Chennai Metro Rail abandons plans to lease 42 driverless trains
RAILWAYS & METRO RAIL

Chennai Metro Rail abandons plans to lease 42 driverless trains

The authority would now have to spend additional money to purchase these train sets after an obstacle was found in Chennai Metro Rail Limited's proposal to lease up to 42 driverless trains. The initial strategy indicated a way to lower the project's cost from Rs 890 billion to Rs 618.43 billion by leasing the 42 metro trains rather than buying them. After the CMRL discovered that businesses do not lease metro trains because they cannot be used elsewhere after the lease period has ended, the plan has now been abandoned.

The CMRL plan calls for 138 three-car trains to operate on Chennai's 118.9 kilometre phase-2 metro network. In 2026, this phase is anticipated to be public. According to a CMRL official, after meeting with train manufacturers from around the world to learn why metro trains are not leased, they discovered that because metro trains are made specifically for a city or a metro line, businesses that lease them cannot roll them back and use them elsewhere in the event of a problem. After terminating the tender seeking expressions of interest in December 2021 because only one business answered and applied for it, CMRL initiated discussions with train manufacturers.

However, as long as the signalling software remains the same, long distance and suburban trains run by the railways can be leased and utilised elsewhere. "We may require close to $1 billion to purchase these trains. We've talked about it with the state government, and they might be able to cover the expense. Now, all that is left to do is issue tenders, an official reportedly told the Times of India.”

Phase-2 of the Chennai Metro will need 414 coaches or 138 three-car trains when operations start in 2025, according to the detailed project report (DPR). 762 coaches (254 three-car or 127 six-car trains) will be required in three decades. The insider added that the metro trains will initially have three carriages and that the objective is to have low capacity but high frequency trains.

The authority would now have to spend additional money to purchase these train sets after an obstacle was found in Chennai Metro Rail Limited's proposal to lease up to 42 driverless trains. The initial strategy indicated a way to lower the project's cost from Rs 890 billion to Rs 618.43 billion by leasing the 42 metro trains rather than buying them. After the CMRL discovered that businesses do not lease metro trains because they cannot be used elsewhere after the lease period has ended, the plan has now been abandoned. The CMRL plan calls for 138 three-car trains to operate on Chennai's 118.9 kilometre phase-2 metro network. In 2026, this phase is anticipated to be public. According to a CMRL official, after meeting with train manufacturers from around the world to learn why metro trains are not leased, they discovered that because metro trains are made specifically for a city or a metro line, businesses that lease them cannot roll them back and use them elsewhere in the event of a problem. After terminating the tender seeking expressions of interest in December 2021 because only one business answered and applied for it, CMRL initiated discussions with train manufacturers. However, as long as the signalling software remains the same, long distance and suburban trains run by the railways can be leased and utilised elsewhere. We may require close to $1 billion to purchase these trains. We've talked about it with the state government, and they might be able to cover the expense. Now, all that is left to do is issue tenders, an official reportedly told the Times of India.” Phase-2 of the Chennai Metro will need 414 coaches or 138 three-car trains when operations start in 2025, according to the detailed project report (DPR). 762 coaches (254 three-car or 127 six-car trains) will be required in three decades. The insider added that the metro trains will initially have three carriages and that the objective is to have low capacity but high frequency trains.

Next Story
Products

Viva ACP Launches FR A1-Rated Honeycomb Panels for Fire Safety

Viva, Asia’s largest manufacturer and supplier of aluminium composite panels (ACP) introduced its FR A1-rated Honeycomb Panels, setting a new industry benchmark for fire safety and architectural excellence. Engineered to deliver exceptional performance, these panels combine advanced fire-resistance technology with aesthetic versatility, offering a revolutionary solution for safety-critical environments.The FR A1 rating represents the highest standard of fire resistance under the European Standard EN 13501-1, signifying non-combustibility and zero contribution to fire, smoke, or toxic emissio..

Next Story
Real Estate

Almal Real Estate Expands into Commercial, Global Markets

Almal Real Estate Development is soon to announce its upcoming expansion into new verticals and international markets as part of its strategic growth plans for 2030. The company, known for its innovative luxury residential and hospitality developments, is preparing to diversify into the commercial sector with the introduction of The Smart Space, a network of business centers in UAE featuring five-star amenities. Additionally, Almal is entering new markets in Bali and Thailand as a community developer, focusing on villa and townhouse projects.The expansion into the commercial real estate sector..

Next Story
Infrastructure Urban

NABARD Approves Rs 9.03 Billion for 127 Projects in Himachal

The Himachal Pradesh government has secured approval from the National Bank for Agriculture and Rural Development (NABARD) for 127 projects worth Rs 9.03 billion for the 2024-25 fiscal, Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu announced. During a meeting with MLAs from Kangra, Kullu, Kinnaur, Solan, Chamba, Bilaspur, and Lahaul-Spiti districts to discuss priorities for the 2025-26 budget, Sukhu said the approved projects include 50 MLA-priority schemes under the Public Works Department, valued at Rs 4.12 billion, and 23 MLA-priority schemes under the Jal Shakti Vibhag, costing Rs 1.79 billio..

Advertisement

Advertisement

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Get daily newsletters around different themes from Construction world.

STAY CONNECTED

Advertisement

Advertisement

Advertisement

Advertisement

Talk to us?