Bengalore Metro Pink and Blue lines get CBTC approval
The Railway Board has approved CBTC for the Pink and Blue lines of Bengalore Metro, which will support further testing, safety certification and commissioning works.
The Railway Board has approved the Communication Based Train Control (CBTC) signalling system for the Pink Line of the Bengalore Metro and the entire Blue Line up to Kempegowda International Airport (KIA). This approval clears a key hurdle for the Pink Line and allows the Bengalore Metro Rail Corporation Limited (BMRCL) to carry out the remaining safety checks before resuming passenger services.
CBTC approval for Pink and Blue lines
This decision by the Railway Board relates to the CBTC signaling system for the Pink Line (Reach 6) and Phases 2A and 2B of the Blue Line. BMRCL has worked closely with the Railway Board and the Research Design and Standards Organization (RDSO) throughout this process.
For the Pink Line, receiving signaling approval fulfills a key requirement, allowing the elevated section between Kalena Agrahara and Tavarekere to be opened for passenger services.
Security check on the Pink Line
Before passenger services commence on the Pink Line, BMRCL will have to complete speed certification, rolling stock inspection, test runs and statutory safety inspection by the relevant authorities.
Connectivity via Blue Line to the airport
The Blue Line will provide metro connectivity between the Central Silk Board and Kempegowda International Airport. The CBTC approval will facilitate further signaling, testing, and safety certification work for the corridor.
Key Highlights of CBTC
- Authority: Railway Board
- Metro Operator: Bengalore Metro Rail Corporation Limited (BMRCL)
- Signaling System: Communication Based Train Control (CBTC)
- Pink Line: Kalena Agrahara to Nagawara
- Blue Line: Central Silk Board to Kempegowda International Airport
- Pink Line Project: Namma Metro Phase II
- Next Steps: Testing, Statutory Inspection, Safety Certification, and Final Approval
Following the Railway Board's in-principle approval of CBTC, BMRCL will complete the remaining testing, inspection, and certification procedures. Final passenger operations on the relevant sections will depend on the fulfillment of these mandatory safety requirements.
