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Chennai Metro Rail will start testing its motor coaches and trailers from tomorrow.
According to sources in the know, a unit consisting of two motor coaches and two trailers will be tested on an 800-m test track at the Metro Rail depot in Koyambedu. All the systems relating to the rolling stock and related equipment including signalling, braking and communications systems will be tested. The units, made by Alstom and imported from Brasil, can reach speeds of up to 80 km during the test.
This is an important landmark for the Rs 14,000-crore rail-based mass transport project coming up in the city. Two arms of the Metro Rail totalling 45 km will link north Chennai to the southern suburb of Meenambakkam.
The project is on track to start commercial operations from mid-2014 when a portion linking Koyambedu to Alandur will start transporting commuters. Over 70-80 staff have been recruited so far and are being trained in Delhi Metro Rail project.
At full scale of operations the Metro Rail, a joint venture between the Tamil Nadu Government and the Central Government, will be dovetailed with other road and rail-based public transport systems in the city.
The Tamil Nadu Chief Minister J. Jayalalithaa will be flagging off the test run, according to an official invitation.
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