Metro Rail begins trial run of its first driverless train

Metro Rail begins trial run of its first driverless train

On track: One of the challenges is to complete the laying of the track between Poonamallee and Porur at the earliest so that the testing can begin in three months. 

CMRL officials say dynamic trials began early this week after the static tests were completed; these will continue until passenger operations kick off on the Poonamallee-Porur stretch by Dec. 2025

The Hindu Bureau

CHENNAI 26.12.2024

Chennai Metro Rail has begun the trial run of the first driverless train in the city.

The three-coach driverless train, manufactured in Sri City,was transported individually as separate coaches to the Poonamallee depot in mid-October. The coaches were then coupled and sent for the initial round of tests.

For the 118.9 km Chennai Metro Rail’s phase II project, three-coach trains will first become operational in corridor 4 between Poonamallee and Porur. For the same, trial runs will be conducted to ensure that the trains operate without glitches and are capable of handling passenger operations.

According to Chennai Metro Rail Limited officials, dynamic trials or trial runs began early this week after static tests were completed. The trials will continue until the passenger operations take off from Poonamallee to Porur by December 2025.

“The train, which was in the inspection bay line, went through static tests and was gradually moved to the test track at the depot, where the trial run began. The train speed, from 10 kmph-40 kmph, will be tested in the depot, while that from 40 kmph-80 kmph will be carried out on the viaduct from Poonamallee to Porur. Braking system will be particularly tested,” an official said.

One of the challenges is to complete the laying of the track between Poonamallee and Porur at the earliest so that the testing can begin at least within three months.

“The viaduct is yet to be finished in a few locations,only after which the track can be laid. It is going to be difficult to complete the track-laying work by March,” another source said.

Once the train is taken to the viaduct, the testing will begin along with the integration of overhead equipment and signalling system, officials said.