CMRL to test driverless metro trains at Madhavaram depot by early 2028

CHENNAI: Chennai Metro Rail Limited (CMRL) will begin testing of its first batch of three-car driverless trains at the Madhavaram depot by early 2028. This follows the delivery of the initial train, scheduled for the end of 2026, under a recently signed contract with BEML Limited.

The rigorous testing process will span 14 months, ensuring the trains meet operational and safety standards before being put into service.

The contract, valued at Rs 3,657.53 crore, involves design, manufacture, supply, testing, commissioning and maintenance of 70 UTO (unattended train operations) trains, comprising 210 cars.

The agreement includes the training of personnel and the provision of depot machinery and plant. The contract was formalised on Nov 28 in the presence of CMRL managing director MA Siddique and senior officials.

The subsequent trains will be delivered between March 2027 and April 2029, with all units undergoing site-specific testing and integration trials. Once operational, these trains will serve corridors 3 (Madhavaram-SIPCOT) and 5 (Madhavaram-Sholinganallur) of CMRL’s phase 2 project.

This agreement marks the second of three contracts for procuring driverless metro trains for phase 2. The first contract saw the delivery of a prototype train to the Poonamallee depot, while the third tender is currently under the bidding process.


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