Expect Better Trains in Phase 3 for Delhi Metro

April 22, 2011
After effecting a major change in Delhi's travel ethos, the Delhi Metro is widening its ambit, literally. Trains that will ply on new, proposed Metro lines - to be constructed under phase 3 - will be wider and longer, as compared to the existing ones. The Delhi Metro has decided to run six-coach trains on the 108-km phase 3 corridor, right from the start.

New Delhi, April 22 -- After effecting a major change in Delhi's travel ethos, the Delhi Metro is widening its ambit, literally.

Trains that will ply on new, proposed Metro lines - to be constructed under phase 3 - will be wider and longer, as compared to the existing ones.

The Delhi Metro has decided to run six-coach trains on the 108-km phase 3 corridor, right from the start.

The swanky coaches would have better carrying-capacity and improved comfort level.

Delhi Metro's phase 3 is scheduled to be operational by 2016.

All trains that will ply on the new corridors will be standard gauge trains. "These will have a width of 3.2 metres in place of the current 2.9 metres," said a Metro official.

"This has been planned keeping in view increasing commuter traffic. The new trains will be able to accommodate more passengers," said Anuj Dayal, spokesperson, Delhi Metro Rail Corporation (DMRC).

Besides, the new trains will have broader gangways (the passage between two Metro coaches).

"They have been planned to facilitate comfortable movement of passengers from one coach to another and to provide more space to commuters to stand in these areas," said a Metro official.

"While a standard gauge six-coach train - in operation at present - can carry about 1,600 passengers, the new trains will be able to carry about 1,800 people," said a DMRC official.

Dayal informed that the new trains will be designed keeping in mind better comfort of commuters.

Each train will be fitted with digital information systems, noise control devices and improved air conditioning units, besides other new features.

"The Metro technology is constantly improving. We will apply all the latest technologies in the new trains, so that Metro travel becomes smoother and more comfortable," said Dayal.

"We will try to address all the shortcomings that we have experienced during the last eight years," Dayal added.

A recent survey conducted by DMRC indicates that after completion of phase 3 in 2016, the number of Metro commuters will be about 40 lakh per day - about 24 lakh more than the current figure.

Under the proposed expansion plan, Metro lines will be operational between Jahangirpuri and Badli, Central Secretariat and Kashmiri Gate, Mukundpur and Yamuna Vihar and Janakpuri West and Kalindi Kunj. Published by HT Syndication with permission from Hindustan Times. For any query with respect to this article or any other content requirement, please contact Editor at [email protected]