CHENNAI (Metro Rail News): Alstom has been awarded a contract worth €98 million (INR 798 crores) to design, manufacture, supply, test, and commission 78 advanced metro coaches by the Chennai Metro Rail Limited (CMRL). These new metro cars will operate on the 26 km corridor, part of Phase-II, connecting Poonamallee Bypass – Light House through 28 (18 elevated & 10 underground) stations.
The contract’s scope includes manufacturing 26 metro trains (three-car configuration) that can operate at 80 kmph and training personnel. With a 25 KV power supply for optimal energy efficiency, Alstom’s Metropolis metros will ensure safe and reliable passenger transport for over 11 million city citizens. Additionally, the overall project will significantly contribute to socioeconomic development by connecting key zones.
The metro trains are designed & engineered to run driverless enabled with Unattended Train Operations (UTO). These trains can completely run-on signals, and their operations will be monitored from the Operations Control Centre (OCC).
In line with the Government’s ‘Make in India’ vision, these metro cars will be 100% indigenous and manufactured at one of Alstom’s most extensive urban rolling stock manufacturing facilities in Tricity, Andhra Pradesh. This facility has an annual capacity of 480 cars and a strong portfolio catering to several domestic and international metro projects.
Commenting on this win, Olivier Loison, Managing Director – of Alstom India, said, “Our manufacturing journey in India began with the trains for Chennai Metro Phase-I in 2014, which was also the first Rolling Stock order win for us in the country. This new win brings us immense pride and we are honored to be reliable partners in improving Chennai’s urban transportation network.”
Previously, Alstom has manufactured and delivered 208 metro cars for the 54km of the first phase, + plus the Extension of Corridor-I from the Airport to Wimco Nagar and Corridor-II from Chennai Central to St. Thomas Mount. These trains are equipped with Automatic Train Protection (ATP), Automatic Train Operation (ATO), and a regenerative braking system, ensuring significant energy savings. In addition, the company has successfully designed, tested, and commissioned the track works covering 45 kms of corridors I & II for the Chennai Metro.
“We are happy to once again partner with Alstom for this significant contract for Chennai Metro Phase-II. The advanced trains delivered by Alstom have been operating on our metro lines for many years now, proving their strong capability to cater to the India market. We are confident that the Phase II project will provide better connectivity with minimal impact to the environment and benefit the lives of millions of people living in the city”, said Rajesh Chaturvedi, Director – Systems & Operation from Chennai Metro Rail Limited (CMRL).
Supporting the Government’s modernisation initiatives, Alstom has been at the forefront of introducing several breakthrough technologies in India with world-class rolling stock, rail equipment & infrastructure, signalling and services. The company has successfully delivered metro trains for Delhi, Chennai, Lucknow, and Kochi cities. It is currently manufacturing for Mumbai Metro Line 3, Agra-Kanpur metro, and Indore-Bhopal projects.
