Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday inaugurated the first operational stretch of Chennai Metro Rail’s Phase 2 project between Poonamallee and Vadapalani, alongside Tamil Nadu Chief Minister C. Joseph Vijay. The two leaders flagged off the first train at Porur Bypass Metro Station and travelled together on the newly opened corridor. Passenger services on the 15-km stretch began later in the day, marking a major milestone in Chennai’s urban transport expansion after nearly six years of construction.

During his visit, Prime Minister Modi also inaugurated and laid the foundation stones for development projects worth more than ₹13,000 crore across Tamil Nadu. The projects span key sectors including Metro Rail, highways, railways, ports, petroleum and scientific research. He later offered prayers at the Jalakandeshwarar Temple inside the IIT Madras campus, visited the Sudha Gopalakrishnan Brain Centre, and addressed a public function at Kendriya Vidyalaya Ground before attending the golden jubilee celebrations of Jaigopal Garodia Hindu Vidyalaya.

Addressing students and the public, Prime Minister Modi encouraged young Indians to “dream big, think differently and be fearless,” while highlighting the importance of innovation and nation-building. Chief Minister C. Joseph Vijay said cooperation between the State and the Centre would benefit the people of Tamil Nadu and reiterated his government’s commitment to transparent governance. The inauguration of Chennai Metro Phase 2 is expected to improve connectivity across the city and ease travel for thousands of daily commuters.