Poonamallee-Porur-Vadapalani Metro to open October 11, says Stalin

Metro Launch

The new Poonamallee to Vadapalani metro line via Porur, built by the Dravidian model government, will open for public use on October 11 and will be inaugurated by the Prime Minister. DMK leader M.K. Stalin stated that every district features growth symbols that prove the modern state was built during DMK rule. The initial metro project began when Karunanidhi was Chief Minister and Stalin served as Deputy Chief Minister, with funding secured from JICA during a trip to Japan.

Phase Two Work

According to DinaMani, the second phase faced delays because the Railway Board took time to approve the signal system, and the announcement of assembly elections brought model code rules into force before the DMK government could open it. The second phase work saw slow progress during the previous AIADMK government and later faced a delay of over three years in the release of central government funds. Despite financial stress, the DMK government spent Rs 18,564 crore by September 2024 through state funds and foreign loans, while Stalin repeatedly met the Prime Minister to press for the 50:50 sharing model.

Context

Major urban transport infrastructure projects require extensive coordination between state and central authorities, alongside significant capital investment and foreign loan financing. Such large transit systems aim to ease heavy traffic congestion and provide reliable public connectivity across rapidly growing metropolitan areas.