Chennai Metro Rail abandons plans to lease 42 driverless trains
RAILWAYS & METRO RAIL

Chennai Metro Rail abandons plans to lease 42 driverless trains

The authority would now have to spend additional money to purchase these train sets after an obstacle was found in Chennai Metro Rail Limited's proposal to lease up to 42 driverless trains. The initial strategy indicated a way to lower the project's cost from Rs 890 billion to Rs 618.43 billion by leasing the 42 metro trains rather than buying them. After the CMRL discovered that businesses do not lease metro trains because they cannot be used elsewhere after the lease period has ended, the plan has now been abandoned.

The CMRL plan calls for 138 three-car trains to operate on Chennai's 118.9 kilometre phase-2 metro network. In 2026, this phase is anticipated to be public. According to a CMRL official, after meeting with train manufacturers from around the world to learn why metro trains are not leased, they discovered that because metro trains are made specifically for a city or a metro line, businesses that lease them cannot roll them back and use them elsewhere in the event of a problem. After terminating the tender seeking expressions of interest in December 2021 because only one business answered and applied for it, CMRL initiated discussions with train manufacturers.

However, as long as the signalling software remains the same, long distance and suburban trains run by the railways can be leased and utilised elsewhere. "We may require close to $1 billion to purchase these trains. We've talked about it with the state government, and they might be able to cover the expense. Now, all that is left to do is issue tenders, an official reportedly told the Times of India.”

Phase-2 of the Chennai Metro will need 414 coaches or 138 three-car trains when operations start in 2025, according to the detailed project report (DPR). 762 coaches (254 three-car or 127 six-car trains) will be required in three decades. The insider added that the metro trains will initially have three carriages and that the objective is to have low capacity but high frequency trains.

The authority would now have to spend additional money to purchase these train sets after an obstacle was found in Chennai Metro Rail Limited's proposal to lease up to 42 driverless trains. The initial strategy indicated a way to lower the project's cost from Rs 890 billion to Rs 618.43 billion by leasing the 42 metro trains rather than buying them. After the CMRL discovered that businesses do not lease metro trains because they cannot be used elsewhere after the lease period has ended, the plan has now been abandoned. The CMRL plan calls for 138 three-car trains to operate on Chennai's 118.9 kilometre phase-2 metro network. In 2026, this phase is anticipated to be public. According to a CMRL official, after meeting with train manufacturers from around the world to learn why metro trains are not leased, they discovered that because metro trains are made specifically for a city or a metro line, businesses that lease them cannot roll them back and use them elsewhere in the event of a problem. After terminating the tender seeking expressions of interest in December 2021 because only one business answered and applied for it, CMRL initiated discussions with train manufacturers. However, as long as the signalling software remains the same, long distance and suburban trains run by the railways can be leased and utilised elsewhere. We may require close to $1 billion to purchase these trains. We've talked about it with the state government, and they might be able to cover the expense. Now, all that is left to do is issue tenders, an official reportedly told the Times of India.” Phase-2 of the Chennai Metro will need 414 coaches or 138 three-car trains when operations start in 2025, according to the detailed project report (DPR). 762 coaches (254 three-car or 127 six-car trains) will be required in three decades. The insider added that the metro trains will initially have three carriages and that the objective is to have low capacity but high frequency trains.

Next Story
Resources

Skyview by Empyrean is Making Benchmarks in the Indian Ropeway Industry

FIL Industries Private Limited, the parent company of Empyrean Skyview Projects that pioneered ropeway mobility solutions in India with Jammu’s Skyview Gondola, is currently developing the Dehradun-Mussoorie ropeway and is on track to complete Phase I by September 2026. The ropeway is set to be India’s longest passenger aerial monocable covering 5.8 km between the foothills of Dehradun in Purkulgam and MDDA taxi stand in the hills of Mussoorie in just under 20 minutes. The firm pioneered green mobility solutions in India with the development of the flagship Skyview Gondola in Jam..

Next Story
Technology

Creativity is for Humans, Productivity is for Robots!

On most construction sites, the rhythm of progress is measured by the clang of steel, the hum of machinery and the sweat of thousands. But increasingly, new sounds are entering the mix: the quiet efficiency of algorithms, the hum of drones overhead, and the precision of robotic arms at work. Behind the concrete and cables, an invisible force is taking hold: data. It is turning blueprints into living simulations, managing fleets of machines, and helping engineers make decisions before a single brick is laid. This is not the construction of tomorrow; it is the architecture of today – built on ..

Next Story
Infrastructure Urban

Bhartiya Urban Unveils ‘Bhartiya Converge’ GCC Enablement Platform

Bhartiya Urban has launched Bhartiya Converge, its latest business venture designed to become India’s premier platform for enabling Global Capability Centres (GCCs). The initiative offers an integrated ecosystem aimed at helping global clients gain a competitive edge in today’s rapidly evolving business environment. Focused on enhancing turnaround time and operational efficiencies, the company seeks to deliver better business outcomes powered by top-tier talent. Bhartiya Converge presents a customised and integrated suite of microservices that addresses the nuanced and evolving operational..

Advertisement

Advertisement

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Get daily newsletters around different themes from Construction world.

STAY CONNECTED

Advertisement

Advertisement

Advertisement

Advertisement

Talk to us?