Chennai: The Chennai Metro Rail Limited (CMRL) has announced a phased rollout plan for its highly anticipated Phase II project, with the first section between Poonamallee and Porur slated to become operational by December 2025. This ambitious project, being implemented at a cost of Rs 63,246 crore, will significantly expand the city’s urban transit network by adding 116 kilometers of track across three primary corridors. The entire phase is scheduled for completion by 2028, promising to revolutionize connectivity across Chennai.
According to the detailed timeline, the initial service on the Poonamallee-Porur stretch will feature modern, six-coach driverless trains. This will be followed by the opening of two more crucial links in June 2026: the Porur–Kodambakkam and Koyambedu–Nandanam sections. One of the most significant stretches, connecting Madhavaram in the north to the IT corridor in Sholinganallur, is targeted for a March 2027 launch. Work is progressing rapidly on the three main routes—Madhavaram-SIPCOT, Poonamallee-Light House, and Madhavaram-Manappakkam.
Chennai Metro Phase 2 update: A Fleet of 138 Trains, Including Driverless Technology
To service this massive expansion, CMRL is procuring a total of 138 trains, which includes a fleet of 32 advanced driverless metro trains. The implementation of driverless technology represents a major leap forward in automation and operational efficiency for the city’s public transport system. To maintain and service this large fleet, dedicated state-of-the-art metro rail workshops are under construction at Madhavaram and Poonamallee. Officials have confirmed that the project is in its final stages, marking a significant step towards easing Chennai’s traffic congestion.