Commuters in west and central Chennai are set to welcome a long-awaited public transport upgrade as Chennai Metro Rail’s Phase II service between Poonamallee and Vadapalani is expected to start operations from February 2026, officials confirmed.The announcement comes after the Railway Board granted final approval to the metro trains on the stretch, clearing a key administrative hurdle for passenger service. The remaining procedural requirement — safety certification from the Commissioner of Metro Rail Safety (CMRS) for the stations along the route — is expected to be completed soon, opening the door for regular operations.
The Poonamallee–Vadapalani corridor is part of the expansive Phase II expansion of Chennai Metro Rail, which aims to add nearly 119 km of new lines to the city’s rapid transit network. The project has faced delays due to construction complexities and the extensive safety validation process, but recent developments indicate a decisive push toward operational readiness.
Metro officials said that comprehensive testing of signaling, track performance and safety systems has been carried out on the new trains, which were successfully trialled at speeds up to 80 km/h. While the trains are designed for fully automated, driverless operation, trained crew members will remain on board during the initial months of commercial service as a precautionary measure.
Once operational, the Poonamallee–Vadapalani Metro line will provide a significant boost to connectivity across busy residential and commercial corridors. The 15.8-kilometre stretch links key neighbourhoods — including Karayanchavadi, Iyyappanthangal, Porur, and Alwarthirunagar — to the existing network at Vadapalani, offering seamless travel options toward central and northern parts of the city.
Officials also highlighted that this stretch’s early launch allows commuters to benefit from improved connectivity without waiting for the completion of the entire Phase II network.
The launch of Poonamallee–Vadapalani services marks an important milestone in Chennai’s rapid transit expansion. While the broader Phase II project still has additional corridors under construction, this segment’s commissioning is expected to alleviate traffic congestion, shorten travel times and provide a reliable alternative to road transport for thousands of daily commuters.
Further enhancements and extensions of Chennai Metro Rail services are scheduled to roll out in phases over the coming years, progressively strengthening the city’s public transport backbone.