The Salt Lake wing of East-West Metro is expected to undergo inspection by the officials of the commission of railway safety after 15 July while the uncertainties surrounding the commissioning of the two stations of Bengal Chemical and Salt Lake Stadium, continues.
The successful completion of this step will make it eligible for the commissioning of this vital link of transportation for the residents of Salt Lake. During the inspection which is expected to be conducted for three days, the 5km stretch of the East-West Metro will go series of tests and trials by the team of CRS officials.
The CRS inspection was earlier expected to be done in the second week of June. The officials of Kolkata Metro Rail Corporation (KMRC), the implementing agency for the 16km stretch of East-West Metro, were putting their best efforts to start services at six stations by end of June or early July. However, an obstruction from the fire department to give nod to the two stations of Bengal Chemical and Salt Lake Stadium has led to uncertainties over the commissioning of the six stations together.
The state fire minister, last week, asked KMRC to take an undertaking from the state urban development deparment on the matter surrounding the land for the extra exits at the two stations and submit it to the fire department.
The news of CRS inspection has triggered apprehension among the metro authorities as the procedure of getting the clearance is expected to take some time, while a ‘no objection certificate’ is a vital point for obtaining a nod during the CRS inspection. The officials of KMRC, however, are leaving no stones unturned for a successful completion of the inspection by the CRS. Fire safety measurements along with other aspects, is being given topmost priority with extensive trials to avoid any loopholes that might stand on the path of clearance from the CRS team.
According to sources in Kolkata Metro Railway, if the clearance by the CRS is obstructed for the two stations, the authorities will go with the commissioning of four stations of Sector V, Karunamoyee, Central Park and City Centre. Meanwhile, KMRC is keeping its best foot forward to start metro services at Phool Bagan within the stipulated time of October month.
“We are trying for the commissioning of Phool Began to start from October, said a KMRC official. However, considering the recent chain of events regarding the commissioning of the two stations, nothing can be confirmed,” he added.