BANGALORE (Metro Rail News): Bangalore Metro Rail Corporation Limited (BMRCL) has floated a tender in order to run 318 metro cars on various lines under the Phase 2, 2A and Phase 2B lines. The BMRCL has also implemented a clause of maintenance for the first time. The manufacturer is responsible for maintaining the coaches for a period of 15 years.
Anjum Parwez, MD, BMRCL stated that a clause on the maintenance of coaches will help the corporation to save its resources. “We have taken a cue from the Delhi Metro. Currently, a lot of resources are being spent on maintenance of the coaches that include periodical repair works, spare parts and others. To save money in the long run other metros too have started imposing this condition while procuring coaches.”
“These can be operated without drivers. The advanced signalling systems help to reduce the headway by 2 minutes. At present, we are running trains for not less than five minutes. The train will have advanced systems that also check the health of the track and obstructions. For the trains that will be operated to the airport during the design stage, we will plan on providing luggage space for the air passengers and other amenities,” MD stated.
The official stated that BMRCL has the required number of coaches to commission train operations on the extended metro line from Baiyappanahalli to Whitefield. The BMRCL has 50 train sets of 6 cars each. According to the plan, 96 coaches will be used for services on the 14 km underground stretch on Kalena Agrahara to Nagawara route from Dairy Circle and Nagawara.
The remaining 222 coaches will be utilised for the ORR – Airport route which will travel from Central Silk Board to Kempegowda International Airport via K.R. Puram, Nagawara and Hebbal.
The corridor has a total length of 55 kilometres.
The corridors of these lines are under construction and it is anticipated to be operational by 2024–2025.
Currently, the BMRCL has a set of six metro cars each.
