BMRCL launches road-cum-rail vehicle for rescue operations

Transport Minister Ramalinga Reddy and BMRCL Managing Director Pradeep Singh Kharola at the Rajajinagar Metro Station during the inauguration of the road-cum-rail vehicle on Monday. Photo: K. Gopinathan

Ahead of commencing the commercial services of Namma Metro between Peenya Industry and Sampige Road, Bangalore Metro Rail Corporation Ltd.(BMRCL) has put in place a road-cum-rail vehicle for relief and rescue operations.

While this vehicle is stationed at the Peenya depot catering to the North-South line of Namma Metro Phase 1, another vehicle is already under operation from Byappanahalli depot for the East-West line.

The vehicle can be used for rescue in cases of derailment of train or other rail vehicles on mainline and in depot. It also can be used as a rescue vehicle in cases of accidents, including collapse of structures, blockage of access to structures etc.

Features of vehicle

This diesel-powered vehicle can be driven on road as well as on the track.

The vehicle is loaded with special equipment for performing re-railing of rail vehicles and for carrying out of rescue operations. It is also provided with a coupler for shunting of rail load up to 100 tonnes.

Manufactured by Mercedes Benz, Germany, the vehicle was supplied to BMRCL by Zargo, Germany, at a cost of Rs. 3 crore.