Karnataka: Driverless metro signals test starts June 7

31 May 2024 CW Team

These tests are part of the mainline testing of the driverless train. They mentioned that commercial operations on the RV Road-Bommasandra Line (Yellow Line) will proceed as planned and are set to launch in December.

Initially, BMRCL plans to schedule a trip every 20 minutes, with a total of 57 onward and return trips daily on the 18.82 km elevated line, which has all 16 stations and necessary infrastructure ready. However, the anticipated launch has been delayed due to the supply delay of communications-based train control (CBTC) trains from the Chinese firm, CRRC Nanjing Puzhen.

TNIE was granted exclusive access to the operations bay of the Hebbagodi depot, where the train from Shanghai, which arrived on February 14 via Chennai, is undergoing various static tests. A Metro source mentioned, "Static tests are conducted when the train is stationary. They include signal and software checks, wiring, some interface (communication between different equipment), and functional checks. We have almost completed them."

A simple test run of the driverless train was conducted between Bommasandra and Bommanahalli upon its arrival. The energization of the stretch between Bommanahalli and RV Road was finished on May 20. As a result, mainline testing can now be conducted on the entire stretch.

In addition to signal integration, third rail (the 750 Volt track that supplies power to run the train) and train performance tests will be carried out. Another source mentioned, "The train will be operated at a slow speed initially and later at the recommended speeds." They added that the CBTC train can be operated with or without an operator.

Titagarh Rail Systems in West Bengal, the Indian partner of CRRC, has established a robotic automatic assembly line to ensure timely delivery of trains to Bengaluru Metro.

The completion of stationary testing for the first unmanned train to be operated by BMRCL indicates that the integration tests concerning the signaling system with the prototype train are scheduled to begin on June 7. These tests are part of the mainline testing of the driverless train. They mentioned that commercial operations on the RV Road-Bommasandra Line (Yellow Line) will proceed as planned and are set to launch in December. Initially, BMRCL plans to schedule a trip every 20 minutes, with a total of 57 onward and return trips daily on the 18.82 km elevated line, which has all 16 stations and necessary infrastructure ready. However, the anticipated launch has been delayed due to the supply delay of communications-based train control (CBTC) trains from the Chinese firm, CRRC Nanjing Puzhen. TNIE was granted exclusive access to the operations bay of the Hebbagodi depot, where the train from Shanghai, which arrived on February 14 via Chennai, is undergoing various static tests. A Metro source mentioned, Static tests are conducted when the train is stationary. They include signal and software checks, wiring, some interface (communication between different equipment), and functional checks. We have almost completed them. A simple test run of the driverless train was conducted between Bommasandra and Bommanahalli upon its arrival. The energization of the stretch between Bommanahalli and RV Road was finished on May 20. As a result, mainline testing can now be conducted on the entire stretch. In addition to signal integration, third rail (the 750 Volt track that supplies power to run the train) and train performance tests will be carried out. Another source mentioned, The train will be operated at a slow speed initially and later at the recommended speeds. They added that the CBTC train can be operated with or without an operator. Titagarh Rail Systems in West Bengal, the Indian partner of CRRC, has established a robotic automatic assembly line to ensure timely delivery of trains to Bengaluru Metro.

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