The first train of Metro may start running only in 2013, but Chennai Metro Rail has already chalked out a comprehensive traffic plan. According to the plan, Metro will operate four-car trains during peak hours at 6 minute intervals in the Koyambedu-St Thomas Mount stretch in 2013, and the Washermenpet-Little Mount-Chennai airport stretch and the Chennai Central-Koyambedu-St Thomas Mount stretch in 2014. The deadlines have been set for receiving the coaches, conducting trial runs, commencement of services on the elevated line and underground lines. The four-car metro will have a capacity to carry 1,276 commuters, including seating and standing. The frequency of the trains will be reduced to four minutes in the Washermenpet-Little Mount-airport stretch and the Chennai Central-Koyambedu-St Thomas Mount in 2016. Metro hopes that the patronage for services would increase by 2026. So, six-car trains would be operated in both the corridors, which would be ready by 2015 as per current estimates, said an official. Works are progressing briskly to build elevated stations and viaducts between Koyambedu and St Thomas Mount while metro is planning to award tender for the elevated line from airport to Officer’s Training Academy. The Koyambedu-St Thomas Mount stretch is 9 km long, while the Little Mount-Chennai airport stretch is 7 km. Metro rail would receive nine rakes in the beginning of 2013 while the rest of the 33 rakes will arrive by the end of 2014. Services would commence on the elevated stretch and the underground stretch only after conducting three levels of tests — dynamic test, a twomonth service trial and a month-long blank operation. Metro rail is in the process of identifying a contractor to carry out operations and maintenance of stations and lines. The contractor is expected develop the stations, carry out interior decorations, install passenger amenities like self-service kiosks, toilets, telecommunication services and others immediately after the stations are ready.
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