CM Vijay Reviews Chennai Metro Expansion, Inspects Driverless Train Corridor

Tamil Nadu Chief Minister C. Joseph Vijay on Wednesday reviewed the progress of Chennai Metro Rail Limited (CMRL) Phase I and Phase II projects, focusing on construction milestones, operational preparedness, and the city's future Metro expansion plans. The review underscored the growing role of driverless Metro corridors in improving urban mobility and public transport efficiency.

Vijay began his inspection by travelling on the Metro from Government Estate Metro Station to Nandanam Metro Station, purchasing a ticket, interacting with commuters, and taking selfies with passengers. At the Operations Control Centre at CMRL headquarters, he assessed train operations, construction progress, and future expansion proposals with senior officials.

The chief minister also reviewed last-mile connectivity, directing officials to strengthen feeder transport services that connect Metro stations with commuters' final destinations. Improved integration with buses and other transport modes is expected to encourage greater use of public transit while easing traffic congestion.

Later, Vijay inspected the 101-foot-high balanced cantilever Metro bridge at Kathipara under Corridor 5 (Madhavaram–Sholinganallur) of Phase II. Officials explained that the engineering-intensive structure is being built without ground support pillars, using advanced construction techniques to avoid disrupting existing Metro services and road traffic.

The chief minister then visited the Porur Bypass Metro Station under Corridor 4 and travelled on a trial run of the driverless (Unattended Train Operation) Metro train between Porur Bypass and Poonamallee Bypass stations. He reviewed the corridor's operational readiness ahead of its expected commissioning.

The inspection reflected the Tamil Nadu government's commitment to expanding Chennai's Metro network with modern, automated transit systems. As the city grows, driverless corridors are expected to enhance operational efficiency, improve service reliability, increase passenger capacity, and support a more sustainable and connected urban transportation network.