Bangalore Metro Rail Corporation Limited (BMRCL) plans to reduce the waiting time for commuters who travel short distances on Namma Metro.
For the past two months, it has been operating a ‘short loop’ train between Baiyappanahalli and Kempegowda Interchange. Short loop trains do not travel the entire distance of the corridor, but operate between two stations that see a lot of passenger traffic.
The operational short loop currently departs Baiyappanahalli at 9 a.m. and reaches Kempegowda Interchange station at 9.25 a.m. It leaves for Baiyappanahalli around 9.45 a.m.
“We are ready to operate more such services depending on demand. Certain stations see more commuter traffic as compared to others. These can be better served by short loop trains. The Kempegowda Interchange station is the busiest in the entire network,” a senior BMRCL official said.
To operate a short-loop service, an additional section of track is required to reverse direction. These are usually available at terminating stations. “In addition to Kempegowda Interchange, we have this facility at Vijayanagar, Indiranagar, Peenya, National College and Sampige Road stations,” the official said.
Since the opening of the entire Phase I, the daily ridership has increased to around 3.25 lakh. However, most passengers do not travel the entire length of the corridor. Busy disembarkment points are the stations in the central business district, Vidhana Soudha, Kempegowda Interchange and Central College.
This pattern of commuter movement prompted BMRCL to consider the short loop option.
When asked if BMRCL had enough trains to operate these services, the official said at least 15 trains are idle at any point of time. While most will be deployed on the Green Line in due course, a few can be used for short loop services.
Stations with facilities for short loop services
Peenya
National College
Sampige Road
Indiranagar
Vijayanagar
Kempegowda Interchange
Terminating stations on both lines
Possible short loop routes
Vijayanagar – Baiyappanahalli
Vijayanagar – Indiranagar
Peenya – National college
Sampige Road – Puttenahalli
