CHENNAI (Metro Rail News):Â The Chennai Unified Metropolitan Transport Authority (CUMTA) is exploring the possibility of introducing the ‘Lite Metro‘ to the city’s public transportation system. This Metrolite or Light Urban Rail Transit System is a step below a metro, having most of the rail surface at ground level instead of elevated.
As part of the preliminary feasibility assessment, CUMTA on 6 February invited financial bids for the feasibility study, which would be conducted by Chennai Metro Rail Limited (CMRL). The project would involve the construction of dedicated tracks isolated from the roads to reduce costs.
M A Siddique, the managing director of Chennai Metro Rail, has stated that the feasibility study under the comprehensive mobility plan is considering the adoption of Metrolite, a cost-effective alternative to the metro rail, which will interface with Chennai Metro rail and MRTS lines, to increase patronage.
As per CUMTA specifications, Metrolite trains with a maximum 12T axle load and three non-separable coaches that can accommodate up to 300 passengers will be used for a passenger capacity between 2,000 and 15,000. Furthermore, I Jaykumar, the CUMTA special officer, has reported that the final decision on whether Phase III metro will be an average metro or Metrolite will be taken under the study, for which the bids will be finalised soon.
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