Johnson Lifts Wins Chennai Metro Line 3 Escalator Deal

Post by : Amit

Chennai | June 2025 — In a significant development for Chennai’s expanding metro network, the Chennai Metro Rail Limited (CMRL) has awarded the contract for supplying and installing escalators along the upcoming Line 3 corridor to Johnson Lifts Pvt. Ltd., a leading elevator and escalator manufacturer based in India.

The contract falls under Phase II – Corridor 3, which spans from Madhavaram to Sholinganallur, a vital 45.8-kilometre stretch that is expected to dramatically improve urban mobility across the city’s north-south axis.

Under this agreement, Johnson Lifts will be responsible for design, manufacturing, supply, installation, testing, and commissioning of 180 heavy-duty escalators across the corridor's stations. The company will also handle comprehensive maintenance for two years after commissioning.

The contract, awarded as part of Package ASA-08, is seen as a strategic move to ensure accessibility and ease of movement across multi-level underground and elevated metro stations.

According to CMRL officials, these escalators will adhere to international safety standards, and are being specially designed for heavy passenger load expected during peak hours in high-footfall zones like commercial areas, IT corridors, and interchange stations.

Chennai Metro Phase II: A Vision in Motion
Phase II of Chennai Metro spans a total of 118.9 kilometers and includes three major corridors:

• Corridor 3: Madhavaram – SIPCOT (via Sholinganallur)
• Corridor 4: Lighthouse – Poonamallee
• Corridor 5: Madhavaram – Sholinganallur (intersecting C3 & C4)

With Corridor 3 being a critical artery in this network, the escalator installation is part of CMRL’s broader vision to enhance commuter convenience, safety, and station efficiency.

This isn’t the first time Johnson Lifts is partnering with CMRL. The Chennai-based company, known for manufacturing customised vertical transport solutions, has been a key contributor to several metro rail projects across India, including those in Bangalore, Kochi, and Hyderabad.

Their continued involvement with Chennai Metro not only reinforces CMRL’s trust in domestic engineering but also aligns with the Make in India initiative, promoting indigenous manufacturing for infrastructure projects.
As urban centers like Chennai continue to expand and modernize their public transport infrastructure, ensuring accessibility, safety, and efficient passenger flow becomes increasingly important.

The escalator systems being implemented on Line 3 will not only make metro travel more convenient — especially for senior citizens, differently-abled passengers, and children — but also help decongest platforms and reduce boarding delays.

CMRL’s emphasis on high-quality station infrastructure highlights its commitment to world-class metro standards and its vision for sustainable, accessible, and future-ready public transport.

metro, chennai