Bengaluru Metro to Expand Tracks to Speed Up Trains

Bengaluru Metro has opted to expand the tracks beyond the station by 500 metres to facilitate a speedier run of the Metro to Whitefield Kadugodi station. According to Bangalore Metro Rail Corporation Limited (BMRCL) Managing Director Anjum Parwez, this would reduce the current time of 4.5 minutes for a Metro train from Hopefarm Channasandra Metro Station to Kadugodi to 1.5 minutes. The MD told TNIE at a BMRCL board meeting that just one platform of Kadugodi Station was now in use. “Since trains are not able to turn at the station here, the engine is reversed and the same platform is being utilised. We decided to extend the tracks beyond the station so that a turn can be taken from the left, just before the railway line, and the train can enter the parallel track. The board gave its approval today.” This would ensure a much faster run for all trains in future from K R Pura to Whitefield Kadugodi, he added. “Both the platforms at Kadugodi can be put to use. The reduction of travel time on one journey by three minutes, from the existing 4.5 minutes to 1.5 minutes, is a significant saving of time,” he added. According to a top Metro official, this step will allow trains to run at a 2-3 minute frequency during peak hours, which is part of BMRCL's long-term ambitions. Trains ply at a slow speed after they depart from Channasandra, and this extension of tracks will help us maintain a consistent speed, as done during the regular ride, he explained. Metro authorities underlined that the section from K R Pura to Baiyappanahalli would be completed by the end of July. See also: Bengaluru Metro: Four new lines to enhance connectivity BEML emerges lowest bidder for Bengaluru metro coaches