In a significant stride, Kolkata Metro is set to implement the Automatic Train Operation (ATO) System between Salt Lake Sector V and Sealdah on the East-West Metro stretch. Necessary clearance from the Commissioner of Railway Safety (CRS) has been secured for the successful commissioning of this system on this stretch.
Image Credit: Kolkata Metro
More Details:
Automatic Train Operation System:
The East-West Metro Corridor is equipped with the Communication Based Train Control System (CBCTC). This system consists of Automatic Train Protection (ATP), Automatic Train Operation (ATO) and Automatic Train Supervision (ATS) facilities. ATO consists of two systems viz. on-board and wayside ATO system.
Image Credit (representational): Kolkata Metro
The salient features of ATO System:
- It enables automatic braking, motoring, coasting, and stopping of the train within the specified speed profile.
- When opted for ATO mode, the train accelerates, decelerates, controls and arranges motoring activities automatically.
- It ensures accurate stopping at the platforms and automatic opening of correct side train doors and Platform Screen Doors (PSD). The responsibility of closing of train doors, PSD and starting of the train rests on the Motorman.
Image Credit (representational): Kolkata Metro
- ATO operations ensure less power consumption and enhanced passengers’ comfort via optimum selection of acceleration and deceleration with controlled characteristics.
In ATO mode, Metro will move from one station to the next station automatically after long press of the ‘ATO Departure’ push button by the Motorman. Train doors and PSD will open automatically after arrival at the next station. Motormen will press the ‘Door Close’ push button on each side for closing the train doors and PSD before starting the train.
Integrated AFC-PC Gates installed at Esplanade Metro Station:
- The Metro service from Howrah Maidan to Esplanade stretch of East-West Corridor is going to start very soon. Soon passengers will enjoy the River Metro Journey for the first time in India. Esplanade is going to be the interchange station of North-South and East-West Metro.
- In order to ensure seamless movements of passengers from East-West Corridor to North-South Corridor and vice versa, elaborate arrangements are being made at Esplanade station, one of the oldest Metro stations of the country. Passengers will be able to travel with a single token or Smart Card in both of these Corridors seamlessly. They won’t have to purchase separate Smart Cards or tokens for this.
Image Credit (representational): Kolkata Metro
- 7 new AFC-PC gates have been installed at Esplanade Metro station for the benefit of the Metro users. These bi-directional gates have already been operational and these will enable commuters to enter/exit smoothly into/from the paid area of Esplanade Metro station premises.
- These modern gates can handle 45 passengers per minute. Passengers after getting down at Esplanade Metro station will be able to punch their Metro Tokens or Smart Cards at these gates. At Esplanade Metro station, there will be 25 AFC-PC gates, out of which 11 such gates will serve the passengers of both North-South and East-West Metro Corridors.
Kolkata Metro’s adoption of the ATO System and the implementation of advanced AFC-PC gates at Esplanade Metro Station showcase a significant stride towards modernization and seamless inter-corridor travel. With these advancements, Kolkata Metro solidifies its position as a frontrunner in the realm of urban rail technology, promising enhanced efficiency and convenience for its passengers.
Source: Kolkata Metro- Press Release | Images Credit (representational): Kolkata Metro
Join us for the upcoming Railway Innovation Summit with 400+ Top Rail & Metro Industry Leaders on 30th Jan, 2024 in New Delhi, India. Register here and participate in the summit.
