• Source:JND
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Chennai Metro: Chennai Metro Rail will begin trial runs today on a 9.1-kilometre stretch between Poonamallee and Porur. According to reports, the Chennai Metro Rail Limited (CMRL) will test driverless trains on this route from 3 PM to 6 PM. This trial is part of Phase II of the Metro project and marks an important step towards launching driverless services in the city.

Earlier, on April 20, a shorter trial was conducted over a 2.5-kilometre distance at a speed of 25 km/h. In the latest trial, the speed is expected to reach between 35 km/h and 40 km/h. Officials have already tested operations at 80 km/h without any issues.

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Chennai Metro Update: Poonamallee And Porur Stretch Includes 10 Metro Stations

Poonamallee Bypass, Poonamallee, Mullaithottam, Karayanchavadi, Kumananchavadi, Kattupakkam, Iyyappanthangal, Thelliyaragaram, Porur Bypass and Porur Junction. This corridor features the sharpest curve in the Phase II network, with a radius of 127.55 metres near Porur. The standards require that curves should not go below a 120-metre radius.

The Poonamallee-Porur route is part of Corridor 4, which will connect Light House to Poonamallee via Porur. It will be the first section to open for public use under Phase II, which has an overall budget of Rs 63,246 crore.

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Chennai Metro Trial Run Between Poonamallee And Mullaithottam

In recent weeks, CMRL has conducted several trial runs between Poonamallee and Mullaithottam. Although technical issues with overhead equipment were reported initially, trials have since progressed smoothly along a three-kilometre stretch. Today's run will take place on one track, with the second track likely ready by early June.

The trial runs focus not only on speed but also on important checks such as braking, acceleration, air-conditioning, track alignment, noise levels and vibrations.

Chennai is on track to become the second Indian city, after Delhi, to introduce fully driverless Metro trains. Once operational, these trains are expected to help cut emissions, reduce traffic congestion and support continuous, high-frequency service, further improving urban mobility in Chennai’s western region.