Chennai Metro Rail’s Phase II project is racing ahead on Corridor 5, stretching from Madhavaram to Sholinganallur, covering an extensive 44.6 km.
Recent updates reveal that track work has kicked off in a crucial stretch, marking a significant stride in the ambitious expansion.
Officials from Chennai Metro Rail Limited (CMRL) have confirmed that track work began a few weeks ago between the planned Metro stations at Echankadu and Vellakal. Simultaneously, the construction of piers along Corridor 5 is in full swing.
Corridor 5, like the other two corridors in the 116-km Phase II project, features a mix of elevated and underground sections. While work on the underground part (Kolathur to Villivakkam) has faced delays, progress on the elevated stretches—from Madhavaram to Koyambedu, Koyambedu to Ullagaram, and Ullagaram to Elcot—is on track, according to The Hindu report.
An official mentioned, “In Corridor 5, we have to build about 1,500 piers in total. We’ve completed approximately 150 piers between Madhavaram and Koyambedu, 142 between Koyambedu and Ullagaram, and 205 between Ullagaram and Elcot. Track laying has started where the piers are finished, like between Echankadu and Vellakal stations.”
The first operational stretch within Corridor 5, covering Madhavaram to Retteri, is expected to be ready by the end of 2026. Officials anticipate track work on this segment to begin in about six months.
Following activities, such as the installation of overhead electrical equipment, are set to kick off around the same time. Due to most stretches being elevated in this corridor, construction progress has been notably rapid, facing fewer challenges compared to the underground section, as highlighted by another official.
Meanwhile, Chennai Metro Rail is currently concentrating on completing construction between Poonamallee and Porur Junction, aiming for commissioning by the end of 2025.
The multi-corridor expansion aims to improve connectivity and meet the growing transportation needs of Chennai’s residents.
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