3-day inspection of Kochi Metro starts today
Authorities plan services by month-end.
Kochi: A five-member expert team led by Commissioner of Metro Railway Safety (CMRS) K. A. Manoharan would conduct a three-day inspection, the final procedure for the commencement of Metro train operation, on the 13 km-elevated Aluva-Palarivattom stretch from Wednesday even as the authorities aim to launch the services by this month end. The CMRS will be accompanied by the deputy CMRS (traction) and the deputy CMRS (electrical) among others. The first day will see the officials inspecting the track and metro stations from Aluva to Muttom and from there to Edapally the next day.
On the final day, the experts will assess the fool-proof functioning and safety on the Edapally-Palarivattom stretch. They will also analyse the work and operation of Operation Control Centre and other facilities at the Muttom Yard. Upon receiving the ‘fit for operation’ certificate from the CMRS, southern circle, Bengaluru, a date will be fixed for commencing commercial services. “We aim to start it by May end, at the convenience of Prime Minister Narendra Modi when he visits the state. Already a letter was sent to him from the chief minister’s office,” an official said.
During the inspection, the CMRS team will assess the operation safety facilities, track and traction, telecom facilities, operational control centre, station depots, depot maintenance facility and passenger amenities among others. “The safety reports issued by various agencies and all required documents for CMRS inspection have been kept ready. The team will also inspect the station access, signage, safety measures, technical part and station control among others,” he said.
Meanwhile, construction and other related works of the stations have almost got over with amenities like ticket counters, ticket machines as part of automatic fare collection system and elevators in place. “The works at the Muttom Metro Yard where the highly sophisticated Operation Control Centre is located, too is almost over. Upon getting the CMRS nod, the metro trains can technically commence service within a week. We expect to finish works on the five km Palarivattom-Maharajas College ground stretch by September end,” he said.