Chennai Metro Phase II: Progress Accelerates For Corridor 5, To Be Ready Before 2026

The construction of Chennai Metro Rail's Phase II project is gaining momentum along Corridor 5, spanning from Madhavaram to Sholinganallur, covering a substantial length of 44.6 km.

Recent developments indicate the initiation of track work in one of its stretches, marking a significant step forward in the ambitious expansion.

Chennai Metro Rail Limited (CMRL) officials have confirmed that track work commenced a few weeks ago between the proposed Metro stations at Echankadu and Vellakal. Simultaneously, the construction of piers along Corridor 5 is in full swing.

Similar to the other two corridors within the 116-km Phase II project, namely Corridor 3 (Madhavaram to SIPCOT) and Corridor 4 (Light House to Poonamallee), Corridor 5 comprises a combination of elevated and underground stretches. While work on the underground section (Kolathur to Villivakkam) has faced delays, progress on the elevated stretches — Madhavaram to Koyambedu, Koyambedu to Ullagaram, and Ullagaram to Elcot — is on track, as per The Hindu report.

An official stated, "In Corridor 5, we have to construct about 1,500 piers in total. We have completed approximately 150 piers between Madhavaram and Koyambedu, 142 between Koyambedu and Ullagaram, and 205 between Ullagaram and Elcot. Where the piers are finished, track laying has begun, such as between Echankadu and Vellakal stations."

The first operational stretch within Corridor 5, spanning from Madhavaram to Retteri, is anticipated to be ready before the close of 2026, according to officials. Track work on this segment is projected to commence in about six months.

Subsequent activities, including the installation of overhead electrical equipment, are expected to commence around the same time. Given that most stretches in this corridor are elevated, construction progress has been notably swift, with fewer challenges compared to the underground section, as highlighted by another official.

Meanwhile, the Chennai Metro Rail is currently focusing on completing construction between Poonamallee and Porur Junction, with plans for commissioning by the end of 2025.

The multi-corridor expansion aims to enhance connectivity and cater to the growing transportation needs of Chennai's residents.