The final inspection of Chennai Metro’s 10-km stretch from AG-DMS to Washermanpet will take place by the end of next week.
Sources in the Commissioner of Metro Rail Safety (CMRS) said that the inspection of the final stretch of phase I is likely on January 19, 20 and 21. This inspection is mandatory and only after the CMRS authorities give the final clearance and a certificate can operations begin on this stretch.
“The documents were submitted a few weeks back and were being scrutinised. Next, CMRS will inspect various facilities at all stations on this stretch to check if they are safe for passengers to use; this apart, they will inspect the track along this stretch and other systems in the tunnel too,” an official said.
Inauguration soon
A week after that, this stretch will be inaugurated and thrown open to the public. Another source said that they have invited the Minister of Urban Development for the inauguration and once a response is received, a date will be fixed.
Work on phase I, built at a cost of ₹14,600 crore, will finally end with this 10-km stretch being commissioned. Some of the stations along the stretch are Thousand Lights, LIC, Chennai Central, Mannady and Madras High Court.
Although construction has been under way for years now, sources said that there is quite a bit of work in a few stations like LIC and Thousand Lights left. “It will be very difficult to finish civil work before inauguration; but perhaps only the most important passenger facilities will be readied and the remaining work completed later,” another official said.