Metro rolls in world-class technology,comforts

A Delhi Metro Rail Corporation (DMRC) spokesperson said: “We improved on the shortcomings of the earlier trains. The new trains,with better technology,have several features that will give Metro commuters world-class travel experience.”

“Features like external side display on each coach to indicate destination station,digital route maps showing present,next and destination stations,higher capacity air-conditioning units and heating and humidity control functions,CCTV cameras in each coach,sockets to recharge mobile phones and laptops have been incorporated in the new rolling stock for comfortable travel,” the official said.

“This is in addition to several technology changes in the running of the trains like advanced brake and acceleration systems,higher maximum operational speed at 85 kmph to name a few.”

Metro officials also claim that the new stations on Phase II have advanced infrastructure. Unlike previous stations,the new ones have digital display boards to run short films and endorsements. There are also high-capacity cleaning machines for maintenance and cleaning.

“Security equipment like X-Ray machines and hand-held metal detectors have also been improvised. Escalators now have bars at the entry points to regulate flow of crowds and recently,we also introduced smaller and more convenient smart cards,” the official added.

“However,changes could not be made in the signaling system and AFC gates on the extensions of the current lines as they had to be connected with the previous signalling system,but this will most likely be upgraded on the upcoming lines,” the official said.

In Phase II,more Metro stations will have small restaurants and commercial development unlike Phase I,which saw property development only at prominent stations like Rajiv Chowk and Kashmere Gate,the official said.