Bengaluru Metro leads with innovative driver-less train

Friday, March 8, 2024

Bengaluru is on the brink of a technological revolution in public transportation, with the Yellow Line of the Namma Metro gearing up to be the first in India to utilize artificial intelligence (AI) for track monitoring. This development is a part of a broader initiative aimed at launching driverless trains to increase both safety and efficiency for the city’s commuters.

Bengaluru Embraces Futuristic Transit

Driverless Trains on the Horizon

In a recent advancement, the Bengaluru Metro Rail Corporation Limited (BMRCL) received the initial set of six train coaches, signifying a leap forward for the Communication-Based Train Control (CBTC) system, an integral part of the Make In India Initiative. These coaches, a collaborative effort between CRRC Nanjing Puzhen Co Ltd and Titagarh Rail Systems Ltd., are currently under extensive safety evaluations.

Spanning 18.8 km and bridging RV Road to Bommasandra, the Yellow Line is slated to pioneer the introduction of driverless trains. This line is strategically designed to connect Bengaluru’s southern areas with its technological heartland, home to industry giants like Infosys, Wipro, and Tata Consultancy Services.

AI-Powered Safety Mechanisms

At the forefront of safety, the pilot train equipped with AI technology embarks on the initial journey of the day. This exercise, performed at a slower pace, involves a thorough inspection of the track for any obstacles or potential hazards, with a team onboard for supervision. The AI’s role is to continuously assess the track’s condition, promptly notifying the necessary departments of any irregularities detected.

This groundbreaking AI application will first be introduced on two train sets to ensure system integrity and redundancy. Although the Yellow Line is the inaugural recipient of this innovation, BMRCL envisions extending this safety protocol to other future lines equipped with driverless technology.

The Dawn of Autonomous Metro Travel

Advancements in Driverless Train Technology

The driverless metro trains are not only about AI-driven track monitoring but also incorporate several features to guarantee the safety and convenience of passengers:

Hot Axle Detection System: Monitors the temperature of train bearings, sending alerts and diagnostics wirelessly to the control center in case of overheating.

Real-Time Location Monitoring: A display screen on the train provides live updates on door operations and station arrivals or departures.

Surveillance Cameras: Front and rear cameras ensure passenger safety during boarding and alighting, as well as recording the journey.

Emergency Egress Device (EED) Unit: In emergencies, passengers can activate an alert for the control center or train operator to facilitate swift evacuation.

Upon completion, the Yellow Line will stand as Namma Metro’s first to embrace full autonomy through the CBTC system or “Driverless Technology.” BMRCL anticipates these driverless trains will significantly reduce the interval between trains to an impressive 90 seconds. Despite their autonomous nature, Loco Pilots will be present to add a layer of human oversight for passengers’ peace of mind. The arrival of the prototype driverless train in Bengaluru marks a significant milestone, setting the stage for a new chapter in metro transportation, characterized by efficiency, safety, and a forward-looking approach to urban mobility.

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