First underground Metro stretch becomes operational in Chennai

The first underground Metro stretch covering more than seven kilometres began in Chennai on Sunday.

The Metro rail service between Thirumangalam and Nehru Park with seven stations, was inaugurated by Union Minister of Urban Development M Venkaiah Naidu.

This Metro line will be the third stretch to become operational in the city. The first stretch between Alandur and Koyambedu was completed in June 2015.

The second one between Chennai Airport and Little Mount was completed in September 2016. However, the earlier two Metro rail services do not run through underground tunnels.

Tickets prices are set to be capped at Rs 70. The new Metro line is expected to serve more than 20,000 commuters per day.

According to Chennai Metro Rail project director Rajeev Narayan Dwivedi, full Metro services in Chennai will be available from 2018.