Chennai Metro Rail Embarks on Production of First Driverless Train for Phase II Project
Posted on: 07/Feb/2024 3:18:22 PM
Chennai Metro Rail Limited (CMRL) is set to initiate the production of its first driverless train for the ongoing phase II project at Sri City, starting on February 8. A team from Chennai will witness the commencement of the process, with the train expected to arrive in the city by August. Unlike the manual train operations of the Metro Rail phase I project, the three-coach driverless trains for the 116-km phase II project are scheduled to debut in December 2025 when the Poonamallee-Porur stretch opens to the public.
These driverless trains, maintaining the iconic blue color scheme of CMRL, will feature new amenities such as mobile charging points and digital dynamic route maps. One coach will be designated as women-only, distinguished by pink handrails, and the trains will incorporate advanced safety features including cameras for enhanced security, a fire detection system, derailment detection system, and an obstacle detection system.
Extensive testing, spanning approximately eight to 10 months, will follow the arrival of the trains. The testing phase will cover various aspects, including brake and traction tests. Dedicated areas, both for static and dynamic trials, have been allocated, ensuring restricted access to staff during the testing of these driverless trains. The approval for passenger operations will be granted upon successful completion of the testing and approval from the relevant authorities.
