Faiveley signs ₹48.33 cr contract to install Anti-Drag Safety System in Chennai Metro Phase 1 Trains

Chennai, India (Metro Rail Today): In a major step towards enhancing commuter safety, the Faiveley Transport Rail Technologies India Pvt. Ltd. has signed a contract with Chennai Metro Rail Limited (CMRL) for the design, supply, installation, testing, and commissioning of Anti-Drag Passenger Door Safety Systems across all 52 trains operating under Phase-1 of the Chennai Metro network.

The agreement, valued at ₹48.33 crore (including GST), was formalised in the presence of Manoj Goyal, Director (Systems & Operations), CMRL, and senior officials from both organisations.

Under the contract, Faiveley Transport will design and integrate an advanced Anti-Drag Passenger Door Safety System into every saloon door of Phase-1 trains — covering both the Blue Line and Green Line corridors.

This cutting-edge system is engineered to detect extremely thin objects — such as sarees, bag straps, or belts — that may accidentally get trapped between the doors during boarding or alighting.

If such an object is detected being dragged as the train moves, the system will automatically:

• Activate the emergency braking mechanism, and

• Alert the train operator instantly through the onboard driver console.

This ensures that any potential passenger entrapment is swiftly identified and mitigated in real-time.

A Proactive Step Toward Passenger Safety

While Chennai Metro has reported zero incidents of door entrapment since operations began, the introduction of this Anti-Drag Passenger Door Safety System is part of CMRL’s proactive safety enhancement strategy.

The system will add an extra layer of protection for passengers — particularly women commuters, who are often at higher risk of clothing entrapment.

“Chennai Metro continues to set benchmarks in urban rail safety and passenger experience. The implementation of the Anti-Drag Safety System underscores our commitment to world-class operational standards and passenger-first innovation,” said A.R. Rajendran, Chief General Manager (RS, S&T), CMRL, who signed the agreement on behalf of the corporation.

Future-Ready Metro Upgrades

CMRL confirmed that this Anti-Drag Safety Feature will become a standard design component for all trains being procured under Phase-2 of the Chennai Metro Rail Project.

The initiative aligns with CMRL’s long-term strategy to integrate next-generation safety systems and elevate Chennai Metro’s standing among the world’s most advanced urban rail networks.

Mrs. Mamta Shah, Managing Director & CEO of Urban Infra Group, praised CMRL’s foresight and dedication to passenger welfare:

“This initiative reflects Chennai Metro’s leadership in prioritising commuter safety through technological innovation. The Anti-Drag Door Safety System is a world-class upgrade that demonstrates how Indian metros are embracing global safety standards. Such proactive measures strengthen public trust and set a new benchmark for urban transport safety across India.”

With this contract, Chennai Metro Rail Limited once again reinforces its reputation as a technology-driven, safety-first metro operator. The ₹48.33 crore project not only enhances commuter confidence but also aligns with India’s broader vision of safe, inclusive, and intelligent urban mobility under the Viksit Bharat 2047 framework.