On January 15, 2021, Rajnath Singh, Minister of Defence (MoD) unveiled India’s first indigenously designed and developed ‘Driverless Metro Car’ during a function held at the BEML (previously Bharat Earth Movers Limited) manufacturing facility in Bengaluru, Karnataka.
- The ‘Driverless Metro Car’ are being manufactured by BEML for Mumbai Metropolitan Region Development Authority (MMRDA) MRS1 project. The project needs 576 cars which will be supplied by January 2024.
- In this regard, BEML recently opened its Depot office at Charkop Metro Depot, MMRDA, Mumbai for commissioning, testing and round-the- clock services for Driverless Metro cars.
Key Features:
–These metro cars will operate on 25 kV AC traction power and equipped with CCTV (Closed-circuit television (CCTV) surveillance and with the provision to carry passenger bi-cycles in the coaches.
–They are made up of stainless-steel body with a capacity of carrying 2280 passengers in 6 cars metro train-set.
Key Points:
–MMRDA project has 63% indigenous content which will enhance to 75% in next two to three years.
–This metro project will aid in achieving the US$5 Billion defence export target and US$25 Billion defence industry turn over by 2025.
–In order to make India as Defence manufacturing hub MoD introduced Defence Production and Export Promotion Policy (DPEPP) 2020 and new Defence Acquisition Policy for purchasing equipment and platforms with more indigenous technology.
Other Launches:
–Rajnath Singh virtually launched the Aerospace Assembly Hangar, situated within BEMLs Bangalore Complex.
–He also unveiled the first indigenously manufactured Tatra Cabin by BEML.
He also inspected the Rail Hangars, the array of BEML equipment on display (from its Defence & Aerospace, Mining & Construction and Rail & Metro Divisions) and the newly launched Industrial Design Centre.
Other Participants: Secretary, Defence Production Shri Raj Kumar and other senior officials of MoD and BEML were also present on the occasion.
Recent Related News:
i.On December 7, 2020, the inauguration ceremony for the construction work of Phase-1 of the Agra Metro project in Agra, Uttar Pradesh (UP) was held at 15 Battalion PAC parade ground in Agra. The project comprises 2 corridors with a total length of 29.4 km has an approximate outlay of Rs 8,379.62 cr and will be completed in 5 years.
ii.On December 28, 2020, Prime Minister (PM) Narendra Modi virtually inaugurated India’s 1st ever Driverless Train Operations on Delhi Metro’s 38 Kilometres long Magenta Line which connects Janakpuri West & Botanical Garden in Noida.
About BEML Limited:
It is a Schedule ‘A’ Company under the Ministry of Defence (MoD).
Establishment– 1964
Chairman and Managing Director (CMD)– Deepak Kumar Hota
Headquarter– Bengaluru, Karnataka
