: The Delhi Metro Rail Corporation (DMRC) has completed the launch of U and I-girders along most parts of the 18-km Kochi Metro corridor, anticipating the project’s commissioning by November.
Girder launch has been completed on the Muttom-Palarivattom corridor, to enable trial runs that are expected to resume in June. Two trial runs are over on the Muttom-Edappally stretch.
The full metro viaduct on the Aluva-Maharaja’s College Ground corridor will be ready by the month-end after a dozen more U and I-girders are launched by June-end. U-girders are placed over pillars in straight corridors, while I-girders are placed mostly at turnings.
The launch of I-girders is pending at the International Stadium, Lissie Junction, Madhava Pharmacy Junction and Maharaja’s Ground. The U and I-girders are slated for launch on the Aluva-Muttom corridor by June.
In the meantime, rooms housing metro systems such as power and signals are ready at three stations between Muttom and Palarivattom. The amenity will be ready at all stations on the route by June-end when trial runs are expected to become frequent. The metro’s second train is expected to be delivered in a month.
This will be followed by completion of works in public areas. The DMRC will build interiors and exteriors of stations based on standardised design, following which the KMRL would adorn them with art works, paintings, etc., based on the theme of each station. The entry and exit of stations will be built last – by August, since this component is not required for trial runs. The Commissioner for Railway Safety (CRS) will then inspect the viaduct, stations, trains, etc., before issuing safety certificate.
The DMRC has simultaneously begun resurfacing the Aluva-Edappally NH 47 corridor since most civil works are over here.
Our aim is to relay the corridor by the month-end, before the onset of the monsoon, sources said.
