Chennai: The Chennai Metro Rail Ltd (CMRL) is set to introduce its first driverless 3-coach train on the Metro Rail Phase 2 route in September. The train, which will be handed over to CMRL at the Poonamalle workshop, features fully air-conditioned coaches with separate seats for women and disabled passengers. It has a capacity to carry up to 1,000 passengers and is equipped with charging points for cell phones and computers.
The driverless train will operate at a speed of 80 km per hour and will run on elevated tracks equipped with advanced train operation equipment. The first phase of the driverless metro rail will be launched on the 4th line between Beacon – Poontamalli and Poonamalle – Kodambakkam Power House, with a trial run planned by the end of this year.
Expansion of Metro Rail Project
The Chennai Metro Rail Project is currently in its second phase, with plans to complete 116.1 km of three new lines. The metro trains will operate on three routes: Madhavaram Dairy – Sirusery SIPCOT, Lighthouse – Poonamalle Workhouse, and Madhavaram Dairy – Sholinganallur.
Construction work is underway on the 26 km stretch from Poontamalli to Lighthouse, and a detailed project report is being prepared for a 43.63 km stretch from Poontamalli to Parantur New Airport with 19 high-level metro stations.
