The Central Government has released more than Rs 8,000 crore for Chennai Metro Rail’s Phase II project, with Rs 3,000 crore disbursed in 2025 so far.

This mega infrastructure plan, costing Rs 63,246 crore, is being funded through contributions from the Centre, State Government, and various international loans. Minister of State for Urban Affairs Tokhan Sahu, addressing questions in the Lok Sabha, detailed that Rs 5,219.57 crore had been released during 2024–25, and for the current fiscal (2025–26), the Centre has allocated Rs 8,445.8 crore.

Chennai Metro’s Phase II encompasses three key corridors: Madhavaram to SIPCOT, Light House to Poonamallee, and Madhavaram to Sholinganallur, covering a total of 118.9 km. The project, approved as a 50:50 Joint Venture in October 2024, has achieved 44.33 percent physical progress and 40.43 percent financial progress as of June 30, 2025.

Metro officials are preparing to inaugurate the first elevated section—Corridor 4 between Poonamallee and Porur—by December 2025, with further stretches expected to become operational in 2026. The new network aims to significantly enhance connectivity across Chennai.