Test run: Unmanned Metro chugs along

In a major technological breakthrough, the metro train runs on its own, first time in the country

Hyderabad: In a first in the country, the Hyderabad Metro Rail successfully conducted a test run on auto mode. The train was run in Automatic Train Operation (ATO) mode on Tuesday night between Nagole and Mettuguda. In this mode, the train runs on its own and self controls its movement and speed, with automatic application of brakes without intervention of a driver.

The function of the driver is restricted to pressing a button to shut doors at stations. This is a prelude to completely driverless mode which the Hyderabad Metro could upgrade any time it wants, informed a press release.

Hyderabad Metro is the first Indian metro to implement Communication Based Train Control (CBTC) system, a latest technological development in railway signalling system. It is a radio communication based system which controls movement of trains through two-way digital communication between trains and trackside equipment. The technology and equipment is supplied by French company Thales.

The main Operating Control Centre (OCC) located in Uppal depot would control the operation of the entire 72 km Hyderabad Metro Rail system. The metro rail system is divided into six zones, each controlled by a zone controller (equipment). Each train transmits its identity, location, direction and speed to the respective zone controller where the calculations such as safe distance between two trains, breaking distance, and authorised train speed with automatic application of brakes in case of over speeding is done.

The CBTC system adopted by Hyderabad metro facilitates running of trains with one-and-a-half minute (90 sec) frequency. Once the Hyderabad Metro services are commissioned, the Delhi metro would also opt for the technology.