World’s first automated, driverless train unveiled in Germany

HAMBURG: World’s first automated, driverless train was unveiled on Monday, October 11 in the city of Hamburg. Deutsche Bahn, German rail operator, together with the industrial group Siemens unveiled the train, bidding it as more punctual and energy efficient than traditional trains. Officials said that four trains of the same kind will soon join the city’s rapid urban rail network. These trains will start carrying passengers from December this year using the existing rail infrastructure only.

Cities like Paris already have driverless metros and airports in some cities across the world have automated monorail trains plying terminals, however, they run on exclusive single tracks. In contrast to this, the Hamburg train will be sharing tracks with other regular trains. This particular train project is part of a 60 million modernisation of Hamburg’s rapid urban rail system, and has been called as ‘world’s first’ by Siemens and Deutsche Bahn.

Richard Lutz, CEO, Deutsche Bahn, said that automated trains offer a more reliable service without having to lay a single kilometre of new track. Roland Busch, CEO, Siemens,said, “We are making rail transport more intelligent.” He added that on estimation, automated trains can transport up to 30% more passengers, significantly improve punctuality, and save more than 30% energy. The organisations stated that even though the train is controlled through digital technology and fully automated, a driver will still be present in the train to supervise journeys whenever there are passengers on board.