Hitachi Rail's Driverless Digital Signalling Powers Opening of Chennai Metro Phase II Line
First operational section of Chennai Metro Phase II enters passenger service with Hitachi Rail's advanced CBTC technology at its core[Optional subtitle].
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On 11 October, Hitachi Rail celebrated the opening of the first operational section of Chennai Metro Phase II, marking a major milestone in one of India's most ambitious urban mobility projects.
The inauguration, led by the Hon'ble Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi accompanied by the Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu Mr. joseph Vijay, covers the approximately 15km Poonamallee-Vadapalani corridor. The section features 11 elevated stations, and brings into public service the first section of a metro network powered by Hitachi Rail's state-of-the-art signalling technology.
At the heart of this ambitious infrastructure project is Hitachi Rail's advanced Communication-Based Train Control (CBTC) signalling technology, designed to enable Grade of Automation 4 (GoA4) driverless operations. As the signalling partner for Chennai Metro Rail Limited's Phase II expansion, Hitachi Rail is contributing to the development of an advanced urban rail network that aims to improve connectivity, enhance operational efficiency and support sustainable mobility across the city.
The opening represents a significant achievement in a project that began in 2023, when Hitachi Rail was awarded the INR 1,620 crore contract to design, manufacture, supply, install, test and commission the signalling, train control and video management systems for Phase II of the network. The project covers 119km of metro lines and remains one of the largest signalling contracts awarded for an Indian metro system.
The CBTC system automatically controls train traction and braking, continuously calculating optimum operating speeds while enabling high-frequency services at intervals of up to 90 seconds. Combined with Automatic Train Operation (ATO), the system supports driverless operations, enhances safety, increases capacity, improves service reliability and reduces maintenance requirements, helping deliver a seamless passenger experience.
The newly opened corridor includes a 3.7km double-decker structure and will provide faster, more sustainable journeys for commuters while strengthening connectivity between Chennai's rapidly growing western suburbs and the city centre. The line forms part of a wider programme that will transform mobility across one of India's largest metropolitan regions.
Dr. Manoj Krishnappa, Managing Director & Head of Rail Control India, Hitachi Rail, said: "The opening of the first operational section of Chennai Metro Phase II is a landmark achievement for Chennai, Chennai Metro Rail Limited and Hitachi Rail. When we were awarded this project in 2023, our vision was to bring world-class digital signalling and autonomous metro technology to one of India's fastest-growing cities. Today, that vision has become reality. Our advanced CBTC system has been designed to enable reliable and efficient GoA4 driverless operations, helping increase capacity while delivering a smoother passenger experience. This corridor is more than a metro line. It is a vital piece of sustainable transport infrastructure that will reduce travel times, support economic growth and encourage greener mobility across Chennai".
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