Black box for city’s Metro trains

In a first of its kind initiative, all four coaches of every Metro train that will run in Mumbai will be fitted with a black box.

In a first of its kind initiative, all four coaches of every Metro train that will run in Mumbai will be fitted with a black box.

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As in aircraft, the black box will be crash-proof and will record audio data within the compartments, which could prove critical for data analysis should there be an accident.

The Metro rakes in Delhi and Kolkata do not have this facility.

The coaches will also have closed circuit cameras for commuter surveillance, as well as an advanced passenger-driver communication system that will allow commuters to communicate with the driver in case of an emergency. “We want to provide world-class amenities to Mumbaiites and make their journey an enjoyable experience,” said Ratnakar Gaikwad, commissioner, MMRDA.

The coaches, ordered from Chinese firm, CSR Nanjing Puzhen Rolling Stock Ltd, will have audio-visual information system, electronic route map and wheelchair facilities.

The city’s first Metro line — the 11-km Versova-Andheri-Ghatkopar route — will cost Rs 2,356 crore and is expected to be ready by February 2011.