Kochi: The mandatory three-day inspection by the Commissioner of Metro Railway Safety K A Manoharan got started from the Aluva metro station on Wednesday even as Kochi Metro Rail Ltd (KMRL) Managing Director Elias George said he was hopeful of a nod from the safety officer to start commercial operations.
“We’re hopeful of getting necessary sanction to start the metro operations without much difficulty. The inauguration date is yet to be fixed. The chief Minister’s office has sent a letter seeking a convenient date of prime minister,” Elias George said.
The expert team inspected Pulinchoodu, Companypaddi, Ambattukavu and Muttom stations during the day after starting from Aluva metro station at 9.30 am.
Besides track, traction and stations, the officers also analysed passenger amenities, availability of drinking water, ticketing office and customer care among others.
Upon completion of the process by Friday, the report of the CMRS is expected to be received in a week. If a conditional ‘Fit for Operation’ certificate is granted, then the KMRL will have to first carryout the directions, otherwise, the metro services can be operated and no other hurdles remain.
The authorities aim for starting the operations by this month end even as there are reports that the prime minister would be visiting the state only in the second week of June.
The expert team will conduct inspection in the Muttom-Edapally section on Thursday. On the final day, the experts will assess the fool-proof functioning and safety.
