For faster,smoother Phase III,Metro ops to go automatic

The ATO system was implemented on a trial basis on the Jahangirpuri-HUDA City Centre (Yellow Line) Metro corridor,and around 35 of the 50 trains were run through this system. Delhi Metro officials said the ATO system is most likely to be implemented on a larger section in Phase III. “In Phase III,the new signalling system will enable trains to run at a frequency of 90 seconds,as opposed to the current maximum of 2.30 minutes,” said a senior Delhi Metro official. “The first ATO train was run on a trial basis in November 2004,following which the first commercial run was taken up in December 2004. We have introduced more trains in this system over the years on the Yellow Line. Since this corridor is underground and trains are run on a high frequency,there was an urgent need to switch to the ATO system,” a Metro official said.

The next lines in Phase II to get the advanced system will be the standard-gauge Badarpur and Inderlok-Mundka corridors. All the lines of the Metro network are equipped with the Automatic Train Control system,comprising ATP and ATO,to ensure safe movement and keep the required two to three-minute time gap between Metro trains. When the frequency of trains is high,the ATO system helps keep the system error-free by easing dependence on the human interface. The ATP system,on the other hand,requires the train driver to regulate the train’s speed and braking system.

The ATP system,however,helps maintain a safe distance between two trains. Also,if a train operator overshoots the speed limit,emergency brakes are automatically applied. “The system authorises the train operator to open the passenger doors of the train on the correct side and at a marked position on the platform,called the normal stopping point. It also restricts the train from moving ahead with open doors,and provides the signal for automatic station alerts,” the official said.