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Prime Minister Narendra Modi is likely to inaugurate Chennai Metro's new 14.6-km Vadapalani-Poonamallee Bypass stretch in the second or third week of July. This section is part of Corridor 4 of Chennai Metro Phase II, which will eventually connect the Lighthouse at Marina Beach to the Poonamallee Bypass. Officials said all required approvals for starting operations on this stretch have already been obtained.
Chennai Metro's Poonamallee-Vadapalani Corridor
The Tamil Nadu government has informed the Prime Minister's Office that the project is ready. The final date for the inauguration is expected soon. During the same visit, the Prime Minister may also dedicate some completed railway projects to the nation and lay the foundation stone for two new National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) projects.
How is this Corridor Beneficial?
The opening of this metro stretch is important because it will reduce travel time between Poonamallee and Vadapalani. At present, the road journey can take around 90 minutes, but the metro is expected to take about 30 minutes. The stretch will also connect with Chennai Metro's existing Green Line at Vadapalani, making travel easier for passengers going to other parts of the city.
In the beginning, trains from Poonamallee Bypass will stop at all 10 stations up to Porur. After Porur, the trains will directly go to Vadapalani without stopping at six intermediate stations. This arrangement is expected to make the service faster for commuters.
Chennai Metro's Link to Bus Terminus
The metro line is also linked to the planned opening of the new Kuthambakkam mofussil bus terminus near Thirumazhisai. The bus terminus was supposed to open earlier, but the plan was delayed because the metro work between Vadapalani and Porur had not been completed. The new bus terminus is around 6.5 km from the Poonamallee Bypass metro station. Authorities plan to shift several TNSTC and SETC long-distance bus services from CMBT to reduce congestion in Chennai. MTC feeder buses are also proposed between the metro station and the terminus.