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.

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