Hyderabad Metro Rail yet to get safety signal, Modi to inaugurate on Nov 28

Hyderabad: As the Commissioner of Metro Rail Safety (CMRS) is yet to issue safety clearance for the launch of Metro Rail operations on November 28, the state government is working on alternative plans to ensure that the inauguration by Prime Minister Narendra Modi goes as scheduled, but commercial operations will be delayed by a week.

The Union urban development ministry made it clear that unless the CMRS safety clearance is obtained for the entire 30-km stretch, it will not recommend that the PMO confirm the inauguration by the Prime Minister.

Five intelligence officials from New Delhi, camping in the city for the past four days, are inspecting tracks, pillars, and stations and reporting to the PMO. Their final report will be crucial in determining the PM’s itinerary this week.

The alternative plan, according to officials in the municipal department, is for the Prime Minister to inaugurate the Metro Rail at Miyapur station on November 28, and take a ride on the train from Miyapur to SR Nagar (12 km) for which CMRS’ safety clearance has been obtained. The 30-km stre-tch will be opened later.