Chennai Metro Phase II Begins Driverless Train Services on Corridor-4

Chennai Metro Phase II has taken a significant step forward with the introduction of driverless Metropolis train services on Corridor-4, connecting Poonamallee Bypass with Light House. The launch marks progress in the city’s efforts to expand public transport capacity and provide commuters with an alternative to road travel.

Alstom, the train manufacturer, has completed production of all 36 Metropolis trainsets ordered for this corridor. The fleet comprises 108 metro cars, with the final trainset scheduled for delivery by the end of October 2026.

26-km corridor connects 28 stations

Corridor-4 extends approximately 26 kilometres and links Poonamallee Bypass to Light House, serving 28 stations. The route includes 18 elevated stations and 10 underground stations, connecting residential neighbourhoods with commercial and cultural destinations across Chennai.

The new services are intended to improve connectivity along this stretch of the city as Metro Phase II expands the network. Driverless operation is designed into the trainsets, which can run at speeds of up to 80 kilometres per hour.

The contract for the 36 trainsets was awarded to Alstom in 2023. Valued at €124 million, it covers design, manufacturing, supply, testing, commissioning and driver training for Chennai Metro Rail Limited’s Corridor-4 fleet.

Trains designed for Chennai commuters

The Metropolis trainsets incorporate features intended to improve passenger comfort and safety. Each three-car train can accommodate up to 1,000 passengers and includes air conditioning, real-time passenger information displays, CCTV cameras and emergency evacuation doors.

The trains also feature regenerative braking, which recovers energy during braking, alongside dedicated spaces for women and passengers with disabilities. One entire car includes a designated women’s section covering two-thirds of its space.

The train design draws inspiration from Tamil Nadu’s cultural heritage. The exterior front design references Bharatanatyam mudras, while patterns on the interior platform screens incorporate motifs inspired by kolam art.

Manufacturing and future expansion

The trainsets were developed at Alstom’s engineering centre in Bengaluru and manufactured at its rolling stock facility in Sri City, Andhra Pradesh. The project adds to the company’s existing involvement in Chennai’s metro network, which dates back to 2010.

Alstom previously supplied 208 metro cars, along with signalling and power systems, for the 54-kilometre Phase I network. A separate order placed in 2025 covers an additional 96 driverless Metropolis metro cars, with manufacturing commencing at Sri City.

With Corridor-4 services now underway, the completion of the 36-trainset fleet represents another milestone in Chennai Metro Phase II. The corridor’s performance and continued network expansion will be important to improving connectivity across the city.