A metro rail train decked with marigold garlands and roses rolled out of the Koyambedu depot on Friday – for its longest trial run. The four-coach rake, looking dusty, came out of the depot around noon and was greeted by shutterbugs who had placed themselves on top of buildings to get a glimpse of the future of urban transportation.
Three years in construction, eight years since the first feasibility study was done and more than 10 years since the idea of a metro rail for the city was mooted in 2003, the trial run on Friday was a coming together of technology, bureaucratic processes and coordination between agencies.
Enduring traffic congestion and bad roads, commuters did not know what was happening overhead. While the trains’ headlights and blaring horn failed to catch the attention of commuters below, construction workers on top of buildings stopped work to watch the train.
Metro rail has lined up more trials. The first time the train was taken out of the Koyambedu depot, the operator did not go faster than 5 kmph. The train made three trips on Friday. Once fully functional, these trains will have an average speed of 35 kmph and a top speed of 85 kmph.
Friday’s run was basic. The automatic signalling system will be tested in later trials.
WHAT LIES AHEAD
Koyambedu-St Thomas Mount line likely to be complete by October
Saidapet-Airport elevated line to be finished by early 2015
Underground line to be complete by end of 2015
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