The six-coach Namma Metro train, which is likely to make its debut soon, could also be operated as a loop train to clear the rush during peak hours, in addition to being operated on the entire Purple Line during non-peak hours.
The Bangalore Metro Rail Corporation Ltd. (BMRCL) is awaiting clearance from the Railway Board to operate six-coach trains.
Mahendra Jain, Managing Director, BMRCL, said, “It takes 40 minutes to cover the entire Purple Line. To make better use of the six-coach train, it can be operated as a loop train to clear the rush on certains stretches, such as M.G. Road to Majestic, or to stations where there are cross overs.”
Almost 60% of the metro ridership is said to be during the peak hours, with up to 60,000 people travelling on the Purple and Green lines during the morning peak hours.
The BMRCL has recently introduced two loop trains from M.G. Road towards Mysuru Road on the Purple Line: one at 5.45 p.m. and another at 6.15 p.m.
“We have recently introduced two trains for the benefit of employees during post-office hours, and it has commuters working in Vidhana Soudha, Vikas Soudha, and areas around Central College,” said Mr. Jain.
Another official of the BMRCL said, “It is not that easy to operate a loop train, but we have done this for the benefit of commuters. The passengers are happy with the loop train service. The loop trains operate when there is a huge rush. But these two trains are being operated on a regular basis.”
