Reach 3: Test tracks ready

While there are several legal hurdles causing a delay in work along Reach-3 line of the metro, the good news is that test tracks at Peenya depot are ready. It is expected that the Bangalore Metro Rail Corporation Limited (BMRCL) will procure train sets for this Reach by March end or the beginning of April. 

During testing for Reach-1 trains at Byapanhalli depot test tracks, it was difficult to run trains at maximum speed as the tracks are just 900 meters long. Peenya depot has the additional advantage as the test tracks are about 1.2 km long and trains can be tested at high speeds of 90 km per hour. 

The BMRCL is procuring 12 trains for Reach 3 and 3A, 11 trains for Reach 3B. Each train has a carrying capacity of 1000 passengers. To start with, there may be about 8 trains deployed on the section, with a daily passenger uptake of about 40,000 and increasing to full capacity as and when the line is connected to central parts of the city in about 2 years.

Speaking to Deccan Chronicle, Chief PRO of BMRCL, B.L. Yaswanth Chavan said, “The test tracks are completed at Peenya depot but we are yet to procure trains from BEML and these are likely to be delivered by next month. We have ordered 25 train sets for Reach-3 and the test run will follow as soon after we receive the train sets.” 

He emphasised that it is going to take quite some time for the completion of the main tracks along Reach-3 as there is a lot of work needs to be completed before trains can be tested on the main line. Reach 3, 3A and 3B is about 10 km long, passes through industrial, residential and commercial areas of the city. “We are focused on the opening of the Peenya northern line upto Peenya scheduled for December 2012. Issues of concern include litigation over acquisition of land for the construction of the sandal soap factory station which has been going on for over 3 years. Substantial construction work at the station is held up for want of this land ,” said a BMRCL official.