The first stretch of Chennai Metro's Phase-2 project has been ready for months, but passengers are still waiting for services to begin. The 14.6-km Corridor-4 section between Poonamallee Bypass and Vadapalani received the required approvals, yet no inauguration date has been announced. The delay has left commuters wondering when trains will finally start running.
Approvals Cleared, Launch Pending
The corridor received conditional approval from the Commissioner of Railway Safety (CRS) in February. After Chennai Metro Rail Limited (CMRL) complied with all stipulated conditions, it secured another approval in May. CMRL has since requested the Centre to finalise an inauguration date.
Launch Delayed More Than Once
The line was originally expected to open in December 2025. After the first CRS approval, CMRL revised the target to March 2026, but the launch was pushed back due to the assembly elections and the formation of a new government. Officials say the system is now ready and awaiting the formal inauguration.
Higher Speeds, Frequent Services Planned
The latest CRS approval has removed earlier operational restrictions on the corridor. Trains will initially run every 10 minutes, with a maximum speed of 80 kmph between Poonamallee and Porur. The permitted speed between Porur and Vadapalani has also been increased from 25 kmph to 40 kmph.
Not Every Station Will Open
Although services are expected to begin soon, not all stations on the corridor will be operational from day one. Six stations, including Alapakkam, Karambakkam and Valasaravakkam, will initially be skipped as construction work continues. Only 10 stations between Poonamallee Bypass and Porur Junction, along with Vadapalani, are set to open in the first phase.
Commuters Continue to Wait
The delay has prolonged the wait for metro connectivity in Chennai's rapidly growing western suburbs. The new corridor is expected to significantly reduce travel time and improve connectivity for thousands of daily commuters. Until services begin, residents continue to rely on existing road transport.
Residents Question Continued Delay
Commuters say the ready corridor should be opened without further delay. A resident of Iyyappanthangal said a journey to Vadapalani that currently takes around 90 minutes could be completed in less than 45 minutes once the metro begins operations. Many are also concerned that ongoing construction means barricaded roads will remain in place longer.
