RailEnquiry

New Delhi: The defects on the Airport Metro Express line seem to be more serious than what was revealed earlier. According to a report submitted by a joint inspection team of Delhi Metro and Reliance Infrastructure, not only do 25% of the bearings need to be repaired, but some girders have also been found to have cracked. The problem has been compounded by the fact that pre-cast girders and pedestals were used along the elevated section of the line when these should have been custom-built according to the location. The joint inspection was overseen by the Railways.
    “Of 540 bearings that need rectification, 90% were found to have been constructed without following specified design norms,’’ said a government official. “Deviations as a result are pronounced.” Thousands of track clips also found broken
    The official, however, claimed that prima facie,thecracksdon’tseem to be serious but only a detailed investigation can confirm this. If found to be serious, these cracks will need a “stronger” rehabilitation process, said sources. “In an extreme case, the girders may need to be recast,” added the official.
    The shortcomings are not confined tothecivilconstruction workundertaken by DMRC. Senior officials in the urban development ministry saidtheclips used in the underground tunnel on whichthe rails restwere alsofoundtobe breaking. “Of the 3.5 lakh clips used, around 4% have breakage issues,” said oneofficial.R-Infra carriedoutlaying of the tracks. Sources said it has now roped in Hong Kong University to offer solutions.
    “The concessionaire has assured us that the issue will be resolved in a month as the university is expected to submit its report soon. The university was taken on board over a month ago,” saidtheofficial. Secretary (urban development) Sudhir Krishna added that the repair workon theclipswould not affect operations of the line even if the work starts after the line is reopened. However, he added that “speed will be restrictedto75-80kmph”.
    The good news, according to officials, is that most of the defects can be rectified. While the repair work will be undertaken by DMRC, Systra, the company that originally designed the airport line, will also be involved. Added the official, “While DMRC will deploy the rehabilitation team, Systra will be the design consultant and ensure that its specifications are followed.” A consultant will also be hired to monitor the on-going rehabilitation process, added theofficial.
    “Though DMRC has assured the ministry that work shall be completed by August-end, we are keeping fingers crossed. Only once the location studies aredonewillthetimelinebe more accurate,” saidthesource.