Delhi Metro to begin Ultrasonic Testing of Rails after Technical Glitches

In the wake of repeated technical disruptions affecting service and causing overcrowding, the Delhi Metro Rail Corporation (DMRC) has announced plans to conduct ultrasonic testing of its rail welds to bolster safety checks across the network.

A tender floated by DMRC seeks agencies for "Ultrasonic Flaw Detection" (USFD) of welds and rails, aimed at detecting hidden defects such as internal cracks or corrosion that could compromise operational safety. The three-year contract is valued at around Rs 1.89 crore. DMRC said the testing forms part of its preventive maintenance programme to ensure reliable and safe operations for millions of daily commuters.

The spate of glitches in recent months has raised concerns. In September, multiple snags disrupted operations, forcing manual train controls and creating severe passenger congestion. Similar incidents were reported in May and August, highlighting vulnerabilities in older lines.

While the Delhi Metro was primarily built by various contractors over different phases, including Larsen & Toubro (L&T), these technical faults are largely linked to wear and tear of tracks, ageing infrastructure, and signalling issues rather than construction defects. If left undetected, such flaws in welds and rails could escalate into serious safety hazards, potentially leading to derailments or major service failures.

By employing ultrasonic flaw detection, DMRC aims to identify internal faults proactively, strengthening safety standards and reducing the risk of service disruptions in the capital’s mass transit system.