Elevated stretch likely to
be operational by mid 2014
Chennai:
It was a Red Letter Day for Chennai as the city’s
first metro train that was imported from Brazil chugged off for a test run
after being flagged off by Chief Minister J Jayalalithaa on Wednesday.
The Brazilian beauty, which was the cynosure of all
eyes was inspected by the Chief Minister for nearly 10 minutes, as the
paparazzi zoomed in from all the angles to catch a glimpse of the interiors of
the train along with the VIP.
The Chief minister later inaugurated 25 kilo volt
overhead traction system to power the trainsets after which the train was
flagged off amidst the cheers and claps from a small gathering of officials,
guests and metro rail workers.
Although officials refused to give any time frame on
when the elevated stretch will be operational, it is believed that the first
train is expected to run in the 11km stretch between Koyambedu to St Thomas
Mount by mid 2014. It will cover eight stations.
The four rake train with a capacity of 1,276 passengers
(1,100 standing and 176 seated) will now have to undergo test run for 1,600 km
before going in for a trial run in the elevated stretch, said Chennai Metro Rail Chief General Manager
(construction) V Somasundaram.
Speaking on the occasion, managing director of Chennai
metro rail K Rajaraman said that Chennai Metro trains will have luggage rack
for small bags and brief cases, a feature not available in metros including
Delhi and Bangalore.
The train is also provided with automatic train
protection which ensures that minimum distance between two trains are
maintained as a default to ensure complete safety of passengers.
It is also provided with a regenerative braking. Every
time the train brakes, the motors will act as generators, generate electricity
and feed back power to the traction line. The power will be used by the
auxiliary system of the same train as well as other trains on the track. With
this special feature, the train is able to generate 35 per cent of the traction
energy consumed by it making it more environment friendly.
The train is also provided with lighting system
which adjusts the lighting level based on ambient light levels. Chennai Metro
rail will also have a call center working throughout the operational hours to
receive and address passenger complaints. The number of the call center will be
displayed everywhere in the metro system including the rolling stock.
The train is also provided with dynamic route maps
which will light up as the train moves. This device will be able to guide the
passenger to alight from the train, especially while the train is moving in the
underground sections.
Box:
CCTV cameras: The train is provided with CCTV cameras
for surveillance. There are four cameras per car with images displayed on the
train operators console.
Disabled friendly: The train has been provided with
facilities for physically challenged persons. A person in wheel chair will be
able to come from the street using the lift on his own through the platform and
board the train.
Passenger safety: The train has automatic doors that
will ensure passenger safety
Speed: The train is designed for a speed of 90kmph
where as operation is done at a maximum speed of 80kmph giving safety margin.
Additional coaches. The train currently has four rakes
but two more coaches can be added depending on the demand from passengers.
Fire safety: All non-metallic materials used in the
train are fire retardant and compliant with European norms on fire safety. It
also has smoke detectors.
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