Bangalore Metro’s New Lines to Run on 3rd Rail!

We can all let out a sigh of relief! As per a tender released on the BMRC’s website, the two new lines of Bangalore’s Phase II project will draw power from the Third Rail system which is more aesthetically pleasing than the Overhead Equipment (OHE) that can be seen in other metro systems around the country. While it’s true that the 3rd Rail system doesn’t allow for speeds greater than 160 kmph and a fast propulsion due to a lower voltage, it shouldn’t really matter in the case of the Bangalore Metro since stations are typically a km away from one another.

Bangalore Metro 3rd Rail System – photo: Imgarcade, used under Creative Commons License (By 2.0)

Here’s what the tender’s title has to say:

“DETAILED DESIGN CONSULTANCY SERVICES FOR POWER SUPPLY & DISTRIBUTION SYSTEM, 750 V DC THIRD RAIL TRACTION ELECTRIFICATION AND SCADA SYSTEM FOR REACH-5 & REACH-6 OF BANGALORE METRO RAIL PROJECT PHASE II”

Reach 5 mentioned here is: RV Road – Bommasandra – 18.82 km long with a depot at Hebbagodi
Reach 6 mentioned here is: Gottigere – IIMB – Nagwara – 21.25 km long with a depot at Kothanur

Link to Phase II map

Tenders for various components (civil/mechanical/rehab) of these lines are currently being released and we can expect work on the ground to start early next year.

– TMRG