Chennai Metro Rail Limited (CMRL) has awarded the long-term operation and maintenance (O&M) contract for its Phase II expansion to Delhi Metro Rail Corporation (DMRC), marking a pivotal moment in Mumbai’s transit service evolution. Under the April 2, 2025, international tender, DMRC will manage three major corridors—Corridors 3, 4, and 5—spanning approximately 118 km and serving 112 stations, for the next 15 years.
The O&M scope includes depot oversight at Madhavaram, Poonamallee, and Semmancheri, alongside responsibilities for train operations, station supervision, and control centre management. The agreement specifies adherence to global safety and efficiency benchmarks. This marks DMRC’s second win in the international metro O&M arena following its 2023 contract for Mumbai Metro Line 3. The ambitious Phase II network includes Corridor 3 (Madhavaram to Siruseri SIPCOT), Corridor 4 (Lighthouse to Poonamallee Bypass), and Corridor 5 (Madhavaram to Sholinganallur), integrating both elevated and underground sections. These corridors are expected to begin operations from December 2025 onwards, with full phase completion envisaged by December 2028.
Industry analysts suggest this partnership may unlock operational synergies across metro systems in India, highlighting economies of scale and cross-network standardisation. With DMRC’s track record in large-scale metro operations, this move is seen as a strategic step toward delivering high-quality, carbon-efficient transit services for Chennai’s urban population. This collaboration aligns with Chennai’s vision of sustainable and resilient public transit. By engaging an experienced operator, CMRL aims to bolster performance, elevating commuter confidence while advancing gender-neutral and equitable access values. The arrangement also paves the way for integrating additional sustainability initiatives such as solar station lighting, energy-efficient signalling, and inclusive passenger amenities.
As Chennai gears for the metro network’s phased roll-out, the DMRC- CMRL model could become a template for future metro projects nationwide. The city’s transition towards greener urban mobility underscores broader national goals for low-carbon infrastructure.
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