Chennai: The planned commissioning of the first operational stretch of Phase II of the Chennai Metro Rail Limited (CMRL) has come under uncertainty after the mandatory final speed trial was postponed to the third week of February.
The speed trial, a crucial requirement prior to opening any new metro section, is to be conducted as part of the statutory inspection by the Commissioner of Metro Railway Safety (CMRS). Sources indicated that the CMRS, who had initially scheduled a three-day inspection, curtailed the visit to two days as CMRL had not yet secured the required clearances for the signalling system.
Signalling Clearances Pending
The signalling system — a critical component for train operations — must undergo two levels of independent safety assessment before speed trials can proceed:
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Certification by an independent expert validating the system installed by the contractor/manufacturer.
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A second approval from another independent assessor appointed by CMRL.
Only after these certifications are secured can the CMRS conduct the final speed trial.
With barely two weeks remaining before the previously targeted end-February launch, questions have emerged over whether the line can be opened as planned. However, CMRL officials expressed confidence that the approvals would be obtained on time.
“External experts gave feedback, and we are discussing with them,” a CMRL official said.
15-km Stretch Ready for Operations
The stretch in question covers 15 km from Poonamallee Bypass to Vadapalani, forming part of the 26.1-km Corridor-4 (Lighthouse–Poonamallee Bypass) under Phase II.
Once operational, trains will initially serve 11 stations, bypassing six stations beyond Porur Junction and terminating at Vadapalani to enable interchange with the Phase I network.
During the recent inspection, the CMRS reviewed:
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Station infrastructure
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Electrical systems
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Tracks and viaduct structures
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Rolling stock
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Other civil works
Phase II Overview
Phase II of the Chennai Metro spans 116.1 km across three corridors and is being implemented in stages, with overall completion targeted by December 2028.
While civil and systems works along the Poonamallee–Vadapalani stretch appear largely complete, the delay in signalling certification could push the commissioning timeline beyond February if approvals are not secured promptly.
Industry observers note that signalling validations are among the most critical safety checkpoints in metro projects, and any delay in certification directly impacts final commissioning schedules.
