+
Chennai Metro set to begin driverless trials on Porur-Poonamallee line
RAILWAYS & METRO RAIL

Chennai Metro set to begin driverless trials on Porur-Poonamallee line

Chennai Metro Rail Limited (CMRL) is set to begin driverless train trials on the 10-station Porur to Poonamallee stretch by the end of April, marking a major milestone under Phase II of the city’s metro expansion.

Part of the 118.9-km Corridor 4, the stretch includes key stops like Poonamallee Bypass, Iyyappanthangal, and Porur Junction. A sharp curve at Porur — the tightest in Phase II — will serve as a critical test of the system’s agility and safety.

The automated trains will undergo rigorous testing for alignment, platform synchronisation, and emergency response. CMRL says all systems comply with global safety norms, with special focus on energy efficiency, regenerative braking, and AI-powered operations.

The trial also pushes Chennai closer to becoming the second Indian city after Delhi to embrace fully driverless metro operations. Corridors 3, 4, and 5 are expected to adopt automation in future phases.

Once operational, the system will cut emissions, reduce traffic congestion, and offer high-frequency, 24/7 service. Officials hope this will spur transit-oriented development along the western corridor, easing Chennai’s urban mobility challenges.

Chennai Metro Rail Limited (CMRL) is set to begin driverless train trials on the 10-station Porur to Poonamallee stretch by the end of April, marking a major milestone under Phase II of the city’s metro expansion. Part of the 118.9-km Corridor 4, the stretch includes key stops like Poonamallee Bypass, Iyyappanthangal, and Porur Junction. A sharp curve at Porur — the tightest in Phase II — will serve as a critical test of the system’s agility and safety. The automated trains will undergo rigorous testing for alignment, platform synchronisation, and emergency response. CMRL says all systems comply with global safety norms, with special focus on energy efficiency, regenerative braking, and AI-powered operations. The trial also pushes Chennai closer to becoming the second Indian city after Delhi to embrace fully driverless metro operations. Corridors 3, 4, and 5 are expected to adopt automation in future phases. Once operational, the system will cut emissions, reduce traffic congestion, and offer high-frequency, 24/7 service. Officials hope this will spur transit-oriented development along the western corridor, easing Chennai’s urban mobility challenges.

Next Story
Infrastructure Transport

Paras Railtech Wins Rs 1.22 Billion Mumbai Metro Contract

Paras Railtech Private Limited has received the Letter of Acceptance (LoA) for the second ballastless track contract, Package CA-273, of Mumbai Metro Line 2B (Yellow Line). The 23.6-km corridor runs between Andheri West and Mandale.The Mumbai Metropolitan Region Development Authority (MMRDA) had floated the tender in March 2025 with an estimated value of Rs 1.22 billion. Technical bids were opened on 22 April, with three firms submitting offers. Following technical evaluation on 14 May, two bids were rejected during the financial assessment. Paras Railtech was declared the lowest bidder and on..

Next Story
Infrastructure Urban

Agartala Smart City Projects Worth Rs 8.44 Billion Progressing

Agartala Smart City Limited is currently executing projects worth over Rs 8.44 billion and has set a target to complete storm water drain and road works before Durga Puja this year.According to Chief Executive Officer Dr Shailesh, the organisation has taken up 65 projects, all of which have been completed. Among the major works, the city addressed long-standing problems of waterlogging and flooding. To resolve this, 24 projects worth Rs 646 million were implemented, which included the installation of six new flood pumps. Storm water drains were also redesigned to ensure easier cleaning.For mai..

Next Story
Infrastructure Urban

BNT Marine Gets Nod For First Marine EOU Under MEPZ

The 8th Unit Approval Committee of the Madras Export Processing Zone (MEPZ) SEZ has approved BNT Marine Crafts (India) to convert its Domestic Tariff Area unit in Abishegakuppam, Puducherry, into a 100 per cent export oriented unit (EOU).This marks the first marine sector EOU under MEPZ’s jurisdiction. The company will manufacture semi-submarines, tourist vessels, commercial vessels and premium vessels for international markets. With an investment of Rs 22.5 million, the unit aims to generate net foreign exchange earnings of Rs 320 million over the next five years. It is also expected to cre..

Advertisement

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Get daily newsletters around different themes from Construction world.

STAY CONNECTED

Advertisement

Advertisement

Advertisement

Talk to us?