The Delhi Metro Rail Corporation (DMRC) today unveiled driverless operation of metro trains in the Pink Line of Delhi Metro. The project is funded by Japanese ODA Loans, which are being provided by Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA).
- This is the second line to have driverless operations after the Magenta Line, which was flagged off by Prime Minister Narendra Modi in December 2020 as India’s first driverless Metro train.
- With the introduction of the driverless train in Pink Line – the longest corridor of Delhi Metro – DMRC now has 96 km of driverless corridors.
- The inauguration ceremony was conducted in the presence of dignitaries such as H.E. Mr. Hardeep Singh Puri, Hon’ble Minister of Housing and Urban Affairs, Government of India, Mr. Kailash Gahlot, Hon’ble Transport Minister of Government of NCT of Delhi and Dr. Mangu Singh, Managing Director, DMRC.
Speaking on this occasion, Mr. SAITO Mitsunori, Chief Representative, JICA India said, “The Delhi Metro project is a symbolic project of Indo-Japanese cooperation, and is considered to be the emulating model for other metro projects in India. JICA is now supporting the extension of Pink Line in Delhi Metro Phase 4 which connects Mukundpur and Maujpur, and provides circle seamless connectivity. ICA would like to continue enhancing our partnership with DMRC to deliver a more functional metro system”.
- According to Delhi Metro, the two-way communication between Operation Control Centre (OCC) and train control system enables remote control of trains operation, including starting and stopping, acceleration and braking, operation of doors and handling of emergencies.
- The driverless train operation is expected to maximise the passenger carrying space, since the driver’s cabin might be removed and approximately 40 more passengers can be accommodated in the space vacated by the driver’s car.
- Since 1997, JICA has extended ODA loans of approximately 46,000 Crore INR for the Delhi Mass Rapid Transport System Project.
- Collectively, JICA has contributed over 1.3 trillion Japanese yen (roughly INR 81,000 crore) in ODA loans to establish metro rail systems in Delhi, Bengaluru, Kolkata, Chennai, Mumbai, and Ahmedabad.
About JICA:
- Established, by a specific law, as an incorporated administrative institution under the Government of Japan, the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) aims to contribute to the promotion of international cooperation, as a sole Japanese governmental agency in charge of ODA implementation.
- JICA is the world’s largest bilateral donor agency.
- JICA works as a bridge between Japan and emerging countries, and provides assistance in forms of loan, grant and technical cooperation so that the emerging countries can strengthen their capabilities.
Source: JICA-Press Release
