Bangalore: The BMRCL has completed oscillation trials on the Malleswaram-Peenya line, for the Research Design and Standards Organisation (RDSO), Lucknow.
The corporation expects the speed certificate within two weeks, said General Manager (Operations), BMRCL, BLY Chavan. “It might even come as early as this weekend,” he said. The stretch between Peenya and Malleswaram (Swastik station) comprises reaches 3 and 3A of the metro line and is 9.9 km long.
Only after obtaining this certificate can BMRCL invite the Commissioner of Metro Rail Safety (CMRS) for the all-important safety inspection. “The time of the inspection depends on two factors- when the RDSO issues the safety certificate and the dates on which the CMRS conducts their inspection (the latter will take place only after the safety certificate is obtained from the RDSO.
We will write to the CMRS, inviting them to conduct an overall safety inspection soon after receiving the safety certificate based on the recently concluded oscillation trials,” said another senior official in the BMRCL.
The CMRS will issue a safety certificate if all is found well during the inspection. However, if there is an issue that needs redressal, the certification could be delayed. The safety certificate from CMRS is a must for the BMRCL to write to the Railway Ministry requesting a formal approval for the launch of commercial operations, which the BMRCL is hoping will start before March.
“There will not be any delay from our side. The rest will depend on the other authorities involved and that is why we are unable to decide on the date of launch of commercial operations as yet,” the official said.
Peenya to Swastik in 20 minutes: During the oscillation trials, trains were operated at 90 km per hour. The speed limit for commercial operations will, however be lower than the maximum. The route has nine stations, where train will stop for one minute each.
The journey between Peenya and Swastik will take less than 20 minutes, said a senior BMRCL official. Reaches 3 and 3A, once operational, will decongest the western part of the city hugely. This part of Bangalore is densely populated with a mix of commercial and residential properties and has narrow roads.
The 9.9 km stretch from Swastik in Malleswaram to Peenya Depot under Reach-3 and 3A has total track length of 21,841 meters. Stations on Reach 3 and 3A are: Sampige Road (MallesÂwaram), SriramÂpura, Kuvempu Road, Rajajinagar, Mahalakshmi, Sandal Soap Factory, Yeshwanthpur, Yeshwanthpur Industry, Peenya.
