Wed Mar 12 11:10:38 UTC 2025: ## Chennai Metro Phase II Seeks Operations Partner: DMRC and Deutsche Bahn in the Running

**Chennai, March 12, 2025** – The Chennai Metro Rail Limited (CMRL) is close to awarding a major contract for the operations and maintenance of its ambitious ₹63,246-crore Phase II project. The Delhi Metro Rail Corporation (DMRC) and Germany’s Deutsche Bahn have emerged as frontrunners, submitting bids for the contract covering three corridors: Madhavaram to SIPCOT, Light House to Poonamallee, and Madhavaram to Sholinganallur.

This significant contract encompasses the management of train services, station maintenance, and the Operations Control Centre. CMRL officials explained the decision to outsource these operations aims to reduce costs and boost efficiency, unlike Phase I, where only station management was outsourced.

While the contract finalization is expected within one to two months, CMRL will likely handle initial operations of the Phase II corridor 4 (Poonamallee to Porur) until the chosen firm establishes its local facilities. Although other international bidders were initially invited, only DMRC and Deutsche Bahn submitted bids.

DMRC’s involvement with Chennai Metro dates back a decade, starting with consultancy services during Phase I. Their experience includes the recent acquisition of the Mumbai Metro’s Colaba-Bandra-SEEPZ Line 3 contract. Deutsche Bahn, meanwhile, manages the regional rapid transit system (RRTS) in the National Capital Region. The successful bidder will oversee the operations of the 118.9 km Phase II network upon its completion.

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