Chennai is on the cusp of a significant expansion of its metro rail network, with the much-anticipated Vadapalani to Porur stretch now gearing up for its first trial run. The Chennai Metro Rail Limited (CMRL) has scheduled the initial test for this Sunday, marking a pivotal step towards operational readiness.
Testing and Electrification in Final Stages
Engineers from CMRL worked late into Friday night, conducting crucial electrification work and testing the traction systems along the new line. While the initial plan aimed to complete these tests and hold the trial run on Friday itself, the authorities decided to allow more time for comprehensive system checks.
The trial run is now firmly planned for Sunday, with Saturday dedicated to thorough testing along the entire section, a CMRL official confirmed. This careful, phased approach underscores the project's focus on safety and reliability before opening to the public.
A Vital Link in Chennai's Growing Metro Network
The Vadapalani–Porur section is an integral part of the larger 26.1-kilometre corridor 4, which will ultimately connect Lighthouse to Poonamallee Bypass. Once operational, this corridor will seamlessly link established city centres like Mylapore, Nandanam, T Nagar, and Kodambakkam with the burgeoning western suburbs of Porur and Poonamallee.
Perhaps the most remarkable feature of this stretch is the engineering challenge it presented. Between Alwarthirunagar and Alapakkam, CMRL constructed a nearly 5-kilometre-long double-decker (twin-deck) section. This unique structure, housing four stations, is designed to function as an interchange between corridor 4 and the upcoming corridor 5.
The Bigger Picture: Phase II by 2028
This development is a key milestone within CMRL's ambitious Phase-II expansion. The second phase encompasses a total of 118.9 kilometres across three separate corridors, with the goal of achieving full operational status by the year 2028. The progress on the Vadapalani-Porur segment signals steady advancement towards this city-wide connectivity target.
The upcoming trial run is more than just a technical procedure; it represents the tangible progress of a project set to transform urban mobility for thousands of Chennai residents, reducing travel time and decongesting road traffic in these key areas.
