Chennai Metro Rail Limited (CMRL) is making impressive progress on the Madhavaram Milk Colony-Retteri stretch as part of Corridor-5 in the Chennai Metro Phase-II project. With a target completion date of mid-2026, this 7 km stretch is expected to be commissioned earlier than anticipated.

The construction and commissioning of the stretch, which connects Madhavaram Milk Colony to Retteri junction, will be completed within three years. Pillars have already been erected, and viaducts have been installed over a 400 m stretch in Retteri.

As part of the overall Phase-II project, CMRL plans to build 118 stations across three corridors: Corridor-3 (Madhavaram to SIPCOT), Corridor-4 (Light House to Poonamallee), and Corridor-5 (Madhavaram to Sholinganallur). The focus is on efficient execution of this mass rapid transit system.

The Madhavaram Depot Metro line, which is currently under construction, will have stations at strategic locations, including Madhavaram Depot Metro, Assisi Nagar, Manjambakkam, Velmurugan Nagar, Madhavaram Bus Terminus, Shastri Nagar, and Retteri junction.

M A Siddique, the managing director of CMRL, expressed confidence in completing the Madhavaram to Retteri stretch by 2024. The laying of tracks and the delivery of driverless trains by the manufacturer will follow. The actual commissioning of the stretch, however, is dependent on the opening of the Porur-Poonamallee line on corridor-4.

Despite initial challenges and changes in priority corridors, CMRL remains committed to the Phase-II project. The entire Phase-II, spanning 118.9 km, is estimated to be commissioned between 2026 and 2028. The Phase-I network, covering 54.1 km, is already fully operational.

Exciting developments are underway in Chennai’s metro system, promising enhanced connectivity and improved transportation for residents and visitors alike. Stay tuned for more updates on this remarkable infrastructure expansion.