BEML Limited was awarded a contract worth Rs. 36.58 billion (USD 431 million) for the supply of 70 three-car metro trains to Chennai Metro Rail Limited (CMRL). The contract also includes the provision of maintenance services for a period of 15 years as well as depot and plant machinery and training. BEML will be responsible for design, manufacture, supply, testing and commissioning of the new rolling stock.
The first trainset is scheduled for delivery in January 2027 at the Madhavaram depot, with the final trainset expected by April 2029.
The train delivered will undergo rigorous testing at CMRL’s facilities for 14 months, including integration testing with other systems and service trials. The subsequent trains will be delivered between March 2027 and April 2029 and tested at the site. Comprehensive maintenance services will begin after the 70th trainset starts revenue operations.
The new metro trains to Chennai will be equipped with modern technology and will primarily operate under ATO at Grade of Automation 4. By leveraging innovation and excellence, BEML will ensure these trains meet the highest global standards of safety, comfort, and operational efficiency, significantly contributing to the transformation of Chennai’s urban transit infrastructure.
“We are committed to delivering metro coaches of unparalleled excellence, manufactured at our Bangalore rail complex, to meet the requirements of Chennai Metro. Our dedication extends to ensuring a world-class commuting experience for the citizens,” the BEML Managing Director Shantanu Roy said.
The contract is co-financed by the Japan International cooperation Agency (JICA) and will first enter operation on the phase 2 of Corridor 3 and Corridor 5.
The new 210 metro cars will serve Corridor 3 between Madhavaram to Sipcot (45.8 km), Corridor 4 connecting Lighthouse and Poonamallee on a 26.1 km line and on Corridor 5 linking Madhavaram and Sholinganallur along a 47 km long line.
The total network spans 118.9 km, including 76.3 km of elevated tracks and 42.6 km underground.
For the phase 2 of the Corridor 4, Chennai Metro and Alstom unveiled the first Metropolis trainset in October. In March 2023, the metro company awarded Hitachi Rail a contract to deliver the CBTC technology.
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