Backrest to Wi-Fi: Features that make Botanical Garden-Kalkaji Metro line unique

A look at some of the prominent features of this section on Magenta Line that will be opened on December 25 by Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

A section of the Magenta Line of Delhi Metro Rail Corporation will be inaugurated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on December 25 bringing south Delhi closer to Noida.

The line connecting Botanical Gardens in Noida and Kalkaji Mandir in south Delhi will be opened for public on Christmas. (Photo: Sourced)

Connecting Botanical Gardens in Noida and Kalkaji Mandir in south Delhi, it will be a line of many firsts.

Here is a look at some of the prominent new initiatives, that set it apart from the rest.

1. Reduction in travel time from Noida to south Delhi: Noida residents will save at least 45 minutes of commute time while travelling to south Delhi. With the Blue Line, which connected Delhi to Noida so far, one had to change trains either at Mandi House for the Violet Line, or Rajiv Chowk for the Yellow line. Now, with the Magenta Line taking you directly to Kalkaji Mandir, and expected to be expanded further to Greater Kailash, Hauz Khas and other south Delhi localities, Noida may not seem too far. It will also connect Noida to the airport at a later stage.

2. First interchange station outside Delhi: As the Botanical Garden station falls both on the Blue Line and the new Magenta Line, it will be the first interchange stations outside Delhi. People will also be able to change for Violet Line at Kalkaji Mandir.

3. Platform screen doors: The line will see first fully operational and automated platform screen doors at every station on the line, like the ones on the jubilee line of the London tube. The doors, separating the platform from the train, will open only when the trains arrive at the station. The Airport Express Line already has these at every station and work is on to install them at select stations on Yellow Line.

4. Driverless trains: The line will also be using new trains which can be operated without drivers. However, for the initial 2-3 years, drivers will be used to operate them, and the ‘unattended train operations’ will begin only after stringent trials.

5. Provision for more seats: There will be provision to add more space. Equipments under the seats can be used to make space for an additional 12 passengers.

6. Wi-Fi equipped: Commuters will not have to worry about Internet access inside the trains anymore as these will support Wi-Fi connectivity. However, a DMRC spokesperson said that this may not be available immediately.

7. LCD screens: Fully programmable LCD screens will display videos, graphics and other information.

8. USB charging points: While most Metro trains have power outlets, the new trains that are expected to run on Magenta Line will also see USB ports to connect your phone charging cables directly without a power adapter.

9. Backrest: The rush-hour commuter knows that a seat on the Metro can be a matter of chance. The new trains will also offer lumbar support and backrests near the wheel chair areas, so that even if you are standing, you can do so comfortably.