Lucknow Metro Rail Corporation seeks 10 days' time to clear doubts

LUCKNOW: The Lucknow Metro Rail Corporation has reportedly sought 10 more days from the Commissioner of

Metro Railway Safety

to work on areas pointed out by him in the first round of inspection.

The

CMRS

will visit the Lucknow Metro again around mid-August for a second round of inspection, during which the train will be tested at its top speed of 80km per hour.

TOI had exclusively reported on August 1 that the CMRS could not to test the Metro at its maximum certified speed because of short distances of around 1km between stations which didn't allow the train to reach its top speed. The train was tested up to 70kmph.

The CMRS then asked LMRC to re-programme the software, enabling the train to skip a few stations during the test so that it is able to hit 80kmph. The commissioner had also sought an internal audit of load tests (to see how much load the Metro corridor can bear) and braking distance (time and distance taken by the train to stop after emergency brakes are pressed) before applying for the speed test.

LMRC has sought 10 more days to test the load and braking distance before inviting the CMRS for the second inspection. Sources privy to the development told TOI, "Load testing of the Metro corridor is very important as it will reveal the durability of the infrastructure. During the test, heavy load is kept on the tracks and the train to evaluate the corridor's bearing capacity. Braking distance is important for safety because the train must stop within a prescribed distance when brakes are pressed."

Before the second inspection, LMRC will self-audit these two tests and submit the reports to the CMRS. The official will take a call on giving the go-ahead to the Metro in mid-August after he's satisfied with the train's top speed and safety.

The CMRS' nod is the last stage of technical approvals needed for the opening of Lucknow Metro.

Sources said, "Overall the project is fine. The team just has to submit certain clarifications. The authorisation can be given this month after CMRS collates the reports by various engineers on signalling, electrification, civil work etc and gives his approval. After a positive speed test, CMRS may take five to seven days for submitting his report.