Safety checks on Metro's N-S line done

Namma Metro’s Sampige Road-Yelachenahalli stretch is good to go, railway safety inspectors indicated on Monday.

Commissioner of Railway Safety (South Circle) K A Manoharan said he would “most probably” file a positive report by Friday. “Minor works are pending at Chickpet and K R Market stations. BMRCL told us the two entrances would be ready by the weekend,” he said.

The stretch connects Malleswaram with many bustling neighbourhoods in southern Bengaluru.
Pradeep Singh Kharola, managing director, Bangalore Metro Rail Corporation Limited (BMRCL), said, “The two stations have four entrances each. If given permission, we can operate three in each station from tomorrow itself.”

He said the fourth at K R Market would be done within a month. “Work on the fourth entrance at Chickpet station will take two months,” he explained.

He wouldn’t commit to a date to begin operations, though.

“We will be ready once we get the report. The report may contain further suggestions,” he said.

The Commissioner of Railway Safety said the quality of the work was “generally good”. “Four safety officials, including one from Mumbai and another from Chennai, have a list of readings. We have to collect these remarks and prepare the report,” Manoharan said.

He had made a preliminary visit to the Yelachenahalli station on May 24 and inspected the entire section between May 29 to June 1.

“It’s an elaborate check. We look at both passenger safety and amenities. With every kilometre of the stretch having a station, we have collected minute details to make sure everything is in its proper place,” Manoharan said.

He said the report would also identify some works not completed at the time of inspection.“Since these are minor, they can complete them and operate. We don’t need to inspect them again,” he said.

Asked if the Metro could start operations with limited entrances at the Chickpet and City Market stations, he said, “That can happen. The entrances under construction will have to be closed and passengers diverted accordingly.”

DH News Service

The stretch
The Metro will now connect Malleswaram with southern Bengaluru, coursing through Basavangudi, Jayanagar, Banash­ankari and terminating near Kumaraswamy Layout. The 12-km stretch, including a 4.2-km underground section between Sampige Road and National College, marks the completion of Namma Metro’s Phase 1.

What they inspected
Track alignment
Train safety
Fire and emergency safety
Signalling and power systems
Emergency backup power supply
Positioning of CCTV cameras
Passenger amenities