Suburban rail project: Only 20% physical work done, trains to use European signalling system

Bengaluru Suburban Transport Project (BSTP) has achieved just 19.9% physical progress in three-and-a-half years as of July, according to implementing agency Rail Infrastructure Development Company (Karnataka).

“Tenders have been invited for approximately 9km of viaduct works under corridor-2 and for two major packages covering 22km under corridor-4,” K-Ride managing director Lakshman Singh said in the project’s July newsletter.

Singh added the state govt issued an order for execution of work at Akkupete depot, and the process of private land acquisition for the depot approach is already underway. On the 46.8km corridor-4, connecting Heelalige to Rajanakunte, the tender process has commenced for elimination of all 11 level crossings on the currently existing railway line.

While the project initially was to use communications-based train control (CBTC) similar to Namma Metro’s Pink and Blue Lines, K-Ride has now confirmed that it will use a new system, European Train Control System (ETCS Level-2), across all BSTP corridors.

The same ETCS system will be used for India’s first high-speed rail project between Mumbai and Ahmedabad. The system is expected to boost safety by providing real-time data and monitoring train movement.

“This solution is designed to minimise land acquisition and save cost, eliminates traffic congestion and improves mobility, address water stagnation issues while enabling safer and more efficient connectivity,” Singh explained.

KRide confirmed a double-decker structure will be constructed along Mohan Kumar Road between Mathikere and Yeshwantpur. The 1.2km corridor will have a road flyover on its first level and suburban rail’s corridor-2 will run on the second level. K-Ride said this arrangement will help optimise the limited urban space available.

Source: The Times of India