The Delhi Metro Rail Corporation (DMRC) on 12 April said it is undertaking a comprehensive mid-life refurbishment (retrofit) programme for its trains to enhance passenger safety, comfort, and overall travel experience.
Under the initiative, the oldest Rolling Stock (RS-1) trains are being upgraded with modern technology and improved facilities to ensure they remain reliable and meet current standards.
As part of its mid-life refurbishment programme, DMRC is refurbishing 70 trains across the Red and Blue Lines in a phased manner.
In the first phase, 12 trains have been upgraded.
In the second phase, 18 trains have been refurbished, with work on another 9 trains to begin soon, followed by an additional 9 trains.
The total of 31 refurbished trains so far includes the first upgraded train of the ongoing third phase.
In the third phase, a total of 22 Blue Line trains, including the first train already refurbished, will be upgraded by November 2027.
These trains, inducted between 2002 and 2007, have completed nearly 19 to 24 years of service and are being upgraded with modern systems and features to align with the latest rolling stock standards.
DMRC Managing Director Dr. Vikas Kumar inspected the first refurbished train of the third phase before its induction into passenger service.
The refurbishment work includes improvements to both train interiors and systems. Passenger areas and driver cabins have been repainted to address wear and tear, while electrical panels have been upgraded to enhance performance and reliability.
Advanced IP-based Passenger Announcement and Passenger Information Systems (PA-PIS), CCTV systems, and LCD-based Dynamic Route Maps along with display screens have been installed.
These systems provide real-time information on routes, current time, and expected arrival at stations, and also enable communication between passengers and train operators during emergencies.
Passenger safety is a key focus of the programme.
A fire detection system equipped with smoke and heat detectors has been installed in all coaches.
Old relays and Miniature Circuit Breakers have also been replaced with advanced units to improve safety and ensure smooth operations.
To meet passenger needs, mobile and laptop charging points have been introduced in all coaches.
New jumper cables and connectors have also been installed to support upgraded systems such as PA-PIS and fire detection systems, as well as to accommodate future upgrades.
DMRC said the initiative is aimed at upgrading older trains to match the standards of newer trains and to provide safe, reliable, and passenger-friendly metro services.
