New Delhi, Nov 11 (FN Agency) Alstom on Friday said it has been awarded a contract worth Rs 798 crore to design, manufacture, supply, test, and commission 78 advanced metro coaches by the Chennai Metro Rail Limited (CMRL).The new metro cars will operate on the 26 km corridor, a part of Phase-II which will connect Poonamallee Bypass – Light House through 28 (18 elevated and 10 underground) stations, a statement from the company said. Scope of the contract includes manufacturing of 26 metro trains (three-car configuration) that can operate at top speed of 80 kmph, as well as training of personnel. ”In line with the Government’s ‘Make in India’ vision, these metro cars will be 100 per cent indigenous manufactured at one of Alstom’s largest urban rolling stock manufacturing facilities, in Sricity, Andhra Pradesh.
This facility has an annual capacity of producing 480 cars and a strong portfolio of catering to several domestic and international metro projects,” the statement said.Olivier Loison, Managing Director – Alstom India said, “Our manufacturing journey in India began with the trains for Chennai Metro Phase-I in 2014, which was also the first Rolling Stock order win for us in the country. This new win brings us immense pride and we are honoured to be reliable partners in improving Chennai’s urban transportation network.”Previously, Alstom had manufactured and delivered 208 metro cars for the 54km of first phase + Extension of Corridor-I from Airport to Wimco Nagar and Corridor-II from Chennai Central to St. Thomas Mount.Rajesh Chaturvedi, Director – Systems & Operation from Chennai Metro Rail Limited (CMRL), said, “…The advanced trains delivered by Alstom have been operating on our metro lines for many years now, proving their strong capability to cater to the India market. “We are confident that the Phase II project will provide better connectivity with minimal impact to the environment and benefit the lives of millions of people living in the city.”