The upcoming 4.8 km stretch of the East-West Metro which is to see the green flag by Prime Minister Narendra Modi today is likely to have 132 commercial services in a day. The total commercial services, (132) on weekdays are likely to have 66 runs in each up and down direction.
A proposal of running 132 services has been sent to the authorities for consideration. “Some of the crucial points like whether the first service would start from 6.30am or 7am, the last service at 9.30pm or even the interval of 10min or 12 minutes, are yet to be decided,” informed official sources.
On the other hand, the extended arm of the Joka-Esplanade Metro corridor between Taratala and Majerhat is likely to run between 9am to 5pm at intervals of 20 minutes.
Notably, the operational stretch of the Green Line between Sector V and Sealdah is equipped with the communication-based train control system (CBCTC), including an automatic train operation (ATO) system. When opted for ATO mode, a train accelerates, decelerates, controls and arranges motoring activities automatically. It ensures accurate stopping at the platforms and automatic opening of correct side train doors and platform screen doors (PSD).
Interestingly, while the Sector V and Sealdah stretch is ready for operations with the ATO system, the Howrah Maidan-Esplanade leg is yet to have the preparedness for the facility. The upcoming 4.8 km leg of the East-West Metro is to be run on the automatic train protection (ATP) system which is a step behind the ATO technology, according to official sources.
“Once the entire East-West corridor is operational, the ATO system would be made functional after the necessary process,” informed the source.
“As for commercial runs in Kavi Subhash – Hemanta Mukhopadhyay Metro section and Taratala and Majerhat stations, the two truncated stretches are ready for operations immediately and on any day after the inaugural ceremony,” said an official,” said a source.