In a first, Hyderabad Metro Rail conducts automatic trial run

In a technological breakthrough, Hyderabad Metro Rail (HMR) operated a train in automatic mode for the first time in the country.
The test run of a metro train in Automatic Train Operation (ATO) mode was conducted from Nagole to Mettuguda here on Tuesday night.
Under ATO mode, a train operates on its own and self controls its movement, speed, performance, with automatic application of brakes without intervention of the driver, a release from the HMR said today.
"The function of the driver is only to press a button to close the doors at stations and it is a prelude to completely driverless mode which Hyderabad Metro can upgrade to anytime it wants," it said.

HMR is the first Indian metro project that is implementing Communication-Based Train Control (CBTC) signalling system, supplied by French company Thales.
The system controls movement of trains through continuous two-way digital communication between trains and trackside equipment, the release said.
HMR is being developed as one of the largest modern transport systems in the world based upon PPP model. The 72-km elevated project will have three corridors and 66 stations.
Construction and engineering major L&T is executing the project. By March, stage one, an 8-km stretch from Nagole to Mettuguda, will become operational.