When the Namma Metro starts chugging between Byappanahalli and Mahatma Gandhi Road in December, the trains will initially be operated by the loco pilots of the Indian Railways.
Besides the loco pilots, Bangalore Metro Rail Corporation Ltd. (BMRCL) has recruited 83 train operators-cum-station controllers. But they will not be deployed straight away. They have been sent to Delhi Metro for a four-month training. The recruits will undergo simulator training. Later, they will board the Delhi Metro trains along with regular operators and learn the art of controlling the train.
To get a move on with experienced drivers, BMRCL has taken the help of South Western Railway in getting about seven loco pilots on deputation who will first familiarise themselves with the trains of Delhi Metro Rail Corporation Ltd. After their return, South Western Railway loco pilots would be with Bangalore Metro for sometime to impart training.
As for the 83 recruits, they are diploma holders in mechanical, electrical, electronics or industrial engineering. Almost all of them are from Karnataka and can speak, read and write Kannada since knowledge of Kannada was one of the prerequisites for selection. About 40 are from Bangalore while the rest are from other parts of the State.
These recruits will be on probation for two years, one year each on train operation and station controlling. With a basic pay of Rs. 14,000, their initial salary would be around Rs. 23,000.
Once Namma Metro Phase 1 is operational, there will be 50 metro trains and 40 stations that need constant monitoring.
