New Delhi: For the first time, Delhi Metro will install Make-in-India platform screen doors (PSDs) in its upcoming corridors. An official stated that previously, these were sourced from different companies, but an expression of interest has now been floated to procure them locally.
Details of the New PSD Installation
Full-height screen doors will be installed at underground stations, while half-height screen doors will be installed at elevated stations. Of the total 303 operational stations in Delhi Metro, only 83 currently have half-screen PSDs, while eight have full-screen doors. The Delhi Metro Rail Corporation (DMRC) has now decided to install PSDs at all stations in the upcoming corridors of phases IV and V.
Government Directive on Local Manufacturing
Officials said the installation of Make-in-India PSDs was decided following directions from the Union Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs, which asked all metros in the country last year to procure PSDs with at least 75% manufacturing done in India. The letter stated that PSDs have been included in the list of items with sufficient local capacity and competition available for supplies.
“We have invited an expression of interest from Indian companies to procure both half- and full-height PSDs for the upcoming corridors,” said a DMRC official.
Current Status of PSDs in Delhi Metro
All seven stations of the Airport Express Line are currently equipped with full-screen PSDs, along with the Krishna Park Extension station on Magenta Line, which was opened to the public during the ongoing Phase IV expansion. DMRC has installed PSDs on Pink and Magenta lines, which are driverless trains in the network. However, Delhi Metro retrofitted PSDs on six stations of the Yellow Line: Kashmere Gate, Chandni Chowk, Chawri Bazar, New Delhi, Rajiv Chowk, and Central Secretariat.
Network Expansion Plans
Currently, DMRC’s total network is 416 km with 303 stations, including the Noida-Greater Noida Aqua Line and Rapid Metro Gurgaon. Five new corridors are being constructed as part of Phase IV expansion: RK Ashram to Janakpuri West, Delhi Aerocity to Tughlakabad, Inderlok to Indraprastha, Lajpat Nagar to Saket G Block, and Rithala to Kundli.
Additionally, three corridors were approved as part of Phase V(A) expansion: Tughlakabad to Kalindi Kunj, RK Ashram Marg to Indraprastha, and Aerocity to Terminal 1. Recently, Chief Minister Rekha Gupta announced seven new corridors as part of Phase V(B) expansion: Central Secretariat-Kishangarh, Dhansa Bus Stand-Nangloi, Samaypur Badli-Narela, Kirti Nagar-Palam, Jor Bagh-Mithapur, Shastri Park-Mayur Vihar Phase III, and Keshavpuram-Rohini Sector 34.
Significance of the Move
This initiative aligns with the government’s push for self-reliance and aims to boost domestic manufacturing. It is expected to reduce dependency on foreign suppliers and create local job opportunities. The installation of PSDs will enhance passenger safety by preventing accidental falls onto tracks, especially at crowded stations.
