Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated the Poonamallee-Vadapalani section of the Chennai Metro Rail Phase II project on Sunday, October 11. It has been constructed at a cost of approximately ₹4,900 crore.
This new 15-kilometer section is expected to improve connectivity between Chennai’s western suburbs and the city center, offering commuters an additional public transport option.
Tamil Nadu Chief Minister C. Joseph Vijay accompanied the Prime Minister during the inauguration. Together, the two leaders flagged off the new metro services and travelled on the train in the presence of Governor Rajendra Vishwanath Arlekar. Modi also purchased a ticket and briefly interacted with a staff member at the ticket counter.
This recently inaugurated section is part of Corridor 4 (also known as the Yellow Line) under the Chennai Metro Phase II expansion. It features 11 elevated stations and a 3.7-kilometer-long double-decker structure. The corridor is equipped with advanced signalling systems that facilitate driverless train operations, although this does not mean that driverless services are currently running on a regular basis.
The 11 stations on the route are: Poonamallee Bypass, Poonamallee Bus Stand, Poonamallee Government Hospital, Karayanchavadi, Kumananchavadi, Kattupakkam, Iyappanthangal, Theliyaragaram, Porur Bypass, Porur Junction, and Vadapalani.
According to Chennai Metro Rail, passenger services on the newly opened section began at 4 pm on October 11, with trains operating in both directions until 9 pm. From October 12, regular services are scheduled to run from 7 AM to 9 PM. The last trains will depart from Poonamallee Bypass and Vadapalani stations at 9 pm.
The opening of this corridor marks a significant addition to Chennai’s expanding metro network, strengthening public transport connectivity in the city’s western suburbs.
