Mon Dec 08 00:28:00 UTC 2025: Okay, here’s a summary and news article based on the provided text:

Summary:

The opening of the first stretch of Chennai Metro Rail’s Phase II project, from Poonamallee to Porur (Corridor 4), is likely to be delayed until January 2026. The delay is due to a combination of factors, including incomplete station entry/exit points and pending regulatory clearances from the Research Designs and Standards Organisation (RDSO) and the Railway Board. CMRL is working to complete construction and obtain the necessary approvals to schedule an inspection by the Commissioner of Railway Safety (CRS) in the third week of December. Completion of entry/exit structures at Karayanchavadi and Kumananchavadi stations is particularly challenging, but CMRL aims to have at least one entry/exit point operational at each station by the end of December. After CRS approval, an inauguration date will need to be scheduled with the central and state governments.

News Article:

Chennai Metro’s Poonamallee-Porur Line Faces January Opening After Deadline Miss

CHENNAI, INDIA – December 8, 2025 – The eagerly anticipated opening of the first section of Chennai Metro Rail’s Phase II project, connecting Poonamallee to Porur (part of Corridor 4), is now expected to occur in January 2026, pushing back the original December 2025 deadline.

Chennai Metro Rail Limited (CMRL) officials cite a confluence of factors for the delay, including ongoing construction work at station entry and exit points and the need for crucial regulatory clearances. Key approvals from the Research Designs and Standards Organisation (RDSO) and the Railway Board within the Ministry of Railways are still pending.

“We have escalated the issue to the Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs,” a CMRL official stated. “We expect the Railway Board to issue signaling approval and the RDSO speed certificate by December 8th or 9th.”

Upon receiving these approvals, CMRL must formally apply to the Commissioner of Railway Safety (CRS) to schedule an inspection of the stretch. This inspection, contingent on the RDSO speed certificate and an ISI certificate, is tentatively planned for the third week of December, pending the issuance of the RDSO certificate. Successful completion of the CRS inspection and subsequent certification is a prerequisite for public opening.

Sources within CMRL indicated that completing the construction of entry/exit points, especially at Karayanchavadi and Kumananchavadi stations, presents a significant challenge. The organization aims to complete at least one entry/exit point per station by the end of December.

“Over 93% of the construction work between Poonamallee and Porur has been completed,” an official stated. “We have mobilized a large workforce and will definitely complete the construction before the end of December.”

Once all clearances are secured, CMRL will coordinate with both the central and state governments to determine an official inauguration date for the new metro line. Commuters will have to remain patient while final work and regulatory processes conclude.

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