Title - Metro launch put off again

Bengaluru: This is one date Namma Metro is not going to keep. A month-long extension on the July deadline for launching commercial operations between Malleswaram and Peenya, therefore, hardly comes as a surprise.

B.L.Y. Chavan, chief public relations officer and chief electrical engineer (RS) of BMRCL said trials are on and certain clearances are required before commercial operations can begin. Since other agencies are involved, the BMRCL can only throw the line open by the end of August.

Approval must be taken from the Research Designs and Standards Orga­nisation (RDSO) for oscillation trials. Speed trials have commenced on the 10.43 km line between Sampige Road and Peenya depot. When the trials are complete, BMRCL needs clearance from RDSO and a certification from the Commissioner of Railway Safety (CRS).

“We have been in constant touch with the RDSO over the commencement of the oscillation trials. We will be able to start kicstart the trials as soon as we get  their approval,” Chavan said. The runs are being extended to cover the entire 10.43 km in a phased manner, with Reach 3A expected to be ready for trial runs by December. The objective of the trial runs is to check the entire system including the main line, power supply from the third rail, and computer based signalling system.