St Thomas Mount link to be delayed further: Rlys mulls running MRTS till Adambakkam

Senior Railway officials who were involved in a recent review of the project revealed to DT Next that they would run trains to Puzhuthivakkam and Adambakkam in a little over two months.

“We did a project review a month ago and estimated that another two months would be required to complete the two stations. Once Puzhuthivakkam and Adambakkam station works are over, we will take a call on running trains from Velachery to Adambakkam via Puzhuthivakkam,” said a highly placed SR officer requesting anonymity.

SR has contemplated partial operation of trains after land-owners reportedly moved an appeal in the Supreme Court against a January 2019 ruling of the Madras High Court passing orders in favour of railway department. The HC had dismissed a batch of petitions challenging land acquisition for the final 500-meter link from near Nanganallur subway to St Thomas Mount Station.

“Once the works get over, we will invite the commissioner of railway safety for inspection. After the safety commissioner deems the completed stretch (Velachery to Adambakkam via Puzhuthivakkam) fit for train operation, train service from Velachery to the two stations ahead of St Thomas Mount would be launched,” a senior SR officer reasoned. Going by the estimation done by railway authorities a month ago, the pending work should get over in a month from now. “Even if we factor in trial runs and safety inspection, we should be ready to launch partial passenger service in August or September,” the railway officer added.