In a significant development for Chennai Metro Rail Limited (CMRL), ballastless tracks for testing driverless metro trains are set to be ready at the Poonamallee depot within the next three months, by October.
The Poonamallee depot is expected to open by November 2025, coinciding with the launch of the first stretch of Phase 2 from Porur to Poonamallee on Corridor-4, which will include 10 stations. All metro trains operating on Corridor-4, from Lighthouse to Poonamallee Bypass, will be serviced at this depot.
CMRL’s Director of Projects, Mr. T. Archunan, explained that the test track would be completed by October. He further added that once the metro trains arrive, they would undergo trials on the test tracks for two months, followed by trials on the elevated corridor. It is reported that 75% of the work on the construction of the Poonamallee depot has already been completed.
An official from CMRL mentioned that in the coming months, the construction of the stabling shed and workshop shed would be completed. The roof of the nearby Poonamallee station is expected to be finished by March 2025.
Phase-2 Corridor to Open in Stages
Phase 2 of the Chennai Metro will consist of three corridors and is planned to open in stages between 2025 and 2028. Currently, ballastless tracks have been installed along 25% of the stretch from Porur to Poonamallee. Railway tracks are being laid at a pace of 100 to 120 meters each day.
Officials previously mentioned that the stretch from Power House to Porur, also part of Corridor-4, is expected to begin operation approximately six months after the Porur-Poonamallee stretch opens. Additionally, a double-decker corridor between Alwarthirunagar and Alapakkam, covering about 4 kilometers and including 4 stations, will be part of the Power House-Porur stretch.
This project is a key part of the CMRL’s expansion plans and aims to enhance the city’s public transportation network significantly. The introduction of driverless metro trains represents a major step forward in technology and efficiency for the Chennai Metro system.