Poonamalle to Porur Metro launch pushed to January 2026, pending final approvals

Chennai: The eagerly awaited opening of the Poonamalle Bypass to Porur Junction section under Chennai Metro Rail's Phase-II project has been postponed, with officials now targeting a January 2026 launch. This initial stretch of the Yellow Line was previously anticipated to be operational by the end of this year.

The delay stems from pending statutory approvals required before passenger service can commence. According to Chennai Metro Rail Limited (CMRL) officials, while over 93% of the civil construction work on the 10-kilometer elevated corridor is complete, final clearances from key railway safety authorities are still awaited.

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The project is being executed in three distinct phases: Poonamalle Bypass to Porur Junction, Porur Junction to Kodambakkam Power House, and Kodambakkam Power House to Porur Junction. The current focus is on the first segment. Officials clarified that the construction itself is on track to be finished by the end of December 2025. However, the subsequent approval process has pushed the inauguration into the new year.

Poonamalle to Porur Metro Approval Process and Next Steps

The holdup involves clearances from the Research Designs and Standards Organisation (RDSO), the Railway Board, and the Ministry of Railways. CMRL has made a formal request to the Union Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs to expedite the process. Officials expect to receive the critical RDSO speed certificate and signaling approval by December 9.

Following this, an application will be submitted to the Commissioner of Railway Safety (CRS) for the final safety inspection. The CRS will conduct a physical inspection of the line and, upon satisfaction, issue the necessary safety certificates, including the ISI certification for systems.

Once these approvals are secured, CMRL will conduct a series of comprehensive test runs on the section. Only after successful testing will the line be opened to the public.

Poonamalle - Porur Metro status: Looking Ahead

Porur to Kodambakkam Power HouseIn related developments, CMRL has indicated that the subsequent section—from Porur Junction to Kodambakkam Power House—is projected to be ready for use by June 2026. Work on the third phase, from Kodambakkam Power House back to Porur Junction, is currently in its preliminary stages.