New Delhi: The trial of Chennai’s first driverless train will begin over the viaduct in Poonamallee area from mid-march. The first stretch of the train between Poonamallee and Porur will be ready for passengers by the end of 2025.
The total cost of the Phase II project is estimated around 63,846 crore. The first driverless train will carry three coaches for the trial run on the viaduct along the stretch.
First train bought for trial run
The first train for the trial run has been bought from Sri City around three months back, said an official from Chennai Metro Rail Limited (CMRL). Initially, the static tests were conduct and later CMRL moved to do dynamic trial runs of the train, said a report in The Hindu.
Citing officials, the report suggested that the first round of trial runs went smoothly. However, some of the minor issues were timely dealt with. The trial runs will continue for the next two months.
Following these tests, the trains will be moved on the viaduct for the trials.
First trial between Poonamallee and Mullaithottam
In the beginning, the first trial runs will be conducted between Poonamallee and Mullaithottam stations.
The official further added that they plan to start trial runs between Poonamallee and Porur stations
by end of April or early May.
The officials also stated the train was being run till Mullaithottam station due to delay in laying tracks. The work on laying the tracks has picked up pace in the last few weeks as a new contractor is hired to do the work quickly.
“There was a delay in work by the contractor who was initially assigned the track work. Following pressure and discussion with the firm, they hired more staff to carry out the work fast. Since, this wasn’t enough to carry out work on the 9-km stretch, we have deployed additional contractor to speed up the work,” the report cited another official as saying.
