The Chennai Metro Rail Limited has completed safety inspections of the new Vadapalani–Poonamallee corridor, paving the way for its upcoming commercial launch. Officials confirmed that all trial runs, signaling checks and emergency drills were successfully concluded, ensuring the corridor is ready to begin operations for commuters across western Chennai.
The 23-kilometre corridor, which connects Vadapalani to Poonamallee, is expected to significantly reduce travel time for daily commuters while easing congestion on arterial roads. Chennai Metro officials said the new stretch includes six elevated stations and state-of-the-art facilities designed to handle peak passenger volumes efficiently. Safety verification involved rigorous testing of tracks, rolling stock, signaling systems, fire alarms and emergency response protocols.
Chennai Metro Rail Limited stated that the safety audit was conducted in accordance with both national and international standards for urban rail transport. Inspectors checked operational readiness, evacuation procedures and integration of automated control systems. The corridor also features modern amenities such as real-time passenger information boards, accessibility features for differently-abled commuters, and CCTV surveillance to enhance security.
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Transport experts noted that the Vadapalani–Poonamallee stretch would bolster connectivity to key residential, commercial and IT hubs in western Chennai. Officials said that the corridor’s launch would complement other metro lines, creating a seamless transit network across the city. Authorities have also undertaken public awareness campaigns to familiarize residents with the new stations and services ahead of the official opening.
While a commercial launch date is yet to be formally announced, sources within Chennai Metro indicated that operations could begin within the next few weeks following final clearances from regulatory authorities. Commuters and civic groups have welcomed the development, citing expectations of reduced road traffic, improved safety and faster commutes. With safety inspections successfully concluded, the corridor is now poised to become a critical addition to Chennai’s expanding urban transport infrastructure.
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