Ahmedabad: Commercial launch just a month away, Metro trial runs in fast lane

With the expected launch of commercial run of Ahmedabad Metro Rail just a month away, intensive trial runs are going to be conducted in the run-up to the big day.

On Thursday, the second test on viaduct was carried out for a limited stretch from Apparel Park to Amraiwadi station. The first test of the train set was successfully carried out on the test track at Apparel Park Depot on January 1, and Wednesday.

The second train set is expected to arrive on February 13, and will undergo technical examination, safety checks, and other tests.

The Gujarat Metro Rail Corporation (GMRC) said that it will conduct trial runs for the next ten days.

"The Metro will run on the stretch from Apparel park to Amraiwadi for the next 10 days. This will be followed by inspection by Research Designs & Standards Organisation (RDSO) and Commissioner of Railway Safety. We expect the Metro rail to be ready for commercial operations by the first or second week of March," said GMRC managing director IP Gautam.

The commercial run will begin on the 7.80-km stretch between Vastral Gam and Apparel park initially. The stretch is a part of the 20.73-km East-West corridor, which extends up to Thaltej. The North-West corridor is 18.52 km long, and will extend from APMC to Motera. The entire project is expected to become operational by next year.

Each train will have three coaches. The train will have a carrying capacity of 1,017. This includes 140 seated passengers, and 877 standing.