Systra bags UTO consultancy contract of Bangalore Metro's Reach 5

Bengaluru, India (Urban Transport News): The Bangalore Metro Rail Corporation Ltd (BMRCL) has awarded the consultancy contract to the consortium of SYSTRA – SYSTRA MVA Consulting (India) Pvt. Ltd. for providing consultancy services for running unattended train operations in under construction 18.52 km fully elevated line under Reach 5 which will connect R.V. Road with Bommasandra with 16 stations.

The scope of work includes the provision of 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.

Tender for the above work was invited in May 2020. In the tender notice, BMRCL had mentioned that Reach-5 of Bangalore Metro's Phase 2 is planned to be operated in Unattended Train Operation (UTO) mode in a 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.

Chinese Rolling Stock manufacturer CRRC will supply the 90 metro coaches (Rolling Stock - 15 trains with 6 coaches) to BMRCL to run on Reach 5 (Yellow Line).  The trains will initially be operated in GoA2 (with a driver) and will progressively be operated on GoA4 (fully automatic) when appropriate, according to BMRCL.

Now according to the terms of the contract, Systra will;

• 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 the implementation of UTO, in line with BMRCL tender documents, Metro Railways General Rules (for UTO) and other requirements of UTO.
• 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 the implementation of UTO.
• assist BMRCL in resolving technical issues amongst the Designated Contractors for the purpose of implementation of UTO.
• validate the interface design to ensure that required provisions have been made in the design stage to fulfil the statutory requirements specified in Metro Railways General Rules pertaining to UTO operations and any other statutory requirements relevant to UTO.
• 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.
• 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.

For more details, please explore the Bangalore Metro page of Urban Transport News.