Bangalore Metro Rail Training Institute (BMRTI) at Baiyappanahalli has become a sought-after centre among various metro corporations in the country. It is run by Bangalore Metro Rail Corporation Limited (BMRCL).
Over the last four years, metro corporations in Hyderabad, Chennai, Kochi, Kolkata and cities in Gujarat have sent around 750 of their staff for training in various aspects of train operations, said officials. They have been trained as loco pilots, station controllers, and in other skills.
The institute was established in 2011 over 22,000 sq.ft next to Baiyappanahalli metro station. BMRCL Chief PRO B.L. Yashwanth Chavan said, “Prior to the opening of the institute, we were relying on the Delhi Metro to train our staff.”
The BMRCL started Namma Metro operations in 2011. When metro operations were launched in other cities, corporations started sending their staff to BMRTI. “It has advanced infrastructure and resource persons for training,” Mr. Chavan added.
The training of staff from other cities has become a source of revenue for BMRCL. The training offered at the institute ranges from 21 to 45 days. Among other cities, Kochi metro has sent the highest number of its staff (300) to the institute, followed by cities in Gujarat (157).
A source said, “The institute has helped BMRCL save on costs. Prior to the opening of the metro line from M.G. Road to Baiyappanahalli, around 200 people were sent to Delhi metro for training at a cost of ₹4.5 lakh per person. That is when we realised the need to establish a training institute of our own. By opening the institute, the BMRCL has saved crores.”
In addition to initial training and certification, the institute also provides refresher courses every six months for existing employees. The number of people trained here has increased from 3,506 in 2016-17 to 5,814 in the last financial year.
