CM Vijay inspects inauguration-ready Metro stretch as commuters await opening

CHENNAI: Amid mounting public expectation over the inauguration of Chennai Metro Rail Phase II's Corridor 4, Chief Minister C Joseph Vijay on Wednesday travelled by Metro from Porur to Poonamallee Bypass to inspect the section that is ready for commercial operations. However, there is still no official confirmation from Chennai Metro Rail Limited (CMRL), the TVK government or the Union government on when the stretch will be opened.

With traffic congestion worsening along the Poonamallee High Road corridor, commuters have intensified their demand for the early inauguration of the line.

The Chief Minister later carried out an extensive inspection of the ongoing Phase II project, reviewing progress at key construction sites and directing officials to expedite the work while maintaining high standards of safety and quality.

As part of the visit, Vijay travelled by Metro from Government Estate station to Nandanam station to inspect the CMRL headquarters. During the Metro ride, he interacted with passengers on board, enquired about their travel experience and posed for selfies with a few commuters. A large number of passengers and members of the public gathered at Nandanam Metro station to catch a glimpse of the Chief Minister upon his arrival.

Officials briefed him on the Operation Control Centre (OCC), which will serve as the central command facility for monitoring and managing Metro operations. He also reviewed the progress of the three Phase II corridors and various technical and operational aspects of the project.

At Guindy Kathipara, Vijay inspected the elevated Metro construction from a height of 101 feet, where officials explained the engineering design, passenger amenities and specialised construction techniques being adopted to build viaducts in densely populated urban areas with minimal disruption.

The Chief Minister also reviewed last-mile connectivity initiatives aimed at ensuring seamless access between Metro stations and surrounding residential and commercial areas. Officials informed him that the Phase II network is being designed to operate with Unattended Train Operation (UTO) technology, enabling fully automated driverless train services equipped with advanced safety systems.

The Chief Minister's visit also led to temporary traffic disruptions. Overcrowding was reported at some Metro stations, while public gatherings in Porur and Guindy, along with security arrangements, resulted in congestion on surrounding roads.