CHENNAI: Decks are being cleared for the commercial run of Chennai Metro Rail’s elevated stretch from Koyambedu to Alandur, as nearly 60-70 per cent of the work on the underground stretch is completed and the tunnels from Thirumangalam to Egmore are expected to be ready by February-end, according to a Chennai Metro Rail official.
The Chennai Metro Rail official told Express that the CMRL would be submitting a detailed report to Commissioner of Metro Rail Safety in Bengaluru on January 6, seeking clearance for the commercial run of Chennai Metro Rail from Koyambedu to Alandur.
After he goes through the report, he is expected to visit Chennai for an inspection. After his clearance, the commercial run would begin any time pending government approval, he said.
He said that currently, various tests were being conducted. He said the elevated stretch between Alandur-St Thomas Mount and Little Mount-Airport is likely to be completed by August-end.
Meanwhile, the tunnel-boring machine between Shenoy Nagar and Egmore would break even in the next two days, an official, who is familiar with the underground stretch, said. “It has reached the diaphragm walls and would break even in the next two days,” he said.
He said the stretch between Nehru Park and Kilpauk Medical College would be completed by February end, paving the way for laying the tracks in the underground stretch between Egmore and Thirumangalam. “The target to complete and start the operation from Egmore to Koyambedu is expected by December-end,” he said.
The official said the laying of track in the underground stretch between Shenoy Nagar and Thirumangalam would commence only after Pongal. “We are awaiting the Pongal festival to end so that we can start work,” he said.
The work on Chennai-Central is yet to gain pace. This is due to the legal hurdles as well as land acquisition issues which have been sorted out, he said.