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The launch of two major urban rail projects in Chennai the MRTS extension from Velachery to St Thomas Mount and the first operational stretch of Chennai Metro Phase-2 has been delayed, postponing services that were expected to begin in early March. The 4.5 km MRTS extension, built at a cost of about INR 734 crore, is awaiting final safety certification from the Chief Commissioner of Railway Safety (CCRS) before passenger operations can commence. At the same time, the initial 14.6 km section of Metro Phase-2 between Poonamallee Bypass and Vadapalani has received conditional clearance but cannot open until remaining construction works, including deck slab installations on a double-decker viaduct, are completed. The two projects are expected to strengthen multimodal connectivity in the city by linking suburban rail, MRTS and metro networks once operational.
The scheduled opening of the Velachery St Thomas Mount extension of the Chennai Mass Rapid Transit System (MRTS) and the first operational section of Chennai Metro Phase-2 has been delayed due to pending regulatory approvals and incomplete construction works, postponing the launch of two key public transport projects in the city. Advertisement
The MRTS extension, which was expected to begin passenger services earlier this month, is awaiting the final safety certification from the Chief Commissioner of Railway Safety (CCRS). The statutory approval is mandatory before commercial operations can start on new railway infrastructure. Although the corridor has undergone inspection and trial runs, the certification required to formally commence services has not yet been issued.
The 4.5 km elevated extension links the existing Chennai Beach Velachery MRTS corridor to St Thomas Mount railway station. Built at an estimated cost of around INR 734 crore, the project includes two new stations at Puzhuthivakkam and Adambakkam. Once operational, the extension will enable direct train connectivity from Chennai Beach to St Thomas Mount and provide interchange facilities with both suburban rail and the Chennai Metro network.
Authorities conducted a statutory safety inspection of the corridor earlier this month, during which infrastructure components such as tracks, signalling systems, electrification and operational readiness were evaluated through motor trolley inspections and trial runs. The final clearance process is now awaited before the line can be opened to passengers.
Alongside the MRTS project, the launch of the first operational section of Chennai Metro Phase-2 has also been deferred. The initial stretch between Poonamallee Bypass and Vadapalani, covering approximately 14.6 km, received conditional approval from the Commissioner of Metro Rail Safety (CMRS). However, operations cannot begin until certain construction works are completed.
Among the pending tasks are the installation of 26 deck slabs on the double-decker viaduct being built along the corridor. This infrastructure integrates both metro rail and elevated road components and forms a critical structural element of the alignment. Authorities indicated that once the remaining works are completed and operational readiness is confirmed, the corridor may be opened in stages.
Officials have indicated that the first phase of Metro Phase-2 operations may begin with the Poonamallee Porur section once the necessary works are completed. The broader Phase-2 project comprises three corridors extending across the metropolitan region and is intended to significantly expand the city's urban rail network over the coming years.
Urban transport planners view both projects as important for improving multimodal connectivity in Chennai. The MRTS extension will enable interchange between suburban rail, MRTS and metro systems at St Thomas Mount, while the new metro corridors are expected to expand rapid transit coverage to additional residential and commercial areas across the city.
Commuters, however, will have to wait until the remaining regulatory approvals and construction works are completed before the new services can be introduced. Transport authorities have indicated that further announcements regarding operational timelines will be made once the final safety clearances and infrastructure readiness requirements are fulfilled.
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