Chennai Metro Signs ₹3,657 Crore Contract for Driverless Trains

Chennai Metro Rail Limited (CMRL) has entered into a ₹3,657.53 crore agreement with BEML Limited to supply 70 driverless three-car trains for its ambitious Phase 2 project. These advanced trains will serve Corridors 3 and 5, enhancing connectivity and urban mobility in Chennai. The contract covers the design, manufacture, testing, commissioning, and maintenance of the trains for 15 years, ensuring long-term efficiency and reliability.

Phase 2 of the Chennai Metro project is a major infrastructure initiative, with Corridors 3 and 5 designed to address the city’s growing transportation needs. Corridor 3 will connect Madhavaram to SIPCOT, while Corridor 5 links Madhavaram to Sholinganallur. Together, these corridors are expected to ease traffic congestion and provide faster, eco-friendly travel options for residents.

The driverless trains, equipped with cutting-edge technology, represent a significant leap in public transport innovation. The automation ensures enhanced safety, energy efficiency, and seamless operations. BEML Limited, a Bengaluru-based company, has been a trusted partner in India’s metro development, supplying rolling stock to several metro networks nationwide.

Deliveries of the first set of trains are expected to commence by late 2026. Once operational, these trains will bolster Chennai’s metro network, making it one of the most advanced urban transit systems in the country. The project aligns with the government’s push for Make in India and sustainable urban transport solutions.

This development underscores CMRL’s commitment to providing world-class public transport and reducing the city’s dependency on road-based travel. With Phase 2 expected to be completed in the coming years, Chennai is poised to witness a transformative shift in its public transport infrastructure, benefiting commuters and supporting the city’s economic growth.