Bengaluru’s Namma Metro Green Line users should be watching out for a temporary change in train operations on August 7, while the Bangalore Metro Rail Corporation Limited (BMRCL) is bringing in new trains and performing a very important safety inspection. For this reason, trains between Yeshwanthpur and Madavara will be affected in the late hours.
BMRCL said the temporary modification will be implemented to facilitate inspections ahead of the CMRS certification and the induction of new trains manufactured by China's CRRC Corporation. They also said the inspection will be made jointly by BMRCL and CMRS to make sure that new rolling stock is safe and ready before it goes into regular passenger services.
What will change on August 7?
BMRCL announced that train services on the up line between Yeshwanthpur and Madavara will be operated at low frequency in the late night.
Instead of the 10-minute interval, trains on this stretch will run at 20-minute intervals from 10:30 PM to 11:00 PM and until the end of passenger service for the day. This temporary schedule change will have an effect on commuters travelling toward Madavara during these hours.
As a result, metro services on the down line from Madavara to Silk Institute will continue to run as per the regular timetable without a hitch. Passengers travelling this way are not likely to be disrupted.
Why Is The Change Being Made?
The metro network in Bengaluru is expanding and is now a size of 96 kilometres, which is considered one of the biggest urban rail networks in India. The number of passengers is on the rise, and the existing train fleet cannot satisfy the demand during peak hours. Overcrowding, congestion on platforms and packed trains are common concerns for everyday commuters.
To address these problems, BMRCL has been working to increase the number of trains on the network. As part of this, around 21 new metro trains manufactured by CRRC are expected to come into the fleet. Three trains are planned to be deployed on the Green Line, which serves thousands of passengers every day.
Before the new trains can carry passengers, they must undergo extensive testing and safety evaluations. The inspections on August 7 will be part of that process and are to ensure that the trains meet all operational and safety concerns.
Relief Expected for Commuters
If the new trains are introduced into service, BMRCL is expected to see more frequent service and more passenger capacity on the Green Line. The additional rolling stock will therefore alleviate crowding and is likely to enhance the commuter experience and the entire commuter experience in general, especially during rush hours.
The Green Line connects a number of important residential, commercial and industrial areas in Bengaluru and serves as one of the city’s busiest metro lines. Additional trains are expected to strengthen operations and improve reliability along the line.
BMRCL Appeals for Cooperation
BMRCL has asked passengers to take the temporary operational changes and plan their travels accordingly. The metro authority has said the change has to be made only for a short time and is to allow the new trains to be integrated into the system.
Passengers on the Green Line late on August 7 are advised to check train timings in advance and allow extra travel time, especially if they are heading toward Madavara from Yeshwanthpur.
And while the disruption for one day is modest, officials say it is a huge step forward to improve the capacity of the Bengaluru Metro and the commuting of the city’s growing metro users.
