Metro trial run for two stretches delayed by a month.

Chennai Metro Rail’s trial run for the last two crucial stretches in the phase I project has been pushed to next month, sources said.

According to sources in Chennai Metro Rail, the trial run for two stretches - AG-DMS to Chennai Central and Chennai Central to Washermanpet - has been deferred, as the signalling software is yet to arrive and be installed. Initially, officials had said the trial run would be held in September.

A CMRL official said they hoped to get the software by next month and as soon as it was done, the trial runs would begin.

Trial runs are carried out by the CMRL before opening a stretch for the public.

During this period, they run the train back and forth continuously to check for any possible problems. “The track and other works have been completed. When the software comes, we will carry out the trial run,” an official said.

The Metro Rail plans to open the two stretches by the end of December, but sources say there is quite a lot of construction work along the stations in Anna Salai that needs to be completed. “It is not clear how they will finish all this construction work in two months,” a source said.

Meanwhile, the CMRL has installed a new lift at the Chennai Central Metro station.

THE HINDU