Nearly two weeks after the final green signal was given, the first underground stretch of Chennai Metro Rail from Thirumangalam to Nehru Park waits for inauguration by the State government.
According to sources in Chennai Metro Rail Limited (CMRL), even they are awaiting information from the State government on when the inauguration may take place. “We have already communicated [to the authorities] that we are ready for inauguration on any day. We are waiting for them to give us a date,” an official said.
When asked if the construction work has been completed, officials said, only finishing works are on and once the date is decided, it can be wound up immediately. “All basic amenities needed for passenger operations are already in place. Each station has four entries/exits, of which only two will be put to use and that is ready too; eventually, when the number of people travelling increases, the other two will be opened too,” an official said.
The construction for the 7.6-km stretch from Thirumangalam to Nehru Park began in 2012. After various other safety clearances including that of Research Design and Standards Organisation (RDSO) in mid-April, they received the final safety clearance from Commissioner of Metro Rail Safety (CMRS).
Chennai Metro Rail, built at a cost of ₹14,600 crore, saw its first service running from Koyambedu to Alandur in June 2015. In September last year, the second stretch from Little Mount to Chennai airport was opened to public. When the first underground stretch is opened, commuters can travel a distance of 17 km from Nehru Park to Chennai airport.
