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Chennai Metro Rail is preparing to introduce 15 driverless trains on its first Phase-2 corridor between Poonamallee Bypass and Vadapalani, running at about 10-minute intervals, helping passengers travel more conveniently once services begin. Although the 14.6-km corridor received safety approval from the Commissioner of Metro Rail Safety (CMRS) nearly five months ago, it is still waiting for its official inauguration.
Chennai Metro's Driverless Trainsets
According to metro officials, 34 of the 36 driverless trainsets ordered for the entire Phase-2 network have already reached the Poonamallee depot. The remaining two trainsets are expected to arrive in July. The metro authorities are preparing the fleet so that passenger services can start as soon as the corridor is officially opened.
Chennai Metro to Carry Out Train Testing
Before any train can carry passengers, it must pass six mandatory stages of testing. These tests are carried out to ensure that the trains, signalling systems, and other equipment operate safely and reliably under real conditions.
The first stage is a routine static test, where the train's basic systems are checked while it is stationary. This is followed by a routine dynamic test, which evaluates the train's performance while it is moving. After this, signalling and telecommunications (S&T) static tests are conducted to verify that the communication and signalling equipment works correctly.
The next step is the S&T dynamic test, where the signalling system is tested while the train is running. This is followed by integration tests, which ensure that all systems, including trains, signalling and communications, work together without any issues. Finally, the trains undergo service trials that simulate actual passenger operations to confirm they are ready for regular service.
Metro officials said these tests are currently being conducted at the Poonamallee depot and along the Phase-2 corridor. Only after completing all the required tests and receiving final certification will the trains be allowed to enter passenger service.
Once operations begin, the driverless trains are expected to improve public transport in Chennai by providing faster, safer, and more frequent metro services on the new Phase-2 corridor. The project is an important step towards expanding the city's metro network and improving connectivity for daily commuters.