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The upcoming Yellow Line of Bengaluru's Namma Metro is set to become India's first railway system to leverage artificial intelligence (AI) for track monitoring. This innovative step is part of the broader initiative to introduce driverless trains, enhancing safety and efficiency for commuters in the tech city.
Last month, the Bengaluru Metro Rail Corporation Limited (BMRCL) welcomed the first batch of six train coaches, marking a significant milestone for the Communication-Based Train Control (CBTC) system, a cornerstone of the Make In India Initiative. Manufactured by Chinese company CRRC Nanjing Puzhen Co Ltd and domestic partners Titagarh Rail Systems Ltd., these coaches are now undergoing rigorous safety tests.
The 18.8 km-long Yellow Line, connecting RV Road to Bommasandra, is poised to be the first to feature driverless trains. This route crucially links the southern part of Bengaluru to the city's tech hub, housing major offices of companies like Infosys, Wipro, and Tata Consultancy Services.
How AI Keeps Tracks Safe
The AI technology, integrated into the pilot train, operates on the inaugural journey each day. With representatives from various teams onboard, including rolling stock, traction, signaling, and track maintenance, the pilot train moves at a reduced speed, meticulously examining the track for obstacles and potential issues. The AI system autonomously evaluates track conditions, triggering alerts if any anomalies are detected.
To enhance reliability, the AI system is initially deployed on two train sets, establishing redundancy to address potential defects. Although the Yellow Line is the first beneficiary, BMRCL has ambitious plans to extend this safety feature to other upcoming lines featuring driverless trains.
Special Features of Driverless Metro Train
Apart from AI-driven track monitoring, the driverless metro train boasts additional features aimed at ensuring passenger safety and comfort:
Hot Axle Detection System: This system checks if the train's bearings are getting too hot. If there's a problem, it sends temperature and diagnostic info to the control center using antennas, wireless gear, and telecom networks at specific stations.
Real-Time Location: The driverless train has a screen showing a live map. It tells you when doors are opening or closing and when the train is arriving or leaving.
Front and Rear Cameras: Cameras at the back of the train let operators see passengers getting on and off. The front camera records images for safety during driverless trips.
Emergency Egress Device (EED) Unit: If there's an emergency, passengers can pull a handle until it says 'REQUEST.' This sends a message to the control center or train operator, who checks via CCTV and unlocks the door.
Once completed, the Yellow Line will be the first Namma Metro route to feature fully autonomous trains, a milestone achieved through the CBTC system, commonly known as "Driverless Technology." BMRCL expects the introduction of these driverless trains to reduce headway to a remarkable 90 seconds, down from the current two and a half minutes.
Despite the autonomous capabilities, BMRCL has opted to deploy Loco Pilots, providing a reassuring human touch to passengers. The prototype of these driverless trains recently arrived in Bengaluru, heralding a new era in metro transportation for the bustling city.
As Bengaluru gears up for this technological leap, the Namma Metro's Yellow Line promises not only efficiency and safety but also a glimpse into the future of smart and secure urban transportation.
