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Passengers are still waiting for Chennai Metro Rail's Phase II stretch between Poonamallee and Vadapalani to open, and the route underwent another safety inspection on Wednesday, which was the fourth safety inspection conducted on the stretch since February this year.
Chennai Metro Trial Runs
According to sources, trial runs were carried out between Poonamallee and Porur, and also between Porur and Vadapalani. These tests were done to check the signalling system and ensure proper coordination between different systems, including platform screen doors and train doors. On Saturday, the Chief Commissioner of Railway Safety (CCRS) is expected to inspect the entire 14.6-km stretch from Poonamallee to Vadapalani.
Chennai Metro Inspection Work
During the inspection, the CCRS will examine the civil construction work completed between Porur and Vadapalani. Officials are also likely to test the functioning and integration of the signalling system. Earlier, in February, the Commissioner of Railway Safety (CRS) had inspected the route and identified several issues that needed to be fixed. Following the inspection, the CRS instructed Chennai Metro Rail to operate trains only every 15 minutes between Poonamallee and Porur. The authority also directed that train speeds should not go beyond 25 kmph between Porur and Vadapalani.
Sources said Chennai Metro Rail later completed the required civil works and fixed the problems highlighted by the CRS. Trial runs were also conducted again to remove glitches in the signalling system.
After completing the corrections, Chennai Metro Rail requested the CCRS to relax the restrictions on train frequency and speed. The CCRS may inspect the systems and facilities once again over the next few days before deciding on easing these limits.
Chennai Metro Delay
The opening of the Poonamallee-Vadapalani stretch, which is part of Corridor 4 connecting Poonamallee to Lighthouse under the Phase II project, has faced repeated delays for several months. Initially, Chennai Metro Rail planned to start services between Poonamallee and Porur by December. Later, the plan was changed to extend services up to Vadapalani by February. However, the 14.6-km stretch is still waiting to be opened for public use.