CHENNAI: Work to link North Chennai with metro trains in less than two years’ time is on in full swing, as the Chennai Metro Rail Limited (CMRL) will soon begin installation of critical power systems required for the transit facility’s operation. A tender was floated for installation of these systems. The 9km phase-1 extension, which will link Washermenpet to Wimco Nagar stretch with the rest of the city’s metro rail network, is expected to be ready by March 2020.By floating the tender, CMRL wants to finalise on a firm that can design, manufacture and install overhead equipment (OHE) along the tracks and integrated power supply system required for the operation of trains and the stations. The firm that takes up the contract is also expected to test and commission these critical systems as well as train CMRL staff to provide technical and maintenance support. The installation of these systems will also be done at the elevated maintenance depot being constructed at Wimco Nagar with 17 stabling lines. The contractor is expected to complete the work in 18 months.North Chennai will be linked through nine stations, three of which will be underground.For the 45km phase-1, Siemens AG of Germany and its Indian arms Siemens Ltd India installed the power supply and OHE. For operating trains in the two corridors of phase-1, CMRL uses 25kV AC traction power supplied through the OHE, selected for energy efficiency and safety. CMRL uses 33kV of power for utilities at the stations.Construction of the North Chennai line began in 2016 and tunnelling for a 2km stretch from Washermenpet to Korukkupet was completed last year. Since then, work is underway to install all systems required for operation of trains starting with ballastless tracks. Metro rail officials said once the track work is complete, critical systems like signalling and power supply equipment will be installed. Simultaneously, construction of the stations, the elevated corridor and the depot is underway.

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