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By February, people traveling from Poonamallee may be able to reach Vadapalani in around 30 minutes using Chennai Metro Rail, avoiding heavy traffic during peak hours. As a first step towards this goal, Chennai Metro Rail Limited (CMRL) carried out a trial run on Sunday between Porur Junction and Vadapalani.
This stretch covers a distance of 5.5 km and includes a double-decker corridor.
Trial Run between Porur and Vadapalani
The trial run was conducted after completing the construction of the elevated track between Porur and Vadapalani. This section includes a challenging 4-km double-decker stretch between Alwarthirunagar and Alapakkam. The train left Porur station at about 11.15 am and reached Vadapalani at 12.10 pm. During this trial, the train moved at a slow speed of around 15 kmph. Officials said that in the coming weeks, the speed will be increased and tested at 45 to 50 kmph.
Change in Plan
This trial took place nine months after an earlier test run on the Phase II network between Poonamallee and Porur. CMRL Managing Director M.A. Siddique said that the original plan was to start services only between Poonamallee and Porur by December 2025. Later, the plan was changed to extend the route up to Vadapalani. This extension will allow passengers to switch to the Phase I Metro line at Vadapalani and travel to many other parts of the city.
Stoppages on the Route
Trains will stop at all stations between Poonamallee and Porur, and the next stop after Porur will be Vadapalani. Stations between Porur and Power House are still under construction and are expected to be completed by June.
Driverless Trains
Although CMRL initially planned fully driverless trains, services will begin with a driver-operated system for now. Driverless operations will be introduced gradually. After receiving speed approval and safety clearances, CMRL hopes to begin passenger services by mid-February.
