Source : THE HINDHU | Dated : Apr 28, 2025
CHENNAI: Chennai Metro Rail is expected to commence the trial run for the 9.1-km stretch from Poonamallee to Porur on Monday (April 28). As part of the ₹63,246-crore phase II project, it is gearing up to begin passenger operations with driverless trains along this stretch later this year.
Along the Poonamallee-Porur stretch, which is an elevated corridor, commuters can access stations at the following 10 locations: Poonamallee Bypass, Poonamallee, Mullaithotaam, Karayanchavadi, Kumananchavadi, Kattupakkam, Iyyapanthangal, Thellaiyagaram, Porur Bypass, and Porur Junction. This 9.1-km segment falls under corridor 4 of the phase II project (Light House to Poonamallee via Porur) and will be the first to be inaugurated under this phase.
In the last week of March, Chennai Metro Rail conducted the first trial between Poonamallee to Mullaithottam amid some technical glitches in the overhead equipment, and subsequent trials have been progressing along this 3-km stretch rather smoothly, according to officials of Chennai Metro Rail Limited (CMRL).
The trials are going to be carried out on one of the tracks (upline). The second track (downline) will be ready, along with the overhead equipment, by June first week. The work on the first track is complete, and the overhead equipment work is nearing completion. It will be ready before the trial on Monday, officials said.
Multiple trial runs
“In the first trial, between Poonamallee and Mullaithottam, the trains were operated at only 15 kmph. This time, the average speed is likely to be 35-40 kmph. In the past month, we tested trains at 80 kmph, and there were no issues,” an official said. As of now, two trains are undergoing trials, and the other two will also be inducted into the testing process shortly.
Apart from testing the train for braking, air-conditioning, acceleration, and deceleration, the trials will also involve checking other aspects of the track and overhead equipment.
“As far as the track is concerned, we have double resilient fasteners, which will ensure there are no vibrations. Nevertheless, we will check them during the trials to be entirely sure. The parameters, geometry, and alignment of the track will be examined. We will also inspect whether there is noise during the train operations. If that occurs, we will take measures to prevent it so that passengers don’t face any discomfort during travel,” a source said.
‘Extend the network’
S. Bala, a frequent commuter, said that while he is glad Metro services will begin along this stretch, many will benefit only when the network is extended and becomes operational up to Vadapalani next year, where there is connectivity to the Phase I network. “For many who return home from other districts, quite a lot of buses stop at Porur. Those residing in Kattupakkam, Poonamallee, or Iyyapanthangal can take the train from Porur and head home. For others, initially, it may just be a joy ride,” he added.