Chennai Metro Rail Limited is targeting November 2026 for the first trial run on the Koyambedu–Chennai Trade Centre Metro stretch. Nearly 90% of the track-laying work has reportedly been completed.
However, November is only the target for trial operations. Passengers will not be allowed to use the line until all technical tests and mandatory safety approvals are completed.
What work is still pending?
Around 1.5 km of track work reportedly remains at different locations, including:
- Koyambedu
- Mugalivakkam
- The double-decker Metro section
CMRL must also complete overhead electrification, signalling installation, station entrances, exits and passenger-access facilities. Once the line is electrified, trains can begin signalling, braking and safety trials.
Areas covered by the new Metro stretch
The Koyambedu–Chennai Trade Centre Metro section will serve:
- Koyambedu ⏩ Koyambedu Market ⏩ Natesan Nagar ⏩ Virugambakkam ⏩ Alwarthirunagar ⏩ Valasaravakkam ⏩ Karambakkam ⏩ Alapakkam ⏩ Mugalivakkam ⏩ Ramapuram⏩ Manapakkam ⏩ Chennai Trade Centre
CMRL is also considering extending the trial section through Butt Road to Alandur. This extension has not yet been confirmed.
Reaching Alandur would be especially useful because passengers could connect with the existing Blue and Green Metro lines.
Chennai’s four double-decker Metro stations
A major feature of this stretch is the shared double-decker Metro structure. The four double-decker stations are:
- Alwarthirunagar
- Valasaravakkam
- Karambakkam
- Alapakkam Junction
These stations will serve both:
- Corridor 4, connecting Lighthouse and Poonamallee Bypass, and
- Corridor 5, connecting Madhavaram and Sholinganallur.
The complicated two-level structure is also one reason construction in this section has taken longer.
When can passengers actually use the Metro?
Trial runs are expected to continue for approximately four months. During this period, CMRL will test:
- Driverless train operation
- Automatic signalling
- Braking performance
- Platform stopping accuracy
- Power supply
- Emergency systems
- Passenger safety systems
Commercial services can begin only after the required safety inspections and approvals are completed.
Therefore, passenger operations are not likely to begin before early 2027. Even this is only a working estimate—not an officially confirmed opening date.
Why is the Vadapalani–Poonamallee Metro still not open?
The separate 14.6 km Vadapalani–Poonamallee Bypass Metro stretch faced earlier delays because of incomplete signalling, deck slabs, station construction and safety conditions.
But as of now the main line has since received the necessary operational clearance. Its present delay is reportedly linked mainly to the absence of a confirmed inauguration date.
Six intermediate stations—including the above mentioned four double-decker stations—were still unfinished. CMRL had planned to start trains by skipping these stations and open them later after completion and fresh safety inspections.
Current Status of Chennai Metro’s Other Phases and Corridors
Phase I – Fully Operational
Chennai Metro Phase I, including the Wimco Nagar extension, is fully operational. Its Corridor 1- Blue line and Corridor 2 -Green lines cover approximately 54 km and connect Chennai Central, Airport, Koyambedu, Alandur and Wimco Nagar.
Phase II – Corridor 3: Madhavaram to Siruseri SIPCOT
Construction is progressing on both the underground and elevated sections of this 45.8 km corridor. Piling and U-girder casting have been completed on the OMR elevated stretch, while tunnelling, station, viaduct and system works continue elsewhere. The corridor is expected to open in stages.
Phase II – Corridor 4: Lighthouse to Poonamallee Bypass
The 14.6 km Poonamallee Bypass–Vadapalani section has secured operational clearance but is still awaiting formal inauguration. Six intermediate stations were still under construction in the latest update. Work continues on the remaining Vadapalani–Lighthouse section.
Phase II – Corridor 5: Madhavaram to Sholinganallur
The Koyambedu–Chennai Trade Centre section is being prepared for a November 2026 trial run. Construction continues on the remaining sections towards Madhavaram and Sholinganallur, with the complete corridor expected to open in stages.
What property buyers should understand
The new Metro could improve demand around Virugambakkam, Valasaravakkam, Alapakkam, Porur, Ramapuram, Manapakkam, Mugalivakkam and Nandambakkam.
⭕ Building proposals located within 50 metres on either side of the centreline of an under-construction Metro alignment require a CMRL NOC in addition to regular planning permission.
But a general advertisement saying “Metro nearby” is not enough. Buyers should verify:
- Distance from the actual station entrance
- Whether the station will open during the first phase
- Safe pedestrian access
- Approach-road width
- Land-use classification
- Guideline value and recent registered prices
The November trial is an important milestone, but buyers should not treat it as the passenger-opening date.
Disclaimer: Project schedules may change depending on construction progress, testing, regulatory approvals and official inauguration decisions.