Bengaluru: The planned European train control system (ETCS) for Bengaluru Suburban Transport Project (BSTP) will cost more than Rs 1,000 crore just for Corridors 2 and 4.The Rail Infrastructure Development Company (Karnataka) Ltd (K-Ride), the implementing agency of the project, floated a tender for the first-of-its-kind signalling system in Bengaluru Saturday.While the project initially planned to use communications-based train control (CBTC) similar to Namma Metro’s Pink and Blue Lines, K-Ride confirmed in Aug that a different system would be used. It also received approval for the implementation of ETCS Level-2 across all BSTP corridors, replacing the earlier CBTC proposal.According to Bengaluru Integrated Rail Infrastructure Development Enterprise Ltd (Bi-Ride), a subsidiary of K-Ride, the system will cost Rs 1,017 crore, excluding GST and customs duty for materials. The same ETCS system is planned to be used for India’s first high-speed rail project between Mumbai and Ahmedabad. The system is expected to boost safety by providing real-time data and monitoring of train movements.According to a senior K-Ride official, it is designed to minimise land acquisition, save costs, eliminate traffic congestion, improve mobility, and address water stagnation issues while enabling safer and more efficient connectivity.Corridor 2, also named Mallige Line, will cover Byappanahalli Terminal to Chikkabanavara, a distance of 25km, and the installation of the signalling system is expected to be completed within 21 months of the selection of the bidder.Corridor 4, known as Kanaka Line, from Heelalige to Rajanukunte, is significantly longer, about 46km. From the date of selection of the bidder, the signalling system is expected to be ready within 30 months, officials said.The Integral Coach Factory (ICF) in Chennai will manufacture and supply 51 trains, each comprising three coaches for the project. A total of four trainsets will be delivered by the 2027-28 financial year and by 2028-29. The trains will run with a maximum operational speed of 80kmph and will be fully made out of stainless steel. At a time, 350 passengers can travel across the three coaches.
