India’s metro footprint has expanded rapidly over the past few years. In response to this, metro rail corporations are witnessing an increasing interest in adopting digital solutions and technologies across all segments including construction, signalling, rolling stock, traction and ticketing, among others. At a recent India Infrastructure conference, B. Mangla Prasad, Executive director (systems), Bengaluru Metro Rail Corporation Limited (BMRCL), shared his views on recent advancements in Bengaluru Metro Rail systems, the experience so far, plans for the adoption of indigenous signalling and telecommunications technology, and key issues and challenges faced by the Bengaluru Metro.
Overall network
The Bengaluru Metro, locally known as Namma Metro (“our metro” in Kannada), spanning 73.81 km, ranks as India’s second-longest operational metro network. Phase II extension works are currently underway. As part of Phase II, stations under Reach 1-4 have already been commissioned, while works under Reach 5 (Bommasandra to R.V. Road) and Reach 6 (Kalena Agrahara to Nagawara) are in progress. Reach 5 is expected to be completed by November 2024 and Reach 6 by December 2025. One of the major contributory issue, which led to the phased expansion of the Bengaluru Metro, is that detailed project reports were sanctioned in tranches.
Advancements in BMRCL’s systems
Rolling stock
The Bengaluru Metro’s new rolling stock is being provided by China Railway Rolling Stock Corporation (CRRC), which will be deployed on the Yellow Line. The Yellow Line (RV Road-Bommasandra) connects the Electronics City to South Bengaluru. Compliant with Grade of Automation 4 (GoA4) technology, the regenerative braking system in CRRC rakes will result in the reduction of energy savings from 38 per cent to 32 per cent. The rolling stock is equipped with an automatic track monitoring system, an obstacle detection and derailment detection system, a hot axle and a fire detection system. Apart from this, the coaches have automatic CCTV pop-ups to forewarn the operational control centre (OCC) in case of critical events.
Signalling and train control
Bengaluru Metro is shifting from the current DTG (distance-to-go) signalling system, in which the time between two trains is two and a half minutes, to a communication-based train control (CBTC) signalling system. The DTG signalling system has the disadvantage of being maintenance intensive because audio circuit frequency tuning is required.
In contrast, CBTC is based on the moving block principle, wherein the headway between two consecutive trains can be made up to 90 seconds, by reducing the overlap requirements.
Furthermore, a digital station and power management system is proposed for the next phase of the Bengaluru Metro. To begin with, a proof-of-concept proposal is being developed by Siemens, the digital solutions provider, working out the modalities to implement this system at the Infosys station on the Yellow line. With this system in place, commuters will exactly know where to board the train as it will be displayed on the dashboard. These dashboards also display to commuters information regarding the seating arrangement available inside the coach. Thus, it would be beneficial for not only the station control supervisor but also for the general public at large. This will also help in managing increased traffic at metro stations.
At present, the Bengaluru Metro witnesses an average daily ridership of about 0.675 million passengers per day and is expected to increase to up to 1.1 million passengers per day, by the end of 2024 or early 2025. When the ridership increases significantly, it is essential to provide accessibility and knowledge to commuters to avoid any kind of mishap or over-crowding at the stations. The digital station and power management system will be very useful in this scenario. Additionally, this will help the BMRC to optimise mobility as a service (MaaS). MaaS aims to facilitate the future of urban mobility by integrating multimodal transportation and app-based technologies to enable seamless urban mobility.
Telecommunications system
- The Bengaluru Metro’s telecommunications system includes the following.
- Fibre optic transmission system (FOTS): Internet protocol (IP)-based and Giga Ethernet switch network is being used as a backbone.
- Telephone system: IP-based telephone system, that is, IP PBX (Internet Protocol Private Branch Exchange).
- CCTV system: IP cameras with 2 megapixel (MP) and 5MP resolution.
In line with the Delhi Metro, the Bengaluru Metro is in discussion with leading signalling companies to evaluate the process of implementing an indigenously developed automatic train supervision (i-ATS) system. The i-ATS is a computer-based system that will manage train operations, including basic functioning such as running and halting. It will reduce the metro’s dependence on foreign vendors for metro operations.
Ticketing system
There has been great enthusiasm among commuters as far as ticketing is concerned. In Bengaluru, about 26 per cent of commuters purchase a metro ticket through mobile QR code on WhatsApp. Further, BMRCL is planning to roll out zero requirement KYC transit cards (or National Common Mobility Cards [NCMC]) soon. The NCMC is an interoperable transport card introduced as part of the “One Nation, One Card” initiative. It aims to promote cashless transactions and provide a unified payment platform for commuters nationwide. Furthermore, it enables cardholders to make payments for various modes of public transport and also conduct retail transactions, including cash withdrawals, using a single card. Adopting this NCMC is a key step towards transforming and digitalising the country’s public transport system, making it more efficient and user-friendly for everyone.
Environmental control system/Tunnel ventilation system
Variable frequency drives (VFDs) are installed at existing underground stations for air handling units. VFDs are used to control the speed of electric motors by adjusting the frequency and voltage of the power supply. Track way extraction fans are put in place and air-cooled chillers are being used instead of water-cooled chillers, to reduce the environmental drainage of precious water resources. Meanwhile, a gas flooding system is being used in tunnel ventilation systems (TVS)/environmental control system panels.
Apart from this, alternate station control operation of ventilation control panels is being deployed at each station control room (SCR). Further, a TVS-supervisory control and data acquisition (SCADA) control centre (OCC) is operated in all the underground stations with appropriate OCC admin privileges. Besides, an energy management system is installed at the OCC level for operational efficiency and peak demand management.
Challenges and future plans
One of the key challenges is the seamless integration of public transport systems, as different transportation modes require different infrastructure. Another challenge is collaborating with different stakeholders (including funding agencies, technology providers, contractors and consultants, among others). Thus, seamless integration between different modes where a commuter can change from one mode of transport to another is essential. For instance, the upcoming Jayadeva Metro Station will consist of five levels from underground to the top level (three subways, two roads and two rail lines at the top).
BMRCL is undertaking phase-wise retro fitment of platform screen doors at underground stations. These platform screen doors will serve as protective barriers between the platform and tracks and will help in preventing incidents such as accidental falls on to the tracks. Besides, service roads in and around metro stations are being constructed and parking spaces are being built to encourage non-motorised transport and bicycles.
There are also plans to introduce feeder bus services. It is important to have a well paved, unencumbered and continuous footpath on either side, all along stations. Providing seamless transportation services and experience to commuters is the key objective of a good metropolitan service organisation.
