CMRL Speeds Up Phase II Work; Vadapalani–Poonamallee Metro Trial Runs Likely by Mid - January
Chennai Metro Rail Limited (CMRL) is working round the clock to complete a 6-km stretch between Vadapalani and the Poonamallee depot under Phase II, with trial runs targeted for mid-January, said CMRL Director M.A. Siddique.
Nearly 4,000 workers and 57 cranes have been deployed to fast-track the city’s first operational double-decker metro corridor. Of them, around 3,000 workers are engaged in viaduct and deck slab works, 600 in track-laying, and 400 in traction and signalling. Commercial services are likely to begin by end-January or early February.
Seven dedicated teams are handling track-laying, achieving an average progress of 300 metres per day, with manpower diverted from other corridors to speed up work. Officials said 99% of the Poonamallee–Porur stretch is complete, and an interim safety certificate has been received from the RDSO.
Initially, there will be no intermediate stations between Vadapalani and Porur. Stations along the corridor are expected to be ready by June, with visible progress at Vadapalani station within the next 10 days.
CMRL officials noted that the double-decker metro structure involves complex engineering, requiring high precision, strict safety measures, and careful coordination to ensure smooth operations.
