CMRS carried final inspection of Kolkata Metro's Taratala – Majerhat Section

Kolkata, India (Metro Rail Today): In a significant stride towards expanding Kolkata's metro network, Janak Kumar Garg, the Commissioner of Metro Railway Safety (CMRS), conducted a one-day final safety inspection of the Taratala – Majerhat section on Kolkata Metro Line-3 (Purple Line). This inspection marks a crucial step before the official commencement of operations on this 1.25 km elevated stretch.

The Taratala – Majerhat section, once operational, will be the second leg of the Purple Line to open, following the inauguration of the 6.49 km Joka – Taratala section with 6 stations in November 2022. The elevated stretch includes the addition of a new station at Majerhat, enhancing connectivity along Diamond Harbour Road.

Trial runs on this section commenced in mid-January 2024, culminating in Sunday's statutory inspection. The assessment covered various aspects, including passenger amenities and control facilities at Majerhat Station, a meticulous motor trolley inspection of critical systems such as the track (by Rahee Infratech), and signaling evaluations. The inspection concluded with a speed trial run, reaching a maximum speed of 60 kmph.

The viaduct for the Taratala – Majerhat section was constructed by Simplex Infrastructures, awarded through a contract dating back to 2011. Notably, the elevated Majerhat Station, situated atop the Indian Railways' 7 tracks connecting Sealdah to Budge Budge, was built by GPT Infraprojects.

Anticipating the CMRS team's approval letter by Tuesday afternoon, it's important to note that CMRS approvals are typically conditional. The metro authorities in Kolkata will await the stipulated conditions from CMRS, outlining any necessary rectifications before the official start of operations. The efficiency of remediation work and the subsequent compliance report submission will play a pivotal role in the timeline for full-fledged operations.

Accompanying the news, snapshots of Majerhat Station were shared, providing a glimpse into its journey. Originally awarded to Gammon India in April 2012 under Package JMS-2, the construction faced abandonment in 2018. Subsequently, the project was re-tendered to GPT Infraprojects, showcasing resilience and determination in completing vital metro infrastructure.

As the Taratala – Majerhat section gears up for operations pending CMRS approval, Kolkata's metro network takes another stride towards seamless connectivity and enhanced public transportation.