Chennai Metro Embraces Automation with New Driverless Train Initiative

As reported by Chennai Metro Rail Ltd, Alstom has secured a contract worth €135 million to deliver and maintain 32 three-car metropolis trainsets for the city’s Phase II expansion project.

This ambitious initiative encompasses lines 3, 4, and 5, stretching over a total of 76 kilometers of elevated tracks and an additional 43 kilometers underground. The operation of these lines will be managed by the Delhi Metro Rail Corporation.

The design work for these trainsets will take place at Alstom’s engineering hub in Bengaluru,while manufacturing will occur in Sri City. Notably, the contract includes a extensive maintenance plan that spans fifteen years post-warranty. This covers everything from cleaning to managing equipment obsolescence.

The trainsets are designed with a gauge of 1,435 mm and operate on a power supply of 25 kV at a frequency of 50 Hz.Each set consists of two driving motor cars flanking a central trailer car, accommodating approximately nine hundred passengers. Each individual car measures about 22.6 meters in length and is nearly three meters wide.

A key feature is the Automatic Train Operation (ATO) system that allows for unattended operations under GoA4 standards; they can reach speeds up to ninety kilometers per hour with an operational speed capped at eighty kilometers per hour.Additionally, these sets are capable of running in multiple configurations.

“Our adventure in India kicked off with Chennai Metro phase I back in 2010 when we received our first rolling stock order here,” remarked Olivier Loison, Managing Director at Alstom India during the declaration on June fifth. “This latest agreement reinforces our partnership with CMRL as we contribute to modernizing urban rail transport in Chennai. We take pride in being selected to produce top-notch metro trains right here in India that will significantly improve the commuting experience.”