Production of driverless trains for Chennai Metro Rail begins

With a capacity of up to 1,000 passengers, the three-car trains prioritise a seamless boarding experience with spacious internal gangways. “Safety measures such as emergency evacuation doors strategically placed fire extinguishers, and obstacle detectors enhance security,” a CMRL press release said.

CMRL awarded the ₹1215.92 crore (UTO Unattended Train Operation) contract for the supply of 36 driverless trains of 3-car formation each (108 cars in total) for its phase-2 project to Alstom Transport India Ltd.

The scope of the contract includes the supply of driverless trains including design, manufacture, testing, commissioning of standard gauge metro rolling stock, training of personnel, supply of spare parts and defect liability.

The release further read, “Following the completion of car body manufacturing, Alstom will proceed with fitting and final assembly. Subsequently, the first trainset will undergo the necessary testing and validation at the manufacturer’s premises before its delivery to CMRL’s Poonamallee Depot.”

Following train delivery, the rolling stock will undergo various static and dynamic trials in the phase-2 network, along with obtaining statutory approvals for the commencement of passenger revenue operations in year 2025, the CMRL said.

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New standard in urban transit

The trains are equipped with regenerative electric braking for energy efficiency, while advanced passenger announcement systems provide timely updates.

It said, “Overall, these driverless trains set a new standard in urban transit, combining convenience, safety, and sustainability.”

Dedicated spaces for women and differently-abled individuals, the hi-tech trains for the CMRL Phase-2 network “redefine urban transportation” by offering a range of features focused on passenger comfort, safety, and environmental responsibility.

The 116-km (Phase-2) project, estimated to cost over ₹60,000 crore covers three corridors of Madhavaram to SIPCOT (Corridor-3), Lighthouse to Poonamallee (Corridor-4) and Madhavaram to Sholinganallur (Corridor-5) and is slated to have 118 stations. The operational Phase-1 has two corridors.

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