DMRC eyes 2016 deadline for Phase III, key works remain

NEW DELHI: With a deadline of 2016, phase III of the Delhi Metro network has a long way to go before the two new corridors get commissioned. While the Delhi Metro Rail Corporation (DMRC) said that tunnelling work on phase III will be over by the end of this year, the bulk of work, including installing and testing of a new signalling system, is yet to be undertaken, said DMRC spokesman, Anuj Dayal.

"The phase III work of 140-km Delhi Metro project is in full swing and expected to be completed, that is, ready for commissioning by 2016, subject to removal of jhuggi cluster at Punjabi Bagh and Mayapuri, and rehabilitation of houses at Trilokpuri," said Dayal.

The caveat is important.

Earlier, the DMRC head Mangu Singh had written to the Delhi chief secretary warning that if the land is not acquired and handed over to Delhi Metro on time, the completion of phase III could be impacted. Officials said while the rest of the work on phase III is going ahead on time, these bottlenecks could hold up sections of the two new corridors-Majlis Park to Shiv Vihar, and Janakpuri (west) to Botanical Garden. A senior official said, "The two new corridors will be opened in sections. Delhi Metro is aiming to start commissioning these sections by mid-2016."

Before commissioning though, plenty of work still needs to be undertaken. From completing the civil structure like stations to put tracks, electrification and signalling, there is still some way to go, Delhi Metro officials added.

Dayal said, "The contracts for electrification, track, signalling, telecommunications and rolling stock have already been awarded. In fact, at some places, the contractors have already been mobilised."

The rolling stock or trains for the two new corridors will start arriving from May this year.

Meanwhile, the overhead electrification will be erected along with the work on tracks. Following this, the signalling system will be tested. The Delhi Metro is using a new signalling system for the first time on these two new corridors-Lines 7 and 8. "The testing of the signalling system on the new lines will start once the civil work is completed. Rigorous trials will be done," Dayal said.

The new signalling system is communication-based train control (CBTC), which will undergo extensive trials, the Delhi Metro said.

"All the lines are expected to become fully operational by the end of 2016," the DMRC official added.