Title - RDSO inspection throws Metro Reach 3 off the rails

Bengaluru: While Namma Metro is conducting integrated tests on the 9.9-km-long stretch from Swastik in Malleswaram to Peenya (Reach-3 and 3A), the final clearances for starting the line rests on the clearances on Schedule of Dimension of the track.It is learnt that the Research Design and Standards Organisation (RDSO) has sent a letter to Bangalore Metro Rail Corporation Ltd seeking the specifications on 'track alignment.’The BMRCL is conducting the trials on reach 3 and 3A. But the final clearance depends on the schedule of dimension from the RDSO as only then can BMRCL approach the Commissioner of Metro Rail Safety to conducting oscillation trials. A letter has been sent to the RDSO, requesting its team to conduct the inspection.But, according to RDSO officials, the team that was studying the report sent by BMRCL has ‘raised a few objections’ and has asked the BMRCL to furnish specific details on the ‘track alignment’.

"A letter asking BMRCL on track alignment was sent a few days ago from RDSO, but after that there has been no communication from them. Once they send in their reply and if RDSO is satisfied with that, a team will come to Bengaluru to conduct the tests for the schedule of dimension,” the senior official said.

The schedule of dimension is a specification that looks into the height of walkway from the rail level (minimum and maximum) and the exemption from provision of check rails at the Peenya depot. BMRCL officials, however, claimed that they were yet to get any communication related to schedule of dimensions.

“We are yet to get the clearances,” BMRCL Public Relation Officer B.L.Y. Chavan said. Even as Chief Minister Siddaramaiah had announced that the line would be opened in September, in all probability, it looks like BMRCL would require more time to get all the clearances.

As of now on the Peenya and Sampiege Road line, over 500 km of trial run has been completed and the maximum speed achieved is around 80 kmph. The basic trails will continue till the oscillation trials take place.