JOIN USCommuters have to wait at least till the end of May to ride the first six-car Metros, which will not be of much use in reducing the rush since they cannot run more than 10 trips a day.
Bangalore Metro Rail Corporation Ltd (BMRCL) has assembled a six-car train at the Baiyyappanahalli depot, after three intermediate cars were delivered by Bharat Earth Movers Ltd in February.
Officials said the Baiyappanahalli-Mysuru Road line, the busiest section, will have the first six-car train. A senior official noted that the train cannot run more than three trips during peak hours. "With a capacity to carry nearly 2,000 people, it will be of some use. But we need at least four six-car trains to reduce the rush on the Purple Line," he said.
Last month, BMRCL received a certificate from Research Designs and Standards Organisation to conduct speed and oscillation tests. "Several other tests are pending. Some of the final tests are planned in the second week of May following which we will approach the Commissioner of Railway Safety," sources told DH.
Asked whether the code of conduct would force BMRCL to postpone the introduction of the train, the source said that would not be a problem. "We can request the poll officials' permission for introducing the train without any fanfare. But the train itself won't be ready till the end of May," he said.
Another source said the crucial electromagnetic compatibility (EMC) test and signalling and telecommunication tests will happen only after mid-May.
"Only five companies in the world are credited with conducting error-free EMC tests. The test will see whether systems on board the train are protected from power surges and designed to cater to high magnetic and electric fields. All the equipment and systems have to meet the standards set by the railways," he said.