Chennai: Metro rail services are already available in most of the major cities of India. Currently people are directly or indirectly dependent on it. On the other hand, metro systems are constantly introducing new technologies to suit the needs of commuters.
They have surprised everyone by bringing in advanced technologies. But the Chennai Metro Rail Limited (CMRL) has decided to introduce the first driverless trains in India. If CMRL successfully makes these trains available, it will be an important milestone in the history of Indian Railways.
CMRL is planning to introduce driverless trains in phase-II project. It will start soon. The project will expand the existing metro system by 116-kms. Earlier there was a plan to expand to 118.9 kms but due to some reasons it was cut short.
The CMRL intends to purchase a total of 138 3-coach driverless trains for the Phase II project. These trains will be purchased through three separate agreements. These are being introduced on routes from Madhavaram to Sipcot (Corridor 3), Lighthouse to Poonamallee (Corridor 4) and Madhavaram to Sholinganallur (Corridor 5).
According to a CMRL official that driverless trains will be tested for a year before it is launched for Chennai citizens. During this time the trains will be perfectly prepared so that they can run without any accidents.
Currently, the designs of the train are in the final stages. The designs are likely to be completed next month. A total of 26 trains run between Poonamallee and Porur. And these will be distributed in the second half of next year.