Kochi: The Commissioner for Metro Rail Safety (CMRS) will inspect the second reach of the Kochi Metro from Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium to Maharajas on September 25 and 26, according to an official communication from Kochi Metro Rail Limited. CMRS inspection is crucial as the commercial service can be launched only after getting the safety clearance. The integrated trial run along the second reach using the signalling and communication system has been successfully completed last week.
After receiving the safety clearance, KMRL authorities will open the route for traffic. As per the current plans, Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan will commission the stretch on October 3. KMRL had started the trial run along the second reach with a focus on coaches, tracks and the third rail traction in July which was followed by the signalling and communication testing.
As per the State government’s instruction, KMRL has hastened the construction works along the JLN Stadium – Maharajas stretch so as to open the second reach for traffic before the FIFA Under-17 World Cup matches scheduled from October 6. KMRL expects a significant increase in the number of regular passengers once the stretch is opened and the Metro agency has plans to introduce special packages and revisions in ticket fares.
