Namma Metro’s Yellow Line in Bengaluru is undergoing safety trials. The trials focus on a stretch between Bommasandra and RV Road. These tests will ensure the line is ready for commercial use by the end of 2024. The tests, conducted by officials from the Research Design and Standards Organisation (RDSO), include checks on weight capacity, oscillation, and braking systems. This is a key phase before the line can be cleared for public use.
Bengaluru’s Yellow Line Safety Trials Begin
#RDSO officials are conducting oscillation trials on Namma Metro’ Yellow line from Bommanhalli to RV Road. These trials will last approximately 12-14 days. Following the trials, RDSO will submit a report to Railways for technical approval.
@OfficialBMRCL @TOIBengaluru pic.twitter.com/eSV6DnCNTm
— Suchith Kidiyoor (@Suchithkidiyoor) September 9, 2024
The trials, which started recently, will last for 10 days. Metro coaches are loaded with sandbags to simulate weight capacity. Another test uses water to mimic passenger loads. The braking system is tested under various conditions. This ensures the train can stop safely when needed. The acceleration and deceleration of the train are also examined. All these tests help ensure smooth and safe operations.
The Yellow Line spans 19 kilometres and includes 16 stations. The route features driverless trains. At present, one six-coach train is being tested, with more trains to join soon. Driverless technology brings new challenges, so around 37 tests will be carried out to ensure the system works properly. The Commissioner of Metro Rail Safety (CMRS) will review the test results before granting approval.
Aims To Ease Traffic Congestion
Oscillation & EBD trials by RDSO officials is being conducted starting today on Reach 5 line stretch between Bommanahalli to RV-Road for approx 12-14 days. RDSO will submit the trial report for the next process of obtaining technical sanction by the Railway Board. pic.twitter.com/H1VCknI0Vs
— ನಮ್ಮ ಮೆಟ್ರೋ (@OfficialBMRCL) September 9, 2024
The commercial launch of the line is expected by December 2024 or early January 2025. Residents of Bengaluru will soon have access to this new metro route, which aims to ease traffic congestion in the city. The route will connect RV Road to Bommasandra, improving public transport options in the southern part of the city.
There are also plans to extend the Yellow Line beyond Bommasandra, all the way to Hosur in Tamil Nadu. This extension would cover an additional 23 kilometres. However, the proposal has faced opposition. Local transport experts and pro-Kannada groups argue that this extension may benefit Tamil Nadu industries more than Bengaluru. They fear it could harm local businesses, especially in Electronic City, as companies might relocate to Hosur due to lower land prices.
Despite the opposition, the extension project is still under consideration. Twelve potential station sites have been identified for this inter-state connection. If approved, the line will pass through key industrial areas such as Narayana Hospital, Attibele Industrial Area, and Sipcot Industrial Park.
In the meantime, all eyes are on the ongoing safety trials. Bengaluru is eagerly waiting for the Yellow Line to start commercial operations. This metro line is expected to be a game-changer for commuters in the city. It will not only reduce travel time but also offer a smoother, more efficient public transport system.
Cover Image Courtesy: @OfficialBMRCL/X (Formerly, Twitter)
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First Published: September 11, 2024 5:13 PM