Chennai, Oct 11, 2026 14:25 ISTPrime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday inaugurated the 15-kilometre Poonamallee Bypass-Vadapalani stretch of Chennai Metro Rail Phase II, constructed at an approximate cost of Rs 4,900 crore, and subsequently took a train ride with Tamil Nadu Chief Minister C Joseph Vijay.
Modi and Vijay officially flagged off the new transit services alongside Tamil Nadu Governor Rajendra Vishwanath Arlekar. Prior to boarding, the Prime Minister purchased a ticket and exchanged brief remarks with a counter employee, accompanied by Vijay and other state officials.
Forming a key part of Corridor 4 under Phase II, the newly opened section includes 11 elevated stations designed to enhance transit links between western suburbs and downtown Chennai while shortening commutes. The infrastructure features a 3.7-kilometre double-decker segment and modern signalling technology built to accommodate future driverless train operations.
Stations along this route encompass Poonamallee Bypass, Poonamallee Bus Stand, Poonamallee Government Hospital, Karayanchavadi, Kumananchavadi, Kattupakkam, Iyappanthangal, Thelliyaragaram, Porur Bypass, Porur Junction, and Vadapalani. Commercial operations for the corridor were scheduled to commence on Sunday afternoon, with full daily timetables taking effect the following day.
During his itinerary in the city, Modi also visited the Sri Jalakanteswara Swamy temple on the IIT-Madras campus to offer prayers, joined by Vijay and Governor Arlekar. Temple priests guided the dignitaries through rituals and explained the historical and spiritual background of the shrine.
Arriving in Chennai in the late morning, Modi was welcomed at the airport by Chief Minister Vijay before embarking on a brief roadshow where crowds and party workers greeted the motorcade with slogans and traditional performances. The visit highlights a wider rollout of infrastructure initiatives exceeding Rs 13,000 crore across transport, highways, ports, petroleum, and education sectors in the region.