Bengaluru Metro could soon zip along Reach-1

Bengalureans could hope to see the Metro project take off on Reach-1 in the days to come.

The swanky Metro trains are now running regularly on the viaduct along Reach-1.

Bangalore Metro Rail Corporation Limited (BMRCL) has started the trial service, which means that the final parameter to secure a safety certificate from the Commissioner of Railway Safety will be completed soon.

Service trials are conducted to check that the train is responding well to all the system installations on the main line and, if any discrepancy is observed, remedial action is taken swiftly. During service trials, the train is made to run as per the Metro time table.

For instance, a train will leave M.G. Road station and reach Trinity Station in a few seconds where it will halt for a minute or so. If a train is running from M.G. Road to Byapanahalli on the up-line, another train is made to run from Byapanahalli to M.G. Road on the down-line.

Speaking to Deccan Chronicle, Chief PRO, BMRCL, B.L.Y. Chavan said: “The service trials started on June 30 when the Research Designs and Schedules Organisation (RDSO) successfully completed the oscillation trials and emergency brake distance (EBD) tests. The trains are running according to the time-table that will be followed during commercial operations. We will run the prototype train for 2,500 km, the remaining four train sets will be made to run for 750 km. Service trials are being done to ensure that there is no problem once commercial operations start.”

The commissioner of railway safety (CRS) still has to carry out an inspection along Reach-1, which will take about a week. Once the safety certificate is given by the assessor, the train is declared fit for revenue services.

“We are just waiting for a report from the RDSO, Lucknow. It will not take much time to finish the service trials,” added Mr Chavan.