Alstom powers Chennai Metro Phase II with its driverless Metropolis trainsets

Alstom, a global leader in smart and sustainable mobility, has commenced passenger services with its advanced driverless Metropolis trainsets on Corridor 4 of Chennai Metro Phase II, inaugurated in the presence of Hon’ble Prime Minister of India Shri Narendra Modi. The 26-km corridor connects Poonamallee Bypass to Light House through 28 stations, comprising 18 elevated and 10 underground stations. Alstom has completed manufacturing 36 trainsets, comprising 108 metro cars, to enhance urban connectivity with a faster, safer and more sustainable commuting experience.

Designed at Alstom’s engineering centre of excellence in Bengaluru, Karnataka, and manufactured at its Sri City facility in Andhra Pradesh, the next-generation trainsets are configured for driverless operations at speeds of up to 80 kmph. Each three-car train can accommodate up to 1,000 passengers and features air conditioning, regenerative braking, real-time passenger information displays, CCTV cameras, emergency evacuation doors, dedicated spaces for women and persons with disabilities, and advanced cybersecurity. Inspired by Chennai’s cultural heritage, the train designs incorporate elements of Bharatanatyam mudras and Tamil Nadu’s traditional kolam art. The 2023 contract, valued at €124 million, covered design, manufacturing, supply, testing, commissioning and training.

Olivier Loison, Managing Director, Alstom India, said the commencement of passenger services marks a proud milestone and reinforces the company’s long-standing partnership with Chennai Metro Rail Limited (CMRL). Alstom has supported Chennai’s metro network since 2010, supplying 208 metro cars, signalling and power systems for Phase I. In addition to the 108 cars delivered for Phase II, manufacturing of 96 additional driverless Metropolis metro cars ordered in 2025 is commencing at Sri City. With six industrial sites and five major engineering centres in India, Alstom continues to support the country’s rail infrastructure development and Make in India and Atmanirbhar Bharat initiatives. Its metro trains serve Delhi, Chennai, Lucknow, Kochi and Mumbai, as well as the Agra–Kanpur and Indore–Bhopal metro projects.