Delhi Metro marks 22 Years of transforming Urban Transport in NCR

New Delhi, India (Metro Rail Today): The Delhi Metro Rail Corporation (DMRC) today celebrated the 22nd anniversary of its passenger operations, marking a significant milestone in the city's public transport history. On December 24th, 2002, the first Delhi Metro train, TS-01, was flagged off by then Prime Minister, Shri Atal Bihari Vajpayee, ushering in a new era of modern, efficient, and environmentally sustainable public transport for Delhi-NCR.

TS-01, the trailblazer of the Delhi Metro fleet, has become a symbol of reliability and growth over the years. Initially a 4-coach train, TS-01 was expanded to 6 coaches in 2014 and further upgraded to 8 coaches in 2023, adapting to the rising demand for public transport in the region. Over its 22-year service, TS-01 has covered approximately 27 lakh kilometers, safely transporting over 5.4 crore passengers, and completed 23 lakh door operations, setting new benchmarks in efficiency.

Manufactured by the MRM Consortium in South Korea, the train was shipped to Kolkata and transported to Delhi via the Indian Railways network. Its advanced propulsion system has not only ensured smooth and efficient operations but also contributed to environmental sustainability by regenerating about 40% of the power consumed through regenerative braking.

TS-01 has undergone two major overhauls by DMRC’s expert maintenance teams, maintaining a Mean Distance Between Failures (MDBF) of 84,000 kilometers—well above the contractual target of 40,000 kilometers. To keep up with modern standards and enhance passenger comfort, the train has recently been refurbished. The upgrades include advanced passenger systems like real-time route maps, safety videos, CCTV for enhanced security, and emergency alarms. The doors were refurbished, and a new fire detection system was installed for added safety, along with mobile and laptop charging outlets for passenger convenience.

As a testament to DMRC’s impeccable maintenance and upkeep system, TS-01 continues to serve passengers on the Red Line, still operational today as the first among over 350 trains in the expanding fleet. To mark this special occasion, the train was decorated with flowers and a commemorative banner.