Chennai Metro conducts Driverless Train Trials on Poonamallee–Porur Stretch of Phase 2

Chennai, India (Metro Rail Today): Marking a major milestone in the expansion of Chennai’s rapid transit system, Chennai Metro Rail Limited (CMRL) successfully conducted driverless train trials on a 9.1-km stretch between Poonamallee and Porur on April 28. The trial, held from 3 PM to 6 PM, is part of Phase II Corridor 4, and signals Chennai’s progress toward launching fully automated Metro services.

The trial follows an earlier test run conducted on April 20 over a shorter 2.5-km section at 25 km/h. During the latest trial, train speeds reached up to 40 km/h, with officials confirming successful earlier tests at 80 km/h. The trial runs assessed several operational parameters, including braking systems, acceleration, track alignment, air-conditioning, noise levels, and vibrations.

M.A. Siddique, I.A.S., Managing Director stated that “extension of testing and trials today marks a significant milestone in the progress of the Phase-2 Project of CMRL. These dynamic trials along the viaduct section of Corridor 4 will demonstrate our commitment to achieving key project targets in the shortest possible time period. We are steadily moving towards commissioning the project for the benefit of the public."

The Poonamallee–Porur section includes 10 metro stations at Poonamallee Bypass, Poonamallee, Mullaithottam, Karayanchavadi, Kumananchavadi, Kattupakkam, Iyyappanthangal, Thelliyaragaram, Porur Bypass, and Porur Junction. This route also includes the sharpest curve in Phase II, with a radius of 127.55 metres near Porur, remaining within safety standards.

This stretch is the first to be commissioned under Phase II, which spans over 118.9 km and carries a total investment of ₹63,246 crore. Corridor 4, when fully operational, will connect Light House to Poonamallee via Porur, significantly improving east-west connectivity in Chennai.

CMRL has been gradually scaling up trials in recent weeks, especially between Poonamallee and Mullaithottam, after resolving earlier overhead equipment issues. The current test run was carried out on one track, with the second track expected to be ready by June 2025.

Once operational, Chennai will become the second Indian city after Delhi to run fully driverless Metro trains, promising enhanced frequency, reduced human error, lower emissions, and a significant boost to urban mobility in the city’s western corridor.