KOCHI: If everything goes as planned, laying of tracks along the viaduct, one of the important stages of Metro Rail construction, will begin by this weekend.
Delhi Metro Rail Corporation authorities have already instructed the contractor agency, IRCON, to start lifting of the 18 metre long rail tracks using cranes before placing them on the viaduct.
The Metro agency has already got sanction from the Research Design and Standards Organization (RDSO) of the Indian Railways to carry out the track-laying work.
A total of 7,000 tonnes of rails is needed for the Kochi Metro project of which 3,500 tonnes has already been imported from France.
The head-hardened tracks, rails with harder surface, procured from France are more durable than those used by the Indian Railways, with less chance of corrosion.
Initially, the Metro viaduct along the 18 kilometre stretch from Aluva to Maharajas College is being handed over to IRCON for fixing the track after completing the civil works.
After the rails are fixed, the system and signalling contractors will begin the initial works on traction and tracking.
Meanwhile, construction of Metro coaches at the Alstom factory in Andhra Pradesh has been progressing and the first set of coaches is expected to be delivered by December end.
Fixing of rails will be a big achievement for Metro agencies which are racing against the completion deadline.
