Driverless trains in phase 2 of metro likely in 10 years
Posted on: 17/Nov/2017 12:31:31 PM
As the CMRL is likely to introduce driverless trains in Chennai in its phase 2 rail services, within not more than 10 years, commuters can enjoy the driver’s view! These trains will be functional automatically, and the monitoring will be done at Operations Control Center (OCC).
Speaking about this, a metro rail official says necessary works to finalize policy giving necessary guidelines to function driverless trains are being carried out by the ministry of housing and urban affairs.
Safety certification, list of necessary documents for functioning the trains, etc. shall be included in the policy. The operational procedures for mitigation at times of emergencies will also be provided by the CMRL sources. There is going to be no driver’s cabin in these trains, rather the end of the train will have space for passengers to stand while traveling.
Across 108 km, covering 104 stations
These driverless trains will reduce the possibility of human errors. These will also be very safe and reliable to travel. At times of emergencies, the OCC will take over say officials. In the second phase of metro project, a distance of 108 km encompassing 104 stations across 3 corridors will be covered at a total estimated cost of Rs 44,000 crore.
Agreement with Japan International Corporation Agency
A detailed project report for the phase-2 of metro is submitted to the center, and approval is awaited. Further, it is likely that by first quarter of 2018 an agreement will soon be signed with the Japan International Cooperation Agency to get the needed funding. In 10 years, this phase of metro operation will become a reality! While there is going to be no operator, the officials say a lot of other safety measures will be incorporated in the train for ensuring maximum safety of these trains.
Features included
- There will be a CCTV camera in the train for monitoring critical situations in the train including that overhead electric cables
- The commuters can talk to the OCC directly, as the train will have enhanced communication system
- Rather than the block signaling system that is in use at present, a centralized traffic control system will be introduced
According to metro rail officials, the train operators have very minimal works to do, as a lot of controlling works are done by the OCC. Presently, train operators work only on door operations, and press on the Start button for initiating the train movement. All these are very minimal operations of the train that can be performed by the OCC. The officials added that during non-peak hours, the functioning are to be turned to manual mode as they intend training them.
