Siemens Mobility and Siemens Limited India is partnering with Bengaluru Metro Rail Corporation Limited (BMRCL) to implement a comprehensive set of automated train solutions for phase 2 of the Bengaluru metro expansion project. This will be the first CBTC project in India with GoA 4, the highest grade of automation that allows for trains to be automatically controlled and operated. Siemens Mobility will install its communications-based train control (CBTC) system across 18.8 km of the Yellow Line, which will feature electronic interlockings, an automatic train protection and supervision system, as well as a telecommunication system. The automated signaling and train operations will allow BMRCL to run trains 90 seconds apart, providing greater availability and an enhanced passenger experience.
“Siemens Mobility is excited to partner with Bengaluru Metro Rail on this groundbreaking project that will provide this new rail line with the highest grade of signaling technology and automation services, said Michael Peter, CEO of Siemens Mobility. “Our state of the art CBTC signaling at GoA 4 will allow trains to operate driverless, as they will be automatically controlled and supervised without any onboard intervention. This will deliver a truly modern system featuring superior availability, reliability and passenger experience.”
Bengaluru is the capital of the Indian state of Karnataka and its urban area population is estimated at more than 12 million. Bengaluru is widely regarded as the “Silicon Valley” or IT capital of India because of its role as the nation’s leading IT exporter. The Bengaluru metro system, commonly called the Namma Metro, is being built in stages. Phase 1 was made operational in June 2017 and has a daily ridership of 450,000. The system covers 42.3 km and serves 40 stations, with lines running north/south and east/west. The currently under construction Phase 2, plans to cover 72.1 km and add two new lines that will further extend the system on its existing grid. The 18.8 km on the Yellow Line that will be equipped with Siemens Mobility CBTC technology will have 16 elevated stations.
Siemens Mobility says their high-performance CBTC system lets operators maximize their network capacity and throughput. The radio-based technology provides real-time data on vehicle position and speed conditions, allowing system operators to safely increase the number of vehicles on a rail line. Additionally, the technology precisely locates each train on the tracks and controls speed, improving safety for riders and employees, while also providing the ability for continuous updates on system status that results in fewer delays and up-to-date travel information.