Poonamallee-Vadapalani Metro fares fixed at Rs 10-Rs 40 ahead of proposed October 11 inauguration

CHENNAI: Ahead of the much-anticipated inauguration of the line by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on October 11, the Chennai Metro Rail Limited has worked out the fare structure for the 14.64-km Poonamallee Bypass-Vadapalani Phase II corridor.

The fares on the stretch range from Rs 10 to Rs 40. CMRL sources said the fare chart would be uploaded on the official website after the formal inauguration.

Initial services are expected to operate at 10-minute intervals, with around 15 trains likely to be deployed on the route.

The fare from Poonamallee Bypass to Poonamallee Bus Stand has been fixed at Rs 10, while trips to intermediate stations, including Poonamallee Government Hospital, Karayanchavadi, Kumananchavadi, and Kattupakkam, will cost Rs 20.

The fare will rise to Rs 30 for Iyyappanthangal and stations towards Porur, while a journey from Poonamallee Bypass to Vadapalani will cost Rs 40.

The Poonamallee Bypass-Vadapalani section forms part of Corridor 4 of Chennai Metro Phase II, which will eventually connect Poonamallee Bypass with Lighthouse. The operational stretch is around 14.6 km long and has 11 elevated stations.

The fare chart covers stations along the newly opened section, with the lowest fare applicable to short-distance journeys and the maximum fare of Rs 40 for travel between the two terminal points.

The new line will provide an alternative for commuters from Poonamallee, Kumananchavadi, Kattupakkam, Iyyappanthangal, and Porur, who currently depend heavily on road transport.

At Vadapalani, commuters will be able to connect with the existing Phase I Metro network, providing access to other parts of the city. The opening of the stretch is also expected to improve connectivity between the western suburbs and central Chennai.

The proposed opening comes after months of delay. The stretch had received final approval from the Commissioner of Railway Safety in May after obtaining safety clearance and complying with the stipulated conditions.

But the line was not opened as it awaited the inauguration schedule.