Chennai Metro Phase II Koyambedu‑Trade Centre Stretch Nears Completion, Targeting June 2026 Opening
Updated (3 articles)
Progress Reaches Two‑Thirds of Planned Length The 12‑km Koyambedu‑Trade Centre segment of Phase II is 67 % built, positioning the line for a June 2026 service launch [1]. Construction advances include extensive civil works and station shell completions across the corridor. The milestone reflects steady momentum despite earlier schedule pressures.
Viaduct and Track Laying Near Completion Elevated viaduct work is slated to finish by the end of March, with roughly 2 km of track already installed at sites such as Mugalivakkam, Ramapuram, and the Trade Centre [1]. Concrete deck pours and pier installations are progressing on schedule. Track‑laying crews have begun alignment testing ahead of full commissioning.
Early Opening of Corridor 4 Interchange The Poonamallee‑Vadapalani stretch of Corridor 4 will open within two weeks, creating the first Phase I‑II interchange at Vadapalani [1]. This early service will allow passengers to transfer between the existing network and the new Phase II extensions. Operational trials are underway to ensure seamless passenger flow.
Double‑Decker Corridor Set for Four‑Month Completion The Alapakkam‑Alwarthirunagar double‑decker line is expected to be ready in four months, adding four new interchange stations at Alapakkam, Karambakkam, Valasaravakkam, and Alwarthirunagar [1]. The stacked design aims to maximize capacity within limited right‑of‑way. Structural works are on track, with signaling systems slated for installation soon.
Butt Road Station Faces Traffic‑Permission Delay Construction at Butt Road station stalls due to pending traffic clearance on Paul Wells Road, threatening the overall June deadline [1]. Pile‑driving and foundation activities cannot proceed without full road‑use approval. Authorities are negotiating expedited permits to mitigate the bottleneck.
CMRL Commits to Accelerated Workflows Chennai Metro Rail Limited asserts that remaining challenges are being actively addressed and that work will be accelerated to meet the target opening [1]. Additional resources are being deployed to the Butt Road site and other critical path items. The agency emphasizes adherence to safety and quality standards throughout the push.
Timeline
2025: Conduct trial run from Poonamallee to Porur, demonstrating early testing of Phase II Corridor 4 (source [2]).
Jan 3, 2026: Chennai Metro shortens peak‑hour interval on the Washermanpet–Alandur loop to 3‑3‑3 minutes, raising daily trips to 752 and easing congestion at major stations (source [3]).
Jan 4, 2026: Daily timetable adds 30 trips, bringing total trips to 752, as operators work extra hours within permissible limits (source [3]).
Jan 9, 2026: Officials postpone the Porur‑Vadapalani trial run to Jan 11, citing incomplete overhead electrification on the upward track and extended traction testing (source [2]).
Jan 11, 2026: Planned trial run on the downward track proceeds, while the upward track remains unfinished, potentially extending trials to Jan 14 (source [2]).
Jan 14, 2026 (potential): If upward‑track electrification delays persist, trial may continue beyond Jan 14, with an additional week likely needed (source [2]).
Feb 16, 2026: CMRL reports 67 % of the 12‑km Koyambedu‑Trade Centre stretch completed, with viaduct work slated to finish by end‑March and 2 km of track already laid (source [1]).
Feb 2026 (within two weeks): Corridor 4’s Poonamallee‑Vadapalani segment set to open, creating the first Phase I‑II interchange at Vadapalani (source [1]).
Mar 2026 (by end‑March): Elevated viaduct construction wraps up across sites such as Mugalivakkam, Ramapuram, and Trade Centre, clearing a key milestone for the June opening (source [1]).
Jun 2026 (target): Full passenger service on the Koyambedu‑Trade Centre stretch launches, completing Phase II’s 12‑km segment (source [1]).
Jun 2026 (four months from Feb): Double‑decker corridor between Alapakkam and Alwarthirunagar becomes operational, enabling four new interchange stations with Corridors 4 and 5 (source [1]).
Jun 2026 (deadline risk): Butt Road station construction stalls due to traffic‑permission delays on Paul Wells Road, threatening the June opening deadline for the Alandur extension (source [1]).
Jun 2026 (planned): CMRL pledges to accelerate work and resolve remaining challenges, aiming to keep the overall Phase II schedule on track (source [1]).