India’s first driverless metro train is here
RAILWAYS & METRO RAIL

India’s first driverless metro train is here

India’s first-ever driverless train operations on Delhi Metro’s Magenta Line (Janakpuri West to Noida Botanical Garden) and the fully operational National Common Mobility Card (NCMC) services on the Airport Express Line were inaugurated on December 28 by Prime Minister Narendra Modi via video conference. With this introduction, Delhi Metro Rail Corporation (DMRC) on Monday entered the elite league of 7% of the world’s metro rail networks that operate without drivers.

The Magenta Line, or Line 8, is 38 km long. In the driverless mode, trains can be controlled entirely from the three command centres of the DMRC, without any human intervention. The driverless train operation (DTO) or unattended train operation (UTO) modes can be implemented only on Line 7 and Line 8 of the DMRC network which came up under the Phase III expansion. These corridors are equipped with an advanced signalling technology which makes the transition possible. For now, DMRC is rolling out the UTO mode on Line 8 only.

The driverless train took commuters by surprise, a media report said. The National Common Mobility Card was expanded to the Airport Express Line of Delhi Metro, which was started in Ahmedabad last year. The driverless train uses a braking system in which 50% of the energy goes back into the grid when the brakes are applied. Today 130 MW of solar power is being used in metro rail, which will be increased to 600 MW.

The driverless trains will soon be extended to Delhi Metro’s Pink Line, which will take the driverless network on the Delhi Metro to around 94 km, nearly 9% of Delhi Metro’s total network.

Watch a short video by the Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs on the driverless train:

India’s first-ever driverless train operations on Delhi Metro’s Magenta Line (Janakpuri West to Noida Botanical Garden) and the fully operational National Common Mobility Card (NCMC) services on the Airport Express Line were inaugurated on December 28 by Prime Minister Narendra Modi via video conference. With this introduction, Delhi Metro Rail Corporation (DMRC) on Monday entered the elite league of 7% of the world’s metro rail networks that operate without drivers. The Magenta Line, or Line 8, is 38 km long. In the driverless mode, trains can be controlled entirely from the three command centres of the DMRC, without any human intervention. The driverless train operation (DTO) or unattended train operation (UTO) modes can be implemented only on Line 7 and Line 8 of the DMRC network which came up under the Phase III expansion. These corridors are equipped with an advanced signalling technology which makes the transition possible. For now, DMRC is rolling out the UTO mode on Line 8 only. The driverless train took commuters by surprise, a media report said. The National Common Mobility Card was expanded to the Airport Express Line of Delhi Metro, which was started in Ahmedabad last year. The driverless train uses a braking system in which 50% of the energy goes back into the grid when the brakes are applied. Today 130 MW of solar power is being used in metro rail, which will be increased to 600 MW. The driverless trains will soon be extended to Delhi Metro’s Pink Line, which will take the driverless network on the Delhi Metro to around 94 km, nearly 9% of Delhi Metro’s total network. Watch a short video by the Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs on the driverless train:

Next Story
Infrastructure Transport

Mumbai-Pune Expressway 'Missing Link' Nears Completion

The long-awaited "Missing Link" on the Mumbai-Pune Expressway is now 92% complete and is expected to open by August 2025. The 13.3-km stretch, developed by the Maharashtra State Road Development Corporation (MSRDC), will significantly improve connectivity between Khopoli and Kusgaon. This eight-lane access-controlled expressway bypasses the steep 19-km Khandala Ghat section, reducing the route by 5.7 km and cutting travel time by 20-30 minutes. The new alignment is designed to ease monsoon-induced congestion and minimize landslide risks. The project features two tunnels—1.75 km and 8.92 km..

Next Story
Infrastructure Transport

Gurugram Metro to Upgrade 335.52 km of Roads

In a significant move to enhance access to the upcoming Gurugram Metro, the Gurugram Metro Rail Ltd. (GMRL) has identified a total of 335.52 km of roads, lanes, and adjoining areas in need of improvement. This initiative, which is part of the metro project's broader goals, focuses on improving walkability and promoting non-motorised transport (NMT) around metro stations, benefiting daily commuters and residents. The infrastructure upgrades will include improvements to the carriageway, the development of green zones and swales, pedestrian paths, cycle paths, service roads, and the installation ..

Next Story
Infrastructure Transport

URC Constructions Wins Bid for Veerannapalya Metro Station

Bangalore Metro Rail Corporation Ltd. (BMRCL) has awarded the remaining construction contract for the Veerannapalya Station of the Blue Line to URC Constructions Pvt. Ltd. after the firm emerged as the lowest bidder. The bid, valued at Rs. 357.4 million, is for the completion of the elevated station under Phase 2B of the Bangalore Metro project. This project is part of the under-construction Blue Line of Bangalore Metro's Phase 2A (ORR Line) and Phase 2B (Airport Line), which will connect Silkboard, KR Puram, and Bengaluru International Airport through 30 stations. Initially, the constructio..

Advertisement

Advertisement

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Get daily newsletters around different themes from Construction world.

STAY CONNECTED

Advertisement

Advertisement

Advertisement

Advertisement

Talk to us?