Siemens will provide Grade of Automation 4 technology, in which the train would be controlled without any manual intervention on board
Tech giant Siemens announced on Thursday that it will implement driverless train solutions for Bengaluru Metro Rail Corporation Limited (BMRCL) to improve efficiency and passenger safety. The systems will be used for Phase 2 of the Bengaluru Metro. The technology that Siemens will provide to the BMRCL includes communication-based train control (CBTC) comprising electronic interlocking, automatic train protection system, operation control for automatic train monitoring through a train supervision system and a telecommunications system. The CBTC project is Siemens Limited’s first project with the highest degree of automation, GoA4, where the train is controlled without any manual intervention on board.
“Bengaluru Metro will play a critical role in improving the city’s quality of life and economic growth, and we will continue to partner with such projects with our global experience and local knowledge to help improve connectivity and public infrastructure. Advanced signaling and telecommunications systems will be the foundation of a safe and efficient public transport system that will enhance the passenger experience and meet the needs of BMRCL, ”said Tilak Raj Seth, Director of Mobility at Siemens Limited.
Siemens has previously been involved in supplying state-of-the-art metro rail technology to projects in other cities in India; the Bengaluru Metro is his ninth project. The 18.8 km Bengaluru metro line, with 16 elevated stations and a depot at Hebbagodi, is Reach 5 in Phase 2, between RV Road and Bommasandra in the city.
Confirming the same, BL Yeshwanth Chavan, BMRCL Director of Public Relations said: “On the Phase 2 subway line, Reach 5 and 6 will receive the new driverless train solutions.” He added that they aim to finish Phase 2 by 2024.
BMRCL’s work had been slowed down due to land acquisition issues with Nandi Infrastructure Corridor Enterprises (NICE). In addition, the Asian Development Bank approved on Tuesday a loan of 500 million dollars for the BMRCL to complete the works of laying new lines throughout the city.