The Metro trial run between Sampige Road and Yelachanahalli stations, which will eventually lead to the completion of Metro Phase 1, will begin in the coming days with the Metro authorities handing over the task to the French company Alstom.
The stretch contains an underground section from Sampige Road to KR Market. BMRCL Managing Director Pradeep Singh Kharola said signalling and other technical installations on one track were being checked by Alstom.
When queried about the exact date by which the trial run will begin, he said, “The company will decide it. Now only one track is ready for the test. The other one should be ready within the next five days.”
Kharola said the trial run will go on for about 45 days during which the detailed technical data of the tracks will be gathered. This will be followed by inspection by Commissioner Railway Safety (CRS). A senior BMRC official said the CRS inspection takes up to 30 days.
Asked about incomplete works at the KR Market and Chickpet stations, Kharola said about 90% of the civic works at the City Market and 85% at Chickpet stations were completed. “Our target is to finish all works by the end of March. These works, however, do not affect the trial runs.”
When asked whether Phase 1 will be open for the public by April end, Kharola said, “As of now we are on track. We want to open it in April.”