Chennai Metro Rail Limited (CMRL) will add 28 new six-car trains to its Phase I network by 2028 to reduce waiting time during busy hours. With these additions, the total number of metro trains will go up to 80, which includes the current 52 four-car trains. This move will help trains arrive more often, especially during peak hours. On the Airport to Wimco Nagar line, trains will come every 3 minutes, while on the Chennai Central to St. Thomas Mount line, they will arrive every 4 to 5 minutes. At present, some areas have to wait 6 to 12 minutes for a train. The new trains will also replace shorter services like Washermenpet to Alandur, ensuring that trains cover the full route.

Reason for more trains

Chennai Metro is planning to run more trains because the number of people using the Phase I route has gone up a lot. With Phase II starting around 2026–27 and Corridor One extending to Kilambakkam, even more passengers are expected. By 2028, Corridor One may carry nearly 13,900 people per hour in one direction, while Corridor Two may handle about 5,600 during busy times.

To prepare for this, 21 underground stations will be upgraded. Nineteen of them will get electric systems for Platform Screen Doors (PSDs), which are safety doors that open only when the train stops. Some stations will also get longer platforms and new PSDs. Elevated stations like Guindy, Alandur, Airport, and CMBT will also get these safety doors. All this work is being done to meet future passenger needs up to the year 2036. Also, train depots at Koyambedu and Wimco Nagar will be expanded with more space to park trains, better washing systems, and improved maintenance facilities to support the larger number of trains.