RDSO tests auto drive for Metro

RDSO tests auto drive for Metro

LUCKNOW: Metro train running without a driver could soon be a reality. Hyderabad Metro would be the first to run automatically, where memory of computers in the engine would have all information about the track, location of stations and arrival/departure timings. The Research Designs and Standards Organisation (RDSO) has tested the technology and found it safe. 

The Delhi Metro Rail Corporation is planning to use the technology and RDSO might also test it more thoroughly for Lucknow if the Lucknow Metro Rail Corporation decides to use it, said an RDSO official. Though the technology has not been designed by RDSO, it has features of sensor-based systems designed by RDSO. These are train collision avoidance system, train warning and protection system and cab signaling. 

"The only technology that RDSO has not worked on is automatic train operation. Rest have been designed and tested by us," said executive director for administration at RDSO, A K Mathur. 

No train can run without safety trial and RDSO is the testing organization for any and every new technology related to train operation. For the first time, a communication-based automatic train operation system was tested for Hyderabad Metro. The technology has been bought by the executing agency for Hyderabad Metro. 

"This technology has nothing to do with speed but Metros which have secured track (with almost no intervention) can use it. DMRC and Lucknow Metro might have it," said the official. 

The train collision avoidance system (TCAS), designed by RDSO, generates derailment alerts and applies emergency brakes in critical situations such as when two trains are on the same track. It is similar to the automatic train operation technology tested for Hyderabad Metro. 

TCAS works through radio frequency identification (RFIDs), placed every kilometer on sleepers of the track. RFIDs have chips containing information which is decoded through RFID readers at the station and in the engine. It allows communication between stations and engines and between engines. 

Cab signalling, on the other hand, informs driver about signal positioning and the train's permitted speed at the given stretch. It is very useful in fog. Similarly, train warning and protection system is used to mitigate risk of signal passing at a danger.