Metro trial runs at ITO likely in Dec.

Trial runs at the upcoming ITO Metro station is set to begin by December-end or early next year, Delhi Metro officials said.

'Trial runs on the Mandi House-ITO stretch is likely to begin this December. The station will be opened once we get the mandatory clearance from the commissioner of railway safety,' a Delhi Metro Rail Corporation spokesperson told Newsline.

Officials said civil work is almost complete, as is track laying and overhead electrification (OHE). However, electrification work is yet to be completed.

Officials also said there could be a delay as works related to signalling and telecom at this station are particularly challenging.

Experts are trying to see if signalling aspects can be worked out to make the ITO station operational before the other stations on the line. If this is not possible, then ITO will open with the other stations.

'It is challenging to open the small section from Mandi House to ITO as it has many complications. However, the DMRC is trying to open the station at the earliest as it will benefit a large number of people. At the moment, we are waiting for feedback from engineering experts on the signaling aspect,' the spokesperson said.

According to the detailed project report (DPR), the line is scheduled to be operational by December 2015.

The tunnels between Mandi House-ITO and ITO-Delhi Gate are also reportedly complete.


THE INDIAN EXPRESS