Chennai Metro Rail’s trial run for the phase II project from Porur Junction to Vadapalani has been postponed to January 11. The Poonamallee to Vadapalani via Porur stretch is scheduled for passenger operations next month, and before that, such trial runs of trains are essential to check the smooth working of various systems. 

Chennai Metro Rail’s 118.9 km phase II project designed with three corridors—corridor 3 (Madhavaram to SIPCOT), corridor 4 (Poonamallee to Light House) and corridor 5 (Madhavaram to Sholinganallur) will first see the opening of a short section of corridor 4 from Poonamallee to Vadapalani, covering a length of 15.8 km.

According to officials of Chennai Metro Rail Limited (CMRL), the trial run was expected to be held on Friday, but now it has been rescheduled and will take place on January 11. It is to be noted that the trial run from Poonamallee to Porur was held last year.

“The overhead electrification work was going on in full swing and we estimated that it would be over by 5 p.m. and the trial run can then take place. But a few more hours were needed for the initial traction testing and electrification to be completed. The testing will continue on Saturday as well. The trial run with the train is likely to happen around 11 a.m. on Sunday,” an official said.

The trial run will take place on the downward track line on January 11. The overhead electrification work on the upward track line is yet to be finished. Officials said they are looking to extend the trial run on the upward track line on January 14. But sources said, it may be very difficult to complete the overhead electrification work in the upward track line in a couple of days, and at least a week’s time will be required.