Lucknow Metro Line 2 To Run Driverless Trains

15 May 2026 CW Team

Uttar Pradesh Metro Rail Corporation (UPMRCL) plans to introduce 15 fully driverless trainsets on Lucknow Metro Line 2, the East-West Corridor, and has floated a tender for their manufacture and supply. The move forms part of Phase 1B of the metro expansion and is intended to increase service frequency and capacity for daily commuters. UPMRCL set out the procurement requirement as work on the corridor progresses.

The East-West Corridor will operate using unattended train operation (UTO), enabling trains to run automatically without a driver in the cabin. The system will incorporate communication-based train control (CBTC), artificial intelligence (AI)-based predictive maintenance and real-time monitoring to improve safety and operational efficiency. Procurement of trainsets is expected to support higher service frequency and shorter headways, while the advanced signalling and maintenance systems aim to reduce disruptions and improve asset utilisation.

The corridor will measure 11.165 kilometre (km) and will include 12 stations, comprising seven underground stations and five elevated stations. The project received Union Cabinet approval in August 2025 and is being developed as Phase 1B of the Lucknow Metro project. UPMRCL indicated that the new trainsets will be configured to suit the route profile and station design to ensure smooth boarding and alighting for passengers.

The introduction of driverless trains and supporting technologies is expected to change daily travel patterns by offering faster and more reliable journeys for office goers, students and rail passengers. Authorities foresee reductions in travel time on congested corridors and improved connectivity between residential and commercial areas. The procurement tender is a step towards modernising the network and enhancing commuter experience as the city expands its rapid transit capacity.

Infrastructure Urban

17 Jun 2026

Adani Project to Redevelop Dharavi and Unlock Major Value

The Adani-led Dharavi redevelopment is presented as one of Asia's largest urban renewal schemes and aims to convert the settlement into a smart city precinct and transport hub while rehabilitating 0.125 million (mn) housing units for more than 1.0 mn residents, according to an HSBC report summarising a panel at the Adani Annual Conference 2026. The report frames the initiative as combining large-scale housing provision with planned public amenities and commercial inventory to raise living standards and unlock formal homeownership. HSBC highlights a substantial commercial opportunity with about..

TCS Renews 1.5 Million Sq Ft Chennai Lease Worth Rs 14,200 mn

Tata Consultancy Services (TCS) has renewed a lease for 1.5 million sq ft of office space in Chennai and committed Rs 14,200 million (mn) in rentals over 10 years. The transaction secures a major corporate footprint in the city and reinforces the company's long-term occupancy plans. The renewal aligns with the company's strategy to maintain substantial physical capacity in major regional hubs. The decision follows internal assessments of space utilisation and long-term operational needs.\n\nThe lease renewal covers a substantial campus area and is intended to support the firm's delivery operat..

Embassy Developments Targets Rs 80 bn Pre Sales In FY27

Embassy Developments said it is targeting Rs 80 billion (Rs 80 bn) of pre-sales in 2026-27 as housing demand remains strong across major cities and the company seeks to capitalise on market momentum. The managing director indicated that the firm recorded a 128 per cent rise in sales bookings in 2025-26 to Rs 46.31 bn, which was slightly short of its annual guidance but reflected robust consumer interest. The company reported that demand is particularly resilient for well-designed and high-quality residential properties sold by branded developers with proven execution. The target includes sales..