Chennai: The fully automated metro rail will be run manually to begin with. The hi-fi operation control centre (OCC) will play a restricted role for a few months. Train operators (engine drivers) will do most of the controlling and the automatic train protection (ATP) system will be used only to troubleshoot manual errors like overshooting signal among others. “The main job of ATP is to pitch in as and when manual operation is found adequate,” a senior CMRL official said.
Based on the performance, system will be promoted to ATO (automatic train operation) in course of time. Most of the operations will be automated and the train operator will merely supervise the movement of the train on board and interfere only when required in ATO, the officer explained, adding that manual interface will be minimal in ATO. From train speed regulation to stoppage, everything will be preset in ATO and controlled from the OCC.
Max Speed Will be 72KMPH:
Though the CMRL has been certified to run up to 80 kmph, the train will only clock 72 kmph maximum. And that too only between two Ashok Nagar and SIDCO stations where the distance separating them is around 2.5km. The average distance between other stations is only 1.2km on the 10km-long Koyambedu-Alandur stretch and hence it is not possible to clock the maximum speed, reasoned another senior CMRL officer. The average speed of the trains will be 35km ph. The average time required to cover the Alandur-Koyambedu stretch will be 17-18minutes.
Emergency Traction Control:
Unlike the EMU or MR TS, fewer accidents can be expected on metro corridors due to accidental fall of passengers on the tracks. Despite the availability of controls with the train operator on board, if the OCC fears that stopping a train will not be possible at the operators end, the traction controller can immediately contain the train’s movement by pulling an emergency traction switch, which will cut power supply instantly. Also, collision is remotely possible as a train will automatically stop when another train stands on the same line ahead.
