Chennai Metro Rail has achieved only 54.62 per cent of physical progress in the phase II project until June, Union Minister of State for Housing and Urban Affairs Tokhan Sahu said.

He mentioned it in response to a question raised by Goa BJP MP Sadanand Mhalu Shet Tanavade in Rajya Sabha on the status of various metro rail projects sanctioned in the country, their physical progress, the budgetary allocation, and the Central financial assistance released during the last five years.

As far as budgetary allocations are concerned, the Centre has allocated and released ₹5,554.15 crore and ₹8,991.76 crore in the financial years 2024-25 and 2025-26 respectively. For the financial year 2026-27, ₹5,660.44 crore has been allocated, but until 14 July no funds have been released.

The phase II project work was started in the city nearly five years ago, running to a total length of 118.9 km, and connects many areas through its three corridors.

It is to be noted that the Poonamallee-Vadapalani stretch of the phase II project, falling under corridor 4 (Poonamallee to Light House via Thirumayilai), has still not opened despite getting the final approval. The State government indicated that they were awaiting a date for the inauguration from the Centre.

Every day, commuters have been taking to social media asking what is stopping the opening when the stretch has got the final clearance and how long will they be made to wait for accessing it.

Sathish G., a commuter, said, “When taxpayers money is used for building projects, why should we wait for VIPs to open them? As soon as a project is completed, a citizen of that neighbourhood could open it thereby preventing such unfair delays. It is very disappointing that after all these years only 54 per cent of the work has been completed [for the Phase II project].”

Published - July 22, 2026 05:00 am IST