Title - Chennai Metro’s first line to be operational by mid-2014, all by end-2015

The rapidly progressing construction of Chennai Metro rail project has made it possible for the first line to go into operation by mid 2014, the government announced deadline for its commissioning. "Chennai metro rail project is likely to be commissioned in three stages from mid-2014 and will be completed by 2015-end,” finance minister O Panneerselvam told the state assembly on 15 May.  
"About 75% of construction relating to elevated viaducts and stations, 55% of the Koyambedu depot and 35% of underground stations and associated tunnels has been completed till March last," Panneerselvam said. Chennai Metro Rail Ltd plans to ensure integration with bus, suburban rail, MRTS and monorail services to help passengers move from one mode of transport to another seamlessly.  
Empty rakes of metro rail trains will run several times over the elevated Koyambedu-St Thomas Mount line for six months during trials before the project is commissioned in mid-2014. A senior metro rail official said "Extensive trials will be conducted along the elevated line before services are opened to traffic. The trains will keep running along the line after construction is completed in December.  
The Little Mount-Airport line is expected to be commissioned by end-2014.  
Two corridors have been taken up for implementation, based on the detailed project report prepared by the Delhi Metro Rail Corporation Limited. The corridors - from Washermenpet to Chennai Airport and form Chennai Central to St Thomas Mount via Koyambedu - will cover 23.1km and 22km respectively.