Alstom, global leader in smart and sustainable mobility, celebratesthe commencement of passenger service for its advanced driverless Metropolis trainsets on Corridor 4 of Chennai Metro Phase II. In presence of Honourable Prime Minister of India Shri Narendra Modi,theinauguration marks a transformative milestone for Chennai’s transport network and reinforces Alstom’s longstanding partnership with Chennai Metro Rail Limited (CMRL).
Alstom hascompleted the manufacturing of all 36 Metropolis trainsets – a total 108 cars,redefining the commuting experience for the residents of Chennai byoffering passengers smooth rides aboard the innovative, comfortable and reliable metro cars.
The 26-kilometre corridor 4 connects Poonamallee Bypass to Light House across 28 stations – 18 elevated and 10 underground,linking key residential, commercial and cultural zones, and providingChennai’s more than 11 million citizens a faster, safer and more sustainable alternative to road travel.
Commenting on the occasion, Olivier Loison, Managing Director, Alstom India, said: “The commencement of passenger service on Chennai Metro Phase II is a proud moment for Alstom and a testament to our enduring partnership with CMRL. The manufacturing completion of all 36trainsets designed in Bengaluru and manufactured at Sri City reflects India’s engineering capabilities and our commitment to world-class indigenous mobility solutions. We remain deeply committed to supporting Chennai’s vision of a modern, connected and sustainable metro network.”
Themetro trainsets were developed at Alstom’s engineering centreof excellence for rolling stock and digital solutions in Bengaluru (Karnataka) and manufactured at the Sri Cityrolling stock plant built in Andhra Pradesh to deliver the first evermetro for Chennai.These latest-generationtrainsets for Corridor 4 are designed and configured for driverless operationsat up to 80 kmh.Awarded in 2023 and valued at 124 million euros, the contract covered the design, manufacture, supply, testing, commissioning and CMRL drivers training for the full fleet on Corridor 4. The 36th and final trainset will be delivered by end of October 2026.
Designed for Chennai and the city’s commuters
Inspired by Chennai’s cultural heritage, the exterior front mask draws from the Mudras of Bharatanatyam, while interior platformscreen patterns celebrate Tamil Nadu’s Kolam art form. Each three-car trainset accommodates up to 1,000 passengers, with regenerative braking, air conditioning, dedicated spaces for women – with one entire car reserving two-thirds of its space as a ladies’ section- and differently abled individuals. The trains are further equipped withperch seats, real-time passenger information displays, CCTV cameras, emergency evacuation doors, and military-grade cybersecurity.
A long-term partnership with Chennai and a strong legacy in India
Alstom has supported Chennai’s metro network since 2010, previously supplying 208 metro cars, signalling and power systems for the 54 km Phase I network across Corridors I and II. Beyond the successful 108 cars delivery for Phase II, an additional 96 driverless Metropolis metro cars, ordered in 2025 are commencing manufacturing at Sri City, reaffirming the enduring strength of the Alstom–CMRL partnership.
Alstom is the only multinational sustainable mobility provider in India, to have a comprehensive portfolio to meet customer specific needs and continues to be a strategic partner in supporting India’s rail revolution. With six industrial sites and five major engineering centres, the company caters to domestic as well as international project needs. Fully aligned with the country’s vision of Make-in-India and Atmanirbhar Bharat, Alstom remains deeply committed to strengthening its local sourcing and supply chain ecosystem.
Alstom has led the way in bringing cutting-edge technologies to India, offering world-class rolling stock, components, rail equipment, infrastructure, signalling, and services. Alstom has successfully delivered metro trains to Delhi, Chennai, Lucknow, Kochi and Mumbai, as well as the Agra-Kanpur and Indore-Bhopal metro projects, resulting in every third metro in India is made by Alstom.