Mumbai Metro to run 15 kmph faster from July 2

Following a green signal from the Commissioner of Metro Railway Safety, the Mumbai Metro One trains will operate at a top speed of 80 km/hr from this Saturday.

The speed increase will result in the saving of 30 seconds per round trip. A difference of little consequence to an everyday consumer, but certainly helpful for the metro authorities who will have more leeway to re-schedule or introduce new services.

Since the Metro One’s inauguration two years ago, it operated at 50 km/hr and moved up to 65 km/hr from March 24 this year. The increase to 65 km/hr was a gradual step towards reaching the Mumbai Metro’s maximum operating speed.

Back in November 2015, after an approval from the CMRS, Railway Board cleared the Metro to operate at it’s maximum speed. Over the last few months, the Metro drivers were trained and tested for operating the rakes at higher speeds.

After months of rigorous testing, the Metro One will start operating at its maximum speed of 80 km/hr from July 2.

By June 28, the Metro One had transported over 19 crore passengers in a span of just over two years. With an average daily ridership of 3.20 lakh commuters, the Metro One peaked at 3.36 lakh on June 28. All while maintaining a punctuality rate of 99.99 percent, amongst the best in the world.