 "Bengaluru driverless Metro trials begin: How AI will help steer this train")
Bengaluru is just a few steps away from introducing an AI-assisted driverless metro to its residents.
In the latest development, Bengaluru Metro Rail Corporation (BMRCL) started slow trial runs of its driverless trains on the yellow line that runs between Bommasandra and RV Road on Thursday, 7 March.
Last month, the BMRCL received the first six train cars equipped with self-driving technology for its newly constructed yellow line.
It is now prepared to go through several safety tests.
Here’s all we know about it.
About the driverless train
A system called Communication-Based Train Control (CBTC), or “Driverless Technology,” is installed on BMRCL metro trains., according to Moneycontrol
As part of the Made in India Initiative, the Chinese company CRRC Nanjing Puzhen Co Ltd and its Indian partner Titagarh Rail Systems Ltd. are producing the coaches for the driverless Bengaluru Metro. The Chinese company received a Rs 1,578 crore contract in 2019 to provide BMRCL with 216 coaches.
The first driverless train will run on the 18.8-kilometre route that links Bommasandra and RV Road. With 16 stations, the fully elevated route links the Pink Line at Jayadeva Hospital station with the Bengaluru metro’s Green Line at the RV Road station, a report by The Indian Express said.
BMRCL confirms that the Mainline powered train has smoothly traversed between Bommasandra & Bommanahalli metro stations today on the Reach-5 line. A great achievement for BMRCL!🙌 #YellowLine #NammaMetro
— Civic Opposition of India (@CivicOp_india) March 7, 2024
pic.twitter.com/o8z2S1pQLT
Impact Shorts
More ShortsThe route leads to Bengaluru’s tech district, which is south of the city and is home to offices for businesses including Tata Consultancy Services, Wipro, and Infosys.
Additionally, it is anticipated to relieve traffic on Hosur Road, which runs alongside Tamil Nadu and Karnataka. The headway is cut by the metro trains from the current 2.5 minutes to 90 seconds.
BMRCL intends to use loco pilots for a minimum of six months at first, even though they are compatible with self-driving mode. In addition, until the remaining trains are delivered, they will start revenue operations with seven trains running every 15 minutes.
First scheduled to launch in 2021, the Yellow Line was delayed until December 2024 by BMRCL, as per Moneycontrol.
How it will work
The Indian Railways handbook describes CBTC technology as a cutting-edge, radio-based system for transmitting precise and timely train control information.
CBTC, according to Jitendra Jha, Project Manager, Rolling Stock, BMRCL, is “one train talking to another train,” according to The Indian Express.
The Hindu claimed modern technology is installed on the metro train. This includes Unattended Train Operations (UTO), which allows for complete automation of tasks like door opening and closing, stoppage, and train movement, Enhanced Supervision Capability from the Operations Control Centre (OCC), a train monitoring system called Hot Axle Detection System that detects overheating in the train’s bearings, and an Obstacle and Derailment Detection System.
The train will “wake up” to an order from the OCC each morning. By doing this, the engine will start and its interior lights will turn on. After that, the train automatically evaluates itself to make sure it is technically sound. Before going to the platforms, it will pass through automated washing plants for cleaning. The train will go into “sleep mode” at night.
For operational safety on the new line, artificial intelligence will be employed to monitor tracks. AI systems are capable of analysing sensor data to find anomalies along the track, such as cracks, wear and tear, or other irregularities.
Train cameras can record visual data, which AI-powered systems can then analyse in real-time to identify any safety issues.
Using its dynamic route map, which is in LCD format, the operators can track its whereabouts in real time.
Additionally, there is an Emergency Egress Device (EED) device fitted that enables passengers to turn the handle until it reaches the “REQUEST” position in case of an emergency. The OCC/train operator will get a request, examine the circumstances through a CCTV camera, and then unlock the door, as per The Indian Express.
The slow trial run
“This is the first time a six-coach train was operated on the main line of this new standalone corridor. The trial run covered the section between Bommasandra and Bommanahalli stations on the Yellow line,” Moneycontrol quoted a BMRCL official as saying.
According to officials, the trial run began at the Hebbagodi depot at 6:55 pm and continued at a speed of 10 kilometres per hour. At 7.14 pm, the train arrived at Bommasandra station, and at 8.05 pm, it reached Bommanahalli station. It reached Bommasandra on the way back at 9:11 pm.
The train examined many aspects of the route, such as the track alignment and the civil interface, while moving slowly at a pace of 10 to 25 kilometres per hour. The train will run slower at first, but in the next few days, it is supposed to pick its pace.
“We will be conducting trial runs between Bommasandra and Central Silk Board using the prototype train that arrived from China on 14 February in the coming days. The trial run on the remaining Central Silk Board-RV Road section will commence in April,” Jha said.
Others tests to be conducted
Jitendra Jha explained that there is a “wide range of about 37 tests lasting for four months, followed by system integration with signaling systems, telecommunication systems, power supply systems, etc., tests for 45 days.”
He said that after the signalling test is done on 8 March, a test in dynamic conditions in early April will begin. Here, among other things, the train’s ability to recognise obstructions and avoid crashes will be evaluated, as per The Hindu.
There will be system integration testing with the power supply, telecommunications, and signaling systems.
The Research Designs and Standards Organisation (RDSO) will conduct oscillation testing and the Commissioner of Metro Rail Safety (CMRS) will examine as required safety tests.
By October, BMRCL intends to request a safety clearance from the Commissioner of Railway Safety (CRS). By December 2024, operations are scheduled to start after receiving CMRS permission.
For oscillation trials, three trains will be required.
“We will conduct 90 per cent testing with this prototype train. Once we receive two more trains from Titagarh, we will initiate the remaining test runs with three trains.”
With inputs from agencies
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