Chennai Metro Delay: Six Stations Postponed to March 2027
Chennai Metro Rail has missed another deadline for completing six stations along the Poonamallee–Vadapalani stretch of Phase II. The stations, which were expected to open earlier, are now likely to become operational by March 2027. The delay has created difficulties for residents who are waiting for metro services in several parts of the city.
The six stations are Alapakkam, Karambakkam, Valasaravakkam, Alwarthirunagar, Saligramam Warehouse and Saligramam. These stations are expected to improve public transport access for people living in nearby residential areas. However, the continued delay means thousands of residents in Alapakkam, Virugambakkam, Valasaravakkam and Saligramam still have to depend on other transport options.
The delay comes even though the Arcot Road section was completed earlier this year. Residents had expected the remaining stations to open soon after the completion of this section. However, pending construction work and the need for additional safety-related procedures have pushed the expected opening date further.
Chennai Metro Seeks Extension of Temporary Approval
Due to the delay, Chennai Metro Rail is seeking an extension of its provisional authorisation from the Commissioner of Railway Safety (CRS) for the Porur–Vadapalani stretch.
The CRS had previously granted unrestricted approval for the Poonamallee–Porur section. However, operations on the Porur–Vadapalani stretch were permitted only under certain conditions. Trains have been operating at reduced speeds and in manual mode on this section.
In a letter issued in May, the CRS stated that Chennai Metro Rail should apply for regular authorisation after completing all pending construction work. Since the six stations remain unfinished, the Metro Rail is now requesting that its temporary approval be extended until March 2027.
The approval process is important because railway safety officials must ensure that the infrastructure and systems meet the required safety standards before regular operations can begin.
Labour Shortage Affected Construction
Metro officials have attributed the construction delays partly to a serious shortage of workers during the election period between March and June. The shortage affected the progress of work at several stations and made it difficult to meet the earlier completion schedule.
Officials said the number of workers has increased since then and construction activities have resumed at a faster pace. However, the project continues to face challenges because of the complexity of the infrastructure.
One of the major difficulties involves building platforms between Alapakkam and Alwarthirunagar. These sections form part of a complex double-decker corridor, where metro infrastructure has to be constructed alongside other transport facilities. This has made some construction activities more complicated and time-consuming.
More Than 95% of Platform Work Completed
According to officials, more than 95% of the platform construction work has been completed. Workers are now focusing on finishing the concourses and the structures used for station entrances and exits.
The remaining work includes completing passenger access areas and other facilities needed for the stations to function properly. Once construction is finished, additional technical work will be required before the stations can open to the public.
Officials expect the construction work to be completed by January 2027. However, approximately two more months will be needed to finish the signalling work. These systems are essential for the safe movement of trains and the proper operation of metro services.
This means that even if the construction deadline is met, the stations may not be ready for passengers until March 2027.
Residents Face a Longer Wait
The continued delay is likely to affect residents who expected the new metro stations to improve their daily travel. People living in areas such as Virugambakkam, Valasaravakkam and Saligramam may have to continue using buses, autos and other transport services until the stations become operational.
The opening of these stations is expected to improve connectivity and make commuting more convenient for residents travelling to workplaces, educational institutions and other parts of Chennai.
However, sources have indicated that the March 2027 timeline could also be difficult to achieve. Any further delay in construction, signalling work or safety authorisation could postpone the opening date again.
For now, Chennai Metro Rail is working to complete the remaining construction and technical activities. Residents will have to wait for the final work and required approvals before the six stations can begin regular passenger services.