Malleshwara (MWM): If you have been waiting for Malleswaram-Peenya Metro line to reduce traffic chaos in your area, your wait has gotten longer as the line will take some more time to become operational.
After faltering on many deadlines, the BMRCL had promised that the commercial operation on Reach 3 and 3A between Malleswaram and Peenya would start by the first week of December. But the BMRCL needs to conduct more trials and get additional certifications before throwing open the line to the public.
The BMRCL says that the line could now be opened in January next year. But it is not likely, considering the lengthy procedure that is yet to follow. The stretch was to open in May this year, but the deadline was postponed to July and then to August and later to September. In October, Minister for Transport and Bangalore City Ramalinga Reddy had announced that the stretch would see launched latest by the first week of December 2013.
There is some progress on the stretch with the oscillation trials having begun this week. The oscillation trials, which have to be certified by the Research Design and Standards Organisation (RDSO), Lucknow, were supposed to be conducted in August, but were delayed as the BMRCL received Schedule of Dimensions (SoD) clearance only in mid-October from the Railway Ministry on two issues — horizontal and vertical clearances for walkways at curves and exemption from provision of check rails at the depot.
The oscillation trials are expected to get over this month. The BMRCL can approach the Commissioner for Metro Rail Safety for inspection only after the RDSO’s speed certification. If all parameters are met during the inspection, the CMRS will issue a safety certification and the BMRCL will then approach the Railways Ministry for starting commercial operations.
