Kolkata Metro is preparing to introduce driverless train operations, with a major announcement expected before Durga Puja. Successful trial runs have been completed, and the project has already received clearance from the Commissioner of Railway Safety.

Travelling on a Metro train without the driver controlling every movement may soon become a reality for commuters in Kolkata.

In an exclusive interaction with Ei Samay, Kolkata Metro’s Deputy General Manager (DGM) and Chief Public Relations Officer (CPRO) SAS Kannan said that the groundwork for driverless Metro operations has largely been completed. With safety approval already in place, the system is now awaiting its official rollout.

Driverless Kolkata Metro receives safety clearance

According to Kannan, the Commissioner of Railway Safety (CRS) has already given the required clearance after successful trial runs of the system.

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The upcoming service will function through the Communication-Based Train Control (CBTC) system, a technology designed to automate train movement with a high degree of precision.

Explaining the technology, Kannan said, “It is a Communication-Based Train Control system. It is an extremely sophisticated technology.”

He also pointed out that Kolkata Metro’s infrastructure is fundamentally different from conventional railway networks.

“The entire Kolkata Metro system is highly modern. It cannot be compared with open-line railways or suburban local trains,” he said.

Will Metro trains operate without any driver?

While the trains will run automatically, a loco pilot will continue to remain inside the driver’s cabin.

Kannan clarified that the role of the driver will be limited to specific operational and emergency responsibilities.

“The driver or loco pilot will remain in the cabin. Their primary responsibilities will be initiating the train’s journey, making announcements during emergencies, and immediately handling any technical issues that may arise while the train is in operation,” he said.

Advanced automation expected to improve Metro frequency

Kolkata Metro plans to operate the system with Automatic Train Operation (ATO), Automatic Train Supervision (ATS) and Automatic Train Control (ATC).

Officials believe these technologies will help ensure smoother and more accurate train operations.

At present, the minimum gap between two Metro trains is around six minutes. With the new automation system, the authorities aim to reduce that interval, allowing trains to run more frequently.

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Which Kolkata Metro route is likely to get driverless trains first?

Sources indicate that the East-West Metro corridor already uses the CBTC system. Because of this, the Howrah Maidan to Sector V route is expected to be the first corridor where driverless Metro operations are introduced.

However, Metro authorities have not officially confirmed the first route for the rollout. An announcement is expected in the coming days.

With trial runs completed and safety clearance secured, Kolkata is now a step closer to joining the list of cities operating driverless Metro services.

FAQs:

When will driverless Kolkata Metro trains start operating?

Kolkata Metro has completed trial runs and received safety clearance, with an official launch announcement expected before Durga Puja.

Will Kolkata Metro’s driverless trains operate without a loco pilot?

No, a loco pilot will remain in the cabin to start the train, handle emergencies and respond to technical issues if required.