The westward expansion of Chennai Metro gained significant momentum with the commencement of trial runs on the 10 km stretch between Porur Junction and Poonamallee Bypass under Corridor 4 of Phase 2. This development marks a major milestone in Chennai Metro Rail Limited’s (CMRL) effort to enhance sustainable urban mobility across the city.
According to officials associated with the project, this corridor will connect high-density residential and commercial pockets in western Chennai, offering residents improved travel reliability and reduced commute times. As part of the broader 26.1 km Line 4 connecting Light House in the east to Poonamallee Bypass in the west, this stretch includes ten strategically located stations that will serve as critical mobility nodes. Trial operations, currently underway on the Downline section, follow earlier successful test runs on the Upline. In March 2025, the initial trial on a 3 km segment between Poonamallee Depot and Mullai Thottam laid the groundwork for more expansive testing. This was followed in April by extended trials covering a 9.1 km stretch between Mullai Thottam and Porur Junction. The current trial integrates the remaining Downline infrastructure and completes testing for the entire stretch from Porur Junction to Poonamallee Bypass.
Experts from CMRL overseeing the trial process stated that the testing includes comprehensive assessments of signalling systems, traction power, track stability, and communication networks. These tests are necessary prerequisites before obtaining the mandatory safety approvals from relevant statutory authorities. The Poonamallee Metro Depot is serving as the nerve centre for these operations, enabling coordinated testing and real-time technical evaluation. The alignment features key stations including Porur Junction, Chennai Bypass Crossing, Ramachandra Hospital, Iyyapanthangal Bus Depot, Kattupakkam, Kumananchavadi, Karayanchavadi, Mullai Thottam, Poonamallee Bus Terminus and Poonamallee Bypass. These stations are positioned to enhance last-mile connectivity while also decongesting surface-level transport in some of the city’s busiest corridors.
Urban transport specialists have lauded this development as critical for Chennai’s westward urban growth. The corridor is expected to reduce vehicular congestion along the Mount-Poonamallee Road and offer eco-friendly alternatives to thousands of daily commuters. The upcoming metro route also aligns with Chennai’s broader sustainability objectives, including reduced carbon emissions, increased non-motorised transport integration, and improved air quality in densely populated zones. Moreover, the station design and infrastructure development in this phase prioritise universal accessibility, energy-efficient systems, and provisions for multi-modal integration. Stations will be equipped with ramps, lifts, tactile indicators, and LED lighting. Additionally, CMRL aims to facilitate smooth integration with MTC bus networks and potential feeder services to extend the reach of mass transit into neighbouring semi-urban regions.
Officials involved with the project said that this corridor is being developed on an elevated structure, balancing environmental considerations and land acquisition constraints. With an emphasis on engineering precision and minimal disruption to existing urban life, construction of viaducts and station superstructures has followed a modular approach, reducing site-level disturbances. Once fully operational, Line 4 is expected to play a transformative role in shaping Chennai’s westward mobility landscape. With demand for public transport projected to rise steadily in coming years due to population expansion and urban sprawl, the timely execution of Metro Phase 2 is expected to serve both economic and social objectives.
Transport economists point out that enhanced metro access boosts urban productivity by shortening travel times and promoting equitable access to employment, education, and healthcare services. For the city’s residents, the benefits go beyond mobility; it fosters inclusive development, social integration, and improved urban living standards. While the trial run phase continues, final commissioning of the Porur to Poonamallee section will depend on safety certification and system validation, anticipated later this year. Officials remain optimistic about opening the stretch for public use by early 2026, subject to approval timelines.
In its entirety, Chennai Metro Phase 2 spans 118.9 km and is structured across three corridors. The Phase 2 project, which is backed by both state and multilateral funding, is a crucial investment into Chennai’s future-proof transit infrastructure. With a strong focus on green construction practices and user-centric design, the metro network is envisaged as the spine of a cleaner, smarter, and more inclusive Chennai. The city’s metro network, once completed, will not only reduce the dependence on fossil-fuel-based transport but also set benchmarks for gender-inclusive design, climate resilience, and smart station management.
By advancing trials on this important corridor, CMRL is inching closer to bridging critical mobility gaps in western Chennai, bringing metro access closer to underserved communities, and reinforcing the city’s vision for sustainable urban growth.
Also Read : Delhi to Srinagar Train Travel Easier with Vande Bharat Launch
