The Pune Metro’s PCMC-Phugewadi elevated stretch has received authorisation from the Commissioner of Metro Rail Safety (CMRS).
The CMRS had conducted the inspection of the entire stretch and the five stations located on it last month. The authorisation has paved the way for the Metro’s functioning for commuters.
The CMRS had also given some minor suggestions, which would be executed soon. A similar inspection of another priority stretch — Vanaz to Garware College — was scheduled for coming soon.
The five stations on the route include Pimpri station outside the PCMC building, Sant Tukaramnagar station, Kasarwadi, Nashik Phata and Phugewadi.
The CMRS inspection on the PCMC-Phugewadi route continued for three days. All the safety aspects pertaining to the commuters’ movements at the stations, platforms, approaches at the stations were checked during the inspections. Every station is equipped with CCTV surveillance network and has emergency alarm system for commuters.
Each station on the route has at least two entry-exit points. More such points will be developed as per requirements. The platforms at the stations can accommodate trains with six coaches, though at the initial stage the plan is to operate three-coach trains on both routes. There was a plan to install solar panels at the stations.
The work of a Metro viaduct crossing the Harris Bridge ahead of Dapodi towards Khadki has reached the last phase. This viaduct will be connecting Metro services between Pune and Pimpri-Chinchwad.
The viaduct is placed between two wings of the vehicular bridge. The steel girders have been installed to cross the river. The pillars of the Metro’s viaduct are not disrupting the vehicular movement on the bridge as well as on the two ends.
Adequate space has been marked for vehicular lanes, especially on the Khadki and Bopodi-end of the bridge. The Harris Bridge crossing is not a part of the priority stretch. Also works beyond the priority stretch have also been expedited.
