Chennai Metro Rail Limited - Trial Run up to Vadapalani

Chennai Metro Rail Limited (CMRL) successfully conducted a trial run on the new Porur–Vadapalani stretch (5.5 km) of Corridor 4 on January 11, 2026, marking a major milestone in Phase II expansion. Passenger services are expected to begin by February 2026, easing travel between Poonamallee and central Chennai.

Key Highlights of the Trial Run
- Date: January 11, 2026
- Route: Porur Junction → Vadapalani (5.5 km)
- Speed: Train ran at ~15 kmph during testing
- Duration: Took ~55 minutes for the test run
- Infrastructure: Includes a 4-km double-decker viaduct between Alwarthirunagar and Alapakkam
- Phase II Scope: Covers 118.9 km with three corridors:
- Corridor 3: Madhavaram → SIPCOT
- Corridor 4: Poonamallee → Lighthouse
- Corridor 5: Madhavaram → Sholinganallur

What This Means for Commuters
- Travel Time Reduction: Once operational, commuters from Poonamallee to Vadapalani can reach in about 30 minutes, bypassing heavy traffic.
- Connectivity Boost: Vadapalani will act as a key interchange, linking Phase II with Phase I routes for wider city coverage.

Future Plans:
- Up-line trial runs (Kodambakkam Power House → Porur Junction) scheduled next.
- Services expected to start by February 2026, with full corridor completion by June 2026.
- Initial operations will be driver-assisted (GoA 2 automation), moving later to driverless trains (GoA 4).

Construction & Approvals
- Workforce: Over 4,000 workers and 57 cranes deployed for viaduct and track-laying.
- Safety Clearance: Interim speed certificate already received; final approval pending from the Railway Board.
- Previous Milestone: Trial runs from Poonamallee Bypass → Porur Junction (9.1 km) completed earlier.

Risks & Challenges
- Safety Approvals: Final clearance from Railway Board and RDSO still pending.
- Construction Deadlines: Corridor completion by June 2026 depends on timely finishing of signalling and electrification.
- Traffic Integration: Smooth interchange at Vadapalani critical to avoid congestion.

✅ Bottom Line: The successful trial run signals that Chennai Metro’s Phase II Corridor 4 is on track to open by February 2026, offering faster, more reliable travel between Poonamallee and central Chennai. This will be a game-changer for commuters battling daily traffic in west Chennai.