Green signal for metro service from Peenya to Sampige Road

With safety check complete, BMRCL awaits government nod to commence operations

With the metro, the 9.9 km Peenya to Sampige Road stretch can be covered in 18 minutes. File Photo: K. Murali Kumar

Chief Minister Siddaramaiah on Wednesday told the Legislative Assembly that the Commissioner of Metro Rail Safety (CMRS) has issued safety authorisation to BMRCL to commission the Peenya Industry-Sampige Road Metro Station line.

While it would take anywhere between 45 minutes and 75 minutes to cover this stretch by road, by the Metro the journey can be completed in about 18 minutes.

CMRS S.K. Mittal told

The Hindu that he has permitted maximum speed of 80 km per hour on the section subject to speed limits at curves.Asked whether he had recommended any improvement regarding civil or technical infrastructure, Mr. Mittal said he had made certain minor observations, which BMRCL has to comply with before commencing operations. Otherwise, everything is fine, he added.BMRCL Director (Rolling Stock and Operation) D.D. Pahuja said the Corporation received the authorisation on Tuesday evening and brought the matter to the notice of the government on Wednesday morning. “Now, it is for the government to take a call on the date for commencing operations,” he said. But for some civil works in a few stations, BMRCL is prepared to commence operations. He said the existing facilities are adequate to operate three-car trains on the section and that pending works would be completed at the earliest.

The 9.9 km stretch has 10 stations. The Corporation expects at least 70,000 passengers to make use of the route every day. Fares are being finalised and would be published soon, he said.

The BMRCL had commenced passenger operations between M G Road and Byappanahalli (6.7 km) in October 2011.