Metro rail gets clearance from fire department

Beginning Monday, a batch of 40 men from the Bangalore Metro Rail Corporation Limited (BMRCL) will begin training with the Fire and Emergency Department to equip themselves with skills to handle emergencies.

The Department had, in writing, set strict guidelines that the BMRCL had to comply before it got the final nod on fire safety. Although the Department had given a clearance for the technical aspects of fire safety about 15 days ago, its final clearance came only last week.

It is noteworthy that the Commissioner of Railway Safety (CRS) D K Singh, as part of his 28-point observation had even raised objections about the fire safety. However, Fire and Emergency Deputy Director B K Hamppagol said: “They have now complied with all aspects and we have given the final clearance in writing.”

On what training the 40 people would receive from the Department while over 200 of them have already be trained by the Delhi Metro Rail Corporation (DMRC), which is recognised as an independent training agency for which it has obtained ISO certification, he said that training on fire safety is a continuous process.

“We gave the final clearance only after the DMRC trained the Metro personnel. We will train them to use the equipment installed at the stations and also train the in rescue operations,” he said.

‘Emergency unlikely’
Hamppagol said that given the level of compliance it is highly unlikely that there would be any emergency at the metro stations. These trained people will also oversee construction activity on the other reaches to ensure safety at the construction sites, he added.
BMRCL Managing Director N Sivasailam said the Corporation has sent the compliance report sought by Singh after his inspection, and is awaiting his report, recommendations and clearance, which will come its way if Singh is satisfied with everything.
Speaking to Deccan Herald from Secunderabad, Singh said on Saturday that the work is only half done.

“There are some technical points which have to be cleared from their side. Although I cannot elaborate, I can say that the ball is not completely out of their court yet,” he added.

Also, he said that the final clearance shall come from his side and that he will not send the documents to Chief Commissioner for Railway Safety (CCRS) Pravin Kumar as suggested earlier.