Delhi Metro has completed 22 years of its passenger operations with the iconic TS-01 train, which was flagged off on December 24, 2002, by then Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee. This event marked the beginning of a new era of modern public transport in the Delhi NCR region. Over the past two decades, TS-01 has played a vital role in transforming Delhi’s transportation landscape.
The train, which started as a four-coach unit, has undergone several upgrades to meet the growing demand of passengers. In 2014, it expanded to six coaches and, more recently, in 2023, further upgraded to eight coaches. TS-01 has now traveled approximately 27 lakh kilometers, safely transporting over 5.4 crore passengers and executing an impressive 23 lakh door operations, cementing its reputation for reliability and efficiency.
Manufactured by the MRM Consortium in South Korea, TS-01 was transported from South Korea to Kolkata by ship and then moved to Delhi via the Indian Railways network. Its advanced propulsion system has been instrumental in ensuring smooth operations while contributing to environmental sustainability. Approximately 40% of the power consumed by the train is regenerated through its regenerative braking system, making it a model for energy-efficient public transport.
To maintain high standards of performance, TS-01 has undergone two major overhauls by DMRC’s expert maintenance teams. The train has consistently exceeded its contractual mean distance between failures (MDBF) requirement, achieving 84,000 kilometers, significantly surpassing the 40,000-kilometer target.
To keep pace with modern standards, the train recently underwent a mid-life refurbishment, featuring advanced passenger amenities. These upgrades include real-time route maps, safety videos, CCTV for enhanced security, and emergency alarms. Additionally, the train has been equipped with mobile and laptop charging outlets, refurbished doors, a new fire detection system, and a fresh interior and exterior repainting for improved aesthetics and passenger comfort.
TS-01 continues to serve passengers on Delhi Metro’s Red Line, and with more than 350 train sets in its fleet, Delhi Metro continues to expand its services, marking 22 years of seamless and efficient public transport.