From Our Special Correspondent
Daijiworld Media Network - Bangalore

Bangalore, Feb 19: The Peenya Industry-Sampige Road stretch of the Bangalore Namma Metro Station line for passenger operation has received the necessary safety clearance from the Commissioner of Metro Rail Safety (CMRS), Chief Minister Siddaramaiah told the Karnataka Legislative Assembly on Wednesday.
 
The Bangalore Metro Rail Corporation Ltd (BMRCL) will now be able to commence passenger operations on 10.3 km route soon, the chief minister said.

There were 10 metro rail stations between Peenya Industry and Sampige Metro Station line.

Siddaramaiah said BMRCL had commenced passenger operations between M G Road and Byappanahalli (6.7 km route) in October 2011.

The Centre has already cleared a Rs 26,500 crore proposal for the second phase of Namma Metro, he said.

CMRS permitted maximum speed of 80 km per hour on the section subject to speed limits at curves depending upon the curvature.

''BMRCL can commence passenger operation anytime and there is no need for further approval from the Ministry of Railways,” he said.

BMRCL Director (Rolling Stock and Operation) D D Pahuja said the Corporation received the authorisation on Tuesday evening and brought the matter to the notice of the government on Wednesday morning.

Now, he said it is for the State Government to take a call on the date for opening the commercial services.

BMRCL is completely prepared to commence the operations, albeit pending of some civil works in a few stations.

Still, the facilities are adequate to operate three-car trains on the section and those pending works would be completed at the earliest, the chief minister added.