Kochi Metro runs up to Maharaja's

KOCHI: The trial run of Kochi Metro along the Jawaharlal Nehru stadium – Maharaja’s stretch began on Friday. The trial started with a speed limit of 10 kilometres per hour which was increased  by 10 km  in each trip till it reached the maximum speed limit of  80 km per hour. During the trial run from 10.50 a.m. to 5 p.m.,  the train  completed 10 rides. The trials which continued in both up and down tracks till 8 p.m. will restart at 7 a.m. on Saturday.

Rolling stock and track tests are being done during the initial trials. A compatibility test will also be  conducted  during the non- passenger timings at the Palarivattom stretch. The trial run will be completed on Sunday with a quality check of train ride and modern instrumentation. The finishing works of the stations along the stretch will be completed after the trial run and the KMRL will go for the approval of Railway Safety Commissioner.

“If the safety clearance is received, the commercial service along the stretch will begin from September-end or October first. The plan is to open the stretch for traffic before the FIFA Under-17 World Cup matches scheduled from October 6. We expect significant increase in the number of regular passengers once the stretch is opened and we are planning to introduce special packages and revisions in ticket fares,” said Kochi Metro Rail Limited managing director Elias George. Those who participated in the trial run included Mr Elias George,  director (projects) Thiruman Archunan, Delhi Metro Rail Corporation project director Dani Thomas and other senior officials.