Chennai Metro Rail Limited (CMRL) has awarded a Rs. 3,657.53 crore contract to BEML Limited for 70 driverless 3-car trains, funded by JICA, for Phase 2’s Corridor 3 and Corridor 5. The trains, scheduled for delivery by 2026, will undergo rigorous testing and include a 15-year comprehensive maintenance plan.
Key Project Highlights:
- The trains will serve Corridor 3 (Madhavaram to SIPCOT) and Corridor 5 (Madhavaram to Sholinganallur) under Phase 2 of Chennai Metro.
- The project aligns with CMRL’s commitment to sustainable urban mobility, with the driverless trains reflecting state-of-the-art technology.
The Signing Ceremony:
The LoA was handed over on November 28, 2024, at MetroS, Anna Salai, Nandanam.
- Mr. T. Archunan, Director (Projects) of CMRL, presented the LoA to Thiru. Rajeev Kumar Gupta, Director (Rail & Metro) of BEML Limited.
- Distinguished attendees included senior officials from CMRL, BEML, and NKAB, emphasizing the collaborative effort behind this significant initiative.
Scope of the Contract:
The awarded contract encompasses a comprehensive range of deliverables to ensure seamless operations:
- Design, Manufacture, Supply, Testing, and Commissioning of 70 driverless metro trainsets.
- Training of CMRL personnel to ensure operational readiness.
- Comprehensive Maintenance for 15 years.
- Supply and commissioning of Depot Machinery and Plant for maintenance and operations.
Delivery and Testing Timeline:
First Train Delivery:
- Scheduled for the end of 2026 at Madhavaram Depot.
- Rigorous 14-month testing phase, including integration with systems and service trials.
Subsequent Deliveries:
- Remaining trains will be delivered between March 2027 and April 2029.
- Testing and commissioning will be carried out at various sites.
Conclusion:
This landmark agreement between CMRL and BEML represents a crucial advancement in Chennai Metro’s Phase 2 development. With cutting-edge driverless train technology and a robust maintenance framework, this project not only enhances urban connectivity but also underscores the city’s commitment to modernizing its transit infrastructure sustainably and efficiently.
Source: CMRL – Press Release | Image Credit: CMRL
