The Train That Started It All: Delhi Metro Celebrates 23 Years With A Special Run Of TS-01

On a crisp December morning, a familiar train rolled into Delhi Metro stations carrying far more than passengers. TS-01—the very first train that marked the capital’s entry into the era of modern mass transit—quietly completed 23 years of service, reminding the city how far its daily commute has come since 2002. Still very much in active duty, the train marked the milestone with a special commemorative run, recreating the route where the Delhi Metro’s journey first began.

Launched on December 24, 2002, TS-01 has since become a moving symbol of Delhi’s urban transformation. From tentative first rides to today’s sprawling, world-class network, this single train has witnessed—and contributed to—the reshaping of how the city moves.

Where It Began

The anniversary run took place on the 8.3-kilometre Shahdara–Tis Hazari stretch, the historic corridor that introduced Delhiites to Metro travel over two decades ago. Decorated with flowers and a commemorative banner, TS-01 retraced its original path, allowing commuters to briefly step back into a time when air-conditioned coaches and punctual schedules felt almost futuristic.

Passengers boarding the train were greeted with flowers, and the mood inside was distinctly celebratory. Many commuters paused to take photos, some recalling their earliest Metro memories, others simply enjoying the novelty of travelling on a train that has outlasted trends, governments, and countless daily routines. The run served as a reminder that what once felt like an ambitious experiment has since become an indispensable part of the city’s rhythm.

A Train That Grew

When TS-01 first entered service, it consisted of four coaches—sufficient for the early days of Metro ridership. As Delhi grew and passenger numbers surged, the train evolved with the city. It was expanded to six coaches in 2014 and further upgraded to eight coaches in 2023, reflecting the growing demand placed on the network.

Over 23 years, TS-01 has clocked nearly 2.9 million kilometres and carried more than 60 million passengers. Its doors have opened and closed around 2.4 million times, a statistic that quietly underlines the scale of everyday trust commuters place in the system. Despite its age, the train continues to meet high reliability standards, maintaining a mean distance between failures of about 85,000 kilometres—more than double the minimum contractual requirement.

Manufactured by South Korea’s MRM Consortium, TS-01’s journey began well before it ever reached Delhi. Shipped first to Kolkata and then transported via the Indian Railways network, the four-coach train was inducted at an initial cost of approximately INR 24 crore, a figure that now feels modest considering its longevity and impact.

Upgraded For Today

Age, in TS-01’s case, has come with thoughtful upgrades. Following two major overhauls and a comprehensive mid-life rehabilitation in 2024, the train is now equipped with features aligned with modern Metro standards. CCTV cameras, integrated passenger emergency alarms, LCD-based dynamic route maps, and improved public information systems have brought it firmly into the present day.

Additional enhancements include upgraded fire detection systems, refurbished doors, improved relay panels, charging points for mobile phones and laptops, and a fresh repainting of both the interior and exterior. Beneath the surface, its advanced propulsion system continues to play a quiet role in sustainability, regenerating nearly 40 percent of the power consumed through braking and reducing the train’s overall carbon footprint.

As Delhi Metro marks 23 years of passenger operations, TS-01 remains more than a preserved relic. It is a working train, still ferrying commuters, still adapting, and still performing reliably. In a city that is constantly reinventing itself, this first Metro train stands as a rare constant—proof that good design, timely upgrades, and careful maintenance can keep even the oldest journeys moving forward.

(With inputs from PTI.)

FAQs

1. When did the Delhi Metro begin passenger operations?
Delhi Metro commenced passenger services on December 24, 2002, starting with the Shahdara–Tis Hazari corridor.

2. What is TS-01 and why is it significant?
TS-01 is the first train introduced into Delhi Metro service in 2002, marking the beginning of modern rapid transit in the capital.

3. Which route did TS-01 operate on during the anniversary run?
The commemorative service ran on the 8.3-kilometre Shahdara–Tis Hazari section, the same stretch where Delhi Metro services were first launched.

4. Is TS-01 still in regular passenger service?
Yes, TS-01 remains in active service and continues to carry passengers after undergoing multiple upgrades and a mid-life rehabilitation.

5. What upgrades has TS-01 received over the years?
The train has been upgraded with CCTV cameras, emergency alarms, dynamic route maps, improved fire detection systems, refurbished doors, and enhanced passenger information systems.