"CMRL Eyes ADB Funding for ₹2,580 Crore 6-Coach Train Procurement Plan"

Chennai Metro Rail Ltd (CMRL) is poised to receive financial backing from the Asian Development Bank (ADB) for its ambitious ₹2,580 crore proposal to acquire 6-coach trains for deployment across its network.

Initiated by the Tamil Nadu government, the proposal has been forwarded to the Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs, which has recommended it to the Department of Economic Affairs (DEA) within the Union Ministry of Finance. Following consultations with Niti Aayog, the proposal is anticipated to be sent to the ADB for potential funding.

CMRL's plan involves upgrading from 4-coach to 6-coach trains on its forthcoming network, aligning with future demands and expected ridership in the city. The proposal outlines the procurement of 28 trains, each consisting of 6 cars, with an estimated cost of ₹2,580 crore. This budget encompasses rolling stock expenses, depot augmentation, signaling, station modifications, and related infrastructure.

M A Siddique, Managing Director of CMRL, stated, "ICB (international competitive bidding) for rolling stock will be floated as per ADB norms." Once the funding is finalized, the procurement process is anticipated to take approximately two years. Siddique highlighted the possibility of sourcing these trains locally, leveraging the manufacturing capabilities of domestic companies.

Chennai's metro network has experienced a notable surge in passenger flow, attracting a diverse demographic. Siddique noted the expansion of ridership beyond the pre-Covid trend, with a 20% reduction in tariffs post-Covid contributing to this positive shift. He emphasized that the labor class is now utilizing the metro, indicating a broadening user base.

CMRL anticipates a further increase in passenger flow, projecting a rise from 3 lakh a month in FY23 to 5 lakh a month in the next 1-2 years. Siddique provided insights into the progress of the 116-km Phase II expansion, acknowledging delays due to land acquisition issues. With the government's proactive land compensation policy resolving these challenges, civil works are expected to conclude by the next year. The commissioning of the first line is targeted for December 2025, with additional time allocated for testing trains.

HBL