CMRL gets Niti Aayog nod to buy 28 trains for Chennai Phase 1 metro

Chennai: In a significant development, the Niti Aayog has approved Chennai Metro Rail to procure 28 new trains for Chennai Phase 1 metro. Now the project proposal will be forwarded to the Department of Economic Affairs and Department of Finance, if recommended CMRL will seek loans from international banks to procure new trains.

“Niti Aayog has approved the purchase of additional trains for the Chennai Metro Rail Corporation’s first phase project. After this, we hope that the Department of Finance and Economic Affairs will give permission next month. After that, we will send a proposal for financial assistance. It may take two years to build these trains and run them within the city,” a senior official from the CMRL said.

The CMRL also in a report to Niti Aayog stated that the railway station facilities should be improved and the total cost of this would be 2,820 crores.

In Chennai, metro trains are currently running for a distance of about 54 km on two routes in the first phase. Started in 2015, this metro rail service has gained significant growth and importance in Chennai.

On average, 2.7 to 3 lakh passengers travel in Chennai Metro trains per day. In the last year 2023 alone, 9.11 crore people have traveled by Chennai Metro Rail.

Nearly 2.7 lakh passengers use the Chennai Metro Rail system in the city daily. With congestion increasing during peak hours, commuters have been seeking better frequency. The frequency between Alandur & Washermanpet is 3 minutes & other stretches are between 6 & 12 minutes.NITI Aayog approves 28 new trains.