New Delhi, Oct. 28 -- The first section of Chennai Metro's Phase II project has opened to passengers, bringing Hitachi Rail's advanced signalling technology into operation. The system is designed to support fully driverless trains and is part of one of the largest metro signalling contracts in India.

The 15km Poonamallee-Vadapalani corridor was inaugurated on October 11 by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, accompanied by Tamil Nadu Chief Minister Joseph Vijay. The route has 11 elevated stations and is expected to improve connectivity between Chennai's western suburbs and the city centre.

Hitachi Rail is working with Chennai Metro Rail Limited (CMRL) to provide signalling systems for the second phase of the metro network. Its Communication-B...