Chennai: In a major boost to Chennai’s urban mobility, Chennai Metro Rail Limited (CMRL) has plans to greatly expand the Phase 2 network, significantly improving urban transport in Chennai. The successful trial of the major elevated section of the Phase 2 network now allows CMRL to plan to open its Corridor 5 (the Red Line) to Alandur, the interchange location for Phase 2 and the Blue and Green Lines, by June 2026, instead of stopping service at Nandambakkam as initially planned. This will create better connectivity and seamless transfers between the two phases of the metro system, as per The New Indian Express report.
Koyambedu to Alandur in Minutes!
The original plan for Corridor 5 consisted of a 12-km stretch from Koyambedu to Nandambakkam (Chennai Trade Centre) set to be operational by mid-2026.
CMRL managing director MA Siddique said that they will operate Corridor 5 to Alandur, which contains a large multi-level transfer hub that connects to the established Chennai Metro rail grid. Thus making it easy for subway users to transfer from one line to another without having to leave the subway system.
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Chennai’s New Double Checker Track
A key feature in this segment is the uniquely engineered double-decker viaduct. The Vadapalani-Poonamallee depot will undertake commercial operation by the middle of February 2026. The following extension, connecting to Alandur, utilises this double-decker viaduct to connect through one of the busiest corridors of the city.
What Are the Challenges?
Although the planned operational date of June 2026 is aggressive, officials are aware of the obstacles ahead. The construction along Butt Road, a narrow road in St Thomas Mount, is likely to remain challenging due to heavy commercial development and traffic restrictions; to reduce public disruption, CMRL is creating piers only at designated hours overnight.
Once operational, this segment will serve as an important link between significant trade and residential areas. The completed Red Line of Mass Rapid Transit (MRT) will stretch 47 km from Madhavaram to Sholinganallur and will significantly shorten the travel times for residents in the areas of Porur, Karambakkam and Alapakkam, who presently must navigate congested roadways to reach South Chennai.
Chennai Metro Rail Limited (CMRL) has awarded a ₹137.08-crore contract to Jakson Limited for electrical, plumbing and fire-protection works at eight underground stations on Phase 2 Corridor-4, between Light House Metro and Kodambakkam Metro. The agreement was signed by Manoj Goyal, Director (Systems and Operations), CMRL, and Yogendra Prasad, Senior Manager (EPC Business), Jakson Limited, according to an official release.
