First trial run of Driverless Train conducted for Chennai Metro Phase 2

Chennai, India (Metro Rail Today): The much-awaited trial run of Chennai Metro Rail’s first driverless train for the Phase II network encountered technical glitches, delaying its scheduled start on Thursday night.

Originally planned to begin around 5 p.m. at the Poonamallee Depot, the trial run was delayed until 11:30 p.m. due to issues with the overhead equipment. The train, which eventually departed from the depot, traveled a distance of 3 km and reached Mullaithottam by 11:45 p.m.

Chennai Metro Rail Limited (CMRL) officials explained that while the trial run was initially delayed due to minor problems, the real setback occurred after 6 p.m., when repeated technical issues arose with the overhead equipment. A significant issue occurred on the viaduct, about a kilometer from the depot, where a cable in the overhead equipment snapped, causing brief sparks. After repairs, the train was able to proceed.

Despite being a driverless train, a driver operated the train during the trial due to the test nature of the run. The train ran at a speed of approximately 15 km/h. CMRL officials stated that these trials are expected to continue on a daily basis as part of the testing process.

Though it was a driverless train, it was operated by a driver because it was a trial run. The train was operated at a speed of around 15 kmph,” a CMRL official said. These trials are likely to continue on a daily basis, the official added.

The section of the line used for this trial, from Poonamallee Bypass to Mullaithottam, forms part of Corridor 4 of the Phase II expansion, which spans a total length of 26.1 km from Poonamallee Bypass to Light House. Currently, construction and system installation works are underway on the 9-km stretch between Poonamallee Bypass and Porur Junction, which is expected to be completed by the end of this year.

This trial run marks a significant milestone in the development of Chennai's Metro Phase II network, bringing the city closer to modernizing its public transportation with advanced, driverless technology.