Beat Chennai traffic: Phase-2 metro Koyambedu–Butt Road line to open by June

Chennai Metro aims to open the 12km Koyambedu–Butt Road stretch six months ahead of schedule, allowing residents of Virugambakkam, Manapakkam, and Ramapuram quicker access to the city.

The new stretch is part of Corridor-5, the 44.6km Madhavaram–Sholinganallur line in Phase-2, featuring 13 elevated stations to improve connectivity across western and southern Chennai.

Koyambedu–Butt Road will connect with Phase-1 at Koyambedu through a skywalk, creating seamless access to the existing metro network and easing passenger transfers.

The line will help office-goers reach Porur IT corridor, visitors access the Chennai Trade Centre, and traders and shoppers commute efficiently to the Koyambedu wholesale market.

The 14.5km Poonamallee bypass–Vadapalani line is expected to start in February, forming the first Phase-2 operational corridor and connecting with the Koyambedu–Butt Road stretch at four double-decker stations.

Four double-decker stations—Alwarthirunagar, Valasaravakkam, Karambakkam, and Alapakkam—will link the Koyambedu–Butt Road line with the Vadapalani–Poonamallee stretch, enhancing accessibility and commuter convenience.

Commuters like N Santosh from Ramapuram expect the metro to reduce travel time significantly on busy roads such as Mount–Poonamallee Road, provided there is proper last-mile connectivity.

Civil work along Butt Road faces delays due to narrow roads and dense development, making construction difficult without causing major traffic disruptions in the area.

Some structures over Kathipara flyover are being constructed at night to avoid traffic disruption, with balanced cantilever work expected to finish possibly by April.

Initial plans to open Koyambedu–Alandur were revised, prioritising Koyambedu–Butt Road first to advance Phase-2 operations while managing construction constraints and traffic concerns efficiently.