Chennai Metro Rail Limited (CMRL) has completed track laying up to Vadapalani on Corridor 4, marking a key milestone in Phase II of the Chennai Metro project. The development clears the way for trial runs of Metro trains on the Poonamallee Bypass–Vadapalani section, which are expected to begin within the next two weeks.According to a senior CMRL official, the final segment of track work was finished late on Monday night. With track laying completed, signalling and traction installations are now in progress and are nearing completion. To achieve the revised project timeline, CMRL intensified construction efforts by deploying more than 4,000 workers and 57 cranes, with work continuing round the clock.
Initial trial runs with train operators are expected to take place in January at speeds ranging between 80 and 90 kmph. These will be followed by progressive testing, including driverless operations, as part of the safety and performance certification process.
Corridor 4 spans 26 km from Poonamallee to Lighthouse and is one of the priority corridors under Phase II. If all approvals are secured as scheduled, commercial Metro services on the 15.8-km Poonamallee Bypass–Vadapalani stretch are likely to begin in February.
Commuters will be able to switch lines at Vadapalani through a skywalk, which is currently under construction and expected to be completed shortly. The opening of this stretch is expected to significantly improve connectivity and reduce travel time in western parts of Chennai.