CMRL’s DMS leg by month end

According to Chennai Metro Rail Limited (CMRL) officials, the Commissioner of Metro Rail Safety (CMRS) is expected to complete his inspection, the final step ahead of the launch of train services, by next week. With the inauguration, the entire 45-km first phase of CMRL would be complete.

Speaking to DT Next, a senior official said the inspection, which was originally scheduled for January 10 and 11, would now be held during January 19-20.

“The two-day inspection was delayed due to administrative reasons. We have now scheduled it during January 19-20. Regular train services from Washermanpet to DMS will most likely be inaugurated before the end of the month,” he confirmed.

The CMRL, which has been conducting trial runs in the 10-km stretch since December 6, 2018, had been using a diesel-powered locomotive to test the tracks.

Meanwhile, officials said metro services from Central to Airport via Koyambedu would be continued even after the Washermanpet-Airport link is made operational. Trains operated from Central to Airport on EVR Periyar Salai and Jawaharlal Nehru Road via Kilpauk and Vadapalani were earlier planned to be discontinued.

“We will continue to operate trains to Airport on the corridor even after the services on Anna Salai is established,” said a CMRL official.