CMRL Signs Rs 36.57 Bn Contract for 70 Driverless Trains

27 Dec 2024 CW Team

Chennai Metro Rail Limited (CMRL) has entered into a contract with BEML Limited for the procurement of 70 three-car driverless (UTO) trains, totalling 210 cars, at a cost of Rs 3,657.53 crore.

The Letter of Acceptance (LOA) was granted to BEML Ltd on November 28, as per a statement from CMRL. According to the agreement, the first train is expected to be delivered by the end of 2026 to the Madhavaram depot. Following delivery, the train will undergo a 14-month testing period, including system integration and service trials. The remaining trains will be delivered between March 2027 and April 2029, with testing conducted on-site.

These trains will operate on Corridors 3 and 5 of CMRL’s Phase 2 expansion project.

The contract covers the design, manufacturing, supply, testing, commissioning, staff training, and 15 years of comprehensive maintenance of standard gauge metro rolling stock, depot machinery, and plant. BEML will deliver 210 metro cars arranged into 70 three-car trains, with an emphasis on Unattended Train Operation (UTO) mode.

This agreement is the second of three contracts for the acquisition of driverless metro trains under the Phase 2 project. The first contract has already been executed, and the prototype train was delivered to the Poonamallee depot. The request for proposal (RFP) for the third contract is currently in progress, with submissions expected from potential bidders.

The contract signing was attended by MA Siddique, Managing Director of CMRL, along with S Ramasubbu, Advisor (O&RS), and other officials from CMRL and its consultants.

Infrastructure Urban

06 Apr 2026

InsideFPV Delivers ₹10 Crore Kamikaze Drone Order Under MoD’s EPR Route

InsideFPV, a Surat-based drone technology manufacturer, has successfully executed a ₹10 crore defence contract to supply indigenous kamikaze drones under the Ministry of Defence’s Emergency Procurement Route (EPR). The company completed the delivery of hundreds of FPV kamikaze drone platforms within a rapid two-month timeframe, highlighting its ability to meet urgent military procurement timelines.The supply orders were fulfilled under the emergency procurement mechanism, which is aimed at fast-tracking acquisitions for immediate operational needs. InsideFPV’s quick execution reflects it..

Vedanta Resources Secures Fitch Upgrade to ‘BB-’, Best Rating Since 2015

Vedanta Resources Limited (VRL), a global player in metals, oil & gas, critical minerals, power and technology, has received a credit rating upgrade from Fitch Ratings, marking its strongest bond rating in over a decade.Fitch has raised Vedanta Resources’ Long-Term Foreign-Currency Issuer Default Rating (IDR) to ‘BB-’ from ‘B+’, while maintaining a Stable Outlook. The agency also upgraded VRL’s senior unsecured rating, along with the ratings of US dollar-denominated bonds issued by Vedanta Resources Finance II Plc and guaranteed by VRL, to ‘BB-’.The upgrade represents Vedan..

NAREDCO NextGen NCR Chapter Launched

The NAREDCO NextGen NCR Chapter was recently launched at Excelerate 2026 in Mumbai, marking a key step towards integrating emerging real estate leaders from the National Capital Region with the national platform. The initiative aims to promote sustainable and responsible urban development through collaboration and knowledge exchange.The event brought together young developers, entrepreneurs, and professionals from across NCR, including Noida, Gurugram, Ghaziabad, Faridabad, Bhiwadi, and Meerut. Discussions focused on urban development, finance, sustainability, innovation, and policy, emphasisi..