Chennai's eagerly awaited Phase II of its metro system took a major step forward today with the commencement of train production at Alstom's Sricity facility. The French transport giant will deliver 36 state-of-the-art Metropolis trainsets, each with three cars and a top speed of 80 km/h. The new trains will travel the 26-km corridor connecting Poonamallee Bypass to Light House and stopping at 28 stations.
Marking a significant milestone, the production launch was celebrated by representatives from Chennai Metro Rail Ltd. (CMRL) and Alstom India. The project, valued at €124 million, includes personnel training for operation and maintenance.
The trains are equipped with Unattended Train Operations (UTO), making them driverless and Automatic Train Protection (ATP).
"Chennai Metro has emerged as a vital cog in our city's transport system," declared Mr. M.A. Siddique, I.A.S., Managing Director of CMRL. "It not only boosts the economy but also champions sustainability, reducing emissions and decongesting roads. Phase II will introduce driverless trains, prioritizing safety and comfort. We are thrilled to see these technologically advanced trains manufactured locally by Alstom and look forward to their debut by end-2025."
Olivier Loison, managing director of Alstom India, echoed the enthusiasm. "We have a long-standing association with Chennai Metro, for over a decade.
“The rolling stock order for Chennai Metro Phase-I marked the beginning of our manufacturing journey in India. As we begin production for the second phase, we are thrilled to be bringing more innovation to Chennai Metro that promises to redefine the commuting experience for the residents of Chennai.”
The UTO and ATP system’s also helps with regenerative braking, allowing for better energy conservation. The new trains will also have GOA 4 installed, currently the highest level of automation for driver-to-train control systems.
Alstom's involvement with Chennai Metro extends beyond Phase II. They previously manufactured and delivered 208 metro cars for the first phase and its extensions, and successfully designed, tested, and commissioned track-works for nearly 45 kilometres of corridors.
With the production of these driverless trains underway, Chennai gears up for a smoother, more sustainable, and technologically advanced future in public transportation.
Photo Credit: Alstom
