Ahead of track test, BMRCL runs structure gauge in underground stretch

In an effort to ensure smooth ride when the Metro train passes through the underground stations, the Bengaluru Metro Rail Corporation Limited (BMRCL) on Wednesday began running a structure gauge from the Cubbon Park station.

The structure gauge weighing 560 kilograms and having similar dimension as the Metro coach, is being run on the track manually as a prelude to the actual run tentatively fixed for March 12. The structure gauge will finish its run in the next three days after which the Metro train will be put on tracks. On Wednesday, a visit to the underground station revealed that the structure gauge travelled from Cubbon Park station to Vidhana Soudha station. It will continue its journey till it reaches Magadi Road.

BMRCL officials say that the gauge, the first-of-its-kind, is being monitored every five to ten metres to note any infringes in the tunnel or any brackets on the tunnel walls that brush against the gauge.

During its run between Cubbon Park station and Vidhan Soudha station, one bracket was found brushing the gauge. It was removed later. Officials say that only after the pilot run with the structure gauge is successful, the actual Metro coach will be pushed with an ordinary bogie to reach Magadi Road-Mysuru Road stretch for safety trials. Since the electrification of this underground track is yet to be done, the Metro coach will be pushed on the track with a bogie.

Shobhit Tandon, General Manager (Rolling Stock) from RITES, said: “The dimension of the gauge are slightly bigger than the actual train about 100-150 mm so that nothing is left to chance and any infringes, obstacles, brackets etc can be taken care of. Another reason for keeping the dimension slightly bigger is that when the train is moving at a speed of 80 kmph, it tends to sway and slightly curve at some points, so all these factors have been taken into account.”

He said during the trial run of the structure gauge, track clearances, platforms clearances etc are being ensured. To ensure further safety of the train while on the tracks underground, a Vehicle Envelope Test will also be done, he added.