Come August, Metro speed to go from 25kmph to 80kmph

NAGPUR: Nagpur Metro, which runs at stately pace of 25 kms per hour now, will speed up from August when MahaMetro gets the required permissions. It will be allowed to touch 80 kmph. However, when all stations are ready, the average speed will be between 35 and 40 kmph, the standard for Metros all over the world. The trains can run at 90 kmph.
MahaMetro managing director Brijesh Dixit todl TOI trials of trains at 80 kmph were being held on Sitabuldi to Khapri section at night. “So far, there have been no problems. A team of Research Design and Standards Organization (RDSO) is coming to the city in June end to check our trials. This will be followed by inspection of Commissioner of Metro Rail Safety (CMRS). Once we get the speed certificate from CMRS, we will be able to increase the speed,” he added.
Dixit further said advanced signalling system was also being tested. “Signalling was very basic when we started operations on at-grade section. Now we are using a better version. However, within two months it will be the latest system. CMRS will test that too,” he added.
“We will use the technology used by driverless train systems called train control system (TCS). The train operation will be computerized and will observe speed restrictions on its own. The drivers will be there only for emergency purpose,” said the MD.
MahaMetro chief further said frequency of trains would also be increased in coming days as both lines had become operational. “More trains are reaching the city from China soon and this will enable increase of frequency,” he added.
On commissioning of Sitabuldi to Lokmanya Nagar section, he said it would happen in August. “CMRS inspection for increasing speed on Sitabuldi-Khapri stretch and starting operations in this section are likely to happen at the same time,” he said.
On opening of new stations, Dixit said that Jaiprakash Nagar would become operational within a month followed by Rahate Colony. “All stations on Sitabuldi-Khapri stretch will become functional by December end,” he added.