Hyderabad Metro Rail project got its first interim clearance for running trains between Nagole and Mettuguda, the first construction stage on Corridor Three-Nagole to Shilparamam/Raidurg. The Ministry of Railways Research Design & Standards Organisation (RDSO) has issued the ‘speed certificate’ for running trains at a maximum speed of 80 kmph. The clearance, obtained earlier this month, will now enable the metro rail authorities to approach the Commissioner of Metro Rail Safety (CMRS) of SCR to further test the trains before giving the final nod for start of commercial operations.
HMR Managing Director N.V.S. Reddy said the certification has come after more than six months of rigorous testing of all 14 three coach rakes in Uppal depot. “Trains were tested to go up to 90 kmph and permission was given for 80 kmph although in reality, average speed will be 35 kmph with a station every kilometre,” he explained.
Testing for trains overhead included for oscillation, emergency braking systems, speed potential, electric cabling, regenerative energy systems, etc., in empty and loaded conditions on the eight kilometre stretch. Each of the self-propelled bi-directional train sets (built by Hyundai Rotem) consisting of three coaches, which can be extended to six coaches, had two driving motor coaches at both ends and one trailer coach between. RDSO has highlighted that all high voltage equipment and cable provided on the under frame of the metro coaches has ensured separation between power and passenger areas. The trains had exhibited “satisfactory” riding behaviour upto a maximum speed of 90 kmph…” hence, it has “certified that these Hyderabad Metro coaches are fit for operation up to a maximum speed of 80 kmph on metro standard gauge system”.
