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The first stretch of Chennai Metro's Phase 2 network, connecting Poonamallee Bypass with Vadapalani, is scheduled to open on October 11. Prime Minister Narendra Modi will inaugurate the 14.64-km section and is also expected to travel on one of the trains. However, the trains will not operate in fully driverless mode until mid-2027.
Chennai Metro Phase 2 First Stretch to Open on October 11
The stretch has 17 stations, but only 11 will initially open to passengers. Trains will skip six stations: Alapakkam, Karambakkam, Valasaravakkam, Alwarthirunagar, Saligramam and Avichi School. These stations are located on the double-decker section between Porur Junction and Vadapalani.
Chennai Metro Rail Limited received conditional approval from the Commissioner of Metro Rail Safety (CMRS) in February and obtained final authorisation in May, with certain relaxations related to train speed and frequency.
Chennai Metro's New Train Features
The new trains have been designed for Unattended Train Operation (UTO), but they will initially run in Automatic Train Operation (ATO) mode. Two train operators will remain onboard each train to supervise the service. Under ATO, acceleration, braking, stopping, and speed control are automated, while staff can intervene when necessary.
The trains will operate in a degraded mode initially because the signalling system and trains are not fully synchronised. One operator may have to apply the brakes manually, while the second will monitor signals and assist during emergencies. CMRL is testing UTO through 120 test cases before seeking CMRS certification. Testing will continue between midnight and 5 am even after passenger services begin.
Initially, 15 trains will run at 10-minute intervals. The maximum fare between Poonamallee Bypass and Vadapalani will be ₹40, while travel from Poonamallee Bypass to Airport, Egmore or Central railway station will cost ₹50.
The trains have a maximum design speed of 80 kmph, an average operating speed of 32 kmph, and will slow to 25-30 kmph on two curves. Each three-car train can accommodate up to 900 passengers.