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| Edited By: Ateeq Shaikh |Source: DNA |Updated: Nov 12, 2014, 07:43 AM IST
Q: There have been some recurring issues affecting Monorail.
A: Yes. Some of them have already been resolved. Some of them are being resolved.
Q: Which of them have been resolved or are being resolved?
A: One of the German-made Constant Velocity Joint has come last week. It has been put into a rake and tests have begun. If the results are favourable, we may procure more of it for other trains, too. The other problem was of voltage fluctuation. That has been more or less resolved. The third area of concern was transformers. We are changing them from dry types to oil-based ones. Braking mechanism too is being addressed.
Q: What is the life of the rake? Will the mechanical problems shorten their life?
A: The average life is 30 years. We have been carrying out daily, weekly and monthly maintenance to keep the system fit and ensure that the life cycle of the train doesn't get affected.
Q: How would you classify the problems affecting Monorail? Are they teething problems for a new system?
A: They are teething problems, but a little more than expected. We should understand that monorail is a new technology in India and we do not have the expertise like railways or Metro. Now each city has one or more Metro corridor. Therefore, the availability of expertise or experts to troubleshoot any issue. Thus, it is about limitation of people knowing the technology.
Q: Has Scomi been penalised for faults that have occurred?
A: We have been penalising them whenever performance has gone down. The acceptable rate of operations is 97% of schedule. If the operation is anything below 97%, they are liable for penalty. We pay Scomi certain trip amount.
