The long wait of lakhs of Namma Metro passengers for a less congested ride hinges on clearance from the Railway Board to start commercial operations of six-coach trains.
K.A. Manoharan, Commissioner of Railway Safety (Southern Circle), told The Hindu that he had sent the necessary documents to the Railway Board after inspections, through the Chief Commissioner of Railway Safety (CCRS).
“I inspected the six-coach train during a trial test on the main track on April 20. Inspections were done on various issues, such as emergency brake system and signalling. During the time of inspection, we made some suggestions on train control management. After the inspection, I have given my observations to the CCRS, which he has forwarded to the Railway Board. The Board will take a call on giving final clearance for operation of six-coach trains,” Mr. Manoharan said.
Once the Board gives the green signal, the Bangalore Metro Rail Corporation Ltd. (BMRCL) can start commercial operations.
“This clearance will help future integration and operation of six-coach trains, as the BMRCL will not need further clearances,” Mr. Manoharan said.
Sources said the BMRCL is likely to receive the clearance in three weeks, and operations may start either in the last week of June or July.
The BMRCL is procuring 150 cars from BEML. From September onwards, BMRCL is likely to receive 10 to 12 cars every month. It is expected to complete procurement by June 2019.
Mahendra Jain, MD, BMRCL, said, “A designated officer has been sent to Lucknow and New Delhi to follow up. As the matter is before the Railway Board, we cannot say anything on when we are going to receive the clearance and start commercial operations.”
