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Once Phase II is fully operational, Chennai city will have a total metro rail network of 173 km. | Photo Credit: JOTHI RAMALINGAM B
Ten years ago, on June 29, 2015, a new chapter in urban mobility began for Chennai when the first metro train between Alandur and Koyambedu was flagged off by then Chief Minister J Jayalalithaa. So far, over 35 crore passengers have travelled on it. This number will significantly increase once Phase II is completed, which is expected in 2027.
Although its coverage of the city is not yet ideal, for many commuters, the Chennai Metro Rail has come as a boon as it is reliable, quick and safe. “Chennai Metro is a lifeline for me,” said Tanishka, an IT employee working at DLF Park in Ramapuram. A resident of Triplicane, she takes the metro train from Government Estate to Alandur, and from there the shuttle service run by the Chennai Metro Rail Ltd or an auto.
“As we complete 10 years of service, we extend our heartfelt gratitude to every passenger who has been a part of this journey. Your continued support and trust drive our commitment to delivering safe, efficient, and modern transit solutions. Here’s to moving forward together,” Chennai Metro Rail Ltd said in a social media post.
It has been a slow progress for the Chennai Metro rail in terms of coverage. Phase I of Chennai Metro Rail project covers a length of 45.046 km and consists of two Corridors i.e. Corridor-I From Washermenpet to Airport (23.085 Km), Corridor -2 From Chennai Central to St. Thomas Mount (21.961 km).
In October 2024, the Union Cabinet approved the proposal of Phase II comprising three corridors – a long pending demand of the State. The total length of the approved lines will be 118.9 km with 128 stations.
The project completion cost is ₹63,246 crore and is planned to be completed by 2027. Once Phase II is fully operational, Chennai city will have a total metro rail network of 173 km. The Phase II Project comprises three corridors – from Madhavaram to Sipcot for a length of 45.8 Km with 50 stations; Lighthouse to Poonamallee Bypass for a length of 26.1 Km with 30 stations, and from Madhavaram to Sholinganallur for a length of 47 Km with 48 stations.
The next major milestone will be commissioning of the service from Porur Junction Metro Station and Poonamallee Bypass Metro Station in the Corridor 4 of the Phase II project. Trials are going on in this section. The city is waiting impatiently.
Published on June 29, 2025
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