From Delhi to Chennai: Driverless Metros Redefining Urban Travel

Chennai Metro Rail’s driverless trains are set to undergo their first safety trial by the end of July on the newly built viaduct between Poonamallee and Porur, ahead of launching services in December.
A team from the Research Designs and Standards Organisation (RDSO) will test a train’s performance, safety features, braking distance, and ride quality. The Chennai Metro will require two certifications - one from RDSO and another from the Commissioner of Rail Safety - before it can operate its automated trains for public use.

India’s journey into the driverless metro era began in 2020 when Delhi Metro became the first in the country to introduce fully automated train operations. Driverless services were launched on the Magenta Line, connecting Janakpuri West and Botanical Garden, and later extended to the Pink Line.

These lines are now operated under the highest level of automation, where trains run without any onboard staff and are controlled from central command centres. With the help of an advanced system called CBTC, trains can be tracked, kept at safe distances, and controlled well during emergencies. These driverless trains are a step towards improving and modernising transport in Indian cities.

Other metro systems are also moving in this direction. Mumbai Metro’s upcoming Colaba–Bandra–SEEPZ Line 3 is being built with provisions for driverless operations, and trial runs are currently underway.

Bangalore’s Namma Metro is planning to roll out automated services on its Yellow Line under Phase 2. Other metro systems in the country too are embracing automation, as India is moving towards smart and driverless metro systems.- TWL Bureau