Bangalore (Metro Rail News): The driverless train of Bangalore Metro’s Yellow Line is nearing completion of its stationary tests. Bangalore Metro Rail Corporation Limited (BMRCL) plans to initiate tests related to the integration of the signaling system with the driverless train from June 7, as reported by TNIE.
These tests form an integral part of the mainline testing process for the driverless train. As per the officials, commercial operations on the RV Road-Bommasandra Line (Yellow Line) are scheduled to commence in December.
Initially, BMRCL plans to run a trip every 20 minutes, totaling 57 round trips daily. All the necessary infrastructure is ready to start operations on the 18.82 km elevated Yellow line, which includes 16 stations. However, the launch has been delayed due to a hold-up in the delivery of driverless trains from the Chinese firm CRRC Nanjing Puzhen.
Currently, the trains are undergoing static tests, which involve signal and software checks, wiring, communication between different equipment, and functional checks.
Additionally, the driverless train underwent a simple test run between Bommasandra and Bommanahalli. BMRCL has already completed the electrification of the section between Bommanahalli and RV Road on May 20 to facilitate the testing of the mainline along the entire stretch.
In addition to signal integration, BMRCL will conduct tests on the third rail (the 750-volt track supplying power to the train) and train performance tests. Initially, the train will operate at a slow speed and later at the recommended speeds. These advanced trains can operate with or without an operator.
The second train is scheduled to arrive in August from China, the third in September, and three more by December. Out of these six trains, BMRCL plans to operate five and keep one as a backup. Only the prototype train will undergo intensive tests and require approval from the Research Design and Standards Organisation (RDSO) and the Railway Board.
Titagarh Rail Systems in West Bengal has established a robotic automatic assembly line to ensure timely delivery of trains for the Yellow Line of Bengaluru Metro, and it is likely to deliver a total of 15 driverless trains by March 2025.
