Kochi Metro signalling trial next week; migration planning soon to follow

Kochi: With the trial run in the five-km Palarivattom- Maharajas section turning out to be successful, the Kochi Metro authorities now aim to start signaling trial by next week followed by the difficult task of ‘Migration Planning’. “Migration Planning means shifting the signal and communication software. Unlike in railways, the whole operation of metro trains is controlled with the aid of software (Communication Based Train Control System) from the Operation Control Centre (OCC) in Muttom. Currently the software is programmed to operate in the 13-km Aluva-Palarivattom stretch and for trial the programme need to be changed to Aluva-Maharajas section,” sources said.

As per the roadmap, the slow and high-speed signalling trials will be followed by integrated multiple rake trials after August 20. “Trials will be conducted during night so that the existing operation is not affected. After obtaining the Fire safety and the EIG (Electrical Inspector to the Government) certificates, the commissioner of metro rail safety (CMRS) will arrive for inspection,” they said. The metro authorities now aim to start commercial operation till Maharajas from Aluva, a total of 18 kms, a month ahead of schedule.

Earlier the target was to finish the works by October end and start operation by November first week. “Now we want to run the services before the FIFA Under-17 World Cup that starts early October. The civil construction works will be over by the end of this month,” the sources said. The extension of metro services upto Maharajas College Ground is expected to benefit office goers and regular commuters which in-turn is thought to cut down number of private vehicles on already congested city roads.