CHENNAI: The Chennai Metro Rail Limited said the first trial run on the Porur-Vadapalani section of Corridor 4 is scheduled for January 11, following the completion of initial traction testing and electrification works, which are expected to conclude by Friday midnight.
Integrated system testing, covering rolling stock movement, power supply and signalling interfaces, will continue through Saturday, with the timing of Sunday’s run to be announced later.
CMRL had initially planned to commence train services between Poonamallee Bypass and Porur Junction by the end of January. However, the plan has now been revised to extend services up to Vadapalani in February to provide commuters direct connectivity to the Phase I network. From Poonamallee Bypass, trains will halt at 10 stations up to Porur Junction and then proceed to Vadapalani, bypassing six stations in between.
The agency received approval from the Railway Board in December for signalling works between Poonamallee and Porur and is awaiting a speed certificate from the Research Design and Standards Organisation. Only after securing the required clearances can the line be energised.
Officials said the operation of driverless train services on the 15.8 km stretch from Poonamallee Bypass to Vadapalani is likely to begin in February.