Ever since its first run in 2002, Delhi Metro has been a pioneer in seeing one milestone after other. Recently, it added another notable achievement to its list by successfully deploying India’s first driverless metro train. Here’s the tea. By Kumar Shree
It would be an understatement to say that the Delhi Metro has revolutionised the way India’s national capital commutes. Recently, Delhi Metro gave the City of Djinns another reason to be proud. Next time you board a Delhi Metro train, you might end up taking a ride in one of India’s first driverless metro train, particularly when travelling on the 38-kilometre-long Magenta Line connecting Janakpuri West and Botanical Garden.
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As reported by The Print, Prime Minister Narendra Modi says, “The inauguration of the first driverless metro train shows how fast India is moving towards smart systems.” Speaking about how the metro service has evolved across the country and its future expansion plans, he adds, “the first metro in the country was started with the efforts of Atal Ji. When our government was formed in 2014, only five cities had metro services, and today 18 cities have metro rail service. By 2025, we will take this service to more than 25 cities.” The same report also quotes Anuj Dayal, executive director, corporate communications, DMRC, saying, “Delhi Metro also has made multiple technological leaps in terms of operating trains, and the transition to ‘driverless’ mode was something we wanted to do as we complete 18 years.”
Notably, the 57-kilometre-long Pink Line between Majlis Park and Shiv Vihar will also reportedly get driverless trains by mid-2021.
But what makes these new transports particularly noteworthy? Here are some facts about these driverless trains that will make you go ‘wow!’
1) Driverless trains are more reliable and safe compared to human-operated ones, as they eliminate human intervention, and hence, any chance of error.
2) Such trains are equipped with obstruction sensing sensors and high-tech cameras that make them safer for passengers. On detecting big-sized hurdles, obstruction detection devices can halt the trains. They can also remove small obstructions to clear the way.
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3) These trains ordinarily have a higher average speed than regular ones.
4) Apart from increased passenger comfort, these new trains will reportedly have many eco-friendly technological upgrades too.
Related: Here’s How Delhi Metro’s National Common Mobility Card Will Change The Way You Travel
