INDIA: The first test run of the Kochi metro took place on February 27, on a 1 km section between Muttom Yard depot and Kalamassery at speeds of up to 10 km/h.
Two crew and technical assistants were on board. Project manager Delhi Metro Rail Corp is now evaluating results from the run, and expects to test the next section between Kalamassery and Edappally in the next few days.
Due to open to passengers this year, the 25·6 km elevated route between Aluva and Petta with 22 stations is expected to carry 15 000 passengers/h per direction. Alstom is supplying electrification, signalling, telecoms and 25 three-car Metropolis trainsets that will draw power at 750 V DC using a bottom-contact third rail.
