Chennai Metro Rail Limited (CMRL) has initiated a fresh round of bidding to install platform screen doors in a crucial segment of its ambitious ₹63,246-crore Phase II expansion. This development follows the termination of a contract with Zhuzhou CRRC Times Electric Company, which was originally tasked with designing, manufacturing, and installing these safety features along Corridor 4 of the network. The decision to part ways with the contractor stemmed from significant delays that jeopardised the timely completion of the project.
Platform screen doors, an essential safety feature that acts as a protective barrier between passengers and train tracks, were initially introduced in all underground stations as part of Chennai Metro’s Phase I. In a bid to enhance commuter safety and system efficiency, CMRL has now extended this initiative to include elevated stations in its Phase II expansion.
Phase II, which spans 118.9 kilometres, encompasses three vital corridors: Corridor 3 (Madhavaram to SIPCOT), Corridor 4 (Light House to Poonamallee), and Corridor 5 (Madhavaram to Sholinganallur). The focus of the current bidding process is on Corridor 4, a stretch that is anticipated to be partially operational by the end of the next year, with services commencing between Poonamallee and Porur. In a strategic move to mitigate further delays, CMRL has segmented the installation work for Corridor 4 into two parts. For the high-priority stretch from Poonamallee to Porur, the metro authority plans to issue a ‘variation order’ to an existing contractor. This approach is expected to expedite the process, ensuring that the stretch becomes operational within the stipulated timeline. For the remaining section of Corridor 4, from Alapakkam to Light House, CMRL has floated new tenders, and a fresh contractor is expected to be appointed shortly.
The platform screen doors along Corridor 4 will differ in design due to the unique nature of the stretch, which comprises both elevated and underground sections. Half-height doors will be installed at elevated stations between Poonamallee and Power House, while full-height doors will be fitted in the underground stations from Kodambakkam to Light House. This dual approach underscores CMRL’s commitment to maintaining high safety standards across varied station architectures. The reissue of tenders and the division of the project into manageable sections reflect CMRL’s proactive approach to overcoming challenges in one of India’s most significant urban infrastructure projects. As Chennai Metro Rail strives to meet its operational deadlines, the emphasis on safety and efficiency remains paramount, ensuring that the city’s commuters benefit from world-class transport facilities in the years to come.
