CCRS issues provisional safety certificate to operate trains on MRTS extension project

CCRS grants provisional safety certificate for MRTS extension, allowing train operations with speed limits; services expected to launch March 15.

The Mass Rapid Transit system (MRTS) extension project between Velachery and St. Thomas Mount railway station has finally received a provisional safety certificate from the Chief Commissioner of Railway Safety (CCRS) for operating suburban trains but with speed restrictions on some portions.

CCRS Janak Kumar Garg issued the provisional certificate dated March 11 and directed that train operations on the up and down lines between Velachery and St. Thomas Mount station, covering a length of 4.49 kilometres, be made operational as per the Railways Act, 1989. However, he directed railway officials to maintain speed restrictions, with the maximum permissible speed capped at 55 kilometres per hour on the main line and 15 kmph while negotiating turns. 

The safety certificate from the CCRS, which is mandatory for operationalising trains, was issued based on the inspection that Mr. Garg carried out on the track portion on March 5 along with several senior railway officials, including Chennai Divisional Railway Manager Shailendra Singh.

The CCRS has made several observations for modifications to be carried out, including improvements to passenger facilities at railway stations, engineering works, corrections to track structures, and compliance with the signalling and telecommunication setup as per the Research Designs and Standards Organisation (RDSO) guidelines, before commencing train operations for public use.

Mr. Garg has given the provisional sanction based on Southern Railway’s request for a time period to comply with the issues raised by the Commissioner and the railway officials furnishing a detailed timeline for rectifying the various issues.

The CCRS has stated in the certificate that all essential passenger amenities, including lifts, escalators, drinking water, restrooms, and proper signage, should be ensured at the stations before starting passenger train services. Mr. Garg has also directed that the four escalators being installed at Puzhuthivakkam railway station must be completed by May 15.