Nagpur: Nagpur Metro begins internal trial run for Metro operations on the 5.8 km at grade stretch from Mihan depot to south of airport. A team from Research Designs and Standards Organization (RDSO), Lucknow, will come to the city to review the preparations around September 10. A larger team will then reach here to conduct the trial run itself.
A source in Mahametro said that track laying on the at grade stretch had been completed. “Track testing will be started soon to meet RDSO’s norms. All the electrical masts for supplying power to the trains have been installed. Currently, testing of the power traction system is being done,” he added.
Nagpur Metro begins internal trial run
The source further said that Mahametro had sought seven approvals from RDSO. “We have received five of them—schedule of dimensions, design basis report (stations), design basis report (viaduct), track fastening system and signalling and telecommunication. The ones for track and traction are expected soon. In spite of being lengthy processes, the approvals were obtained very fast and now 75% of our documentation work is complete,” he added.
A formal function will be held here to mark the internal trial run. It will be attended by chief minister Devendra Fadnavis, union transport minister Nitin Gadkari and SBI chairperson-cum-managing director (CMD) Arundhati Bhattacharya. The common mobility card (CMC) of Mahametro will be released at the hands of these guests during the trial run function. Mahametro is trying to get a common date from the three.
The source further said that Mahametro managing director Brijesh Dixit had set a goal of starting commercial operations in November. “Total of 70% work of the stations is over. Work on signalling and telecommunications is progressing fast. After RDSO clears the Metro operations, we will apply to commissioner of Metro rail safety (CMRS) for approval for commercial operations. CMRS team will again check each and every thing and then clear the project,” he added.
Meanwhile, work on other stretches of the Metro is also going on at a rapid pace. The commercial operation of airport to Sitabuldi section is proposed in middle of next year. Work on construction of the viaduct is going on day and night. Once it is complete, Mahametro will begin track laying and installation of electrical masts and signalling equipment.
A separate trial run will be held for this section and only after it is cleared by RDSO and CMRS will Mahametro be able to start commercial operations.
TRACKING METRO
Electrical masts for supplying power to the trains installed
Team from RDSO, Lucknow, to arrive for reviewing the train run preparations
75% of our documentation work complete
70% work of the stations over
Mahametro MD aims to start commercial operations in November
Function to be held to mark internal trial run
Common mobility card of Mahametro to be released during trial run function
Commercial operation of airport to Sitabuldi section proposed in mid-2018
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