After the inauguration of its first underground stretch, the Chennai Metro Rail has switched focus to opening the stretch between Saidapet to AG-DMS, which stretches to a distance of about 6 km.
The first trial run on the stretch is all set to be held in July. This stretch comprises four stations — Saidapet, Nandanam, Teynampet and AG-DMS.
Tunnelling completed
According to officials of the Chennai Metro Rail Limited (CMRL), the tunnelling work and laying of tracks is complete and trial runs can begin.
“Initially, we will have trials with locos. Simultaneously, the work on electrification and signalling too will begin. After these works are over, the trials with actual trains will start,” an official said.
The construction of stations along this stretch has been on for several months now and is likely to be over by the end of the year, officials said.
Work on the stretch was delayed as the Russian firm Mosmetrostroy, which was to have executed the tunnelling, left the project and its partner Gammon India’s contract was terminated.
Subsequently, Afcons Infrastructure Limited completed the tunnelling work.
Along with this stretch, Chennai Metro Rail also plans to extend the 7.6 km underground section from Thirumangalam to Nehru Park, which was opened in May, up to Chennai Central.
The two new stations on this stretch will be Egmore and Chennai Central.
