The Phase 1 extension of the Chennai Metro from Washermenpet to Wimco Nagar is expected to become operational by the end of January 2021. The stretch will be opened once all the safety clearances are obtained from the authorities.
In a recent disclosure, the Tamil Nadu government has shared that Washermenpet-Wimco Nagar metro corridor of Chennai Metro is expected to become operational by the end of January 2021 or first week of February 2021.
The State government had planned to throw open the stretch by June 2020. However, the Coronavirus outbreak and resultant challenges halted the construction activities and delayed the project. The signalling work of the project is expected to be completed by mid-January 2021.
After this, the Commissioner of Metro Railway Safety (CMRS) and the team will visit the project for the final inspection. The CMRS will check the construction of the stations, facilities for emergency evacuation, the quality of construction and the working of passenger-related amenities like information display systems and automated fare collection gates.
According to the senior officials, the extension of Phase 1 will provide better transport facilities to North Chennai residents. The delay in operations was mainly due to signalling and CMRS inspection. Once all the clearances are obtained, the existing frequency of the project will be maintained.
