Chennai Metro begins trail run on Washermanpet-Wimco Nagar Corridor

Chennai, India (Urban Transport News): The Chennai Metro Rail Limited (CMRL) on 27th December 2020 successfully performed the diesel locomotive trial run on the 9-kilometer phase-1 extension stretch from Washermenpet to Wimco Nagar. The trial run covered 9 kilometres up and down, stopping at eight metro stations (6 elevated and 2 underground).

According to CMRL, almost 90 percent of the work on the phase-1 stretch has been completed so far and the line is expected to open for the public by January.

“The installation of various systems including ballast-less track, overhead electrification, signaling, tunnel ventilation, HVAC, platform screen doors and automatic fare collection gates is underway,” said CMRL officials.

CMRL is also expected to give a green makeover to the medium lanes by planting various plants that would grow in the shade.

Once open, the 6 km elevated stretch of the 9 km stretch will give commuters a view of the north Chennai coast while commuting. The CMRL has also floated tenders for Digital Route Display Requirements for setting up LCD TVs and audio systems for announcements in the trains and stations. 

The phase-1 extension was supposed to be inaugurated in 2020 but the construction work got delayed due to the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic. A total of 10 more trains would be added for the extension, which is being built at a cost of Rs 3,770 crores.

Recently, CMRL also floated a tender to procure more Rolling Stock (metro coaches) for its upcoming Phase II corridors.

For more details, please explore the Chennai Metro page of Urban Transport News.