Chennai Metro opens new 11-station line in Phase II expansion

A new section of the Chennai Metro Phase II, the Poonamallee-Vadapalani stretch on the Yellow Line, has officially opened for passenger service. Inaugurated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on October 11, the approximately 15-kilometer elevated line includes 11 stations, including Poonamallee Bypass, Porur, and Vadapalani.

Passenger numbers showed immediate demand, with over 80,000 journeys recorded during the first two days of operation. Following the initial launch, regular service hours have been established from 07:00 to 21:00 daily, with trains running every 10 to 15 minutes depending on the time of day.

Further expansion is underway as Chennai Metro Rail Limited (CMRL) works on the Madhavaram–Sholinganallur corridor. Officials expect the Koyambedu–Nandambakkam section to be operational within six months, with construction currently around 70 percent complete for that stretch. This upcoming segment is part of a larger 47-kilometer corridor designed to connect densely populated residential and commercial areas.