Chennai, Oct 13:
Chennai Metro Rail services between Koyambedu and the Nandambakkam Trade Centre are expected to begin within six months, with around 70 per cent of the construction work completed on this stretch of the second phase of the Metro Rail project.
Officials of Chennai Metro Rail Limited (CMRL) said construction was progressing at a brisk pace along the Madhavaram–Sholinganallur corridor, with elevated tracks and stations nearing completion in several sections. The proposed service is expected to improve connectivity for residents and commuters in the western and southern parts of Chennai.
The development comes after Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated the Metro service between Poonamallee Bypass and Vadapalani. The elevated stretch has 11 stations, and passenger services began on the evening of October 11. Around 25,474 passengers travelled on the first day until 9 pm, while approximately 55,000 passengers used the service on the second day, according to Metro Rail officials. More than 80,000 passenger journeys were recorded over the first two days.
The next major milestone is the opening of the Koyambedu–Nandambakkam section, which forms part of the 47-km Madhavaram–Sholinganallur corridor. The corridor will have 46 stations and is designed to connect several densely populated residential, commercial and industrial areas.
Construction of elevated tracks and stations from Madhavaram through Red Hills, Kolathur, Anna Nagar, Koyambedu, Virugambakkam and Porur towards Nandambakkam has reached an advanced stage. Officials said the largely elevated alignment had helped construction progress without major delays.
The proposed section is expected to benefit commuters travelling to offices, commercial establishments and the Nandambakkam Trade Centre, which hosts exhibitions, business events and other large gatherings. It could also provide an alternative to road transport on busy stretches, particularly during peak hours.
Once operational, the corridor will improve access to the wider Metro network and make it easier for passengers to transfer between different routes. The six-month timeline, however, remains an expected commissioning schedule, with the actual opening dependent on completion of the remaining works and the necessary safety clearances.