Black box to tell why Metro stopped

10 November,2009 07:11 AM IST |   |  Surender Sharma

DMRC sends train's computerised data box to Bombardier to find out why the new Metro train stopped in its tracks on Sunday


DMRC sends train's computerised data box to Bombardier to find out why the new Metro train stopped in its tracks on Sunday

We have heard of aircraft black boxes revealing secrets. Now, even Delhi Metro trains will spill the beans, courtesy the black box.

After Sunday's incident, in which a Metro train stopped on the tracks between two stations, Delhi Metro Rail Corporation (DMRC) has sent the 'black box' of the train to its German-based manufacturer, Bombardier. The box was sent on Sunday night.

Hiccups: One of the new trains by Bombardier stalled midway on Sunday.


"There is a kind of a black box in Metro trains and every operational detail is logged into this computerised system. This train's black box will help Bombardier to ascertain the actual cause of the incident. We have sent it on Sunday night to Germany," said HS Anand, director, Rolling Stock, DMRC. Anand said after the incident, the train involved was taken to the Yamuna Bank depot and was checked by a DMRC team. "It was in perfect condition. But we are not taking chances and have withdrawn it from operation," Anand said.

Meanwhile, the police have registered a case against "unknown people" in the Metro breakdown incident, where some passengers broke open the emergency doors of the train and walked on the tracks at a risk to their lives.

"We have registered a case under Section 337 (negligence) of the Indian Penal Code against unknown people as the incident could have led to a major tragedy. We will be examining the role of all the stakeholders of Delhi Metro as well as people," said a senior Delhi Police official. The case was registered at the Delhi Metro's Rajouri Garden Police Station.

Teething troubles

Anand admitted Sunday's incident was part of initial start-up glitches. "When you introduce a new system such problems occur. At present, we are running trains seven years old. The new trains are more advanced," he said, hinting at the problem of integration of new trains with old signaling and electrical systems, and staff.

424 is the number of coaches Delhi Metro is acquiring from Bombardier. The order has been placed for $727 million.

The mishap
On Sunday evening, a new Metro train had halted between Rajiv Chowk and RK Ashram Marg Metro Stations, which resulted in a chaos. The incident created a panic at Rajiv Chowk station, due to which several people were injured.
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DMRC Black box Bombarider New Metro stopped in tracks