Trial done, Kochi Metro picks up speed

Kochi: The Kochi Metro train on Monday successfully operated at a maximum speed of 30 km/hr during a key test trial held in the six-km stretch from Muttom yard to Edapally Toll Junction.

“The critical factors targeted were enhanced speed, traction continuity, track steadiness and communication software. All these were found to be satisfactory and we are on track to operate commercial services by November 1,” a senior Metro official said.

The metro train with three coaches left the Muttom depot at 9.45 am and moved at a very slow pace till it reached the main viaduct. The speed was enhanced thereafter and the first trip was conducted at an average speed of 10 km/hr. It took 40 minutes to reach the destination. The speed was further enhanced to 15 km/hr for the return trip to the depot.  The trial run was repeated two more times at speeds of 20 km/hr and 30 km/hr.

“The commutation time was further reduced to 20 minutes and the whole exercise lasted four hours. Though we will continue the trial run at least once every month, the important ones will be the ones scheduled in June (upto Palarivattom) and August (Aluva-Muttom-Palarivattom). Then it will be further extended upto Maharajas College in a phased manner,” the official said.

Elias George, Managing Director, Kochi Metro Rail Ltd, and Danny Thomas, Project Director, Delhi Metro Rail Corporation oversaw the operations and they were among 60 technical and field staff who travelled in the train.

Now only the minimum of trial runs will be held so as to avoid a delay in installation of the signaling and telecommunication system, the work of which has commenced from Muttom Yard. The Delhi Metro Rail Corporation (DMRC) carried out the maiden trial run on the tracks on February 27 in the 3.5-km long Muttom-Kalamassery section successfully, touching a speed of upto 10 kms per hour.