Metro rail tunnels into city’s infrastructure

C Shivakumar
Chennai:
Design and construction of underground stations and associated tunnels are going on a rapid space as plans are on to integrate upcoming metro rail stations with existing modes of public transportation.

Metro rail sources said utility diversion work is in progress at Gemini, Teynampet and Chamiers Road underground stations. Sources also revealed that first stage of traffic management plan is partly implemented at Gemini station.

Simiarly with regard to rolling stock, the tender which has been awarded to Alstom Transport SA & Alstom Projects India Ltd, metro rail sources said the production of Car body shell has commenced and First Article Inspection (FAI) performed in Brazil and approved. Sources said Alstom will supply Chennai Metro Rail with 42 train-sets composed of four cars each.

The stainless steel trains will feature air-conditioned interiors and electrically operated automatic sliding doors, offering comfort and easy access to passengers. They will be equipped with a regenerative braking system ensuring significant energy savings. The cars will operate on 25 KV AC through an overhead catenary system at speeds of up to 80 km/h. Sources said In addition to supplying the rolling stock, Alstom will equip the new trains with a signaling system for Automatic Train Protection (ATP) and Automatic Train Operation (ATO).


Following rolling stock components manufacturing commenced:
-- Traction Motor manufacture started and design validated after (FAI).
---  Battery production has started and validation/FAI is planned now by end of April 2012.
-- Production and validation of Coupler has started. FAI is
planned by end of April 2012.
-- Door system serial production is progressing and delivery of train-set was performed in February in China.
-- Gangway prototype was finalized and internal type test performed. FAI planned by end of April 2012.