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After months of delay, the first section of Chennai Metro Rail's Phase II project between Poonamallee and Vadapalani became ready last month and also received the necessary final approvals. However, despite commuters eagerly waiting for the service, the stretch has not yet been inaugurated.
Chennai Metro Phase II Projects
The Phase II project includes three major corridors: Madhavaram to SIPCOT (Corridor 3), Poonamallee to Light House (Corridor 4), and Madhavaram to Sholinganallur (Corridor 5). Together, these corridors will expand Chennai Metro's network to a total length of 118.9 km. Construction work on Corridor 4 along Arcot Road began five years ago. Initially, Chennai Metro Rail planned to open the Poonamallee-Porur section by December 2025, but the schedule was later revised.
The authorities then decided to complete and open the Vadapalani station first, as it would connect directly with the existing Phase I metro network. As a result, the deadline was extended to February.
By the end of February, the Commissioner of Railway Safety granted conditional approval for the Poonamallee-Porur section. Later, after additional safety inspections, the Porur-Vadapalani stretch also received provisional approval during the last week of May.
Commuters Questions Regarding the Metro Opening
Many commuters are now questioning the delay in opening the completed stretch. Muralikrishnan, a resident near Arcot Road, said it was disappointing that the line had not yet started operations despite trial runs being conducted for several months.
He said that commuters should be given priority because the new metro line would make travel much easier for thousands of people. According to him, residents along Arcot Road would benefit from direct metro access to important parts of Chennai, and the service should begin as soon as it is ready.
Sources have indicated that the Poonamallee-Vadapalani stretch is expected to be inaugurated soon. Meanwhile, commuters continue to raise questions on social media platforms, asking why the service has not yet started and requesting officials to provide a clear explanation for the delay.