Chennai Metro: Washermenpet-Wimco Nagar Phase 1 Extension To Open From January, Trial Run On 24-26 December

The Chennai Metro Rail Limited (CMRL) is set to open up the 9 km-long Washermenpet to Wimco Nagar metro rail line from January 2021.

The trial runs on the stretch will be conducted from December 24-26, Times of India reports.

The line has two underground and six elevated stations and is an extension of phase-1 corridor from Washermenpet to Airport through Anna Salai.

The CMRL will undertake several steps for during the testing process. It will assess the distance between the centre of the track and the nearest structure, the alignment post which a metro train will be operated manually and also the signalling system by operating trains on the route daily.

The rail line is slated to be commissioned after inspection and approval of the commissioner of railway safety by the end of January. Hence, the issues and problems noted during the trial will be corrected by then. Places like Koukkupet, Tondiarpet, Thiruvottiyur and Wimco Nagar will be linked to the southern parts of Chennai through Anna Salai via this link.

The 32 km commute from Wimco Nagar to the airport could be traveled across in less than 90 minutes as a daily passenger rise of 30% is expected once the route is unfolded for the public.