Commissioning of Metro Reach 3, 3A unlikely by Sept-end

Chief Minister Siddaramaiah might be hopeful of commissioning Namma Metro’s next two Reaches – 3 and 3-A – by September. But sources in the Bangalore Metro Rail Corporation Limited (BMRCL) confirm that a proposal for the oscillation trials has not yet been sent to the Ministry of Railways.

In a written reply to a question from Congress member Appaji Nadagowda in the Assembly, the chief minister has said that reaches 3 and 3-A will be completed by September.

However, sources in BMRCL said that the Corporation will send a proposal seeking the nod for oscillation trials on the 9.9-km stretch from the Railway Design and Standards Organisation (RDSO), a successful completion of which will see the commissioner for metro rail safety conduct his mandatory inspection.

BMRCL is required to obtain schedule of dimensions (SOD) clearances from the Railway Board and speed certificate from RDSO before the oscillation trials.

The height of walkway from the rail level (minimum and maximum) and the exemption from provision of check rails in the Peenya depot are two clearances on the SOD the corporation is awaiting.

“Once we get this, we will seek oscillation trials, which should be completed by September. Then, the commissioner will give his inspection report.”

On the 6.7-km-long Reach-1 (Baiyappanahalli-MG Road), the then commissioner for safety had raised several issues which BMRCL had not complied with, delaying the commissioning. The Corporation had also faced issues with SOD clearances.

With speed trials on the stretch (Reach 3 and 3-A) having already begun, BMRCL is also doing the integrated testing trials involving finished track, traction, signal, communications and rolling stock.