PM Modi to Open Poonamallee-Vadapalani Metro Stretch on October 11
Prime Minister Narendra Modi is likely to inaugurate the 14.6-km Poonamallee-Vadapalani stretch of Chennai Metro Phase II on October 11, according to reports. During the visit, Modi is also expected to travel by Metro from Poonamallee to Porur. The inauguration is expected to mark the opening of the first operational stretch of Chennai Metro’s Phase II network.
The proposed visit could include other programmes in Chennai as well. Reports indicate that Modi may visit IIT-Madras and attend another public event where several projects could be inaugurated or launched. These may include the Vellore airport project, along with foundation-stone ceremonies for other development works.
The Poonamallee Bypass-Vadapalani section is part of Corridor 4 of Chennai Metro Phase II. The route covers about 14.64 km and includes 11 elevated stations. The Commissioner of Metro Railways Safety completed inspections of the stretch earlier this year, and the route received the necessary safety clearances in May.
The line is expected to initially operate trains at around 10-minute intervals. CMRL had said after receiving the final safety clearance that the improved frequency would provide better connectivity for passengers travelling between western Chennai and Vadapalani.
The new Metro connection is expected to provide an alternative to road travel along the busy Arcot Road corridor. Passengers from Poonamallee, Porur and surrounding areas will get a direct Metro connection towards Vadapalani, potentially making daily travel more convenient and reducing dependence on road transport.
However, not all stations planned along the wider Corridor 4 network are ready for operation. Some intermediate stations and sections remain under construction or development. As a result, the initial service will not represent the complete Corridor 4 route.
The delay in opening the stretch has been a major concern for commuters. The 14.64-km line received its required safety approval months ago, but passenger services remained pending while authorities waited for an inauguration date. The line had originally been targeted for an earlier opening, with subsequent schedules also being revised.
For Chennai commuters, the proposed October 11 inauguration would therefore mark an important step in the expansion of the city’s Metro network. The Poonamallee-Vadapalani stretch is expected to improve connectivity between western parts of Chennai and major transport and commercial areas around Porur and Vadapalani.
The inauguration date is still being reported as likely rather than formally confirmed by all authorities. If the schedule goes ahead, Prime Minister Modi’s proposed train journey from Poonamallee to Porur would be part of the launch programme.