Speed check: A week into service, Airport Metro to run faster by 10 kmph

A week after the Airport Metro line resumed operations, the train speed has been increased by 10 kmph. After a safety clearance from the Commissioner of Metro Rail Safety, the Metro was put back into the service last Tuesday at a reduced speed of 50 kmph.

The speed of the Airport Metro was increased to 60 kmph on Tuesday. The decision to revise the speed of the Airport Metro was taken after a mandatory two-day inspection was carried out by senior officials of Delhi Metro Rail Corporation (DMRC). Before the Airport Metro was suspended for six months, the trains ran at a speed of 105 kmph.

"We carried a two-day inspection on the airport corridor. The entire length of 22.7 km was inspected and it was deemed fit to increase the speed of the Airport Metro," DMRC Director (Works) Jitendra Tyagi said. Tyagi headed the inspection.

Sources said while allowing the Airport Metro services to resume, the CMRS had said the speed of the trains could be increased by 10 kmph in steps.

"Further increase of speed in this sections beyond 50 kmph and up to the proposed speed of the 80 kmph may be authorised by Director (Works), in steps of 10 kmph at a time on satisfactory train operation in the section for a reasonable period of time," the clearance certificate said.

In the two-day inspection, officials monitored the cracks in the some of the 'U' girders and the tensions clamps.

"Large number of tension clamps had been replaced, as they were broken, during the earlier operations of the line. It was seen that the rate of breaking dropped appreciably on reduction of speed from 105 kmph to 80 kmph. The cause of breaking is being investigated. It needs to be ensured that tension clamps are available for replacement," the CMRS report said.

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