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 Transport

CPCL crosses $10 million revenue milestone

Chaitanya Projects Consultancy (CPCL), a leading infrastructure and engineering consultancy, has surpassed $10 million in annual revenue for FY 2024–25, marking a five-year compound annual growth rate of 28.2 per cent—well above the industry average. Established in 2004, CPCL has delivered over 300 projects across highways, bridges, urban infrastructure, water, transport, and environmental sectors. Its achievements include over 600 km of six-lane highways, 2,000 km of national highways, and 100 major bridges. “Our goal has always been to improve India’s infrastructure,” sai..

Next Story
Resources

KPIL secures new orders worth Rs 37.89 billion

Kalpataru Projects International Ltd (KPIL), a major EPC player in power transmission and civil infrastructure, has secured new orders worth approximately Rs 37.89 billion along with its international subsidiaries. The orders include a significant contract in the Buildings and Factories (B&F) segment in India, marking KPIL’s largest B&F order to date. The project involves the development of over 12 million sq ft of residential space with supporting infrastructure, awarded on a design-build basis. Additionally, the company has won new transmission and distribution (T&D) order..

Next Story
Real Estate

Apartment loading rises to 40 per cent in top cities

Driven by rising demand for premium amenities, the average apartment loading across India’s top seven cities has reached 40 per cent in Q1 2025, up from 31 per cent in 2019, according to ANAROCK Research. The loading factor, or the area paid for beyond the usable carpet area, covers common spaces such as lobbies, staircases, and clubhouses. Mumbai Metropolitan Region (MMR) continues to lead with the highest loading at 43 per cent. Bengaluru saw the sharpest jump, from 30 per cent in 2019 to 41 per cent in Q1 2025. Chennai recorded the lowest average loading at 36 per cent. “Sixty..

Advertisement

Advertisement

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Get daily newsletters around different themes from Construction world.

STAY CONNECTED

Advertisement

Advertisement

Advertisement

Advertisement

Talk to us?