BMRCL is implementing advanced digital inspection technologies to monitor the structural health of its infrastructure. This move, announced recently, focuses on improving maintenance and ensuring the long-term integrity of the metro system.
BMRCL recently issued tenders for digital inspections, beginning with Reach 1, the initial operational corridor running between M.G. Road and Baiyappanahalli. This corridor, which has been in service since 2011, will be assessed using cutting-edge technology to detect and evaluate any structural issues.
Officials explained that the new digital inspection system will utilize AI and machine learning algorithms to analyze potential structural damage. “The AI-driven system will not only detect defects but also assess their severity, providing real-time alerts to our engineering team. This will allow us to undertake preventive maintenance before minor issues escalate into major concerns,” a senior BMRCL official noted.
Currently, structural inspections rely on manual techniques such as visual assessments using binoculars, cameras, and hydraulic platforms. These methods are not only time-consuming but also pose operational challenges. The new technology-based inspection will use specialized sensors to collect structural data, which will then be processed using deep learning algorithms and 3D modeling techniques.
In 2023, the BMRCL curtailed metro train services at the Trinity station for maintenance. Additionally, in 2018, disruptions occurred on the Purple Line due to concrete distress in a beam near the Trinity station. A safety audit of Phase I was also conducted in 2019.
“The system will automatically detect and categorize defects based on their size, type, and location. This will enable our engineers to make data-driven decisions regarding maintenance and repairs,” the official added. The AI-powered evaluation will determine whether issues pose significant risks and suggest corrective actions, such as epoxy sealing or reinforcement.
All processed data will be visualized on a cloud-based asset management platform. This digital interface will provide engineers with a comprehensive overview of structural health. They will be able to track defects, generate maintenance schedules, and optimize repair strategies.
Transport expert M.N. Srihari believes that adopting digital inspections will bring significant benefits to metro maintenance. He said, “AI-driven monitoring systems significantly enhance the accuracy and efficiency of inspections. They help in the early detection of structural weaknesses, thereby reducing long-term repair costs and minimizing the risk of service disruptions. Many global metro systems, including the Delhi metro, have already integrated such technologies to improve infrastructure maintenance.”
Srihari noted that digital inspection systems reduce human intervention in risky environments. “Manual inspections often require engineers to work at heights using cranes or hydraulic lifts, which pose safety hazards. Digital technology analysis eliminates these risks and ensures that the metro system remains structurally sound with minimal disruption to operations,” he added.
