INDIA: The first trainset for Bangalore Metro made a trial run on the East-West Line between Baiyappanahalli and Indiranagar on December 27, following successful testing at the depot and electrification of the third rail. Work on the 7 km elevated section from Baiyappanahalli to Cricket Stadium, designated Reach 1, is due to be completed this month.
Meanwhile, Mott MacDonald has been appointed by Continental Engineering Corp to prepare detailed designs for the central 4·5 km underground section of the East-West Line, which includes four stations at Cricket Stadium, Vidhana Soudha, Central College and City Railway Station. Mott MacDonald has also been contracted by Bangalore Metro Rail Corp to design Majestic station, where the North-South and East-West lines will intersect.
The 33 km two-line network being built in Phase I is due for completion in 2013.