Chennai Metro Phase II: Driverless Train Trials To Begin On Porur–Poonamallee Stretch By Month-End

The Chennai Metro Rail Limited (CMRL) is set to begin trial runs of its first driverless train on the Porur–Poonamallee corridor by the end of April, according to a report by Thanthi TV.

The test run marks a significant leap in the city’s Phase II expansion, especially on a stretch that includes the sharpest curve in the entire network.

The stretch between Porur and Poonamallee features a tight curve of 127.55 metre radius at Porur, which CMRL officials confirmed is the sharpest in Phase II.

It will be tested to ensure safety and system efficacy. As per required standards, the radius of the curve cannot dip below 120 metre-radius, said CMRL officials.

Trains along this line will stop at ten key stations: Poonamallee Bypass, Poonamallee, Mullaithottam, Karayanchavadi, Kumananchavadi, Kattupakkam, Iyyappanthangal, Thelliyaragaram, Porur Bypass and Porur Junction.

Phase II of Chennai Metro includes 300 curves in total, with Koyambedu (127 m) and Alandur (126 m) following Porur in sharpness. Corridor 5, connecting Madhavaram and Sholinganallur over 44.6 km, will have the highest number of curves.

Inspecting the tunnelling work on the Kellys–Taramani stretch, Chief Minister MK Stalin confirmed, “Metro Rail service between Poonamallee and Porur would be inaugurated before the end of 2025.”

Stalin also took to social media, crediting the progress of the Metro to the “Dravidian model” governance. He highlighted that Phase II was initiated with full funding from the State government in 2021.

He renewed his appeal to the Union government for swift approval of proposed Metro Rail projects in Coimbatore and Madurai.

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