First Driverless Train Launched in India

India witnessed the launch of its first driver-less train in the national capital. Set to run on Delhi Metro&rsquos thirty-seven kilometre Magenta Line, it will connect the city with neighbouring Gurugram, Noida, Faridabad, Bahadurgarh, and Ghaziabad. 

The train has established a route between Janakpuri West and Botanical Gardens. This, however, will be extended to the Pink Line by mid-2021. This extension will increase Delhi Metro&rsquos driverless network to 94km- equivalent to 9% of its total network. The train is equipped with advanced features like LED lighting and air-conditioning, and comprises six coaches. Each coach has the capacity to hold 380 people. It is also secured with high-resolution cameras to detect any rail defects. Initially, drivers will be deputed for operating. Later, they&rsquoll be moved to the Unattended Train Operation.

Delhi Metro Rail Corporation (DMRC) has officially entered the elite league of 7% of the world&rsquos Metro networks which can operate without drivers. 

The train was supposed to launch in May, but it had to be postponed due to COVID-19.