The Mumbai Metropolitan Region Development Authority (MMRDA) began trial runs on the Mandale-Mankhurd stretch of Metro Line 2B on Wednesday, with the first test run conducted by running a train carrying MMRDA staff and workers to assess operational readiness.
This first phase, which is part of the 5.39-kilometre Phase I, serves five stations–Mandale, Mankhurd, BSNL, Shivaji Chowk and Diamond Garden. Even though the testing was conducted on Mandale-Diamond Garden section, the whole Yellow Line 2B is of 23.6-km from Mandale to DN Nagar in Andheri with 20 stations.
Trials will help in evaluating the performance of systems like tracks, signalling and train operation prior to start of commercial services. They are used to test communication-based train control (CBTC), telecommunication infrastructure, platform screen doors, and automatic fare collection system. Six-car rakes also carry emergency communication, obstacle detection, fire detection and regenerative braking systems to conserve energy.
The testing was conducted in a number of stages. These include track data validation, software setup, low and high-speed signalling trials, and last inspection by the Commissioner of Metro Railway Safety (CMRS). Systems also require all certifications from various authorities like Electrical Inspector to Government (EIG), Research Designs and Standards Organisation (RDSO), and BMC’s fire department.
Once the full set of clearances are received, which will take another few months, depending on the progress, the line will be certified as being fit for public operations. According to sources, this phase of the line is set to open operations for public by the end of this year.
The new corridor will connect strategic locations along V N Purav Marg and the Sion-Panvel Highway and will cut down on travel time by 15 to 20 minutes. It will also connect to Mankhurd railway station and eventually be connected to Metro Line 8A.
The Mandale depot, the largest in the country, is nearly ready with 98% physical completion. Spanned across a space of 31 hectares, it has a capacity for 72 metro rakes and boasts cutting-edge testing and maintenance facilities.
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