MMRDA conducts monorail trial on Wadala-Jacob Circle stretch | Mumbai news - Hindustan Times
close_game
close_game

MMRDA conducts monorail trial on Wadala-Jacob Circle stretch

Hindustan Times | By, Mumbai
Jan 27, 2017 08:37 PM IST

The trial was kept quiet fearing criticism in case of failure or a technical glitch.

With Phase-II of the monorail nearing completion, the Mumbai Metropolitan Region Development Authority (MMRDA) carried out a 10.6-km trial run successfully, on Republic Day.

Monorail trials carried out between Wadala and Acharya Atre Nagar on August 15 last year.(HT File Photo)
Monorail trials carried out between Wadala and Acharya Atre Nagar on August 15 last year.(HT File Photo)

The much delayed second phase of the project is expected to be commissioned by May.

Hindustan Times - your fastest source for breaking news! Read now.

This is not the first time that the MMRDA has carried out a trial run away from the public glare. Last year, on Independence Day, a 3-km trial run was carried out between Wadala and Acharya Atre Nagar. According to MMRDA officials, besides the model code of conduct being in force, the trial was kept quiet fearing criticism in case of failure or a technical glitch.

“We carried out a trial run on the entire stretch between Wadala and Sant Gadge Maharaj Chowk of Phase-II on January 26 and it was successful,” said Sanjay Khandare, additional metropolitan commissioner, MMRDA. Phase-II of the project will connect south Mumbai and the eastern suburbs.

Khandare added that some of the technical issues that plagued the country’s only monorail have been resolved. The conductor rail, which powers the monorail, had dislocated on the stretch and has now been fixed. “The two track-changing switches that were lying with the Customs department for two years, have been brought and installed,” Khandare said.

He added that the civil construction of Phase-II is nearly complete. “The approaches and exits of the stations are pending; rest of the civil construction is complete. We will finish it by February first week. According to MMRDA officials, regular trials on the stretch will start by February.

The commissioning of the entire corridor up to Sant Gadge Maharaj Chowk (Jacob Circle) is crucial for financial viability of the project. Phase-II passes through dense areas and would cater to more people, thus increasing the ridership. MMRDA is expecting that the number of passengers would go up from 18,000 per day to 1.20 lakh, once the second phase is commissioned.

Read

MMRDA wants new contractor to run monorail, invites bids

Residents want to rename Dadar (East) monorail station to ‘Vitthal Mandir’

In Mumbai: Infra promises to keep in 2017

SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON
Share this article
  • ABOUT THE AUTHOR
    author-default-90x90

    Swapnil Rawal is Principal Correspondent with the Hindustan Times. He covers urban development and infrastructure. He had long stints with leading national dailies and has experience of over a decade in journalism.

SHARE
Story Saved
Live Score
OPEN APP
Saved Articles
Following
My Reads
Sign out
New Delhi 0C
Friday, March 29, 2024
Start 14 Days Free Trial Subscribe Now
Follow Us On