SYSTRA Wins Bangalore Metro Phase 2’s UTO Consultancy

A consortium of SYSTRA – SYSTRA MVA Consulting (India) Pvt. Ltd. has been awarded a consultancy contract to assist Bangalore Metro Rail Corporation Ltd (BMRCL) with running unattended train operations (UTO) or driverless services on the under construction 19.143 km Yellow Line (Reach 5).

This line will connect RV Road – Silkboard – Electronic City – Bommansandra and be serviced by 90 CRRC coaches (15 trains x 6 cars) when entirely ready in 2024. Operations will initially begin on GoA2 and are scheduled to progressively move to GoA4 (driverless).

BMRCL had invited bids in May 2020 with a 30 month completion deadline and will receive assistance with reviewing, validating, testing and commissioning all subsystems to facilitate fully automated “driverless” operations in the future, something which Line-3’s rolling stock (awarded to CRRC), CBTC signalling & train control (awarded Siemens) and other subsystems will be compatible of doing so.

If someone is aware of the financial bid values of all bidders and the final contract value, then please leave a comment below.

Contract: 1RS-C

Scope: Consultancy services for UTO interface validation between various systems during Design as well as commissioning phases with regard to implementation of UTO operation in Reach-5 of Bangalore Metro Rail Project Phase-2 network.

BMRCL in its tender document had noted that the CRRC train-sets shall initially be operated in GoA2 (with a driver) and will progressively be operated on GoA4 (full automatic) when appropriate.

Reach-5 of BMRCL Phase-2 project is planned to be operated in Unattended Train Operation (UTO) mode in phased manner. However, BMRCL strives for a Safe and Reliable UTO metro operation during revenue service and therefore plans to commission its revenue service in stages from GoA2 to GoA4 over its operational timeline, deemed appropriate.

BMRCL intends to appoint an internationally reputed Consultancy firm with experience in UTO implementation in Metro project(s) for UTO interface validation between Rolling Stock, Signalling, Communications, Traction Power Supply, Depot, E&M, TVS, PSD, P-Way and Civil Works during Design as well as Commissioning phases of Reach-5 of BMRCL Phase 2 project.

Per BMRCL, here’s the brief scope of work for the consultant:

1) Consultant shall review Pre-final Design Documents of Rolling Stock and Signalling & Train Control Systems prepared by the respective Contractors, Detailed Interface Design (DID) documents such as Rolling Stock, Signalling & Train Control, Communications, Traction & Power Supply, Tunnel Ventilation, Depot, Permanent Way, Civil Works, Operations Control Centre, PSD etc. to the extent for UTO and suggest modifications which are necessary for implementation of UTO, in line with BMRCL tender documents, Metro Railways General Rules (for UTO) and other requirements of UTO.

2) Consultant shall review Interface Test Specifications and Test Procedures prepared by the Designated Contractors of various systems such as Rolling Stock, Signalling & Train Control, Communications, Traction & Power Supply, Tunnel Ventilation, Depot, Permanent Way, Civil Works, Operations Control Centre, PSD etc. and suggest modifications which are necessary for implementation of UTO.

3) Consultant shall assist BMRCL in resolving technical issues amongst the Designated Contractors for the purpose of implementation of UTO.

4) Consultant shall validate the interface design to ensure that required provisions ahve been made in the design stage to fulfil the statutory requirements specificed in Metro Railways General Rules pertaining to UTO operations and any other statutory requirements relevant to UTO.

5) Consultant shall witness and validate integrated testing and commissioning of the prototype train delivered under Rolling Stock Contract 4RS-DM with all other systems specifically related to UTO.

6) Consultant shall assist BMRCL in clarifying technical issues raised during the process of obtaining safety certifications, technical clearances, approvals, etc. from all statutory authorities such as Railway Board, CMRS, RDSO, ESA, etc. for revenue services in UTO mode.

7) Provision for visit of Expat and Indian Experts to BMRCL’s premises for design reviews, resolution of interface issues, technical clarifications, meetings, etc. as and when required during the execution of the Project to the following extent:
a) Expat Experts: 50 Man Days
b) Indian Experts: 60 Man Days

Back in 2020, SYSTRA was also awarded Delhi Metro’s UTO consultancy contract. The DMRC went on to start GoA3 operations in December 2020 on the 38.235 km Magenta Line and plans to do the same on the Pink Line this year.

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– TMRG