Chennai: CMRL Begins Dual-Line Trials On Corridor 4 Viaduct From Porur Junction To Poonamallee Bypass, Paving Way For December 2025 Launch

In a significant milestone for Chennai’s Rs 63,000 crore Phase 2 metro expansion, the Chennai Metro Rail Limited (CMRL) has commenced simultaneous trial runs on both up and down lines of Corridor 4’s 9.5km elevated stretch between Porur Junction and Poonamallee Bypass.

The corridor is part of CMRL's Rs 63,000 crore Phase 2 expansion project.

The dual-line testing, launched on Friday (6 June), signals steady progress towards the projected December 2025 launch date, The New Indian Express reported.

This segment will eventually see six fully automated, driverless three-car trains from Alstom operating under Unattended Train Operations (UTO).

Initially, however, operations will involve manual supervision for at least five to six months.

“We are focused on a gradual transition to ensure stability and safety,” said CMRL Managing Director M A Siddique.

The current downline trial marks the first full-directional test run, with the Poonamallee depot acting as the command hub during the commissioning stage.

Civil works, track laying, and overhead electrification are now complete. Trains are currently running at a cautious speed of 25 kmph, which is expected to scale up to 60–70 kmph over the coming month.

Signalling installation is slated for July, with the system set to surpass Phase I set up by incorporating a higher grade of automation.

The Delhi Metro Rail Corporation, supporting the implementation, has begun recruiting engineers for signalling software testing.

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