Fully automated Metro to run with drivers for now

Metro line 2A on a trial run on Thursday. Pic/Satej Shinde

Set for its inauguration on Gudi Padwa, Phase 1 of Metro line 7 (Dahisar East to Aarey Milk Colony) and Phase 1 of Metro line 2A (Dahisar to Dahanukarwadi) will run with drivers for a few months. The authorities are planning to open Phase 2 of both the corridors by August this year.

Speaking to the media, Metropolitan Commissioner SVR Srinivas said, "On Saturday, Phase 1 of Metro line 7 and Phase 1 of Metro line 2A will be inaugurated at the hands of Chief Minister Uddhav Thackeray. We are planning to open the lines for commuters on Sunday. But, if at all we decide on opening it on Saturday itself, then people will be informed in advance."

A total of 150 trips will take place in a day. The services will start from Dahanukarwadi at 6 am and the last train will leave at 9 pm. In the morning, the services from Aarey will start at 6.30 am and the last train will leave at 9.30 pm. "The commissioner of railway safety has given us permission to run the train at 80 kmph but for a few months it will run at 70 kmph," added Srinivas.

There will be a total of 60 pilots, of which 8 to 10 are women. At present, there are a total of 11 trains of six coaches each. Of these, six trains will be in operation once the services begin. The travel time between Aarey Milk Colony and Dharnukarwadi will be around 35 to 38 minutes in one direction.

Passenger capacity
>> Passengers per train: 2,280
>> Seating per coach: 50
>> Train operation: Initially, 6 am to 10 pm
>> Frequency: 11 minutes
>> Trains: 11 of 6 coaches
>> Total: 66 coaches

Metro line 2A: stations
>> Dahisar East
>> Anand Nagar
>> Kandarpada
>> Mandapeshwar
>> Eksar
>> Borivli West
>> Pahadi Eksar
>> Kandivli West
>> Dahanukarwadi

Metro Line 7 stations
>> Aarey
>> Dindoshi
>> Kurar
>> Akurli
>> Poisar
>> Magathane
>> Devipada
>> Rashtriya Udyan
>> Ovari Pada
>> Dahisar East

150
No. of trips between Aarey Colony and Dharnukarwadi in a day