Full steam ahead for Metro trains

Static track tests held on the new trains have progressed without any hitches

Static track tests held on the new trains have progressed without any hitches

The Bangalore Metro Rail Corporation Limited (BMRCL) is completing final testing on its carriages before they make the big step onto the tracks on December 10 A series of static track tests held over the last week on the new Metro trains have progressed without any hitches.


Almost there: The stationary tests examined the doors, lighting, and
position of the train on the tracks at Byappanahalli depot. File pic

Although the carriages did not proceed anywhere from the Byappanahalli depot, the stationary tests examined the doors, lighting, and position of the train on the tracks.

A spokesperson from the BMRCL said that full track testing and the maiden voyage of the trains on the tracks would be on December 10, despite being originally planned for the first week of December.u00a0

The tests were primarily electronic in nature, which will provide one of the biggest challenges for the BMRCL as they source all their own power from a series of substations positioned along the track at Byappanahalli, Peenya, Mysore Road and Puttenahalli.

Yashwant Chavan, BMRCL's spokesperson, said, "We are still on track for an opening before December end." He added, "The tests we have done so far have been fine and there have been no issues to report."

After the track test runs from Byappanahalli to the MG Road station, the BMRCL will seek approval from the Commissioner of Railway Safety (Southern Circle), Bangalore, to start ferrying passengers.

Three hundred and thirty eight employees of the BMRCL are currently receiving training from the Delhi Metro Rail Corporation (DMRC), while a select group has made the journey to the capital to receive hands on training. Workshops and storehouses at the Byapanahalli Depot are also expected to be completed this month.u00a0 "Everything is proceeding as expected," said Chavan.

These latest reports are a welcome change for the BMRCL, who have been constantly questioned about opening dates and progression of work over the past few months.