Image used for representation
| Photo Credit: B. Velankanni Raj
To augment the capacity for the existing phase I network with additional trains and infrastructure, the Chennai Metro Rail has roped in a consultant as a first step.
According to officials of the Chennai Metro Rail Limited (CMRL), AECOM India and Nippon Koei joint venture, the lowest bidder, is likely to serve as the project management consultant.
Nearly 11 years after the launch of the Chennai Metro network, the city today has two operational corridors — Wimco Nagar to Chennai Airport and Chennai Central to St. Thomas Mount — covering a total of 54 km. As per the June data, the system records 3.2 lakh passengers a day.
Though the present patronage is dismally low when compared to the projected ridership of 7.75 lakh passengers a day, commuters have been demanding that CMRL improve the frequency during peak hours, as the trains run packed during office hours.
The peak hour congestion may worsen when the 118.9-km phase II network is opened to public.
At present, the CMRL operates trains every three minutes from Washermanpet to Alandur, every six minutes from Wimco Nagar to Chennai Airport, and every 12 minutes from Chennai Central to Chennai Airport and Chennai Central to St. Thomas Mount.
Hence, the CMRL has planned to procure 28 six-coach trains (which is an upgrade from the existing four-coach trains) to improve the frequency, and modify infrastructure in the phase I stations to accommodate the additional trains.
‘Bids floated’
“We have already floated the bids for train procurement, and the bids will open next month. This was done first as the trains will be delivered only in two years. To facilitate the train procurement and delivery process, and enhancing the stations to accommodate the six-coach trains, we needed a consultant on board first, as in the case of the phase I and phase II projects. The contract for this chosen consultant will be awarded shortly,” an official said.
The work to modify the stations will be taken up later, he added.
Published – July 20, 2026 12:01 am IST
