Chennai Metro: Phase 2 gains momentum on Corridor 5, to be ready by 2026

Chennai Metro The Phase II project of the railway is progressing on Corridor 5, covering an extensive distance of 44.6 km from Madhavaram to Sholinganallur.

Recent updates show that track work has begun at a significant stage, marking a significant progress in the ambitious expansion.

Chennai Metro Rail Limited (CMRL) officials have confirmed that the track work between the planned metro stations at Ichankadu and Velakkal began a few weeks ago. Along with this, construction of pillars along Corridor 5 is also in full swing.

Corridor 5, like the other two corridors of the 116-km Phase II project, features a mix of elevated and underground sections. According to The Hindu report, while work on the underground portion (Kolathur to Villivakkam) has been delayed, progress on the elevated stretches – from Madhavaram to Koyambedu, Koyambedu to Ullagaram and Ullagaram to Elcott – is in progress.

“In total, we have to build around 1,500 piers in Corridor 5,” an official said. We have completed about 150 piers between Madhavaram and Koyambedu, 142 between Koyambedu and Ullagaram and 205 piers between Ullagaram and Elcott. Track laying work has started where pylon work has been completed, like between Ichankadu and Vellakal stations.

The first operational section within Corridor 5, from Madhavaram to Retteri, is expected to be ready by the end of 2026. Officials hope that track work on this section will begin in about six months.

The following activities, such as installation of overhead electrical equipment, are scheduled to begin at approximately the same time. As another official pointed out, with most stretches in this corridor being elevated, construction progress has been much faster and has faced fewer challenges compared to the underground section.

Meanwhile, Chennai Metro Rail is currently focusing on completing construction between Poonamallee and Porur Junction, with the aim of being operational by the end of 2025.

The multi-corridor expansion aims to improve connectivity and meet the growing transportation needs of Chennai residents.