Chennai Metro Phase II: Countdown to January 2026 Launch!

The first operational stretch of Chennai Metro Phase II—from Poonamallee to Porur on Corridor 4—is now expected to open in January 2026, marking a slight delay from the earlier target of December.

Chennai Metro Rail (CMRL) officials have attributed the revised timeline to slower progress on station entry and exit structures, along with pending statutory approvals. Key clearances from the Railway Board and the Research Designs and Standards Organisation (RDSO) are still awaited. Before opening, the line must undergo an inspection by the Commissioner of Railway Safety (CRS), which is anticipated in the third week of December, subject to the issuance of required speed and ISI certificates.

Despite the delays, CMRL remains optimistic. Over 93% of construction is complete, and entry and exit points at major stations are expected to be finished by the end of December. Once all regulatory approvals are in place, the project will seek an official inauguration date from both the State and Central governments.

News by Rahul Yelligetti.