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

23 Apr 2025 CW Team

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.

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