Kolkata Metro Gets Safety Nod for Driverless Trains on Green and Purple Lines
Kolkata is set to join Delhi and Bengaluru in operating driverless metro trains, with the Commissioner of Railway Safety (CRS) clearing the Kolkata Metro's Green Line for autonomous operations. The Green Line, also known as the East-West Corridor, runs from Howrah Maidan to Salt Lake Sector V. Plans are also in place for the Purple Line to adopt driverless technology in the future, according to sources within the Kolkata Metro.
The approval marks a significant step towards modernising the city's urban transport system. However, a specific timeline for the commencement of driverless services has not been announced. Metro CPRO S S Kanon stated, “Internal capabilities are being tested; it will be implemented at the right time, not immediately. Unmanned metros will run in both the Purple and Green lines.”
In addition to this development, a major traffic bottleneck in the city has been resolved with the completion of stalled work on Kolkata Metro's Line 6, also known as the Orange Line. This line is expected to further ease congestion and improve connectivity in the region.
The introduction of driverless trains is part of a broader effort to enhance efficiency and safety in urban transit. The technology, already in use in several global cities, relies on advanced signalling systems and automated controls to manage train operations without human intervention. The move aligns with the Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs' push for modernising metro networks across India.
Kolkata Metro, which began operations in 1984 as India's first metro system, has been undergoing phased upgrades. The Green Line, inaugurated in 2020, connects the twin cities of Howrah and Kolkata, including areas like Salt Lake Sector V, a major IT hub. The Purple Line, which will link Joka to Esplanade, is expected to further expand the network's reach.
Safety remains a priority, and the CRS clearance follows rigorous testing of the systems. The Kolkata Metro has confirmed that all necessary precautions are being taken before fully transitioning to driverless mode. The decision to implement the technology gradually ensures that any operational challenges can be addressed before a full rollout.
The development has been welcomed by commuters and urban planners, who see it as a step towards reducing travel time and improving the reliability of the metro network. However, some have raised concerns about job losses among train operators. The Kolkata Metro has assured that staff will be redeployed to other roles, including maintenance and customer service.
