[Pics] Kochi Metro Extends Trial Runs to Edapally

Yesterday, the Kochi Metro Rail successfully extended their trial runs a little further south to Edapally, a distance of 6 km from the Muttom Depot! Unlike the first round of trials which took place at a fixed speed of 10 km/hr on a small 3.5 km stretch between the Muttom Depot and Kalamassery, the Alstom train this time around made 3 trips and operated at varying speeds of 10, 20 & 30 km/hr. It also included its first lot of passengers – proud engineers from Larsen & Toubro which built this stretch’s viaduct, along with engineers from DMRC and KMRL.

Alignment of Muttom depot – Edappaly section  – View Kochi Metro map and information

Kochi’s Metro at LuLu Mall, Edapally – Photo Copyright: Kochi Metro Rail

Approaching Muttom station – Photo Copyright: Kochi Metro Rail

Photo Copyright: Kochi Metro Rail

Muttom station – Photo Copyright: Kochi Metro Rail

At Kalamassery – Photo Copyright: Kochi Metro Rail

Photo Copyright: Kochi Metro Rail

Photo Copyright: Kochi Metro Rail

At Kalamassery where NH47C meets NH47 – Photo Copyright: Kochi Metro Rail

Photo Copyright: Manorama Online

Photo Copyright: Manorama Online

Passing through CUSAT station – Photo Copyright: Kochi Metro Rail

Passing through Edapally – Photo Copyright: Kochi Metro Rail

Photo Copyright: Kochi Metro Rail

As I mentioned earlier, trial runs are now expected to be gradually extended southward towards Palarivattom by May and up to Maharaja’s College by July. In April, another train is expected to join the fleet from Alstom’s plant in Sri City, AP after which one train will be delivered every month.

Officials from DMRC and KMRL are aiming to open the 8 km Muttom – Palarivattom stretch by November 1, but looking at the stations’ progress, that just doesn’t seem feasible. There’s clearly a long way to go.

For more updates on Kochi’s Metro, check out the Kochi section of the The Metro Rail Guy!

– TMRG