Driverless Trains Begin Operations on Chennai Metro Phase 2
RAILWAYS & METRO RAIL

Driverless Trains Begin Operations on Chennai Metro Phase 2

Chennai: Alstom’s driverless Metropolis trains have commenced passenger services on Corridor 4 of Chennai Metro Phase 2, marking a significant development in the city’s urban transport network. The service connects Poonamallee Bypass with Light House through a 26 km route and 28 stations.

The corridor includes 18 elevated and 10 underground stations. It is intended to improve connections between residential, commercial and cultural centres while providing commuters with a faster and more sustainable alternative to road transport.

Alstom has completed manufacturing 36 Metropolis trainsets, comprising 108 cars, for the corridor. Designed at the company’s engineering centre in Bengaluru and manufactured at its Sri City facility in Andhra Pradesh, the trains are configured for fully driverless operations at speeds of up to 80 kmph. The final trainset is scheduled for delivery by the end of October 2026.

Each three-car trainset can accommodate up to 1,000 passengers and includes air-conditioning, regenerative braking, CCTV cameras, real-time passenger information displays and dedicated spaces for women and persons with disabilities. One entire car has two-thirds of its space reserved for women. The exterior design draws inspiration from Bharatanatyam mudras, while platform-screen patterns inside the trains incorporate Tamil Nadu’s traditional kolam art.

The contract, awarded in 2023 and valued at €124 mn, covers the design, manufacture, supply, testing and commissioning of the trainsets, as well as driver training for Chennai Metro Rail personnel. Alstom has supported Chennai Metro since 2010, supplying 208 Metro cars, signalling and power systems for Phase 1, which spans 54 km across two corridors. The company is also preparing to manufacture 32 additional driverless trainsets, comprising 96 cars, ordered in 2025, with production scheduled to begin at its Sri City facility.

Chennai: Alstom’s driverless Metropolis trains have commenced passenger services on Corridor 4 of Chennai Metro Phase 2, marking a significant development in the city’s urban transport network. The service connects Poonamallee Bypass with Light House through a 26 km route and 28 stations. The corridor includes 18 elevated and 10 underground stations. It is intended to improve connections between residential, commercial and cultural centres while providing commuters with a faster and more sustainable alternative to road transport. Alstom has completed manufacturing 36 Metropolis trainsets, comprising 108 cars, for the corridor. Designed at the company’s engineering centre in Bengaluru and manufactured at its Sri City facility in Andhra Pradesh, the trains are configured for fully driverless operations at speeds of up to 80 kmph. The final trainset is scheduled for delivery by the end of October 2026. Each three-car trainset can accommodate up to 1,000 passengers and includes air-conditioning, regenerative braking, CCTV cameras, real-time passenger information displays and dedicated spaces for women and persons with disabilities. One entire car has two-thirds of its space reserved for women. The exterior design draws inspiration from Bharatanatyam mudras, while platform-screen patterns inside the trains incorporate Tamil Nadu’s traditional kolam art. The contract, awarded in 2023 and valued at €124 mn, covers the design, manufacture, supply, testing and commissioning of the trainsets, as well as driver training for Chennai Metro Rail personnel. Alstom has supported Chennai Metro since 2010, supplying 208 Metro cars, signalling and power systems for Phase 1, which spans 54 km across two corridors. The company is also preparing to manufacture 32 additional driverless trainsets, comprising 96 cars, ordered in 2025, with production scheduled to begin at its Sri City facility.

Related Stories

Gold Stories

Next Story
Real Estate

Shree Naman Group acquires JW Marriott Bengaluru, Crowne Plaza Pune

Shree Naman Group has completed the acquisition of JW Marriott Bengaluru for Rs 16.11 billion and Crowne Plaza Pune for Rs 1.89 billion, taking its hospitality portfolio beyond Mumbai into two key business and hospitality markets.The Rs 18 billion transaction was completed on 1 October 2026, within 30 days of approval by the National Company Law Tribunal (NCLT) on 3 September 2026, following a competitive bidding process.The two hotels join the Group’s existing properties in Mumbai: Sofitel Mumbai BKC, Lemon Tree Hotel, Kalina BKC, and ibis Mumbai BKC. The portfolio now comprises five operat..

Next Story
Real Estate

Sobha Realty marks fourth year of IIFA partnership

Sobha Realty has reaffirmed its association with the International Indian Film Academy (IIFA) for the fourth consecutive year, returning as Title Sponsor of IIFA Weekend and Co-Presenting Sponsor of the IIFA Awards 2027. At a press conference in Mumbai, the UAE-based developer also highlighted its expansion into Abu Dhabi and its growing international presence.The upcoming IIFA Weekend and Awards will be held on 22 and 23 January 2027 at Etihad Arena, Yas Island, Abu Dhabi. The partnership, which began in Abu Dhabi in 2023, provides the developer with a platform to engage with Indian audiences..

Next Story
Technology

Powerplay Records 4X Growth in Platform Spend with AI Adoption

Construction technology platform Powerplay has reported up to fourfold growth in platform spending among customers adopting its artificial intelligence (AI) agents over approximately 18 months. The growth reflects increased adoption of AI-driven procurement and financing solutions among contractors and builders across India.The Bengaluru-based company has introduced an AI workforce designed to automate procurement coordination, supplier comparisons, material tracking and financing documentation. Its AI Purchase Executive enables contractors to compare supplier prices, monitor material requirem..

Advertisement

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Get daily newsletters around different themes from Construction world.

STAY CONNECTED

Advertisement

SPECIAL OFFER
QR Code