Tamil Nadu Chief Minister Thalapathy Vijay turned a routine infrastructure review into a headline-grabbing outing on Wednesday as he travelled on the Chennai Metro like any other commuter, reviewed ongoing expansion projects and was greeted by enthusiastic crowds at almost every station he visited. The visit began at Government Estate Metro Station, where Vijay purchased a ticket before boarding a metro train to Nandanam Metro Station. Rather than opting for a special arrangement, the Chief Minister chose to travel alongside regular passengers, interacting with commuters during the journey and posing for selfies that quickly found their way onto social media.
Vijay was accompanied by Finance, Planning and Development Minister N Mary Wilson, Alandur MLA M Harish, Maduravoyal MLA P Revanth Charan, Chief Secretary M Saikumar and senior officials from Chennai Metro Rail Limited (CMRL) throughout the inspection.
At the CMRL headquarters in Nandanam, the Chief Minister visited the Operations Control Centre, where officials briefed him on train monitoring systems, operational preparedness and the progress of Chennai Metro’s Phase 1 and Phase 2 projects. Discussions also covered future expansion plans and ongoing feasibility studies aimed at extending the city’s rapid transit network.
During the review meeting, Vijay stressed the importance of last-mile connectivity, asking officials to strengthen feeder transport services so passengers can travel conveniently from Metro stations to their final destinations. He directed authorities to complete all ongoing projects within the stipulated timelines while ensuring improved facilities for commuters. The inspection then moved to the 101-foot-high Metro bridge under construction at Kathipara on Phase 2 Corridor 5. Officials explained that the structure is being built using balanced cantilever technology, allowing construction to continue without disrupting existing Metro operations or road traffic.
Vijay later visited the Porur Bypass Metro Station on Phase 2 Corridor 4, where he took part in a trial run of Chennai Metro’s driverless train, also known as Unattended Train Operation (UTO), between Porur Bypass and Poonamallee Bypass stations. He reviewed the technical preparations and reiterated that the government was closely monitoring every stage of the Metro expansion to deliver safer, more modern and more efficient public transport.
While the infrastructure review remained the official focus, it was Vijay’s popularity that dominated much of the public attention. Large crowds gathered at Metro stations and along the route, with supporters cheering, waving and raising slogans as the Chief Minister arrived. Security personnel had to carefully manage the swelling crowds as many people tried to move closer for a glimpse or photograph, while countless others captured videos on their mobile phones.
Despite the rush, Vijay acknowledged supporters with smiles and waves, while briefly interacting with passengers during the Metro journey. Videos and photographs of the visit quickly went viral across social media, with many fans comparing the atmosphere to the excitement usually associated with the release of one of Vijay’s films. Supporters said the reception reflected the strong emotional connection he continues to enjoy with people even after entering politics.
However, the visit also drew political criticism. DMK leader Sas Hafezullah dismissed the Metro inspection as a publicity exercise, accusing the TVK chief of prioritising optics and social media visibility over governance. Hafezullah argued that pressing issues such as law and order and farmers’ concerns deserved greater attention than what he described as “PR management”.
The inspection forms part of the Tamil Nadu government’s ongoing review of Chennai Metro’s expansion, with authorities aiming to complete the ambitious Phase 2 network on schedule while improving passenger convenience through better connectivity and modern transport technology.