In a significant step for India’s urban mobility landscape, the Delhi Metro Rail Corporation and TiHAN–IIT Hyderabad have signed a strategic memorandum of understanding to jointly develop next-generation autonomous and intelligent transport solutions. The agreement was formalised on December 5.

The collaboration brings together DMRC’s operational expertise with TiHAN–IIT Hyderabad’s advanced research capabilities. It will focus on technologies such as driverless vehicles, robotics, autonomous drones, intelligent transport systems and advanced navigation solutions, with the aim of improving last-mile connectivity and enhancing the overall commuter experience.

Backed by the Department of Science and Technology’s National Mission on Cyber-Physical Systems, TiHAN–IIT Hyderabad will utilise its state-of-the-art aerial and terrestrial testbeds, cyber-physical systems expertise and real-time data acquisition infrastructure to support the joint initiatives.

The MoU was signed by Santhosh Reddy of TiHAN–IIT Hyderabad and Shobhan Chaudhuri of DMRC in the presence of senior officials from both organisations. Officials said the partnership is expected to contribute to safer, more efficient and future-ready metro operations through the adoption of advanced autonomous and intelligent transport technologies.