Chennai Metro Trial Run Begins on Porur-Poonamallee Stretch: What to Expect

Chennai Metro Rail Limited (CMRL) has successfully conducted a trial run on the 9.5-km elevated stretch between Porur Junction and Poonamallee Bypass. This marks a significant step toward the official launch of the new metro corridor, expected to be operational by December 2025.  

Key Highlights  

- The trial run was conducted on the downline track from Porur to Poonamallee, following earlier tests on the upline in May.  
- The route features 10 elevated stations and connects to the Poonamallee Depot, which will serve as the central control hub for future operations.  
- The train operated at a low speed of 20 km/h for safety validation, with speed trials gradually increasing up to 70 km/h, the design speed for this line.  
- Over the next few months, CMRL will conduct tests on all six Alstom-supplied train sets, assess rolling stock performance, and initiate signal system trials.  

Route and Station Details  

- The Porur-Poonamallee stretch includes 10 elevated metro stations: Porur Junction, Chennai Bypass Crossing, Ramachandra Hospital, Iyyapanthangal Bus Depot, Kattupakkam, Kumananchavadi, Karayanchavadi, Mullai Thottam, Poonamallee Bus Terminus, and Poonamallee Bypass.  
- A notable feature of the stretch is the double-decker segment at Kattupakkam, where the viaduct runs above a highway.  

Driverless Train Technology  

- The new metro line is designed for Unattended Train Operation (UTO), allowing for driverless trains in the future.  
- Initially, trains will be operated with a person onboard. Once confidence is built and systems stabilize, the operation will transition to fully driverless mode.  

Infrastructure and Power Supply  

- CMRL inaugurated the newly commissioned Auxiliary Substation at Poonamallee Bypass, powered by a 33 kV supply from the depot’s receiving station.  
- This substation energizes key traction and station systems for the trial runs, ensuring smooth operations.  

Future Expansion Plans  

- Once the Porur-Poonamallee stretch opens, work will shift to the Porur-Vadapalani-Power House section and Alapakkam-Chennai Trade Centre segment, both targeted for completion by June 2026.  
- Tunneling work from Pondy Bazaar to Kodambakkam is expected to finish by July.  

Industry Perspective  

CMRL Managing Director M A Siddique emphasized that the trial run is a crucial step toward enhancing Chennai’s metro connectivity. He noted that the project is progressing on schedule, with further speed trials and system tests planned in the coming months.  

With this successful trial run, Chennai Metro is moving closer to expanding its network, offering commuters a faster and more efficient mode of transportation.  

Sources: Times Now, Times of India, MSN, The Hindu, Metro Rail News