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Chennai Metro Rail Limited has informed the Tamil Nadu government and the Central government that the first stretch of Phase II Metro from Poonamallee to Vadapalani is ready and can be opened for public use at any time.
Chennai Metro Trains
Recently, CMRL received final approval to operate trains on the 14.6-km route. Along with the approval, officials also received permission to increase train speed and improve train frequency. Trains can now run every 10 minutes on the Poonamallee-Vadapalani route.
Earlier, in February, the Commissioner of Railway Safety had given only conditional approval. At that time, officials had placed restrictions on train operations. Between Poonamallee and Porur, trains were allowed only every 15 minutes. The Vadapalani station was also not allowed to function until 26 deck slabs were completed in the double-decker corridor project.
Chennai Metro Got Approval
According to metro officials, the latest approval was granted after the fifth safety inspection. On May 23 and 24, a team from the Chief Commissioner of Railway Safety inspected stations along the route and also travelled on the train to check safety and operations. After the inspection, final authorisation was given on Tuesday.
Increase in Speed
Officials stated there are now no speed restrictions between Poonamallee and Porur. Between Porur and Vadapalani, the permitted speed has been increased from 25 kmph to 40 kmph. Because of this, trains can run more frequently, every 10 minutes. The average speed of trains on this stretch will be around 32 kmph, as originally planned.
Major Stoppages
The metro line is part of Corridor 4 of the 118.9-km Phase II project. Trains will stop at all stations between Poonamallee and Porur, including Poonamallee Bypass, Karayanchavadi, Kattupakkam, Iyyapanthangal, and Porur Junction. However, after Porur Junction, trains will stop only at Vadapalani because construction work at several stations, including Alapakkam, Karambakkam, and Saligramam, is still incomplete.
Earlier, safety officials had raised concerns about the project and pointed out several issues. After CMRL completed the required work, including the construction of the 26 deck slabs and the structural testing of the composite girder by the Structural Engineering Research Centre, permission was finally granted.
The safety authority has also directed CMRL to continue monitoring the strength and condition of the composite girder for at least two years. Once all pending station work is completed between Alapakkam and Vadapalani, CMRL must apply for regular approval for the Porur stretch.