Chennai Metro launched tender to procure 28 Rolling Stock Trainsets to handle Phase 1 Ridership

Chennai, India (Metro Rail Today): Chennai Metro Rail Limited (CMRL) has initiated one of its most significant fleet expansion programmes to date, with plans underway to procure 28 new six-car trainsets to accommodate rapidly increasing ridership across its Phase I network. The move comes at a time when Chennai Metro has been witnessing unprecedented demand, crossing an average daily ridership of 3 lakh passengers and registering over one crore journeys in a single month.

CMRL’s decision marks a key step toward easing peak-hour crowding, increasing train frequency, and enhancing overall passenger capacity. The new rolling stock will enable the metro operator to gradually phase out four-car train operations on busy corridors and replace them with higher-capacity six-car sets. This transition is expected to significantly boost carrying capacity during the morning and evening peak hours on both major Phase I corridors — Corridor I between Airport and Wimco Nagar, and Corridor II between Chennai Central and St. Thomas Mount.

The 28 six-car trains, estimated to cost ₹2,820.90 crore, are expected to join the fleet by 2028. The procurement will be financed through multilateral funding agencies, backed by approvals from both the Tamil Nadu government and the Union government. Once inducted, the total fleet strength across CMRL’s Phase I and Phase I extension networks will rise to 80 trainsets, including the existing 52 four-car rakes.

The induction of longer trains requires a series of infrastructure upgrades across the network. CMRL has already finalised plans to modify around 21 underground stations, which will include upgrades to electrical systems supporting Platform Screen Doors and potential platform extensions to accommodate the six-car configuration where needed. Alongside station upgrades, major enhancements are being planned at the Koyambedu and Wimco Nagar depots, including new stabling lines, additional washing plants and expanded inspection bays to manage the enlarged fleet.

Officials familiar with the development say the expansion is a proactive measure to ensure the Chennai Metro remains ahead of the city’s growing mobility needs. With Chennai’s rapid urban growth, rising metro patronage, and increasing shift from private vehicles to public transport, CMRL’s plan to transition to a more robust six-car operational regime is expected to have lasting benefits for commuters across the metropolitan region.

As Chennai prepares for further network expansion under Phase II, the new fleet will play a critical role in ensuring smoother, higher-frequency and more comfortable metro operations over the next decade.