April 9, 2024: Chennai Metro Rail Limited (CMRL) is set to launch its inaugural driverless train by August 2024, marking a significant milestone in enhancing connectivity across Chennai. These advanced train sets will serve Phase-2 Corridor 4, connecting Lighthouse to the Poonamallee Bypass, covering a 26-kilometre stretch with 28 metro stations.
See also: Chennai Metro Red Line: Route, map, latest updates
The deployment of these state-of-the-art trains is on the horizon, with the first train expected to arrive in August, followed by six more within the subsequent two months. However, the completion of ballastless tracks on the elevated line by July 2024 is essential to facilitate the arrival of the inaugural train.
Earlier this year, the unveiling of the driverless trains showcased their innovative features, including standing passenger perch seats, cutting-edge CCTV surveillance inside and outside the cars, charging ports for electronic devices, specially designed grab handles for enhanced accessibility and LCD screens displaying entertainment and real-time route maps.
As preparations escalate for the phased rollout of Phase 2, spanning from 2025 to 2028 and covering a distance of 116.1 kilometres, CMRL aims to acquire a total of 138 three-car train sets. Recent developments include the reopening of bids for 32 train sets, in addition to the 70 train sets for which bids were solicited in the preceding year.
Each train set accommodates approximately 1,000 passengers across three carriages and operates at a speed of 80 km per hour, with a design speed of 90 km per hour. Furthermore, the incorporation of a regenerative braking system and advanced obstruction detection technology underscores CMRL’s commitment to energy efficiency and passenger safety.
Phase II of the Chennai Metro Rail project entails the construction of 128 stations across three rail corridors. Corridor 3 will span from Madhavaram to SIPCOT, covering a distance of 45.8 km, while Corridor 5 will connect Madhavaram to Sholinganallur, spanning 47 km. The estimated opening of Phase 2, spanning 116.1 km, is between 2026 and 2028, with an estimated project cost of Rs 61,843 crore.
| Got any questions or point of view on our article? We would love to hear from you. Write to our Editor-in-Chief Jhumur Ghosh at jhumur.ghosh1@housing.com |
