PM launches Chennai Metro stretch worth Rs 4,900 crore, takes ride with CM Vijay

The inauguration was part of PM Modi's Chennai visit, during which development projects worth more than Rs 13,000 crore are being inaugurated across transport, highways, ports, petroleum and education. He was accompanied by Tamil Nadu Chief Minister Vijay for many of these events.

In Short

• New metro section has 11 elevated stations and a 3.7-km double-decker structure
• Modi offered prayers at Sri Jalakanteswara Swamy temple on IIT-Madras campus
• Visit included projects worth Rs 13,000 crore and a brief roadshow in Chennai

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday inaugurated the 15-km Poonamallee Bypass-Vadapalani stretch of Chennai Metro Rail Phase II, built at a cost of around Rs 4,900 crore, and took a train ride with Tamil Nadu Chief Minister C Joseph Vijay.

Modi and Vijay flagged off the new Metro services in the presence of Tamil Nadu Governor Rajendra Vishwanath Arlekar. The Prime Minister also bought a ticket and briefly interacted with an employee at the ticket counter before boarding the train with Vijay and other officials.

The newly inaugurated section is part of Corridor 4 of Phase II and features 11 elevated stations. The stretch is expected to improve connectivity between Chennai's western suburbs and the city centre, while reducing travel time for daily commuters.

CHENNAI METRO'S NEW STRETCH: KEY FEATURES

The newly opened section features a 3.7-km double-decker structure and advanced signalling systems designed to support driverless train operations.

The 11 stations on the stretch are Poonamallee Bypass, Poonamallee Bus Stand, Poonamallee Government Hospital, Karayanchavadi, Kumananchavadi, Kattupakkam, Iyappanthangal, Thelliyaragaram, Porur Bypass, Porur Junction and Vadapalani.

According to Chennai Metro Rail, passenger services on the stretch will begin at 4 pm on Sunday and operate in both directions until 9 pm.

From October 12, regular services will run between 7 am and 9 pm. The last trains will depart at 9 pm from both terminals, Poonamallee Bypass Metro and Vadapalani Metro on Corridor 4.

PM MODI OFFERS PRAYERS AT IIT-MADRAS TEMPLE

During his visit, Modi also offered prayers at the Sri Jalakanteswara Swamy temple on the IIT-Madras campus, accompanied by Vijay and Governor Arlekar.

Traditional music was played to welcome the Prime Minister. Priests explained the significance of a Srichakra at a sub-shrine dedicated to Lord Krishna and Lord Rama, where Modi offered flowers as part of the worship.

The centuries-old Lord Shiva temple on the campus was refurbished after the establishment of the premier educational institution.

PM'S CHENNAI VISIT, PROJECTS WORTH RS 13,000 CRORE

PM Modi arrived in Chennai around 11 am on Sunday to lay the foundation stones for several projects and dedicate others worth more than Rs 13,000 crore. Vijay received the Prime Minister at the airport with a bouquet of flowers and a warm smile.

PM also held a brief roadshow as his motorcade left the airport, waving to BJP workers and supporters gathered behind barricades. The crowds raised slogans, including “Bharat Mata Ki Jai”.

The Tamil Nadu BJP organised cultural programmes, including traditional dance performances, along the route to welcome the Prime Minister.

Security was tightened across the city ahead of the visit, with police announcing traffic diversions along the routes taken by Modi's motorcade.

The Prime Minister is also scheduled to attend the golden jubilee celebrations of Jaigopal Garodia Hindu Vidyalaya Matriculation Higher Secondary School.

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With inputs from PTI