Chennai: The first operational stretch of phase-2 of Chennai metro, from Poonamallee Bypass to Vadapalani, covering nearly 15km, moved a step closer to passenger operations as the commissioner of metro rail safety (CMRS) began inspection of the corridor on Wednesday. The line is likely to be commissioned by the end of Feb, officials said.The 116.1km phase-2 network comprises three corridors, and the final sections are expected to be completed by Dec 2028.
A release from CMRL said that Anant Madhukar Chowdhary, CMRS (southern Circle, Bengaluru), commenced inspection of the elevated stretch from Poonamallee Bypass to Iyyappanthangal, covering 6.13km with seven stations. He inspected key systems, including electrical installations, track work and civil structures, accompanied by three deputy CMRS officials. The release said the CMRS team will inspect a total of 11 stations along the 15-km stretch, though the full alignment has 17 stations, including four double-decker stations that serve as interchanges between corridor-4 and corridor-5. A senior official clarified that while the double-decker section will be inspected, the certification currently pertains only to corridor-4 operations.Inspection will continue on Thursday, when the team is scheduled to examine the remaining section between Iyyappanthangal and Vadapalani. While trial runs on the corridor are ongoing, clearance from CMRS is mandatory for commissioning the line.Meanwhile, finishing work is progressing at stations such as Vadapalani and Saligramam, where entry and exit structures are being completed. Medians along the centre of roads were also installed and painted as part of road restoration works.
