Delhi Metro gets India's first driverless train

The driverless trains will have an operational speed of 85 km/h and a maximum speed of 95 km/h.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi has inaugurated India's first driverless train. It will run on Delhi Metro's Magenta Line linking Janakpuri West and Botanical Garden.

Delhi Metro Rail Corporation (DMRC) has been testing driverless technology for at least 3 years. With the inauguration of the first driverless train, Delhi Metro has now become a part of the small group of Metro networks in the world that can operate autonomous trains. Only 7% of total Metro networks in the world operate driverless trains.

Delhi Metro's driverless trains will have an operational speed of 85 km/h and a maximum speed of 95 km/h. The onboard systems precisely calculate the amount of acceleration and braking required for maximum accuracy during arrival and departure at platforms. The trains feature platform track monitoring systems, remote sensing systems and intrusion avoidance.

DMRC's Line 7 and Line 8 are currently equipped to handle autonomous trains. These lines are fitted with advanced signalling systems. But, before transitioning to unattended train operations (UTO), the metro will run in Driverless Train Operation (DTO) mode wherein command centres will be in control of the train.

At present, trains running on Line 1,2,3 and 4 are controlled by the driver. On all the other corridors, the trains run in Automatic Train Operations (ATO) mode, where drivers only have to operate the doors and press the departure button.

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