India’s First Driverless Metro Train
India’s First Driverless Metro Train Features
The trial run of India’s first ever Metro train, equipped to run on the ‘Unattended Train Operation’ mode, was ceremonially flagged off today by the Union Minister for Urban Development, Sh. M. Venkaiah Naidu and Delhi Chief Minister, Sh. Arvind Kejriwal.
The inaugural train moved out from the Mukundpur depot and travelled up to the Majlis Park Metro station of the Majlis Park – Shiv Vihar Metro corridor of Phase 3 (Pink Line). The new trains, with extremely high levels of automation, will now undergo rigorous trials to ensure that they are ready for smooth operations after the commissioning of the new corridors Initially, train operators will run the trains, but gradually, driverless operations (on the Unattended Train Operation (UTO) mode) will be possible
In addition, a green Receiving Sub Station (RSS) for the power requirements of the Majlis Park – Shiv Vihar corridor was also inaugurated at Mukundpur The RSS has been entirely designed as a green structure with features such as solar power plant, rain water harvesting, sewage water treatment facilities etc
Features of the new Metro trains:
1. Fixed six car trains with 67% Motor cars instead of 50% in earlier trains, ie, each six car train will have four Motor cars and two trailer cars*
- Higher acceleration resulting in 10% increase in scheduled speed.
- Higher regeneration resulting in lower energy consumption by 20%.
2. Wider carbody of 3.2m wide against earlier design of 2.9m wide car body on Standard Gauge.
3. Maximization of Passenger carrying space
- Equipments placed beneath the Seats to release additional space (2.0 sqm) for 12 more passengers.
- Wider gangway (1120mm as compared to 1030mm).
- Increased space in Unattended Train Operation (UTO) mode (approx 5.0 sqm), Overall approx 40 more passenger in the driver’s Car (since the driver’s cabin would be removed in case of ‘driverless’ operation).
4. Passenger Comfort and Convenience
- Provision of Wi-Fi internet facility in trains.
- Digital Route Map- 37 inch LED type, fully programmable with dynamic change of split screens.
- Fully programmable LCD screens with videos, graphics, animations, real time video streaming.
- Improved air circulation.
- Charging Point + USB port facility.
- Provision of Lumber support/Backrest near wheel chair area.
- Redesigned Grab rail/ pole layout.
5. Noise Reduction Measures
- Improved Floor Design with high density ceramic wool insulation
- Wheel with noise dampers
- Curve actuated WFL & HPF for reducing squealing noise on curve.
6. Aesthetic exterior/ Interior design with:
- Aero Dynamic front profile with wide Wind screen glass with front evacuation arrangement.
- Aesthetically designed energy efficient LED head lights and marker lights.
- Ceramic Coated Aluminum Interior Panel with superior finish, Improve floor covering & Wheel chair marking on floor, Colourful Passenger Seats.
7. Energy Efficient Design
- Higher Regeneration.
- LED saloon lights with automatic dimming facility based on ambient light.
- Inverter controlled energy efficient HVAC System with eco friendly R-407C refrigerant.
8. Designed for Unattended Train Operation (UTO) mode of operation
- Remote Control of Trains: Starting and stopping, acceleration & braking, operation of doors and handling of emergencies are fully automated without any on board staff.
- Two way communication between Operation Control Centre (OCC) & Train.
- Live streaming from inside car CCTV system to OCC & vice versa.
- Obstruction Deflection Device (ODD) is installed to push away small obstructions on track to avoid derailment.
- Additional 2 Front Facing Cameras (DM)+ 1 Detrainment Camera (DM)
Details of the trial run:
Since, these Metro trains are being introduced in Delhi Metro for the first time, they will be put through stringent trials to ensure that smooth services are provided to the commuters after the commissioning of the lines. Uring the trial runs, the interaction of the Metro train with physical infringements (civil structure) will be checked to ensure that there is no physical blockage during the movement of the train on the track
Later on, in stages, the new signalling technology to be implemented on this corridor – Communication Based Train Control (CBTC) will also undergo rigorous testing.
In addition, the response of the train at different speeds, braking of the train and the interconnection with the Operations Control Centre (OCC) will also be monitored during the trials. The behavior of the track system and the Over Head Electrification (OHE) will be checked repeatedly Green Receiving Sub Station at Mukundpur:
A Receiving Sub Station (RSS) was also inaugurated today at the Mukundpur depot which will cater to the power requirements of the Majlis Park – Shiv Vihar corridor. The sub-station has been designed entirely as a green building with a host of environment friendly features. A similar green sub-station is already operational in Faridabad. The green features of the Receiving Sub Station are:
- Solar power generation capacity of 31.2 KWp
- Rain water harvesting for water conservation
- Sewage water treatment plant to make it a ‘water neutral sub-station’
- Low CFC refrigerant and inverter compressor type VRV air-conditioning instead of split air-conditioning for lesser power consumption
- LED lighting and Bureau of Energy Efficiency labeled electrical equipments
- Urinal sensors for water conservation
- Water meters to monitor water consumption
- Landscaping to preserve top soil around the sub-station
Here’s a verified and comprehensive look at India’s first driverless metro train operations as of mid‑2025:
Contents
🚆 1. Delhi Metro — India’s First Driverless Metro Launch
- Date: 28 December 2020, Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated India’s first ever driverless metro train operations on Delhi Metro’s Magenta Line (Janakpuri West ↔ Botanical Garden), via video conference
- The Magenta Line now operates under Driverless Train Operation (DTO) using CBTC signaling. It was the first metro in India to run without onboard drivers, though staff are present initially to oversee emergencies
🚌 2. Bengaluru Metro — First Indigenous Driverless Metro Train
- In January 2025, Titagarh Rail Systems Ltd delivered India’s first fully “Make‑in‑India” driverless trainset for Bangalore’s Yellow Line (RV Road ↔ Bommasandra)
- Designed for automation at Grade of Automation Level 4 (GoA4), the train includes:
- Fully automated driverless control
- Stainless-steel build
- Regenerative braking
- Passenger-friendly interiors with space for wheelchairs
- ~975 passenger capacity per six-coach trainset
- The first prototype arrived by January 2025, undergoing testing at Hebbagodi depot. Commercial operation on the Yellow Line was expected by April–May 2025, pending CMRS (safety authority) certification
- Initial services may include drivers onboard as attendants until the system transitions fully to autonomous operation
📊 Summary of Milestones
| City | Line | Key Milestone | Timeline | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Delhi | Magenta Line | India’s First Driverless Metro (DTO) | 28 Dec 2025 | Initially staffed during phase-out transition |
| Bengaluru | Yellow Line | First Indigenous Driverless Trainset | Delivered Jan 2025 | GoA4, Indian-built driverless train by TRSL |
🔍 What It Means for Urban Mobility
- Delhi Metro pioneered driverless metro in India, setting the template for future corridors.
- Bengaluru’s Yellow Line marks India’s first fully domestic driverless metro trainset—delivered under the “Make in India” initiative.
- These trains leverage CBTC technology for automated control and dashboardless operation, increasing safety and frequency while reducing errors.
🎯 Why This Matters
- Technological Leap: India joins a select group of countries with autonomous metro operations.
- Indigenous Capability: Through Titagarh Rail Systems, India now has in-house manufacturing capability for driverless trainsets.
- Future Ready: Urban transport in Bengaluru and beyond is moving toward safer, more efficient rail systems with reduced headways and energy saving.
Would you like to explore timeline updates for the Yellow Line’s commercial launch, details on planned driverless lines in other cities, or insights into the CMRS approval timeline?