Chennai is poised to revolutionise its urban transit landscape with the introduction of its first driverless metro train by February 2027.
This development comes under a ₹1,538.35 crore contract awarded to Alstom Transport India by Chennai Metro Rail Limited (CMRL), marking a significant milestone in the city’s Phase 2 metro expansion project. The agreement encompasses the design, manufacture, supply, testing, commissioning, and maintenance of 32 fully automated three-car trains, totalling 96 coaches. These trains are designed for Unattended Train Operation (UTO), reflecting a shift towards advanced, technology-driven urban mobility solutions.
The first train is scheduled for delivery by February 2027, after which it will undergo 14 months of rigorous testing and system integration trials. Subsequent trains will be delivered in phases between September 2027 and May 2028. This phased approach ensures a systematic integration of the new trains into the existing metro infrastructure. Alstom’s commitment extends beyond manufacturing; the company will also provide a comprehensive 15-year maintenance plan, ensuring the longevity and reliability of the metro trains. The trains will be manufactured at Alstom’s Sri City facility in Andhra Pradesh, aligning with the ‘Make in India’ initiative, and the design work will be carried out at their Bengaluru engineering centre.
This contract is the third and final rolling stock package under CMRL’s Phase 2 expansion, completing the procurement process for the project’s rolling stock. With this addition, Alstom’s total supply for Phase 2 reaches 204 Metropolis driverless cars, including the previously awarded 108 cars for the Poonamallee Bypass-Light House corridor. Alstom had earlier delivered 208 cars for Phase 1 and is also responsible for track construction along Corridors I and II. The introduction of driverless metro trains is expected to enhance operational efficiency, safety, and passenger experience. These trains will feature advanced communication-based train control (CBTC) systems, allowing for precise control and increased frequency of service. The move towards automation is also anticipated to reduce operational costs and human error, contributing to a more sustainable and reliable urban transit system.
CMRL’s Phase 2 expansion spans approximately 119 km, with over 76 km elevated and 43 km underground, operating within three corridors and their inter-corridor sections. This expansion aims to provide comprehensive metro coverage across Chennai, improving connectivity and reducing traffic congestion. The deployment of driverless metro trains aligns with global trends in urban transportation, where automation is increasingly being adopted to meet the demands of growing urban populations. Chennai’s initiative places it among the progressive cities embracing advanced transit solutions to enhance urban mobility.
Introduction of driverless metro trains under CMRL’s Phase 2 expansion represents a significant leap forward in Chennai’s urban transit development. This initiative not only modernises the city’s metro infrastructure but also sets a precedent for other Indian cities to follow in adopting advanced, sustainable, and efficient urban transportation systems.
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