Hitachi Rail Celebrates Inauguration of Chennai Metro Phase II

Hitachi Rail has celebrated the opening of the first operational section of Chennai Metro Phase II. Inaugurated by the Hon’ble Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, who was accompanied by Chief Minister of Tamil, Nadu Mr. Joseph Vijay; the section consists of a 15km corridor between Poonamallee-Vadapalani. The section features 11 elevated stations, and is powered by Hitachi Rail’s Communication-Based Train Control (CBTC) signalling technology, which is designed to enable Grade of Automation 4 (GoA4) driverless operations. As Chennai Metro Rail Limited Phase II’s signalling partner, Hitachi Rail has contributed to the development of a rail urban network that seeks to improve connectivity, enhance operational efficiency and support sustainable mobility across the city. The two companies first began working together on the project in 2023, when Hitachi Rail was awarded a 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 to date. Hitachi’s CBTC system aims to automatically control both train traction and braking, continuously calculating optimum operating speeds whilst allowing for high-frequency services at intervals of up to 90 seconds. When combined with Automatic Train Operation (ATO); the system supports driverless operations, enhances safety, increases capacity, improves service reliability and reduces overall maintenance requirements in order to help deliver a more connected passenger experience. The new corridor includes a 3.7km double-decker structure, and forms part of a line that, in turn, is part of a wider initiative to enhance 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.