Chennai Metro Rail to Launch Trial Run of Driverless Train
RAILWAYS & METRO RAIL

Chennai Metro Rail to Launch Trial Run of Driverless Train

Chennai is on the verge of a major improvement in its public transport system as the first trial run of the three-coach driverless train for the Phase II project of the Chennai Metro Rail is set to begin. This project, part of a larger Rs 632.46 billion investment in urban infrastructure, represents a key move towards modernising the city's metro services and enhancing connectivity.

It has been reported that the trial run is expected to take place on October 26, with high-profile figures such as Chief Minister M.K. Stalin and Union Minister of Housing and Urban Affairs Manohar Lal Khattar anticipated to flag off the event. Sources have indicated that final confirmation of the date is expected in the coming days, reflecting the excitement surrounding this development for Chennai’s transport system.

The driverless train coaches, which were transported from Sri City, arrived at the Poonamallee depot facility on October 17. This marks a significant step in the city's metro expansion. The Chennai Metro Rail Limited (CMRL) has incorporated several new features in these trains to improve passenger comfort, including digital route displays and charging points for electronic devices, catering to the needs of tech-savvy commuters.

At the core of this project is the Rs 1.87 billion depot located at Poonamallee, which spans 40.5 acres and houses 17 buildings. The depot is essential for the maintenance and repair of the trains that will operate within the Phase II network, ensuring the system runs efficiently.

Currently, the train is positioned on the Inspection Bay Line, where checks on key systems such as circuits, brakes, ventilation, and air-conditioning are being carried out. CMRL officials are meticulously testing all components ahead of the trial run. The train will first undergo slow-speed tests of 10-15 kmph on the inspection track before transitioning to the 820-metre ballasted test track for its official trial run.

The Phase II project includes a crucial corridor between Poonamallee and Porur, part of the metro's corridor 4, which runs from Light House to Poonamallee. To support the full operation of this service, CMRL plans to prepare a total of 36 trains, with the next set of coaches expected to arrive from November onwards for further testing.

Chennai is on the verge of a major improvement in its public transport system as the first trial run of the three-coach driverless train for the Phase II project of the Chennai Metro Rail is set to begin. This project, part of a larger Rs 632.46 billion investment in urban infrastructure, represents a key move towards modernising the city's metro services and enhancing connectivity. It has been reported that the trial run is expected to take place on October 26, with high-profile figures such as Chief Minister M.K. Stalin and Union Minister of Housing and Urban Affairs Manohar Lal Khattar anticipated to flag off the event. Sources have indicated that final confirmation of the date is expected in the coming days, reflecting the excitement surrounding this development for Chennai’s transport system. The driverless train coaches, which were transported from Sri City, arrived at the Poonamallee depot facility on October 17. This marks a significant step in the city's metro expansion. The Chennai Metro Rail Limited (CMRL) has incorporated several new features in these trains to improve passenger comfort, including digital route displays and charging points for electronic devices, catering to the needs of tech-savvy commuters. At the core of this project is the Rs 1.87 billion depot located at Poonamallee, which spans 40.5 acres and houses 17 buildings. The depot is essential for the maintenance and repair of the trains that will operate within the Phase II network, ensuring the system runs efficiently. Currently, the train is positioned on the Inspection Bay Line, where checks on key systems such as circuits, brakes, ventilation, and air-conditioning are being carried out. CMRL officials are meticulously testing all components ahead of the trial run. The train will first undergo slow-speed tests of 10-15 kmph on the inspection track before transitioning to the 820-metre ballasted test track for its official trial run. The Phase II project includes a crucial corridor between Poonamallee and Porur, part of the metro's corridor 4, which runs from Light House to Poonamallee. To support the full operation of this service, CMRL plans to prepare a total of 36 trains, with the next set of coaches expected to arrive from November onwards for further testing.

Next Story
Infrastructure Urban

Macrotech acquires Bain Capital's stake in 3 entities for Rs 3 Bn

Realty firm Macrotech Developers has acquired Bain Capital's stake in three industrial and logistics park entities for Rs 3.07 billion as part of a strategy to enhance rental income. Macrotech Developers is one of the leading real estate firms in the country. It sells properties under Lodha brand. In a regulatory filing, the company informed that it has "executed Securities Purchase Agreements (SPAs) with India Opportunities Fund SSA Scheme 1 and DSS Opportunities Investment 1 (Bain Capital) for acquisition of their interest in the digital infrastructure platform entities (Bellissimo Digital I..

Next Story
Infrastructure Urban

Tata Steel reports Rs 7.59 Bn net profit in Jul-Sep

Tata Steel reported a net profit of Rs 7.58 billion for the September 2024 quarter, helped by lower expenses. It had posted a net loss of Rs 65.11 billion in the July-September period of the preceding 2023-24 fiscal, the company said in an exchange filing. In a separate statement, Tata Steel CEO and MD TV Narendran said the global operating environment remained complex, with key regions facing subdued growth. Macroeconomic conditions in China continued to weigh on commodity prices, including steel. In India, steel demand continued to improve, but domestic prices were under pressure due to chea..

Next Story
Infrastructure Urban

SC to verdict on Nov 7 on plea against NCLAT

The Supreme Court is scheduled to pronounce its verdict on a plea of State Bank of India (SBI) and other creditors challenging the National Company Law Appellate Tribunal (NCLAT) decision that upheld the resolution plan of grounded air carrier Jet Airways and approved the transfer of its ownership to Jalan Kalrock Consortium (JKC). A bench of Chief Justice D Y Chandrachud and Justices J B Pardiwala and Manoj Misra will pronounce the verdict which was reserved on October 16. The NCLAT had on March 12 upheld the resolution plan of the grounded air carrier and approved the transfer of its ownersh..

Hi There!

"Now get regular updates from CW Magazine on WhatsApp!

Join the CW WhatsApp channel for the latest news, industry events, expert insights, and project updates from the construction and infrastructure industry.

Click the link below to join"

+91 81086 03000