Chennai Metro Rail Limited will have its last three‑coach train for the 118.9‑km Phase II network arriving at the Poonamallee depot within days. Fifteen of the first‑batch trains are already running, while the remaining units undergo testing and the second and third batches will roll out throughout next year.

  • Last train arriving at Poonamallee depot next week
  • 15 of the first‑batch trains already operational on Corridor‑4
  • Second and third batches scheduled for staggered delivery in 2027

Overview

Chennai Metro Rail Limited (CMRL) announced that the final train required for Corridor 4 of the upcoming Phase II network – stretching from Poonamallee to Light House – will be delivered within a few days. The 118.9‑km expansion calls for a total of 138 three‑coach trains, ordered in three separate packages.

Current Deployment

Out of the 36 trains in the first package, 15 are already serving the Poonamallee‑Vadapalani section, a core segment of Corridor 4. The remaining 21 units are in various stages of testing at the depot, with the last train expected to join them shortly.

Read Also:7.5-km Stretch of Bengaluru Metro Pink Line Ready, Inauguration Expected in September

Future Utilisation

Although these trains were procured for Corridor 4, CMRL officials indicated they can be redeployed on other lines such as the Koyambedu‑Alandur stretch, which is slated to commence service early next year. Frequency decisions will determine which batch serves each corridor.

Progress of the Second and Third Batches

The second batch (70 trains) and the third batch (32 trains) are currently at different production milestones and will start arriving one by one throughout next year. Each coach undergoes a rigorous series of checks – from body integrity to air‑conditioning, brakes, and the train control management system – a process that typically spans three to four months.

Historical Background

Chennai Metro began operations in 2015 with Phase I, covering 54 km using 54 trains. Phase II expands the network to 118.9 km, aiming to connect key suburban corridors and boost daily ridership by an estimated 40 %.

Why This Matters

BozokMedia analysis shows that completing the train fleet ahead of schedule not only accelerates urban mobility but also sets a benchmark for Indian metro projects, potentially attracting further private investment in mass transit infrastructure.

“Metro fleet readiness is a critical success factor for meeting projected ridership and ensuring operational safety,” says transport engineer Dr. Anil Mehta.
Did You Know?: Chennai Metro’s Phase I was the first Indian metro to use a completely driver‑less signaling system on a public line.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q1: Can the new trains be used on other corridors?
Yes, once testing is complete they can be deployed on any corridor as operational needs dictate.

Q2: When will the second and third batches be fully delivered?
The second batch is expected to be complete by mid‑2027, with the third batch finishing by the end of 2028.