Mumbai Metro keen on driverless trains with DMRC support: Corporation expands role across cities

Mumbai Metro is keen on introducing driverless train operations with support from the Delhi Metro Rail Corporation, which is steadily expanding its operational footprint across multiple Indian cities through long-term metro maintenance and consultancy projects.

In an interview with PTI, DMRC Managing Director Vikas Kumar said Mumbai authorities have expressed interest in adopting driverless metro technology, with DMRC expected to act as a technical and operations partner in the process.

''Mumbai, they have expressed that they would like to have driverless metro trains,'' Kumar said.

The DMRC currently operates more than 90 kilometres of driverless metro corridors in Delhi and is among the largest operators of such systems globally.

Kumar said advances in technology have reduced the cost difference between conventional and driverless systems, making automated operations increasingly feasible for upcoming metro projects.

''Not much of a cost difference is there now because systems are increasingly manufactured in that manner,'' he said.

Apart from Delhi, DMRC has secured long-term operations and maintenance (O&M) contracts for metro systems in Mumbai and Chennai for around 15 years. It is also involved in metro operations in Patna, Noida and Gurugram, while maintaining a presence in Jaipur.

Kumar said the corporation's broader strategy is focused on strengthening and modernising the Delhi Metro network while simultaneously expanding its expertise in metro operations and maintenance across other Indian cities.

He said the Delhi Metro network, operational since 2002, now requires large-scale refurbishment and mid-life modernisation of stations and rolling stock.

''Our main objective remains to provide better service to customers, but for refurbishments and upgrades, we need additional sources of revenue beyond ticketing,'' he said.

Delhi Metro's Magenta Line, which runs between Janakpuri West and Botanical Garden, has successfully achieved full compliance with Unattended Train Operations (UTO), marking a major milestone in the city's journey towards automation.

(This story has not been edited by Devdiscourse staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)