Modi Opens Chennai Metro Phase II Stretch, Rides With CM Vijay

The Chennai visit was billed as a wider development programme, with the metro opening among its central events. On October 10, Business Line reported that Prime Minister Narendra Modi would lay foundation stones, inaugurate and dedicate projects worth over ₹13,000 crore.

The metro project was the Poonamallee-Vadapalani stretch of Phase II. The Indian Express reported ahead of the visit that the line would be inaugurated on October 11.

On October 11, Modi inaugurated the ₹4,900 crore stretch, according to Swarajya. The opening brought the first stretch of Chennai Metro Phase II into service, as The Hindu described it.

The new section has 11 elevated stations covering approximately 15 kilometres, Business Line reported. Those figures describe the newly inaugurated stretch, not the whole Phase II project.

Tamil Nadu Chief Minister Vijay joined Modi for the inauguration and the subsequent metro ride, according to Times now.

NDTV reported that Modi travelled from Porur Bypass Station to Poonamallee Bypass Station and back, with Tamil Nadu Chief Minister C Joseph Vijay also present.

The Poonamallee-Vadapalani stretch is now inaugurated. The coverage identifies it as the first stretch of Phase II, rather than the completion of the entire expansion, according to The Hindu.

The visit also brought the state's development demands into focus. Times of India reported that Modi pledged to work for Tamil Nadu's development, while Vijay sought metro expansion and more funds.

The next issue is whether Vijay's requests for metro expansion and additional funding lead to specific commitments. Times of India reported the requests, but the supplied coverage gives no funding decision or timetable for further openings.