Chennai Metro Rail Limited (CMRL) has taken a major step forward in its Phase 2 metro expansion project by awarding a ₹3,657.53 crore contract to BEML Limited for the procurement of 70 driverless three-car trainsets. This significant move will enhance the city’s metro network, bringing the promise of automation, efficiency, and sustainability to the urban transit landscape.
The contract, officially handed over on Thursday, is a crucial part of the city’s plans to expand its metro connectivity across key corridors. The trains will serve two of the most important routes under Phase 2: Corridor 3, connecting Madhavaram to SIPCOT, and Corridor 5, linking Madhavaram to Sholinganallur. These corridors are set to play a pivotal role in easing traffic congestion and offering a fast, efficient mode of transport to thousands of commuters in Chennai.
The ₹3,657.53 crore agreement includes the design, manufacture, and supply of the state-of-the-art driverless trains. Additionally, it covers the testing, commissioning, and comprehensive maintenance of the trains for a period of 15 years. This long-term service contract ensures that the trains will operate at peak efficiency and safety standards throughout their operational life. The project is being funded by the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA), reflecting the global interest in the development of modern urban transport solutions in India. The partnership with BEML will bring not only the trains but also essential depot machinery and infrastructure for maintaining these advanced rolling stock.
The first trainset is expected to arrive at the Madhavaram depot by late 2026. Once delivered, the train will undergo rigorous testing and integration with other metro systems for approximately 14 months, ensuring that all systems work seamlessly before the official rollout. Subsequently, the remaining trainsets will be delivered in phases between March 2027 and April 2029. The introduction of driverless trains in Chennai will be a game-changer for the city’s public transport system, aligning with global trends towards automation in urban rail networks. The shift towards driverless technology is expected to improve operational efficiency, reduce operational costs, and enhance safety. Moreover, these trains will be equipped with cutting-edge features such as advanced signalling systems, ensuring smoother and more reliable services for passengers. With this move, CMRL is not only expanding Chennai’s metro network but also ensuring that the city’s metro system is future-ready. As India’s metro systems continue to modernize and expand, projects like Chennai’s Phase 2 serve as a model of progress in urban mobility, making public transport more sustainable, reliable, and accessible.
