In just about a fortnight, residents of north Bangalore will be able to travel on Namma Metro on Reaches 3 and 3a for a distance of 9.9 km. The stretch is part of the 20.5 km north-south corridor of Namma Metro.
The Lucknow-based Research Designs and Standards Organisation has issued the speed certificate for the elevated stretch between Peenya and Sampige Road stations and the stage is now set for safety inspection by the Commissioner of Metro Rail Safety (CMRS).
Managing Director of Bangalore Metro Rail Corporation Ltd Pradeep Singh Kharola told The Hindu that the speed certificate would permit the corporation to operate trains at a maximum speed of 80 kmph.
The corporation was in the process of preparing application to the CMRS requesting him to conduct safety inspection and authorising BMRCL to open the line for public carriage.
Asked about the time to be taken for safety inspection by CMRS, Mr. Kharola said it was left to the Commissioner as he had to go through several documents and conduct physical inspection of the viaduct, tracks, traction, rolling stock, signalling, stations etc. Mr. Kharola said, “We are completely prepared; viaduct, stations, tracks, traction and signalling are ready even as all safety features have been incorporated.”
The then CMRS D.K. Singh had taken two days to inspect the 6.7-km stretch of Reach 1 between Byappanahalli and M.G. Road (six stations) in September 2011.
A BMRCL official said he cannot comment on the days that could be taken for Reaches 3 and 3a as this line was longer to Reach 1 and comprised 10 stations.
On being satisfied after detailed tests and trials, the CMRS would authorise BMRCL to commence passenger operations on the line. Thereafter, BMRCL has to approach the Ministry of Railways for declaring the line open for public carriage, the official said.
RDSO, an organisation under the Ministry of Railways, conducted the oscillation and emergency braking distance trails on the Peenya-Sampige Road line during the last week of December 2013.
The speed certificate was issued on January 28.
Even though the section is ready for commercial operations, stations en route are getting the finishing touches and are not yet complete.
Mr. Kharola, however, was confident that they would be ready before commencement of commercial operations.
