CHENNAI: After a month-long trial run and testing of the signalling systems, the 9km phase-1 extension line from Washermenpet to Wimco Nagar is likely to open for commercial operations in the first half of February and commuters can travel from Wimco Nagar to Airport in a single train ride in around 60 minutes.
Engineers of Chennai Metro Rail Ltd (CMRL) fine-tuned the signalling software, crucial for the automatic operation of the trains, through a series of trial runs and work on final interiors at stations is on.
Last week, officials said, a round of signalling tests was completed where the signal software was fine-tuned according to the profile of the track on the 9km line that has eight stations including two underground. “We had been testing since December and the final test was done on January 18 and 19. A report has been sent to the Germany-based company which developed the signal software and which will certify that the signalling is ready for operations based on the report,” an official said. Sources said an inspection by the commissioner of railway safety (CMRS), whose team was in the city on Monday, may take place by the end of January before the line is ready for opening before the middle of February. CMRS approval is mandatory for commercial operation of the line.
After operations on the extension line, which will connect major north Chennai localities like Tondiarpet, Korukkupet, Thiruvottiyur and Wimco Nagar, commuters can board a train at Wimco Nagar and head to Central railway station, arterial Anna Salai, Alandur or the Airport without switching trains. They can also go to Egmore station or CMBT by physically switching corridors at Central Metro.
Many critical parameters were tested. They include the speed of the train on a straight track or curves, stop point in stations, interlocking system that prevents trains from conflicting movements in junctions or crossings, communication between the trains from the operation control centre (OCC), display of the location of trains on the screens in OCC and testing and remote controlling of point machines that guides trains switch between two tracks. “We didn’t have issues while testing because it is the same signal software we are using in phase-1 corridors. It has been updated based on our experience of operating trains in the phase. All that was needed was fine tuning the software according to the track profile to ensure it meets the expected accuracy levels,” an official said.
After day trials, CMRL is conducting trial runs at night after daily operations on phase-1 lines end so that pending work in the stations and along the corridor is completed during the day. While stations are getting ready, roads along the stretch are being re-laid with footpaths and medians.