• Source:JND
Add as a preferred

Namma Metro Yellow Line Update: In a major update for the residents of Bengaluru, the much-awaited Yellow-line has got critical safety certification for the trains and signalling system, marking a significant step towards the opening of the line, according to a report by Deccan Herald.

The Independent Safety Assessment (ISA), which is mandatory for driverless train operations, was submitted to the Bangalore Metro Rail Corporation Limited (BMRCL) on Thursday.

Italcertifer, a state-owned Italian company which is tasked with evaluating the safety of the system, issued the certificate. The report will now be submitted to the Commissioner of Metro Railway Safety (CMRS).

Deccan Herald quoted an official with direct knowledge of the matter saying, "We’ll go through the report and then submit it to the CMRS." The crucial security clearance was awaited for a long time and was delayed due to software glitches in the signalling system of the Yellow Line, which is developed by Siemens India in collaboration with Siemens AG.

ALSO READ: Bengaluru Namma Metro Update: BMRCL To Updrade, Construct Depots To Cater Expanding Metro Network

The glitches affected datasets controlling train operations. The ISA certification is necessary for the BMRCL, which adheres to Safety Integrity Level 4, in seeking the statutory inspection by the CMRS.

What's Next? 

With the ISA now issued, it will be submitted to CMRS. Based on the report, CMRS for the Southern Circle, AM Chowdhary will inspect tracks, stations, signalling systems, viaducts and other key infrastructure.

The inspection is expected to begin later this month and will last for three to four days. The CMRS will then submit the report, typically within a week after inspection. It could also include some conditions.

ALSO READ: Bengaluru Namma Metro Update: Tejasvi Surya Moves Karnataka HC, Demands Public Release Of FFC Report

Once BMRCL meets those requirements, it will request security clearance from the state government and final approval will involve the union government, which is a joint partner in the Namma Metro project.

Upon final approval, the operations will start on the Yellow Line, giving major relief to the commuters. Earlier this month, BMRCL Managing Director M Maheshwar Rao had announced that the Yellow Line was expected to open by August 15. With certification and further steps involved, the BMRCL is expecting to meet the deadline.