Chennai Metro Set for Major Boost with New Alstom Contract
Chennai Metro is entering a new era of growth and modernization as French firm Alstom has secured a significant contract from Chennai Metro Rail Limited (CMRL) to manufacture and maintain 96 new driverless metro cars. The deal, worth €135 million (approximately ₹1,321 crore), is set to transform the city’s public transport network as part of Phase-II development.
The contract is part of a larger infrastructure vision for the city, extending over 119 kilometers and covering three major corridors, with 76 kilometers elevated and 43 kilometers underground. This expansion is expected to drastically improve urban mobility, reduce traffic congestion, and increase the efficiency of city-wide transportation.
Built for India, in India
Under the flagship ‘Make in India’ and ‘Atmanirbhar Bharat’ initiatives, the new Chennai Metro trainsets will be 100% manufactured at Alstom’s state-of-the-art facility in Sri City, Andhra Pradesh. These metro cars will be built with a strong focus on safety, efficiency, and passenger comfort. Each of the 32 trainsets (with three cars each) will have the capacity to carry around 900 passengers, designed to meet international standards for metro systems.
The driverless trains, classified as Unattended Train Operations (UTO), will feature advanced safety technologies including train-to-train and train-to-track evacuation capabilities. Additionally, the trains will support multiple operations, ensuring flexibility in service.
Long-Term Commitment to Service and Maintenance
As per the agreement, Alstom will not only supply the trains but also provide a comprehensive 15-year maintenance service post-warranty. This includes the upkeep of plant machinery at the depot, cleaning services, obsolescence management, and personnel training. The company has also been entrusted with integration testing, service trials, and ongoing maintenance for the long term.
CMRL confirmed that the first trainset is expected to arrive at the depot by February 2027. The rigorous testing phase will last approximately 14 months to ensure optimal safety and system compatibility. The remaining trains will be delivered between September 2027 and May 2028.
Strengthening the Alstom-CMRL Partnership
This contract marks another milestone in the strong and evolving partnership between Alstom and CMRL. Since their first collaboration in 2010, Alstom has already delivered 208 metro cars for Phase-I operations. Currently, the company is also working on 108 driverless metro cars linking Poonamallee Bypass to Light House in Chennai Metro Phase-II.
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This latest deal is the third and final procurement contract for the UTO Metro trains under Phase-II. The signing of the agreement was officiated by Manoj Goyal, Director (Systems & Operations) for CMRL, and Parag Nandlal Gohel, Customer Director (South) for Alstom.
Conclusion:
The addition of 96 new driverless metro cars marks a major leap forward for the Chennai Metro project. With local manufacturing, smart technologies, and long-term service plans in place, Chennai is positioning itself at the forefront of modern urban transport solutions in India. The city can look forward to a safer, cleaner, and more efficient commuting experience by the end of the decade.
