PUNE, 3 NOV.The Maharashtra Metro Rail Corporation (MahaMetro) is planning to introduce driverless metro services on one of its proposed extended routes in Pune. While the final approval and the commencement of work for the Khadakwasla - Swargate - Hadapsar - Kharadi metro route are currently being awaited, MahaMetro is exploring the possibility of fully automating the operations on this particular line. To proceed, MahaMetro will prepare a detailed report. The plan suggests that 25 trains on this longest proposed route could be operated using an advanced system without a 'Loco Pilot' or driver. Should the Central Government grant approval, the procurement process for new, advanced coaches will begin. These specialized coaches will not feature a separate cabin for a driver, allowing passengers to instead view the track ahead. Currently, metro operations on the active lines in Pune require a loco pilot, but the new phase aims for complete automation. This advanced system is already in use in certain Indian cities, including Delhi, where driverless operations started some years ago. It is anticipated that once this metro line is completed and operational, it will significantly reduce the daily traffic congestion experienced by citizens in areas like Sinhagad Road, Hadapsar, and Kharadi. Meanwhile, work on the extended stretch from Pimpri-Chinchwad to Nigdi is progressing quickly, while other proposed routes are currently in the tendering phase.

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