STN: The Delhi Metro Rail Corporation (DMRC) has invited Indian companies to show interest in making Platform Screen Doors in the country. This step aims to reduce imports and speed up project work across new metro lines.
These doors are safety barriers placed at the edge of metro platforms. They help prevent accidents and improve passenger movement. At present, DMRC depends on imported systems. This increases cost and delays supply. By shifting to local production, the agency wants faster delivery and better cost control.
Policy Push for Platform Screen Doors Manufacturing
The move follows guidelines issued by the Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs in March 2025. These rules ask metro projects to ensure at least 75% local manufacturing of the screen doors.
The aim is to support domestic industry and reduce dependence on foreign suppliers. It also fits into the larger plan of building infrastructure within India.
DMRC is expanding under Phase IV and planning Phase V. In these projects, Platform Screen Doors will be a standard feature. Underground stations will use full-height doors. Elevated stations will have half-height versions. This ensures safety across different station types.
Where Platform Screen Doors Are Already in Use
DMRC has already installed these doors on several lines. These include parts of the Pink Line and Magenta Line. These corridors use driverless trains, where safety systems are very important.
Full-height doors are working on the Airport Express Line and at Krishna Park Extension station. DMRC has also added half-height doors at busy stations on the Yellow Line. These include Kashmere Gate, Chandni Chowk, Chawri Bazar, New Delhi, Rajiv Chowk, and Central Secretariat.
These systems help manage crowd movement. They also reduce the risk of accidents. As passenger numbers increase, such systems become more important.
Platform Screen Doors to Support Future Growth
The Expression of Interest shows that DMRC is preparing for future expansion. Many new stations and corridors are under construction. This will increase the demand for the doors in the coming years.
Local manufacturing can bring several benefits. It can reduce costs. It can also shorten delivery timelines. Indian companies may get a chance to learn new technologies and build expertise in this field.
Industry experts believe this move will help create a strong supply chain in India. It can also support jobs and innovation in metro infrastructure.
As metro systems grow across cities, safety systems like Platform Screen Doors will play a key role. They will help make travel safer and more efficient for passengers.
FAQs
A: Full-height doors cover the entire height from floor to ceiling. Half-height doors cover only part of the height and are usually used at elevated stations.
A: They are not mandatory everywhere yet, but new guidelines are pushing metro systems to include them in future projects.
A: They help control passenger movement. This allows trains to arrive and depart more smoothly and safely.
A: Yes. They help in better crowd control, which can reduce boarding time and improve schedule reliability.
A: Yes. Some stations can be upgraded, but it depends on design and space availability.