Two more Namma Metro lines to open by year-end

BENGALURU: In some cheer for Metro travellers, the Bangalore Metro Rail Corporation (BMRCL) is working towards opening two new lines under the phase-2 project by the end of this year. The corporation plans to start services on the Madawara-Nagasandra and RV Road-Bommasandra lines by September or October this year.

Work on the two lines was to be started two years ago, but Covid struck. Also, technical and land acquisition issues delayed the start of work. Now, with all the hurdles cleared, BMRCL hopes to start services by this year-end with work going on at a brisk pace.

It is expected that the Nagasandra-Madawara line will become operational by September and 95 per cent of the work on the 3.14-km stretch has been completed. Once operational, this line will help commuters travelling towards Nelamangala and Bangalore International Exhibition Centre (BIEC). It is also expected to ease traffic to a certain extent on Tumakuru Road.

“We had to erect two composite girders on the line due to the presence of the NICE Road. After the issues were sorted out, track works, electrical and signalling works are going on. We will be opening this line later this year”, said Yashavanth Chavan, chief engineer (rolling stock) and chief public relations officer of BMRCL.

The RV Road-Bommasanda line was taken up at a cost of Rs 4,255 crore and the Metro authorities expect a daily ridership of 3.5 lakh on this stretch. About 95 per cent of the work has been completed and trial runs are expected to be conducted in July or August. The line will connect Ragi Gudda, Jayadeva Hospital, BTM Layout, Central Silk Board, Bommanahalli, Hosur Road and Bommasandra.

The RV Road-Bommasanda line will also see the introduction of driverless trains and special tracks are being laid for this. A prototype train set has already arrived at the Chennai port from China and are expected to reach Bengaluru by February 18. The train sets will undergo 32 technical tests at the Hebbagodi depot for five months and a crew from China will also arrive.

After the tests, the reports will be sent to rail safety commissioner and clearance will be sought from the railway board. The trains will also be put through a speed test and after approvals, will be commissioned for commercial operations.

“The RV Road-Bommasanda line is 19 km and will have 15 stations. All civil and track works have been completed. The first prototype of the driverless train has arrived at the Chennai port and is awaitign Customs clearance. The technical tests will require a minimum of five months. After the commissioner of rail safety gives final clearance, it can be opened for commercial operations”, Chavan added.