The first driverless trains will run on the phase 2 Poonamallee-Power House stretch.
What’s it about? The Metro’s first driverless trains will arrive next year and be used on the Poonamallee-Power House stretch in 2026. Phase 2 of the metro will see three and six-coach trains, unlike the phase 1 four-coach trains.
- Before the trains are put into service, the Research Designs and Standards Organisation (RDSO) will certify them to see if they’re fit for operations.
- The trains in phase 1 can’t run in phase 2 since the design, control, and signalling systems are different. The colour and look of the driverless trains haven’t been decided yet.
Testing process: Once the trains arrive, they’ll undergo several static and dynamic tests. Their brakes, traction, and management system will be tested. They’ll first have trial runs at the Poonamallee depot.