BMRC to conduct trials for a stretch of metro rail

From June 10, Bangalore Metro Rail Corporation (BMRC) may begin full-speed trials on the Peenya-Sriramapuram stretch of Namma Metro. The trial is aimed at testing track strength and distance brake systems of the rakes by running it up to its full speed of 80 kmph. This was supposed to be the second stretch of Namma Metro to become functional and it will have 10 stations. However, BMRC officials are non-committal on when the operations will begin. By July 8, BMRC plans to extend the stretch up to Sampige Road Metro Station. Work is afoot on further extension on this corridor - Reach 3B - between Peenya and Hesaraghatta. Namma Metro is still waiting for two more technical clearances at the Peenya depot, including one on exemption from provision of check rails, which are used in curves. Until the check rail clearance is received, BMRC can't begin oscillation trials between Peenya depot and Sampige Road stations. Railway Design and Standards organization (RDSO), headquartered in Lucknow has give the clearance. BMRC has sent proposals to the Railway Board through the commissioner of railway safety.