Bengaluru, – Trial runs for Namma Metro’s pivotal 19-km Yellow Line, spanning from R V Road to Bommasandra, are set to commence today with a driverless train prototype. This milestone marks a significant step towards integrating Electronics City, a major IT and industrial hub, into Bengaluru’s public transport network.
Officials from the Bangalore Metro Rail Corporation Limited (BMRCL) confirmed that the mainline tests will initiate at 10:30 am, encompassing essential evaluations such as traction break tests, loaded sand bang tests, and signalling assessments. These tests are crucial as they pave the way for subsequent regulatory examinations by the Research Design and Standard Organisation (RDSO) and the Commissioner Metro Railway Safety (CMRS).
“Our priority now is to complete approximately 37 tests over the next three to four months,” stated a BMRCL official. These tests are essential for obtaining technical clearances from the railway board and subsequent safety inspections by CMRS before the Yellow Line can open for commercial operations.
The Yellow Line, aimed initially for launch last year and subsequently rescheduled for February-March 2024, faces delays primarily due to the delayed arrival of coaches from Kolkata-based Titagarh Rail Systems Limited (TRSL). The BMRCL anticipates receiving the first batch of coaches by the end of August 2024, a critical requirement to commence operations with a frequency of 15 minutes.
“The integration of the Yellow Line will alleviate traffic congestion for lakhs of employees commuting to Electronics City daily,” highlighted an official. Once operational, the Yellow Line will enhance connectivity, providing a seamless travel experience for commuters navigating through Bengaluru’s bustling landscape.
The project underscores Bengaluru’s commitment to expanding its metro network, catering to the growing demands of urban mobility and reinforcing its status as a tech-savvy metropolis. As the metro trials commence, stakeholders remain optimistic about achieving operational readiness pending the timely delivery of coaches and regulatory approvals.
