A view of Tamil Nadu First Driverless Metro Train testing at Poonamalle Depot on Saturday.
| Photo Credit: B. VELANKANNI RAJ

In two months, people can see Metro Rail’s first driverless train taking a ride over the viaduct near Poonamallee in the city.

The Rs 63,846 crore phase II project will first see a short stretch between Poonamallee and Porur getting operational for passengers by the end of this year. As a precursor to this, the three-coach driverless train has to be tested on the viaduct along this stretch which will begin in mid-March.

According to officials of Chennai Metro Rail Limited (CMRL), they brought the first train produced at Sri City three months ago. After undergoing the static tests, CMRL commenced the dynamic tests or trial runs of the train in the test track in the depot facility at Poonamallee.

“The first round of trials run are smooth and going well for now. There are minor issues which are being corrected during the trials. This will continue for another two months. Then, we will transport the train to the viaduct from the depot through the ramp. Initially, the trials in the viaduct will take place between Poonamallee and Mullaithottam stations. By end of April or early May, we plan to run the train between Poonamallee and Porur stations,” an official said.

One of the primary reasons the train was being operated only till Mullaithottam was due to the delay in track work. For the last few weeks, it has picked up some speed, a new contractor has been roped in to quickly finish the work.

“The contractor to whom we had originally given the work had delayed the work quite a bit. Later after several rounds of discussions and putting pressure on the firm, they have pumped in more staff and the work has gathered pace now. But this isn’t enough to meet the December deadline to start operations along the 9 km stretch. Hence, we brought on board an additional contractor who is also simultaneously helping with laying track,” another official said.

Meanwhile, the second train which was expected to arrive in December has been delayed and likely to arrive later this month.