After months of anticipation, Chennai Metro Rail's Phase II project has taken its first step towards becoming operational, with Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Tamil Nadu Chief Minister C. Joseph Vijay inaugurated the Poonamallee–Vadapalani stretch on Sunday, October 11, 2026. Modi, who was on a one-day visit to Chennai, and Vijay travelled by Metro between Porur Metro station and Poonamallee Bypass as officials briefed the Prime Minister about the project in the Chief Minister's presence.

The inaugural service operated from 4 pm to 9 pm on Sunday. From Monday, October 12, services will run from 7 am to 9 pm, offering commuters a new travel option along the corridor. One of the key features of the stretch is the installation of platform screen doors (PSD), marking the first time the safety feature has been introduced on an elevated section of Chennai Metro.

However, some work remains incomplete. Six stations between Vadapalani and Porur, along with the entry and exit points of Vadapalani station, are expected to be ready by December. Until then, passengers will access Vadapalani station through a link bridge connecting the Phase I and Phase II networks.

Once the stretch becomes fully operational, Chennai Metro's network will extend to 69 km. This will place Chennai alongside Hyderabad, which also has 69 km of operational metro lines, while the city currently ranks seventh among Indian cities with metro networks.

Ticket Prices Remain Unchanged

Chennai Metro Rail ticket prices will remain unchanged with the start of Phase II operations. A journey from Poonamallee to Vadapalani will cost ₹40, giving commuters a new option for travelling between the two areas.

To improve last-mile connectivity, the Metropolitan Transport Corporation (MTC) will also operate bus services from stops near Phase II stations along the Poonamallee Bypass–Vadapalani stretch from Sunday, October 11. The new Metro corridor, supported by connecting bus services, is expected to make daily travel more convenient for passengers as Chennai continues to expand its public transport network.