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.

Infrastructure Transport

19 Sep 2025

ABD Maestro Launches Luxury Spirits At Bengaluru Duty Free

ABD Maestro Pvt. Ltd., the super-premium and luxury spirits arm of Allied Blenders and Distillers Limited (ABD), has announced the launch of its portfolio at the Duty-Free Travel Retail at Kempegowda International Airport, Bengaluru.The debut in Bengaluru marks the company’s entry into India’s airport duty-free retail sector, with plans to expand shortly to Delhi International Airport and Mumbai. The expansion underscores ABD Maestro’s ambition to position its premium and luxury brands alongside the world’s finest spirits.The portfolio includes ARTHAUS Blended Malt Scotch Whisky, craft..

Sasken Partners VicOne To Boost Automotive Cybersecurity

Sasken Technologies Limited, a leader in product engineering and digital transformation, has announced a strategic partnership with VicOne, a Trend Micro subsidiary specialising in automotive cybersecurity. The collaboration aims to enhance in-vehicle and fleet-wide cybersecurity for global original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) and Tier-1 suppliers.VicOne brings its suite of solutions, including xCarbon (intrusion detection and prevention), vSOC (fleet monitoring and response), and EVSE Security (protection for electric vehicle charging infrastructure). Purpose-built for vehicles and EV char..

Hind Rectifiers Buys French Firm To Boost Robotics And EMS

Hind Rectifiers Limited, a leading manufacturer of power semiconductors, power electronic equipment and railway transportation systems, has announced a strategic acquisition in Europe to strengthen its presence in the global robotics and electronics manufacturing services (EMS) markets.The company has acquired BeLink Solutions, a France-based robotics, EMS and electronics R&D company with 38 years of industry experience. The acquisition provides Hind Rectifiers with a European manufacturing hub, enhancing its global reach.Transaction DetailsThrough a proposed subsidiary, Hind Rectifiers ha..