Little Mount-airport service next year.

After the Koyambedu-Alandur line that will become operational by the end of October, the Chennai Metro Rail Limited (CMRL) is all set to begin service between Little Mount and Chennai Airport by mid-2015.

The Chennai Metro Rail Limited (CMRL) has decided to hold trial run on the nine-km stretch by January and start service by mid-2015.

'We began the track work on this stretch sometime ago and once it is over, the overhead electrical work will commence. Subsequently, by early next year, we will be ready to hold the trial run between Little Mount and Chennai Airport,' said an official of the CMRL.

While the structural work on the airport station was completed, the construction of other stations along the alignment was in progress.

Preparations were on to start operation between Koyambedu and Alandur by the end of October. Apart from the trial run of trains through day and night, there were separate trials for signalling work as well, the official said. In mid-August, there would be integration tests along this stretch where the functioning of telecommunications, rolling stock (trains) and signalling would be simultaneously checked.

'After we receive clearance from safety consultants for the integration tests and the Research Design and Standards Organisation (RDSO), we will approach the Commissioner of Metro Rail Safety (CMRS) in the first week of October for final approval. As soon as we get it, the Metro Rail service will begin in the city,' he added.


THE HINDU