Delhi Metro Planning to Refurbish 70 Blue and Red Line Trains With CCTV, Fire Sensors

The Delhi Metro Rail Corporation (DMRC) has begun a mid-life refurbishment programme for its older Blue and Red Line trains, in a bid to bring ageing rolling stock up to current standards in terms of safety, passenger comfort and overall travel experience. The upgrade targets RS-1 trains that entered service between 2002 and 2007. A total of 70 trains across the two lines are being overhauled in phases, ETInfra has reported.

DMRC said the programme is designed to extend the operational lifespan of the older trains while maintaining service standards comparable to its newer fleet.

Thirty-one have been completed so far, 12 in the first phase and 18 in the second, with work on additional trains continuing. A further 22 Blue Line trains are scheduled to be upgraded by November 2027 under the third phase. 

DMRC Managing Director Vikas Kumar inspected the first refurbished train from this latest phase before it entered passenger service, according to the report.

The refurbishment covers both cosmetic and technical improvements. Passenger areas and driver cabins have been repainted, and electrical panels replaced to improve reliability. Advanced systems have been fitted throughout, including IP-based Passenger Announcement and Information Systems, CCTV cameras and LCD-based dynamic route maps that provide real-time journey information and support communication during emergencies.

Safety upgrades include newly installed fire detection systems equipped with smoke and heat sensors, as well as the replacement of older relays and circuit breakers. Passengers will also benefit from the addition of charging points for mobile devices and laptops, along with upgraded cabling and connectors to support both the new systems and any future improvements.