Chennai Metro Gears Up for Phase II Operations
Chennai Metro Rail Limited (CMRL) has officially opened bids for the operations and maintenance (O&M) contract of its much-anticipated Phase II expansion. On March 7, two prominent companies—Delhi Metro Rail Corporation (DMRC) and DB International Operations, a renowned German railway firm—submitted their proposals to take on this crucial responsibility for the next 12 years. The contract, which could be extended for an additional three years based on performance, will cover the operational running of three major corridors in Chennai’s growing metro network.
Phase II, which will encompass corridors 3, 4, and 5, is poised to significantly enhance Chennai’s public transportation landscape. Corridor 3 will connect Madhavaram Milk Colony to Siruseri SIPCOT II, while corridor 4 will run from Lighthouse to Poonamallee Bypass, and corridor 5 will extend from Madhavaram Milk Colony to Sholinganallur. Additionally, the contractor selected for this role will also manage O&M responsibilities for key depots located at Madhavaram, Poonamallee, and Semmancheri, alongside overseeing operations for the 128 stations distributed across the three corridors.
Speaking to media, a senior CMRL official noted that the bidding process was rigorous, with both companies having undergone extensive evaluation to ensure their capability to handle the operations of such a large and complex system. Pre-bid meetings were held to clarify the requirements and ensure that the eventual contractor could meet the high standards expected for the city’s metro system.
The O&M responsibilities for Phase II come at a critical juncture for Chennai Metro, as the Phase I extension is already underway. The ongoing work for Phase I, which spans stretches between Poonamallee Depot and Porur Junction, is expected to be operational by December 2025. Significant progress has already been made on this stretch, with 80 percent of track-laying work complete. Testing for the trains is scheduled to begin in April, marking a milestone in the city’s transit system development. This phase of expansion is especially vital for the city, as it aims to alleviate traffic congestion, reduce carbon emissions, and provide an eco-friendly alternative to private vehicles. As the metro system extends further into key urban areas, the hope is that it will contribute to a sustainable, gender-neutral, and equitable public transport network that caters to the diverse needs of Chennai’s population. The involvement of both DMRC and DB International, two firms with extensive experience in the metro and railway industry, reflects Chennai Metro’s commitment to ensuring the system’s smooth operation and future growth.
For CMRL, the Phase II expansion is more than just an infrastructure project. It represents a key piece of Chennai’s urban planning strategy, which aims to accommodate a rapidly growing population while mitigating the challenges posed by traffic congestion and pollution. With the formal bidding process underway, CMRL will soon select a contractor to oversee the smooth functioning of the city’s metro system for years to come. If the final bid is awarded to either DMRC or DB International, it will mark another significant step in the transformation of Chennai’s public transport sector.
In parallel with this major contract decision, CMRL is also focusing on increasing ridership and improving commuter services. The aim is not only to expand the metro network but to ensure that the system is sustainable, accessible, and effective in reducing the environmental footprint of the city. Whether this will be achieved through enhanced public engagement, technological upgrades, or eco-friendly policies remains to be seen, but one thing is clear: Chennai Metro’s future is on a promising trajectory.
As the bidding process continues, all eyes will be on CMRL’s final decision, with the hope that the selected contractor will deliver a system that reflects the needs of Chennai’s dynamic and diverse population. With the city’s metro network expanding rapidly, Chennai is well on its way to joining the ranks of other major metropolitan cities with comprehensive, eco-friendly, and efficient public transportation systems.
