Metro Phase II trains to run driverless

Mangalore Today News Network

Bangalore, March 28, 2014: The Namma Metro Phase II trains will be completely driverless, as against the present trains, which have a driver supervising them though they run automatically.

The Bangalore Metro Rail Corporation Ltd (BMRCL) authorities will soon get the technology wherein the trains will be programmed. BMRCL Managing Director Pradeep Singh Kharola noted on Thursday that the present trains require no effort from the driver and only his supervision. “But for phase II, we will get superior technology which will allow the automated train to run on its own after being duly programmed,” he added.

However, he said he cannot give further details on the plans and said it is too early to tell on which routes the trains will be driverless. Kharola said the Union cabinet had recently approved an estimated cost of Rs 26,405 crore for Phase II with a total length of 72 km, which will have four extensions on the North-South and East-West corridors as well as two new lines.

He said the BMRCL will also have to raise loans up to about Rs 12,000 crore for Phase II and is considering the JICA (Japan International Cooperation Agency) once again for the international funding. The JICA has associated itself with the BMRCL and has been funding the first phase.