Bengaluru’s metro commuters will soon experience less crowding as Bangalore Metro Rail Corporation Limited (BMRCL) has received approval from the Independent Safety Assessor (ISA) to introduce a new fleet of Driverless Train Generation (DTG) metro trains.
The approval is a major milestone in strengthening the city’s metro network and improving passenger comfort amid rapidly growing ridership.
The ISA clearance enables BMRCL to move closer to the deployment of the advanced DTG trains with all regulatory approval and operational tests complete. These trains will reduce congestion, especially at peak office hours when metro coaches can be packed beyond capacity.
Bengaluru Metro has witnessed a dramatic growth in the number of daily passengers in the past year because of the metro corridors growing and the increase in demand for public transport.
But overcrowding is still present to an extreme extent in the Purple and Green lines. The new trains will provide more frequent service, shorter waiting times, and a more comfortable commute.
We have developed the DTG trains to modern technology for their construction; signalling systems, energy-efficient operation, passenger information displays, CCTV surveillance, and improved safety features.
Although these trains are designed for driverless operation, they will initially be operated under monitored conditions until all certification and approvals are complete.
The introduction of these trains will make operations much more efficient and will allow Bengaluru’s metro network to grow. The new rolling stock will help BMRCL to maintain the services without adding to the existing fleet as metro extensions are deployed.
The Independent Safety Assessor is an important step in the certification process. It confirms that the train systems comply with required international safety standards and are suitable for further testing and eventual commercial operations.
BMRCL needs to obtain final approval from the CMRS for passengers before the launch of the new trains after long trial runs.
Urban transport experts are happy with the development and think increased train capacity is one of the best policy options for overcrowding in fast-growing cities like Bengaluru. The metro is a popular option for office-goers, students, and everyday commuters in a city with very heavy traffic congestion on the roads.
With metro expansion projects under construction and Phase 2 completion on track in the next few years, BMRCL is prepared for a large increase in passenger demand.
The new DTG trains will provide smoother operation and better safety and a safer and more comfortable mode of transportation in the city for millions of people who will be travelling, and the new trains will be there.
Bengaluru commuters will find the ISA approval encouraging for their metro system. And once all the other approvals are in place, the new trains will be a crucial part of the city's plan to provide reliable, high-capacity public transportation.
