The Delhi Metro Rail Corporation is preparing to take over the station facilities of the 118.9-km phase II network. The operators are undergoing training, and trial runs are under way, says an official.
| Photo Credit: VELANKANNI RAJ B.
The Chennai Metro Rail plans to operate trains every six minutes during peak hours on the Poonamallee-Porur stretch of the phase II project.
In January 2026, the Chennai Metro Rail will commence train operations on the nine-km stretch from Poonamallee to Porur of corridor 4 (Poonamallee to Light House via Porur).
According to officials of the Chennai Metro Rail Limited (CMRL), 13 three-coach trains will be operated on this stretch, with nearly 30 operators on the roster. Though these trains are designed to be driverless, the transition to driverless operation will be gradual.
In the 54-km phase I and phase I extension network, 45 four-coach trains are operated every six minutes during peak hours. The trains run at a three-minute interval on the short stretch from Washermanpet to Alandur, and every 12 minutes on the longer routes from Chennai Central to Chennai airport and Chennai Central to St. Thomas Mount.
The Delhi Metro Rail Corporation, which bagged the CMRL’s contract to manage the 118.9-km phase II network, has mobilised its workforce, and is preparing to take over the station facilities. The operators are undergoing training, and trial runs are under way, an official said.
“Unlike the huge phase I stations, these stations will be compact, allowing commuters to reach the platforms quickly. As in the phase I network, the commuters can continue using the National Common Mobility Cards and the QR Code tickets. The stations on the Poonamallee-Porur stretch will also feature half-height platform screen doors, which were not available in the phase I network. These protective barriers have now been introduced on the elevated stretches of the phase II network to enhance safety,” an official said.
Approvals awaited
Meanwhile, the CMRL continues to await one of the major regulatory approvals from the Railway Board, only after which they can apply for the next level of safety clearance. “We are keeping track of the situation. We hope to get the approval soon,” another official said.
Published – December 16, 2025 12:19 am IST
