JOIN USBMRCL awaits Centre's nod for five new radio licences
Bangalore Metro Rail Corporation Limited (BMRCL) is awaiting Centre’s approval for five new licences for radio frequencies to run trains.
BMRCL officials said initial ten licences were sought from the ministry of telecommunication and approval was granted for five. Since then the matter has been pending with the ministry. With the change of guard at the centre, BMRCL officials are hopeful the remaining licences will be granted soon.
Officials said licences are required to operate secure system called TETRA which will enable communication between train drivers and central control room over specialised handsets like mobile phones.
Since communication has to be through safe and secure system, regular mobile phones cannot be used and specialised handsets which work in a specific radius over a particular frequency are used.
So far, Namma Metro has five pairs of frequencies which are just adequate to run the trains which are running currently namely Reach 1 between Baiyapannahalli to MG Road and Reach 3, 3A:between Swastik and Peenya.
However, to run more trains between other reaches, Namma Metro requires the remaining five pairs of frequencies.
Only for five pairs
BMRCL Managing Director Pradeep Singh Kharola said: “We had sought ten pairs of frequencies and granted licences five pairs.”
“Currently, for the number of trains being run, frequencies are adequate. But to run new trains, we will require the remaining licences before we open the Reach 3B and Reach 2. We are hopeful of getting the clearances soon.”
Naidu to intervene
Officials are hoping of getting the licences soon, after Union Urban Minister Venkaiah Naidu, during his recent visit, assured Namma Metro officials he will take up the matter with Ravi Shankar Prasad, who is heading the ministry.
He said he was aware that licences have been pending with the ministry and will take it up with Prasad so that it does not hamper the opening of new lines.