'Driverless Metro Car' unveiled by Defence minister in Mumbai

MUMBAI: Defence minister Rajnath Singh unveiled state-of-the-art ‘Driverless Metro Car’ for Mumbai Metropolitan Region Development Authority (MMRDA) which will be deployed on Metro corridors in Mumbai.
The metro car was unveiled at a function held at BEML’s Bangalore Complex.
Singh said, " I’m proud of the good work the team of engineers and technicians are doing at BEML. I would also like to congratulate but bow before each and every member of BEML and wish that the wonderful work that is being done by the company should be made known to the nation.They are the real warriors of ‘Atmanirbhar Bharat’, taking India ahead.”
Chairman and managing director, BEML LIMITED Deepak Kumar Hota ”Hon’ble Raksha Mantri’s visit to BEML is a true reflection of the unstinted support and encouragement that he is providing. BEML’s foray into metro manufacturing has been a defining moment in the urban transportation scenario in India. With a major market share in the country in direct competition with well-established international players, BEML has made its mark as the only Indian company in this high technology field.”
Indigenously designed Metro cars will operate on 25 kV AC traction power and equipped with CCTV surveillance and with the provision to carry passenger bi-cycles in the coaches.
The cars are made up of stainless-steel body with a capacity of carrying 2280 passengers in 6 cars metro train-set.
BEML bagged a total order of 576 cars for MMRDA’s MRS1 project, the largest order ever, amidst stiff completion in the presence of international players and the supply is scheduled progressively upto January 2024.
BEML opened its depot office recently at Charkop Metro Depot, MMRDA, Mumbai for commissioning, testing and round the clock services for Driverless Metro cars.
Sources said, "The rake is expected to arrive around in last week of January and trials are scheduled in March as some work is still pending before they are brought on the track."