenger operations between Koyambedu and Alandur are expected to begin next year.

The upcoming trial run is an important milestone for Chennai Metro Phase 2, which is expected to strengthen connectivity between northern, central and southern parts of Chennai once the planned corridors become operational.l.