Safety tests for monorail begins, citizens asked to keep away

The Mumbai Metropolitan Region Development Authority (MMRDA) is moving towards the final stages of the monorail project as it begins tests for safety certification.

The Mumbai Metropolitan Region Development Authority (MMRDA) is moving towards the final stages of the monorail project as it begins tests for safety certification.

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It has asked citizens not to venture into the area between GTB Nagar monorail station and Wadala monorail, as well as near the Wadala depot belt, where tests are being conducted.

Dilip Kawathkar, joint project director, MMRDA, said the entire process was being conducted as a safety measure.

“We are appealing to people not to venture near these spots. These tests are a process towards securing the safety certificate required to commission the monorail,” he said.

“Others tests for signalling, communications, rolling stocks and auto fare collection are being conducted simultaneously,” he added.

MMRDA officials said unlike metro services, which need clearance from the commissioner of railway safety (CRS), an international independent agency would be issuing the safety certificate for monorail operations.

The Singapore-based SMRT agency has been appointed as the independent assessor for testing and commissioning of the corridor.

On Wednesday, the conductor rails fitted on the monorail concrete guideway beams between GTB Nagar monorail station, Wadala monorail station and Wadala depot were energised as part of the test.

While the 8.8-km Chembur Wadala line will be open to the public by September, the second phase — the 12.2km WadalaJacob Circle stretch — seems to have hit several hurdles.