Chennai Metro Phase 2: Driverless operations targeted for mid-2027

Chennai Metro Rail Limited is moving towards driverless train operations on the first operational stretch of its Phase 2 network, although services will initially run with operators onboard.

The 14.64-km Poonamallee Bypass-Vadapalani section is scheduled to open to passengers on October 11. The trains have been designed for Unattended Train Operation, but CMRL plans to introduce fully driverless services only by mid-2027.

Until then, the trains will operate in Automatic Train Operation mode with two operators onboard each service. One operator will apply the brakes manually in degraded mode, while the second will monitor signals and assist in emergencies.

CMRL is carrying out testing for Unattended Train Operation, with 120 test cases or scenarios to be validated before the system is submitted for certification by the Commissioner of Metro Railway Safety.

Testing will continue overnight after passenger services begin, with trials planned between midnight and 5am.

Fifteen trains will initially operate at 10-minute intervals. Each three-car train can carry up to 900 passengers. The trains have a maximum design speed of 80 kmph, while their average operating speed is expected to be 32 kmph because of restrictions on two curves.

The trains will initially serve the Phase 2 section in automated mode under supervision, while routine movements and door control are expected to become fully automated after the transition to Unattended Train Operation.

The wider Phase 2 stretch between Poonamallee Bypass and Vadapalani has 17 stations, although only 11 will initially open to passengers. Six stations on the double-decker section between Porur Junction and Vadapalani will initially be bypassed.

Chennai’s planned transition to driverless Metro services will bring the city into the group of Indian and international Metro systems using Unattended Train Operation.