Hours after Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Tamil Nadu chief minister C. Joseph Vijay jointly inaugurated the metro rail service connecting Porur Bypass and Poonamallee, major opposition parties the Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK) and the All India Anna Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (AIADMK) both claimed credit for bringing the infrastructure initiative to life during their past administrations.
The IT wing of the opposition DMK stated on social media that the foundational approval given by former chief minister M.K. Stalin represented far more than just a transit service, calling it a historic signature for the generation that constructed Chennai's future. The party argued that the development of the Porur-Poonamallee metro segment took place under its tenure.
Simultaneously, AIADMK general secretary Edappadi K. Palaniswami, who welcomed Prime Minister Modi at the airport, asserted that the Detailed Project Report for the infrastructure effort was formulated when the AIADMK administration was in power under his leadership. He noted that approval from the central government was secured and the foundation stone was laid by Union Home Minister Amit Shah.
Palaniswami mentioned that although central funds were initially delayed, his administration allocated state funds to initiate the construction work. He added that after repeated personal appeals to the Prime Minister, the central administration approved a financial allocation of ₹63,246 crore in 2024, enabling the completion of the corridor.
Expressing satisfaction that the initial efforts of the AIADMK administration have matured, Palaniswami took a political jab at contemporary publicity stunts, emphasizing that his focus has always been on substantive action rather than superficial imagery. He remarked that public welfare projects initiated by his party continue to bring a sense of pride regardless of which political entity holds power.
Following the flag-off ceremony, Prime Minister Modi and Chief Minister Vijay experienced the newly opened route by taking a metro ride from Porur Bypass station to Poonamallee Bypass station. Constructed at an expense of ₹4,900 crore, the newly opened corridor incorporates a distinctive 3.7-kilometer double-decker structure alongside modern signalling technology intended to facilitate future driverless train operations.
The newly launched transit link is anticipated to significantly decrease daily travel durations and enhance transit options between Chennai's expanding western suburban areas and the core of the city.