Chennai Metro Phase-2's First Operational Stretch Set for Imminent Public Launch
The initial operational segment of the extensive 118.1-kilometer Phase-2 Chennai Metro Rail Limited (CMRL) project is poised to open to the public within the coming days. This critical development follows the successful completion of final safety inspections required for commissioning, which were finalized on Wednesday.
Safety Inspections and Speed Trials Conducted
Commissioner of Railway Safety (CRS) for the Southern Circle in Bengaluru, Anant Madhukar Chowdhary, led a comprehensive second round of inspections on Tuesday and Wednesday. These evaluations encompassed rigorous speed trials and a thorough assessment of the backup operations control center located at Nandanam. Sources indicate that the CRS approval, a mandatory prerequisite before passenger operations can commence, is anticipated to be granted within the next day or two. This timeline aligns closely with the earlier target of opening the line by the end of February.
A CMRL official commented, "There will be a detailed deliberation after the inspection. We will provide our comments, which will primarily address technical issues. Subsequently, CMRS will make a decision based on our explanations."
Operational Details and Technical Specifications
During the speed trials conducted on Tuesday, trains operated at speeds of 40 km/h and 80 km/h along the Poonamallee to Porur section, while maintaining a speed of 40 km/h between Porur and Vadapalani. The inspections also included testing of the signalling systems both onboard the trains and along the corridor. On Wednesday, the CRS team focused on evaluating command systems at the control center by issuing operational instructions to train operators.
Once commissioned, trains are expected to run at a maximum speed of 40 km/h between Porur and Vadapalani, where the signalling system may not be fully automated. Although trains may achieve higher speeds on the Poonamallee-Porur section, the average operational speed across the entire 15.8-kilometer stretch is projected to be approximately 32 km/h.
Driverless Operations and Connectivity Features
The new stretch will feature driverless trains operating from Poonamallee to Vadapalani. However, service will bypass six stations that are still under construction. These include the four double-decker stations at Alapakkam, Karambakkam, Valasaravakkam, and Alwarthirunagar, as well as Saligramam Warehouse and Saligramam stations. Passengers will be able to utilize the skywalk at Vadapalani to seamlessly connect with the existing Phase-1 network, enhancing overall transit accessibility in Chennai.
This milestone marks a significant step forward in Chennai's urban infrastructure development, promising improved public transportation options and reduced traffic congestion for residents and commuters alike.
