Ward bypoll puts back JBS Metro inauguration
Model code plays spoilsport after all arrangements are made.
Hyderabad: A ward bye-election in the Greater Hyderabad Municipal Corporation (GHMC) has forced Hyderabad Metro Rail Limited (HMRL) to postpone the commencement of operations on the Jubilee Bus Station (JBS)-Mahatma Gandhi Bus Station (MGBS) stretch.
The Dabeerpura bye-election was necessitated as corporator Riyaz-ul-Hassan Effendi was elected to the Legislative Council. Officials said that despite making elaborate arrangements to start the service on the historic stretch, the model code of conduct (MCC) had played spoilsport with their plans.
The trails runs on the JBS-MGBS stretch commenced on November 24 and a team of technical experts and engineers observed various parameters and performance of the trains. HMRL had first planned the inaugural by the second week of December. After difficulties in securing clearance from the commissioner of metro rail safety (CMRS), HMRL had intended to start the services by Sankranti. Now, the notification for the municipal polls on January 22 has pushed the inaugural by two weeks.
Speaking to Deccan Chronicle, HMRL managing director N.V.S. Reddy said that the permission of CMRS would be received in a couple of days. He said that though the HMRL was prepared for the Sankranti launch, the MCC has delayed it. HMRL will look for a fresh inaugural date now.
Mr Reddy said, “Once the operation on the 11-km stretch between the JBS and MGBS via the interchange station at Parade Grounds commences, the travel time will be cut down to 16 minutes from 38-40 minutes by road.”
The HMRL has conducted signalling and safe train separation tests, as also the brake test. Metro Rail coaches, passenger information announcements and displays, dummy passenger evacuation tests have been carried out.
Regarding the status of works on the route, Mr Reddy said it was an ongoing project and work would be completed swiftly once the operations commence. He said that under pressure, work would be completed at a brisk pace like it was done at the Raidurg station.
“In one month, all stations would be ready,” he said.