Metro runs full throttle sans check

Nagpur: The MahaMetro has increased speed of Metro trains on Concor railway over bridge (RoB) and Gaddigodam four-decker bridge without seeking approval of the Commissioner of Metro Rail Safety (CMRS) for the repair works carried out recently.
A team of CMRS is likely to visit on September 11 and 12 for approving the car depot situated at Mihan and new Metro rail station constructed at Cotton Market.Sources say the team may also inspect the repair works during the visit.


On August 28, TOI had reported that speed of Metro trains has been reduced from 80 km per hour (kmph) to 30 kmph on Concor RoB after cracks were detected on tracks. In fact, the speed was slashed immediately after defects were found on July 23. A few days ago, Metro claimed to have carried out the repairs and normalized the speed of 80kmph on this RoB, without CMRS nod.
On August 30, TOI highlighted track settlement on four-decker bridge situated in front of Gurudwara at Gaddigodam on Kamptee Road. At the same time, cracks were reported at the beginning of four-decker bridge on viaduct of Metro rail. Here too the speed has been increased to 50 kmph now.
Experts say the defects on the RoB between Khapri and New Airport Metro Rail Stations were of a serious nature. Specialized agencies like VNIT, Metro’s empanelled consultant and senior quality officials suggested rectification works, which included filling of about 65 metric tonne cement in voids of the approach slab embankment.
On September 4, TOI had reported that Metro was using a car depot constructed at Mihan since 5 years while the completion work is still on and structures like walls and ramps were found in a dilapidated condition. Here too, CMRS approval is needed.
TOI reached out to Metro for a comment on September 6, and sent reminders on subsequent days, but did not get a response. The story will be updated online once Metro sends its response.
Meanwhile, a Metro representative, on the condition on anonymity, said that the CMRS team will inspect the Mihan depot on September 11 and 12 when it reaches Nagpur for inspecting the new Metro rail station at Cotton Market.