Delhi Metro celebrates 22 years of passenger operations
The Delhi Metro Rail Corporation (DMRC) marked the 22nd anniversary of its passenger operations on Wednesday, celebrating the legacy of the first train, TS-01, which began operations on December 24, 2002.
Flagged off by then Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee, the introduction of the Delhi Metro marked a turning point in the region’s public transportation landscape, transforming the way people in Delhi-NCR commute.
TS-01, which commenced as a four-coach train, has evolved over the years to meet the growing demand for Metro services. The train was upgraded to six coaches in 2014 and further expanded to eight coaches in 2023. Over the past 22 years, TS-01 has covered an impressive 27 lakh kms, safely transporting over 5.4 crore passengers and completing 23 lakh door operations.
Manufactured by MRM Consortium in South Korea, TS-01 arrived in India via Kolkata and was brought to Delhi by the Indian Railways network. Known for its advanced propulsion system, the train contributed to environmental sustainability by regenerating 40 per cent of its total power consumption through regenerative braking.
Anuj Dayal, Principal Executive Director of Corporate Communications at the DMRC, emphasised the train's legacy and its role in shaping the Metro network.
“TS-01 is a testament to the DMRC's commitment to maintaining high operational standards. It has been an integral part of Delhi Metro's journey and continues to be a symbol of our legacy, operating on the Red Line alongside our expanding fleet of over 350 trains,” said Dayal.
He also highlighted the consistent maintenance efforts that have kept TS-01 running smoothly. “The train has undergone two major overhauls, ensuring that it continues to meet the highest operational standards. It has maintained a Mean Distance Between Failures (MDBF) of 84,000 kms, significantly surpassing the contractual requirement of 40,000 kms,” said Dayal.
As part of its ongoing maintenance and modernisation, TS-01 underwent a mid-life refurbishment, which included upgraded passenger features such as real-time route maps, safety videos, CCTV surveillance for enhanced security, and emergency alarms. Additionally, the train now offers mobile and laptop charging outlets for passengers and has been given a fresh coat of paint for aesthetic improvements.
TS-01, still in active service today, was decorated with flowers and a commemorative banner to mark its 22-year anniversary. The celebration of this milestone also coincides with the DMRC’s impressive achievements in 2024, including a record-high single-day passenger journey of 78.67 lakh on November 18.
