The Delhi Metro Rail Corporation (DMRC) has set a target to upgrade 70 trains on the Red and Blue Lines by November 2027, focusing on mid-life refurbishment to extend service life and improve reliability. The trains were inducted between 2002 and 2007 and have completed 19 to 24 years of service, prompting a programme to install modern systems to meet current rolling stock standards. The initiative aims to enhance passenger safety and comfort while reducing operational disruptions.

The refurbishment will proceed in three phases, with 12 trains upgraded in the first phase and 18 trains refurbished in the second phase, while work on another nine trains will begin soon and a further nine are planned. In the third phase, 22 Blue Line trains will be refurbished by November 2027 to ensure steady progress across the network. In total, 31 trains have been refurbished so far.

Work on each train includes repainting of passenger areas and driver cabins to address wear and tear, and upgrades to electrical panels to enhance performance and reliability. The upgraded trains will be fitted with Internet Protocol (IP)-based passenger announcement and passenger information systems (PA-PIS), closed circuit television (CCTV) and liquid crystal display (LCD)-based dynamic route maps (DRM) and display screens to provide real-time travel information.

Safety enhancements include installation of fire detection systems with smoke and heat detectors and replacement of old relays and miniature circuit breakers with advanced units.Additional improvements comprise new jumper cables and connectors to support the upgraded systems and to accommodate future enhancements, together with mobile and laptop charging points in all coaches. The retrofitting campaign is intended to keep the oldest rolling stock compliant with evolving standards and to improve communication between passengers and train operators during emergencies. DMRC expects the phased approach to deliver a more comfortable and reliable commute for Delhi Metro users by November 2027.