All clear: Metro awaits launch by PM

The final hurdle has been cleared. Namma Metro now has the all important safety certificate in hand that gives it the licence to begin its commercial run in the city. The Commissioner for Railway Safety (CRS) has issued the safety certificate after inspecting the Metro line between Byappan-ahalli and M.G. Road and scrutinizing the various documents submitted to him by BMRCL to demonstrate that it is well and truly ready to carry passengers on Reach- 1 .

“A formal authorisation letter on the safety certificate has been issued to BMRCL Friday afternoon, allowing it to begin commercial operations of the Metro Rail,” CRS Dinesh Kumar Singh said. But although the technical decks have been cleared, the BMRCL can set a date for its launch only after the state government hears from PM Manmohan Singh, who is returning on September 27 from the 66th session of the UN General Assembly. BMRCL managing director N. Sivasailam said the Metro would begin its run once they received the go-ahead from the State government. “It’s ready for commercial operation now. Once the government gives us a date we will proceed with the launch.,” he added. The BMRCL had last week received the sanction for the line and rolling stock from the Railway Board, allowing it to submit it along with its compliance report on suggestions made by the CRS.