“The commencement of passenger service on Chennai Metro Phase II is a proud moment for Alstom and a testament to our enduring partnership with CMRL. The manufacturing completion of all 36 trainsets designed in Bengaluru and manufactured at Sri City reflects India’s engineering capabilities and our commitment to world-class indigenous mobility solutions. We remain deeply committed to supporting Chennai’s vision of a modern, connected and sustainable metro network.” Olivier Loison, Managing Director, Alstom India
Alstom recently celebrated the commencement of passenger service for its advanced driverless Metropolis trainsets on Corridor 4 of Chennai Metro Phase II. In presence of Prime Minister of India Narendra Modi, the inauguration marked a transformative milestone for Chennai’s transport network and reinforces Alstom’s longstanding partnership with Chennai Metro Rail Limited (CMRL).
Alstom has completed the manufacturing of all 36 Metropolis trainsets – a total 108 cars, redefining the commuting experience for the residents of Chennai by offering passengers smooth rides aboard the innovative, comfortable and reliable metro cars.
The 26-kilometre corridor 4 connects Poonamallee Bypass to Light House across 28 stations – 18 elevated and 10 underground, linking key residential, commercial and cultural zones, and providing Chennai’s more than 11 million citizens a faster, safer and more sustainable alternative to road travel.
Commenting on the occasion, Olivier Loison, Managing Director, Alstom India, said: “The commencement of passenger service on Chennai Metro Phase II is a proud moment for Alstom and a testament to our enduring partnership with CMRL. The manufacturing completion of all 36 trainsets designed in Bengaluru and manufactured at Sri City reflects India’s engineering capabilities and our commitment to world-class indigenous mobility solutions. We remain deeply committed to supporting Chennai’s vision of a modern, connected and sustainable metro network.”
The metro trainsets were developed at Alstom’s engineering centre of excellence for rolling stock and digital solutions in Bengaluru (Karnataka) and manufactured at the Sri City rolling stock plant built in Andhra Pradesh to deliver the first ever metro for Chennai. These latest-generation trainsets for Corridor 4 are designed and configured for driverless operations at up to 80 kmh. Awarded in 2023 and valued at 124 million euros, the contract covered the design, manufacture, supply, testing, commissioning and CMRL drivers training for the full fleet on Corridor 4. The 36th and final trainset will be delivered by end of October 2026.
Designed for Chennai and the city’s commuters
Inspired by Chennai’s cultural heritage, the exterior front mask draws from the Mudras of Bharatanatyam, while interior platform screen patterns celebrate Tamil Nadu’s Kolam art form. Each three-car trainset accommodates up to 1,000 passengers, with regenerative braking, air conditioning, dedicated spaces for women – with one entire car reserving two-thirds of its space as a ladies’ section- and differently abled individuals. The trains are further equipped with perch seats, real-time passenger information displays, CCTV cameras, emergency evacuation doors, and military-grade cybersecurity.
