The Story thus far
On February 14, the Bengaluru Metro Rail Company Restricted (BMRCL) acquired the primary set of six prepare coaches, which arrived on the Hebbagodi metro depot from China and at the moment are present process a number of checks.
The inaugural driverless prototype prepare for Bengaluru Metro’s upcoming Yellow Line, a 19 km route linking R.V. Highway to Bommasandra close to Electronics Metropolis, is anticipated to be operational by the top of this 12 months.
What are driverless trains
The introduction of driverless trains on Bengaluru Metro’s Yellow Line is a part of the Communication-Based mostly Prepare Management (CBTC) signalling system, additionally known as ‘driverless technology.’ This marks the primary implementation of such know-how on the Bengaluru metro.
Presently, Namma Metro makes use of the DTG (distance-to-go) signalling system. In accordance with BMRCL officers, the implementation of CBTC will considerably lower headway from the present two and a half minutes to as little as 90 seconds. Whereas the trains are able to autonomous operation, the BMRCL plans to deploy locomotive pilots to function them initially.
Who’s supplying coaches
The China Railway Rolling Inventory Company (CRRC) manufacturing facility in China obtained a ₹1,578-crore contract in 2019 to ship 216 metro coaches to BMRCL. Nevertheless, they had been unable to fulfil the contract owing to not having established a producing plant in India as stipulated.
This delayed the provision of metro trains to BMRCL. Earlier, the BMRCL had issued a number of notices to the CRRC, considering the encashment of its ₹372-crore financial institution assure. Presently, the Chinese language firm has partnered with Kolkata-based Titagarh Wagons to produce the remaining coaches.
“Besides, Prototype Train for CBTC, one more prototype train with DTG Signalling is being supplied by CRRC, China. Balance 34 Train Sets (14 CBTC & 20 DTG) are manufactured in India at Titagarh Rail Systems Limited in West Bengal,” BMRCL official stated.
Assessments BMRCL is conducting
Earlier than commencing its first business operations, driverless trains endure a variety of about 37 checks, which can take 4 months, adopted by system integration with a signalling system, telecommunications system, energy provide system, and so on., and checks for 45 days.
“Being new rolling stock, multiple tests need to be conducted. The coaches have been assembled before moving to the test track for static and electrical circuit testing. Later, they will be moved to mainline testing,” stated Jithendra Jha, venture supervisor, Rolling Inventory, BMRCL.
“The statutory safety tests shall include Oscillation Trials by the Research Designs and Standards Organisation (RDSO) and inspection by the Commissioner of Metro Rail Safety (CMRS). Based on the recommendations of RDSO and CMRS, approval of Railway Board to be obtained for introducing the trains for revenue service,” he added.
Options of the trains
In accordance with BMRCL, this prepare is supplied with state-of-the-art know-how, resembling Unattended Prepare Operations (UTO), Enhanced Supervision Functionality from Operations Management Centre(OCC), Monitor Monitoring System, Sizzling Axle Detection System, Impediment and Derailment Detection System, and so on. The coaches even have electrical signage above the doorways to showcase routes, commercials, notices, data, and so on.
Officers stated that these trains are outfitted with a dynamic route map indicator, providing real-time location data to passengers throughout their journey. The trains could have Computerized axle field temperature monitoring which will probably be integrated into each CRRC’s CBTC and DTG trains, officers defined.
“The side indicator allows the reservation of any coach for women where currently only the first coach of the train is reserved for women. Additionally, the automatic track monitoring feature will be deployed in two trains. One of these trains can function as a pilot, and the track monitoring system will autonomously assess the track condition. In the event of any issues, it will generate alerts using Artificial Intelligence (AI) software. The system is equipped with a camera-based setup, sending track images to the server,” official added.
In these trains, commercials displayed on board may be mechanically uploaded from the Operations Management Heart (OCC) as an alternative of counting on guide uploads. Moreover, passenger alarm buttons are integrated, enabling distressed passengers to contact the OCC for help throughout their metro journey.
Why have drivers initially
BMRCL officers stated that the preliminary section of business service will contain drivers. Following this, BMRCL will conduct checks for driverless operation.
“The transition to commercial service in the driverless mode is contingent upon approval from the Commissioner of Metro Railway Safety (CMRS). Currently, BMRCL operates trains, where the trains autonomously travel between stations, and drivers handle tasks such as door operations, obstacle detection on tracks, and manage train operations during disruptions,” a official defined.
In accordance with BMRCL, the driverless prepare undergoes an automated self-check frequently. Every morning, the prepare initiates its providers with an early ‘wake-up’ command acquired from the Operations Management Centre (OCC). This command triggers the activation of inside lights and begins the engine of the prepare. Afterward, an automated self-check ensures the technical soundness of the prepare earlier than continuing to automated washing vegetation for cleansing. Following the cleansing course of, the prepare proceeds to the platforms for business providers. In the course of the evening, the prepare enters ‘sleep mode’.
Inspiration for prepare design
The design of those driverless trains attracts inspiration from two iconic symbols of Karnataka – the mythological two-headed hen within the state emblem, ‘Gandaberunda’, and the ‘Lalbagh glass house’ of Bengaluru, influencing their exterior design.
“We explored various designs that would be connected to Karnataka’s identity and ultimately settled on these two,” stated Jha.
Gandaberunda, the legendary two-headed hen, is usually seen as certainly one of Lord Vishnu’s many incarnations in Hindu mythology. Initially utilized by the Mysore Kingdom and subsequently by the Mysuru state after independence, it has persevered because the state emblem even after Mysuru state turned Karnataka 50 years in the past.
The Lalbagh Glass Home in Bengaluru, impressed by London’s Crystal Palace, stands as the first attraction within the metropolis and serves because the venue for internet hosting flower reveals.
“The appearance of the glass house’s facade has been incorporated into the train exterior, while a design resembling the tail feathers of the Gandaberunda has been integrated into the trains’ couplers,” Jha defined.
What’s Yellow Line
The 18.82-km-long under-construction metro line connects R.V. Highway with Bommasandra is Bengaluru metro’s yellow line. It’s a totally elevated metro route with 16 stations. It connects with the Inexperienced Line of Bengaluru Metro at R.V. Highway Station and with the Pink Line at Jayadeva Hospital Station.
This line has a metro-cum-road flyover from Ragi Gudda to Central Silk Board, which is 3.13 km lengthy and was constructed to decongest Central Silk Board Junction. It consists of 5 Loops and Ramps, that are extensions of the double-decker flyover in direction of Okay.R. Pura and Hosur highway, that are in superior levels of development.
The road contains a totally elevated metro route that includes 16 stations: Rashtriya Vidyalaya Highway, Raggigudda, Jayadeva Hospital, BTM structure, Central Silk Board, Bommanahalli, Hongasandra, Kudlu Gate, Singasandra, Hosa Highway, Beratena Agrahara, Electronics Metropolis, Infosys Basis Konnappana Agrahara, Huskur Highway, Biocon—Hebbagodi, and Bommasandra.
Officers stated, “The Jayadeva Metro Station stands as an iconic interchange hub designed to seamlessly integrate the Yellow Line (R V. Road to Bommasandra) Reach 5 and the Pink Line Reach 6 (Kalena Agrahara to Nagawara).”
This integration entails numerous parts, together with the Bannerghatta Highway underpass, Mareanahalli Highway at floor stage, Raggigudda – CSB Highway flyover, Metro Concourse stage, Attain 5 platform for the Yellow line (RV Highway to Bommasandra), and Attain 6 platform for the Pink line (Kalena Agrahara-Nagawara). “This station serves as a pivotal point connecting different metro lines and facilitating efficient transit between them,” officers added.
How connectivity will get higher
The first goal of the Yellow Line is to reinforce connectivity to areas housing main firms resembling Infosys and Biocon, in addition to to South Bengaluru.
“This line is poised to alleviate the daily challenges faced by Bengaluru’s metro commuters to a significant extent. Moreover, it will augment the overall metro connectivity in the city, contributing to a more convenient and efficient commuting experience. The commissioning of this line is expected to profoundly impact the lives of Bengaluru’s metro commuters, providing them with a more comfortable experience and efficient service. Additionally, Bengaluru Metros will become the second in the country to feature driverless trains,” official added.