50 percent civil work completed on Chennai's Kodambakkam-Poonamallee Metro Line

Chennai, India (Metro Rail Today): In a significant development, commuters are anticipated to enjoy a swift 16km journey from Kodambakkam to Poonamallee within an impressive 60-minute timeframe, courtesy of the ongoing metro rail project. The completion of 50% of the construction along the route signals promising progress, with viaduct installations and station constructions actively underway.

Scheduled for completion by December 2024, there are optimistic expectations that this route could be the first to open to the public before December 2025. This route constitutes a vital segment of the 26.1km corridor 4, spanning from Lighthouse to Poonamallee Bypass. L Girirajan, spokesperson for Chennai Metro Rail Limited (CMRL), reported, "As of October, we have completed 54% of the work, with construction at entry and exit points and stations progressing steadily."

Key entry and exit points are currently under construction at Alapakkam, Valasaravakkam, Saligramam, Thelliagaram, Kattupakkam, and Poonamallee stations. Notably, the line features a 4km double-decker stretch comprising four stations. However, construction on this segment faced a temporary setback when workers encountered a high-voltage underground electricity cable obstructing pillar construction a few months ago.

The double-decker line poses a unique challenge, involving intricate construction as pre-stressed concrete segments are assembled one above the other on the pillars. Due to this complexity, the completion of the double-decker line might be delayed by at least six months, according to officials. CMRL Managing Director M A Siddique has previously indicated that the Powerhouse to Poonamallee stretch could be the first to open to the public in 2025, while Thirumayilai station, serving as an interchange of corridors 3 and 4, and nearby stations may be the last to open, projected for 2028.