Mumbai: Automated washing system will be used to clean metro trains everyday on the Versova-Andheri-Ghatkopar (VAG) corridor. This system is claimed to be eco-friendly. The metro services are expected to be started by the mid June.
The RInfra-promoted Mumbai Metro One Pvt Ltd said no manual help was required at the plant and the technology used “less water and chemical-free detergent”.
The washing plant will be installed on the tracks that will lead into the depot. All trains going into or leaving the depot can use the service.
The only action the Metro pilot will have to take is slow the train down to under 5 kmph while in the passage of the plant,” an official said. “Any train that does not need to be washed will pass the automated wash plant without any hindrance by moving at a speed of more than 5 kmph. Precise brush arrangements ensure a train is washed in one go.
At the final stage of the plant, reverse osmosis is used for removing stains on glass as well as the smell that remains after washing.
A panel displays all data like the number of trains washed, the process a train is going through, the water and the chemical indicator,” the official said. “The trains can be cleaned in less than three minutes with just 600 litres of water, of which 80% is recyclable.” “No acid is used,” the official said. “The detergent used is natural and water-based.”
Whereas, manual washing with pressure pipes takes about three hours and 3,000 litres of water.