Chennai Metro Rail Limited (CMRL) is all set to transform the city’s transportation system with driverless metro trains. The first batch of the innovative three-car trains is to be put to test in the Madhavaram depot by the early part of 2028. The trains are part of the expansion of Chennai Metro in phase 2, which would improve connectivity and decongest the city. It promises to take Chennai’s public transport system to the global level.
Introduction of Driverless Metro Trains in Chennai
Chennai Metro is preparing to conduct test runs of its first driverless metro trains at its Madhavaram depot. The trains are coming through on a contract with BEML Limited. Stringent tests will be done so that the trains pass in the safety and operational parameters required. The first unit would be delivered by the end of 2026.
Key findings from the Driverless Metro Project
Contract Details and Delivery Date: The CMRL and BEML Limited have finalised a deal worth Rs 3,657.53 crore. This is the contract for the design, manufacture, supply, and testing of 70 UTO trains that make up a total of 210 cars. The tests will begin in the early months of 2028 and run for 14 months, thereby leaving ample time to make all the necessary adjustments and integrations.
Testing and Operational Readiness: After the supply of the first set of trains in 2026, the supplied trains would be put to a string of tests that ensure its compatibility with the metro network in Chennai. It would then undergo operational testing and safety assessment for the confirmation of the readiness of trains for service to passengers. The entire roll-out is scheduled by 2029 when the train will gradually start to enter the service corridors.
Phase 2 expansion: The driverless metro trains are also scheduled to operate on the two key corridors of phase 2 expansion of Chennai Metro.
Corridor 3 is the stretch connecting Madhavaram and SIPCOT.
Corridor 5 is also connecting Madhavaram and Sholinganallur. These new corridors will ease congestion and improve travelling time.
A Comprehensive Solution: The BEML Limited contract is one that meets the supply and testing criteria of the trains but also involves training of personnel, providing depot machinery and plant along with equipment for effective maintenance as well as operation of maintenance. This will fully put CMRL in position towards handling the complexities in relation to the safe as well as efficient operation of the driverless trains.
Influence of Driverless Train on Chennai Transport
Many benefits await Chennai in driverless trains. It brings the reliability and safety enhancement of trains with no humans involved; thus, humans are taken out of the decision-making role. Moreover, through this, more frequent and smoother operations may be conducted, increasing the overall capacity of the metro system.
It is to be noted that driverless metro trains further minimize the carbon footprint as it helps Chennai city get closer to sustainability. Thereby, in addition to road transport, the new metro system shall speed up while being an eco-friendly mode of transport, help decrease traffic congestion and thereby, decrease pollution within the city.
Chennai Metro Phase 2 Future
This is the second of the three contracts CMRL has entered into, in its quest to introduce driverless trains in its phase 2 metro expansion. The first one already has a prototype train ready and available at Poonamallee depot, while the third contract is in the tendering stage. Driverless trains are going to be one way of introducing smart transportation infrastructure in Chennai.
Conclusion
Testing and launching driverless metro trains in Chennai would change the system of the city’s public transport system. Improving efficiency, sustainability, and reduction in traffic congestion would play an important role in this project while helping urban mobility across Chennai. This initiative also supports more strategic goals of CMRL on enhancing connectivity to the city and a much more efficient, high-tech solution for transport needs in public transit systems. As the city continues growing, these will be progressive measures that will see a meeting of future needs and thus ensure the metro meets it for the residents of the city.
As CMRL prepares to roll out game-changing trains, citizens stand a chance of getting a greener, safer, as well as more efficient metro system that would rewire how urban travel in Chennai should be.
Refer :
TOI, Link to article
For more updates on the latest developments in the Metro train sector, check out our article on DMRC suggests Gold Line extension from connecting Noida to Aerocity Metro and IGI Airport