JOIN USMetro Reach 3 gets RDSO certifications
A day after the Union Cabinet approved Phase II of the Namma Metro project, the Bangalore Metro Rail Corporation Limited (BMRCL) on Friday received the much-awaited Research Design and Standard Organisation (RDSO) certifications for Reach 3 of Phase I.
With this, the BMRCL may begin the commercial operations between Swastik and Peenya stations.
After receiving the certifications to run the trains at a speed of 80 kmph from the Lucknow-based RDSO, the BMRCL will now file an application with the Commissioner of Railway Safety (CRS) for a final clearance.
The 11.5-km stretch between Swastik and Peenya, which is almost double the present line between MG Road – Baiyapannahalli, had failed to meet deadlines twice and the BMRCL announced that the line will be open for the public by February-end.
Speaking to Deccan Herald, BMRCL Mangaing Director Pradeep Singh Kharola said: “We received the necessary certifications from the RDSO today (Friday) and now we are in the process of filing the application with the CRS. Hopefully, we will be able to start the line within the stipulated period.”
The RDSO team conducted oscillation and emergency braking tests on the stretch, wherein the track and the train were tested on several safety parameters, including running the train at maximum speed, operating an empty train, running a train with a full load (using sand bags), running it partially and fully deflating air balloons, emergency braking to assess distance needed for train to stop and operating it on slippery tracks to assess the performance during rainy season.
The stretch, Reach 3, 3A between Peenya and Swastik, is expected to be one of the busiest routes with the BMRCL expecting an average ridership of 45,000- 50,000 a day.