Laying of tracks in the underground section on the Anna Salai has reached the final stages.

Chennai Metro Rail Limited (CMRL) has floated tenders for the final finishing of track works from AG-DMS to Thousand Lights. The remaining 10km section of phase-1 between Washermenpet and AG-DMS is expected to be ready by December 2018.

While the laying of tracks has been completed, CMRL is now looking for a company to do finishing work on the downline for a stretch of 1.7km.

“Track work is still underway between Central Metro and Government Estate. We are likely to begin trial run by September,” an official said.

Metro trains are operated on ballastless tracks.

Construction of the stations and its entry structure is in full-swing between Government Estate and AG-DMS. One of the entry structures of stations Government Estate and AG-DMS is being integrated with the existing pedestrian subway.

Civil and track work between Washermenpet and Central Metro stations are nearing completion and installation of signal systems have begun.

U Tejonmayam, The Times of India, Chennai