CMRS begins inspection: Checks viaduct, stations in Maharaja’s-Thykoodam stretch

KOCHI: A seven member team led by the Commissioner of Metro Rail Safety K.A Manoharan inspected the Thykoodam line of Kochi Metro on Friday. The team inspected the Metro viaduct and the stations along the Maharajas - Thykoodam stretch.

The inspection will continue on Saturday based on which the commissioner will give clearance for starting commercial service along the route.

The team is inspecting civil structures (pile foundation pier, girders, bridges), track, electrical (lift, escalator, fire fighting system, third rail, auxiliary and traction substations and the like), signalling and passenger facilities.

The Italy-based Bureau Veritas, an independent third party safety assessor, has already completed a detailed examination of the new line and issued the ‘ISA’ certificate.

Upon getting the clearance from the Metro Rail Safety Commissioner, the Kochi Metro Rail Limited is planning to introduce the commercial service by first week of September. Five more stations will be added to the Metro corridor including the Ernakulam south and Vyttila mobility hub, the two major transit points in the city.

Initially, Metro trains will run at a maximum speed of 20 kmph in the new stretch for more than a month.

The speed will be gradually increased up to 80 kmph at later stage.