In a major boost to India’s urban transportation infrastructure, the Delhi Metro Rail Corporation (DMRC) has taken delivery of its first driverless metro trainset, designed under the ‘Make in India’ initiative. This state-of-the-art train, equipped with advanced driverless technology, is part of the larger Phase 4 expansion of the Delhi Metro network and represents a significant step in the modernisation of the capital’s transit system.
The new metro trainset, the first of its kind for DMRC, was manufactured by original equipment manufacturer (OEM) Alstom at their facility in Sri City, Andhra Pradesh. This marks the first time DMRC has outsourced such a large-scale project to an OEM, further demonstrating the government’s commitment to fostering self-reliance in India’s infrastructure development.
The trainset, integrated with cutting-edge Grade of Automation (GOA) 4 driverless technology, is capable of reaching speeds of up to 95 km/h, with an operational speed of 85 km/h. These new metro trains are designed to enhance the efficiency and safety of Delhi’s public transit system, with plans to deploy them across three key lines: two extensions and the newly developed Gold Line 10. Together, these lines cover a total distance of 64.67 kilometers, significantly expanding the reach of the metro network.
This major expansion project, valued at 312 million euros, not only aims to modernise the city’s metro system but also includes a comprehensive 15-year maintenance agreement, making it the first DMRC project of this kind to be outsourced to an external manufacturer. The contract for 52 trainsets, each consisting of six cars, was awarded in November 2022, with the first batch of trains now ready for operation. The delivery of the driverless metro is seen as a key milestone in the operationalisation of the Delhi Metro’s Phase 4 expansion.
According to Alstom, this project is part of the company’s broader commitment to India’s ‘Make in India’ initiative, focusing on boosting the country’s manufacturing capabilities while simultaneously addressing the growing urban transportation needs in the capital. Alstom’s Managing Director, Olivier Loison, highlighted the critical role these trainsets will play in enhancing Delhi’s urban infrastructure.
“These new metro trainsets will not only improve the quality of life for Delhi’s citizens by offering a faster, safer, and more efficient mode of transportation but will also significantly contribute to the city’s overall development,” Loison said. He emphasised that this project further strengthens the longstanding partnership between Alstom and DMRC.
With the rollout of the first driverless metro trainset, the Delhi Metro network is set to become one of the most advanced urban transit systems in the world, offering seamless connectivity while reducing the city’s traffic burden.
