Two firms bid for O&M contract of Chennai Metro Phase 2 Corridors

Chennai, India (Metro Rail Today): Deutsche Bahn International Operations GmbH (DB IO) and Delhi Metro Rail Corporation Ltd. (DMRC) have submitted bids for the prestigious operations and maintenance (O&M) contract for the Chennai Metro Phase 2 project. The contract, which spans 12 years, will cover the operation and maintenance of 116.1 km of metro lines, including three major corridors, once the final section of Phase 2 is completed.

The Phase 2 expansion of Chennai Metro, approved by the Central Government’s Cabinet in October 2024, has been under construction since May 2021. This ambitious project will add three new metro lines, featuring both underground and elevated routes, with 125 stations. The lines are as follows:

• Corridor-3: Madhavaram to SIPCOT (45.4 km with 49 stations)
• Corridor-4: Light House to Poonamallee Bypass (26.1 km with 28 stations)
• Corridor-5: Madhavaram to Sholinganallur (44.6 km with 48 stations)

The O&M contract is designed to enhance the operational efficiency and service quality of the metro, focusing on day-to-day operations, station management, maintenance, customer service, train scheduling, and the implementation of safety protocols. The contract, which was first tendered by Chennai Metro Rail Ltd. (CMRL) in August 2024, will commence from the start date of the final section of Phase 2, with an option for a three-year extension based on performance.

Brief Scope of the O&M Contract: The O&M contractor will oversee the operations and maintenance of:

• Corridor-3 (Madhavaram Milk Colony to Siruseri SIPCOT-II)
• Corridor-4 (Lighthouse to Poonamallee Bypass)
• Corridor-5 (Madhavaram Milk Colony to Sholinganallur) Additionally, the maintenance depots at Madhavaram, Poonamallee, and Semmancheri will also be part of the scope.

The first section of Phase 2 to be operational is expected to be the 7.9 km stretch of Line-4 from Poonamallee Bypass to Porur, built by the HCC-KEC JV. This section is anticipated to open no earlier than the first quarter of 2026.

Both DBIO and DMRC were also the only two bidders for the 82.15 km Delhi-Meerut RRTS Line’s O&M contract, which DB won in 2022. DB now provides O&M services through its subsidiary, DB RRTS Operations India Pvt. Ltd.

As Chennai Metro Phase 2 progresses, the addition of these new lines is expected to significantly boost the city’s public transportation system, offering enhanced connectivity and supporting the city's growing need for efficient and sustainable transit solutions.