Mumbai Metro Aqua Line Inaugurated with Alstom’s Driverless Trains

On 5 October 2024, the first phase of Mumbai Metro’s Aqua Line was inaugurated for commercial service. The system features Alstom’s advanced Metropolis driverless trains and signalling solutions.

The line, which spans 33.5 kilometres, connects the Bandra Kurla Complex business district to Aarey JVLR, representing Mumbai’s first underground metro.

Honourable Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi officially inaugurated the line by flagging off the inaugural train from Aarey JVLR station.

Mumbai Metro Line 3
Mumbai Metro Line 3

Alstom’s involvement in the Aqua Line project covers the supply of 31 lightweight, fully furnished Metropolis trainsets, each comprising eight cars. These trains, which are 100% made in India, have been designed to transport over 1.6 million passengers per day.

Olivier Loison, Managing Director of Alstom India said:

“The Alstom-built full stack mobility solutions for the Mumbai Aqua Line is packed with some of the most sophisticated engineering and technology solutions for Mumbai’s first underground metro. With our 100% made-in-India driverless trains, we are demonstrating that innovation and efficiency can go hand-in-hand. Our longstanding partnership with MMRCL has enabled us to deliver a world-class metro experience that promises to significantly ease the daily commute for millions of Mumbaikars.”

Alstom’s work on the Aqua Line also encompasses the deployment of advanced signalling systems. This includes:

  • Driverless operation supported by Urbalis Forward, the latest generation of CBTC (Communications-Based Train Control) technology, featuring GOA4, the highest grade of automation.
  • Computer-based interlocking for safe train movements.
  • Automatic train supervision to monitor and control train operations.
  • Integrated platform screen doors (PSD) for enhanced passenger safety.
  • Telecommunication systems and M&E SCADA (Mechanical and Electrical supervisory control and data acquisition) systems.
  • Bidirectional video communication between passengers and the Operations Control Centre (OCC) during emergencies.

The trainset design offers a high interior density, prioritising space, accessibility, and comfort with dedicated wheelchair spaces in every car. Each trainset is capable of carrying around 3,000 passengers per trip.

The trains are equipped with grab rails, handles, and support poles, as well as spaces for luggage, ensuring convenience for all passengers.

Safety features include face recognition CCTV cameras, smoke detectors, emergency intercoms, fire extinguishers, and marked signage.

What’s more, Alstom’s Metropolis trains for the Aqua Line are designed with a focus on sustainability and operational efficiency. The trainsets feature 75% motorisation, allowing for quicker acceleration and deceleration, thereby improving efficiency. A regenerative braking system also reduces carbon emissions and energy consumption.

These innovations are expected to reduce overall traffic and pollution by 35%, offering a greener alternative for the city’s commuters. Moreover, the trains are 96% recyclable and 99% recoverable.

Alstom’s involvement in the Aqua Line aligns with the Indian government’s ‘Make in India’ initiative. The trains were designed and developed at Alstom’s engineering centre in Bangalore, Karnataka, and manufactured at its state-of-the-art rolling stock unit in Sri City, Andhra Pradesh.

To date, 24 trainsets have been delivered to Mumbai Metro Rail Corporation Limited (MMRCL).

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