Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Tamil Nadu Chief Minister C. Joseph Vijay on Sunday, 11 October 2026, jointly flagged off the inaugural train on the Chennai Metro Rail Phase 2 network at Porur Bypass Road Metro station, marking a landmark moment in the city's public transport expansion. The launch of the Poonamallee–Vadapalani corridor, built at a cost of ₹750 crore, brings 11 new stations into service on the first operational stretch of the Phase 2 project.

Key Developments

The inauguration formed the centrepiece of Prime Minister Modi's first visit to Chennai since the Vijay government took office in Tamil Nadu. Upon arriving at Chennai airport, Modi was received by Governor Rajendra Arlekar, Chief Minister Vijay, state ministers, AIADMK general secretary Edappadi K. Palaniswami, BJP leader Nainar Nagenthran, and other political leaders. Strict security arrangements were put in place across the city for the visit.

At Porur Bypass Road Metro station, Modi and Vijay inspected the facilities before jointly flagging off the first service. Modi sought detailed briefings from officials on the Metro network's operations and the new train arrangements.

Modi Pays Fare via UPI, Travels to Poonamallee

In a symbolic gesture ahead of boarding, Prime Minister Modi purchased his ticket using the Unified Payments Interface (UPI). He then travelled with Chief Minister Vijay from Porur Bypass Road to Poonamallee on the inaugural run, during which officials briefed him on system operations. Modi also interacted with students and workers aboard the train — a moment that drew significant public attention.

Highway, Railway and Port Projects Launched

The Metro inauguration was part of a broader infrastructure programme. Modi laid foundation stones and inaugurated completed national highway works across Tamil Nadu, together valued at ₹3,700 crore, covering projects at both construction and commissioning stages. He separately dedicated railway infrastructure projects worth ₹750 crore to the nation.

At Chennai Port, Modi inaugurated four infrastructure projects aimed at expanding cargo-handling capacity and strengthening Tamil Nadu's maritime facilities. This made the port development a distinct component of the day's multi-sector programme.

What the Phase 2 Corridor Means for Chennai

The Poonamallee–Vadapalani stretch is the first operational section of Chennai Metro's Phase 2, a significantly larger network expansion that has been years in planning. The corridor connects densely populated western suburbs to the existing Metro grid, easing commuter pressure on arterial roads. Notably, this inauguration comes as Indian cities are increasingly prioritising rail-based mass transit to address urban congestion and pollution. The full Phase 2 buildout is expected to add several more corridors over subsequent years, subject to civil work completion.

Political Significance of the Visit

This is Prime Minister Modi's first visit to Chennai since Chief Minister Vijay — the actor-turned-politician — led his party to power in Tamil Nadu. The joint flag-off signals a working relationship between the Centre and the state government, with the day's total infrastructure outlay underscoring federal investment in Tamil Nadu ahead of future electoral cycles. Critics and opposition observers will be watching whether the project timelines for the remaining Phase 2 corridors are now accelerated following the high-profile launch.