Chennai Metro: Corridor 5’s Phase II Speeds Up and Will Be Completed by 2026
Phase II of the Chennai Metro Rail project is moving quickly along Corridor 5, which stretches 44.6 km from Madhavaram to Sholinganallur.
According to recent reports, track development has begun in a critical area, which represents a major advancement in the ambitious extension.
Track construction between the proposed metro stations at Echankadu and Vellakal started a few weeks ago, according to officials from Chennai Metro Rail Limited (CMRL). Concurrently, pier work along Corridor 5 is underway.
Similar to the other two corridors in the 116 km Phase II project, Corridor 5 comprises a combination of above-ground and below-ground parts. The Hindu article states that while there have been delays on the subterranean portion (Kolathur to Villivakkam), the raised portions (Madhavaram to Koyambedu, Koyambedu to Ullagaram, and Ullagaram to Elcot) are progressing as planned.
An official said, “We need to build roughly 1,500 piers in total for Corridor 5.” About 150 piers have been finished between Ullagaram and Elcot, 142 between Koyambedu and Madhavaram, and 205 between Ullagaram and Koyambedu. Where the piers are completed, such as between the stations of Echankadu and Vellakal, track laying has begun.
By the end of 2026, Corridor 5’s first operational stretch—which runs from Madhavaram to Retteri—should be completed. Track construction on this portion is expected to start in roughly six months, according to officials.
The commencement of subsequent tasks, such installing overhead electrical equipment, is scheduled at around the same time. Another official said that since the majority of this route is elevated, building has advanced more quickly and has encountered less obstacles than the subterranean portion.
With a goal of commissioning by the end of 2025, Chennai Metro Rail is now focusing on finishing the work between Poonamallee and Porur Junction.
The goal of the multi-corridor development is to provide connectivity and accommodate Chennai’s expanding transportation demands.
