BMRCL calls tenders to lift trains onto tracks for Reach 4, 4A

The Bangalore Metro Rail Corporation Limited (BMRCL) has invited tenders to lift trains onto the tracks to soon start trials in south Bengaluru from National College to Puttenahalli (Reach 4, 4A).

While the tracks have been ready for a while now, the BMRCL officials mulled over the logistics of transporting the metro coaches to the tracks with no depot in proximity. Also, National College to Puttenahalli is an elevated section.

The BMRCL has called for tenders seeking professional help to physically lift the coaches and place them directly on the tracks. Officials say each metro train costs about Rs 10 crore. Thus, the two trains that are required for the trial will have to be lifted precisely and carefully. Firms that work with lifting heavy equipment will be hired, said the officials.

Once the tender is allotted, it will take about three months to complete the internal trials. After which the commissioner for railway safety will conduct safety trials. Officials say the safety trials will begin in September-October. By then, the safety trials on the Mysuru Road - Magadi Road stretch will be done.

It was earlier apprehended that south Bengaluru will have to wait for the completion of the tunnelling works and for the Majestic Station and intersection to be ready. But now, with the tenders invited for the work, there is no need to wait for the Majestic intersection to have trains chugging between Puttenahalli and National College.

The eight-kilometre stretch between Reach 4 and 4A has eight stations – National College, Lalbagh, South End Circle, Jayanagar, Rashtriya Vidyalaya Road, Banashankari, JP Nagar and Puttenahalli.

Earlier, to conduct trials on the Mysuru Road-Magadi Road stretch, the BMRCL, for the first time, pushed a train using a regular bogey through underground tunnels between Cubbon Park and City station via Majestic. The train emerged at the elevated Mysuru Road station.