Chennai Metro Eyes November Trial Run for Koyambedu-Trade Centre Line

Chennai Metro Rail Ltd is preparing to operate its first trial train on the nearly 26-kilometre Koyambedu to Chennai Trade Centre stretch by November this year. The trial testing phase is scheduled to continue for approximately four months to evaluate the system thoroughly before commercial operations can commence for passengers.

According to T Archunan, director (projects) of Chennai Metro Rail Ltd (CMRL), nearly 90 per cent of the track work on the Koyambedu-Chennai Trade Centre section has already been completed. Metro authorities are also evaluating plans to extend the operational stretch up to Alandur, with internal board discussions currently underway.

Only about 1.5 kilometres of track laying remains to be finished on the route. This pending portion includes 300 metres on the double-decker section, approximately 150 metres at Koyambedu station, and additional track work in the Mugalivakkam section. Officials aim to wrap up these remaining track works within the next 10 days, while station entry and exit construction is also slated for completion by November.

CMRL is gearing up to run driverless trains along the corridor. The transit agency has already conducted trials using driverless train sets to acquire operational experience, and the necessary software has been installed on the fleet, Archunan confirmed.

The 3.6-kilometre stretch linking Alandur and the Chennai Trade Centre, which passes largely along Butt Road through a densely built-up corridor of commercial establishments and homes, has yet to be connected. Finishing work on this segment could require an additional 45 to 60 days.

Trial operations on the corridor will officially start only after traction electrification work concludes, which is expected to take roughly one month, followed by signalling trials. Consequently, the commercial opening of the Koyambedu-Alandur section is considered unlikely before next year and may occur in the first quarter, subject to approvals.

Meanwhile, an official inauguration date remains uncertain for the separate 14.6-kilometre Vadapalani-Poonamallee stretch. Metro officials have not yet received confirmation from the Prime Minister’s Office regarding when that completed section will be commissioned.