Passengers of Namma Metro’s Green Line (Nagasandra to Yelachenahalli) have a reason to cheer in the new year. The Bangalore Metro Rail Corporation Limited (BMRCL) has decided to induct the first six-car train on the line in the first week of January.
The BMRCL is likely to operate the six-car train, with a capacity to carry close to 2,000 passengers, during the peak hours.
Ajay Seth, Managing Director, BMRCL told The Hindu that testing of the six-coach train is almost complete. “We are going to operate the first six-coach train on the Green Line in the first week of January. We are also ready with two more sets of six-car trains for operations on the Purple Line,” he said, adding that the focus at present is on completing the maintenance work at Trinity Metro Station on the Purple Line.
At present, the BMRCL is operating three six-coach trains on the Purple Line during the peak hours. The first one was introduced in June. The BMRCL had cited higher ridership on the Purple Line as the reason for inducting all the three sets of six-coach trains on the Baiyappanahalli-Mysuru Road stretch.
Mr. Seth had said that on an average, 19,000 people travel per hour on the Purple Line during the peak hours, whereas the corresponding number on the Green Line is 10,000.
Among the two corridors under Phase-I, the Green Line is lengthier than the Purple Line. The Green Line has a length of 24.20 km, and has 23 stations. On the other hand, the Purple Line is 18.1 km long and has 17 stations.
Pooja S., who travels from Jayanagar to M.G. Road regularly, said, “Every time they introduced a six-coach train on the Purple Line, we would wonder why the Green Line was not being given one too. I am glad that they are finally introducing one in January. Like on the Purple Line, trains in the Green Line too get crowded during peak hours, and six-coach trains will be more comfortable for passengers.”
Subash, another regular metro user, said, “As the ridership is increasing, the BMRCL should make metro rides more comfortable and reliable for passengers.”
The BMRCL has set a target of inducting 25 sets of six-car trains by March. Mr. Seth expressed confidence of inducting trains as per schedule in the coming months as the BMRCL is getting regular supply from BEML.