Poonamallee–Vadapalani Metro line ready for inspection

The Chennai Metro Rail Limited (CMRL) has announced that the Commission of Railway Safety (CRS) will conduct a three-day safety inspection on the Poonamallee–Vadapalani Metro corridor beginning February 11, a key step before opening the stretch for passenger services. As part of the inspection, 10 metro stations along the corridor will be examined. The inspection is mandatory for obtaining safety clearance prior to commercial operations. The 16-km Vadapalani–Poonamallee section, part of the 26-km Marina Lighthouse–Poonamallee Bypass Road corridor under Chennai Metro Phase 2, has been completed and is ready for trials. According to CMRL officials, the CRS schedule includes track inspection on February 11, station inspection on February 12, and a trial run of metro trains on February 13. The inspection will be carried out by a six-member CRS team led by A.M. Chaudhary. CMRL Project Director Arjun said the corridor is expected to receive the safety certificate after the inspection, following which a decision on the commencement of passenger services will be taken. Officials said the clearance will bring the corridor a step closer to public use and improved urban connectivity.