Chennai Metro Phase II: CMRL Begins Overhead Equipment Installation On Poonamallee-Porur Stretch, To Meet 2025 Deadline

In a significant step towards meeting the deadline for the Chennai Metro Phase II project, Chennai Metro Rail Limited (CMRL) has commenced the installation of overhead equipment (OHE) on the Poonamallee to Porur stretch.

The Phase-II project encompasses three key corridors: Madhavaram to SIPCOT via Thirumayilai (Corridor-3), Light House to Poonamallee via T Nagar (Corridor-4) and Madhavaram to Sholinganallur via Medavakkam (Corridor-5).

The initial operational segment of corridor 4 from Poonamallee to Porur is slated to be functional by the end of 2025.

Officials from CMRL stated that the installation work started recently and is now progressing swiftly. "While the construction work along the Poonamallee-Porur stretch has been ongoing, we are simultaneously focusing on installing systems like OHE. The installation began a few weeks ago and is advancing at a commendable pace," an official stated.

The installation of masts, a critical component of the OHE system, is currently underway on the viaduct between Poonamallee and Porur. Out of nearly 500 masts needed for this section, about 200 have already been erected.

In the new depot at Poonamallee, where train maintenance and repairs will occur, the majority of the OHE work is complete. The next steps involve wiring and related tasks along the viaduct, reports The Hindu.

Despite the long-running construction of stations and the viaduct, progress slowed slightly over the past month as hundreds of workers returned home to vote in the Lok Sabha elections. Nonetheless track laying on this stretch has also been steadily advancing.

The multi-corridor expansion aims to enhance connectivity and cater to the growing transportation needs of Chennai's residents.