Thane( Metro Rail News): On 5 September 2024, STUP Consultants Pvt. Ltd grabbed the Design Consultant (DDC) contract for the 29 km Thane Metro project by Maharashtra Metro Rail Corporation Ltd. (MMRCL).
Scope Of Activity
The scope of work under this contract includes the detailed design consultancy services for Thane Metro’s 6 elevated stations:
Dr. Kashinath Ghanekar Natyagraha
Manpada
Dongripada
Vijay Nagari
Waghbil
Waterfront
Maha-Metro invited bids for the DDC-01 contract in August with an estimated budget of Rs. 3.82 crore and a deadline of 36 months. In August, Technical bids were opened, revealing 5 bidders who submitted proposals for the contract.
Financial Bids Received
The financial bids received for the tenders are:
Company
Bids Received
STUP Consultants
1.35 Cr
LKT Engineering Consultants
2.11Cr
Enia Design – Mahendra Raj Consultants
3.51Cr
SYSTRA MVA Consulting (India)
3.75 Cr
RITES
3.85 Cr
Thane Metro
Thane Metro, also referred to as Thane Integral Ring Metro Project, was approved for construction in August by the Central Government’s Cabinet with an estimated budget of Rs. 12,200 crore with a 2029 deadline.
Thane metro project consists of single corridor spanning for 29 km with 20 elevated stations and 2 underground station
Shri Shalabh Goel, Managing Director, NCRTC, unveiled the modern, commuter-centric features of Meerut Metro, today, at RRTS Depot, Duhai, Ghaziabad. Meerut Metro, a pioneering urban Mass Rapid Transit System (MRTS), aims to provide a safe, fast, and modern mobility solution for the residents of Meerut, Uttar Pradesh.
NCRTC MD Shalabh Goel
On this occasion, Shri Shalabh Goel said, “Meerut Metro will revolutionize the city’s transportation, enhancing connectivity, productivity, and overall quality of life. By providing a modern, reliable, and fast transit system, it will reduce travel time, alleviate traffic congestion, and foster economic growth. NCRTC has focused on understanding the commuter needs in detail and customized the features of this new-age transit mode, to ensure utmost comfort and efficient journeys for the people.”
Under the Make in India guidelines, 100% of the trainsets for Meerut Metro are being manufactured in India. M/s Alstom (formerly M/s Bombardier) was awarded the manufacturing contract, under which they will deliver the three-car trainsets for the Meerut Metro, bundled with rolling stock maintenance for 15 years. These world-class trainsets are being manufactured in Savli, Gujarat. To date, five Meerut Metro trainsets have been handed over to NCRTC
Key Specifications of Meerut Metro
The Meerut Metro train will have a design speed of 135 kmph and a maximum operational speed of 120 kmph. The trainsets, with their sleek and state-of-the-art modern light weight design, built with stainless steel, are energy efficient and equipped with a regenerative braking system. They are also compatible with Automatic Train Protection (ATP) and Automatic Train Operations (ATO)
Commuter-Centric Features of Meerut Metro Trainsets
Meerut Metro’s design embodies a modern aesthetic, prioritizing passenger comfort, safety, and security. The coaches are air-conditioned, having luggage racks, grab handles, CCTV cameras, USB mobile charging facilities, dynamic route maps, and many other modern conveniences.
Meerut Metro are three-car trainsets with ergonomically designed 2×2 transverse and longitudinal seating arrangements with comfortable cushioned seats. More than 700 passengers can travel in a train, with a seating capacity of 173.
Prioritizing safety, Platform Screen Doors (PSDs) will be installed at all stations synchronized with metro operations and also help in ensuring crowd management. Selective door opening via push buttons reduces energy consumption.
Safety measures like passenger emergency communication system, fire extinguishers, alarms, and talk-back systems are integrated.
There will be a specific reserved seating arrangement in each coach of the metro train for women passengers and senior citizens.
Both stations and trains are universally accessible, with dedicated space for medical stretchers/ wheelchairs in emergencies. The metro stations also have spacious lifts to accommodate medical stretchers and wheelchairs.
The exterior of Meerut Metro trainsets sports an attractive and modern color combination of fluorescent green, blue, and orange that conveys technological advancement and the aspirations of the people of a ‘New India.’
In an innovative approach, the Meerut Metro will operate on the same RRTS infrastructure from Meerut South to Modipuram. This integration is vital for providing a holistic and seamless new-age public transit mode for the people of western Uttar Pradesh. At four of these stations, commuters will be able to switch to Namo Bharat train services and vice versa. These stations will be Meerut South, Shatabdi Nagar, Begumpul, and Modipuram. This innovative approach has led to significant savings in terms of construction cost of infrastructure viz OHE, viaduct, track, signalling etc.
The Meerut Metro corridor spans 23 km with 13 stations, including 18 km of elevated and 5 km of underground sections. Nine stations are elevated, three are underground, and one station (depot station) will be at grade. This 23 km distance will be covered by these modern trainsets within 30 minutes. The stations are Meerut South (elevated), Partapur (elevated), Rithani (elevated), Shatabdi Nagar (elevated), Brahampuri (elevated), Meerut Central (underground), Bhaisali (underground), Begumpul (underground), MES Colony (elevated), Daurli (elevated), Meerut North (elevated), Modipuram (elevated), and Modipuram Depot (at grade).
Speaking on the occasion, Shri Shalabh Goel added, “The RRTS and Meerut Metro project is progressing at a rapid pace, and we are confident of delivering the project for the people of the region as per schedule. We are thankful to the Government of India and Government of Uttar Pradesh for their continuous support for the project and also creating an encouraging development-focused ecosystem.”
Construction of the Meerut Metro corridor is progressing rapidly, and all the stations have started taking shape. Underground tunnel construction has been completed, and finishing works are being done at all the underground stations. Track laying activities are currently in progress on already completed tunnels and viaducts. Out of the 18 km long elevated section, viaduct construction is almost completed till Modipuram station.
On October 20, 2023, the Hon’ble Prime Minister inaugurated India’s first Regional Rapid Transit System and flagged off the first Namo Bharat train. With this, the 17-kilometer-long Priority Section between Sahibabad and Duhai Depot was operationalized for the public. Currently, about a 42 km long section between Sahibabad and Meerut South is operational for commuters, with 9 RRTS stations. The entire RRTS corridor along with Meerut Metro is expected to be operational by 2025.
Jindal Stainless, India’s leading stainless steel manufacturer, has delivered stainless steel for the Vande Bharat sleeper coaches, the prototype of which was unveiled by the Minister of Railways, Shri Ashwini Vaishnaw, in Bengaluru recently. Jindal Stainless has supplied high-strength tempered 301L grade austenitic stainless steel for this prestigious government project. The coaches are manufactured by Integral Coach Factory (ICF) and Bharat Earth Movers Limited (BEML). The Vande Bharat sleeper train is designed for overnight journeys covering 800 km to 1,200 km.
Apart from providing better performance and durability, the tempered 301L austenitic stainless steel used to manufacture these coaches ensures lower life-cycle costs due to its corrosion resistance characteristics, resulting in long-term reliability. It also enhances passenger safety with its superior crash and fire resistance properties, maintaining the safety standards in railway transport.
In a Press Release,, Managing Director, Jindal Stainless, Mr Abhyuday Jindal, said “The Vande Bharat sleeper train is set to mark a new era of innovation in Indian Railways, and we are proud to play a pivotal role in this transformative project that will revolutionise long-distance travel in India. The use of tempered 301L austenitic stainless steel will lead to reduction in the weight of each coach by approximately 2 tonnes. This weight reduction will lead to improved energy efficiency and a lower carbon footprint, aligning with the sustainability goals of modern rail transport. The enhanced safety and aesthetic appeal of this new train symbolises innovation and engineering excellence of the Indian Railways.”
With the capability to achieve speeds of up to 160 km/h, these coaches will provide an unparalleled combination of mobility, comfort, and contemporary amenities. The first batch of coaches is scheduled for dispatch from BEML’s Bengaluru plant on September 20, 2024, with an official launch anticipated by December 2024.
Jindal Stainless is one of the leading global companies capable of manufacturing and supplying the highly-coveted 2J, No. 4, and DLT-DF special-finish stainless steel, required for metro and railway coach production. The company has delivered stainless steel for some of the most prestigious Indian railway projects, including Vande Metro, Kolkata’s underwater metro, the first train set of India’s first Regional Rapid Transit System (RRTS), and Mumbai metro, among others. The company has been supplying stainless steel to the Indian Railways since 1998 for wagons, coaches, infrastructure, etc.
About Jindal Stainless
India’s leading stainless steel manufacturer, Jindal Stainless, had a consolidated annual turnover of INR 38,562 crore (USD 4.7 billion) in FY24 and is ramping up its facilities to reach 4.2 million tonnes of annual melt capacity by 2026. It has 16 stainless steel manufacturing and processing facilities in India and abroad, including in Spain and Indonesia, and a worldwide network in 12 countries, as of March 2024. In India, there are ten sales offices and six service centres, as of March 2024. The company’s product range includes stainless steel slabs, blooms, coils, plates, sheets, precision strips, wire rods, rebars, blade steel, and coin blanks.
Jindal Stainless relies on its integrated operations to enhance its cost competitiveness and operational efficiency. Founded in 1970, Jindal Stainless continues to be inspired by a vision for innovation and enriching lives and is committed to social responsibility.
Jindal Stainless remains focused on a greener, sustainable future, fuelled by environmental responsibility. The company manufactures stainless steel using scrap in an electric arc furnace, which involves lower greenhouse gas emissions and enables recyclability with no reduction in quality.
Mumbai (Metro Rail News): To streamline the connectivity in the Bandra-Kurla Complex (BKC) region and address the needs of the 4 to 6 lakh commuters who travel daily to and from the business district, Mumbai Metropolitan Region Development Authority (MMRDA) is planning to launch an Automated Rapid Transit System (Pod Taxi).
Representational Image
Sai Green Mobility Pvt Ltd, with M/s. Ultra PRT, as the technology partner, is likely to execute this project on a public-private partnership basis, with MMRDA providing the right way and the concessionaire bringing in the entire project funding. This initiative branches from a comprehensive Techno-Economic Feasibility Study (TEFS) commissioned by MMRDA, which studied several technologies operational across the globe.
Significance of Project
The study, which was peer-reviewed by Tata Consulting Engineers, strongly recommended implementing the Pod Taxi system for the Bandra Kurla Complex (BKC). This recommendation was based on a detailed analysis of the region’s topography, which is well-suited for such a system, as well as projections of traffic growth in the area. The Pod Taxi system was identified as an ideal solution to efficiently manage the anticipated increase in transportation demand while integrating with the existing infrastructure.
Fares for Pod Taxi System
Fares for the Pod Taxi system have been decided based on surveys that MMRDA conducted among current auto and bus passengers. Currently, commuters pay Rs. 15.33 per km for metered autos and Rs. 30 to 40 for shared auto rides per person to reach BKC from Bandra or Kurla. Taxi users are charged Rs. 18.67 per km, while Ola and Uber drivers frequently impose dynamic rates ranging from Rs. 80 to 100 for short 2-3 km journeys from the stations to BKC.
The surveys indicated that approximately 70% of auto users and 36% of bus passengers are ready to pay Rs. 21 per km for the Pod Taxi service. Consequently, the TEFS study suggested setting the fare at Rs. 21 per km, with a 4% annual increase to cover inflation and operational costs.
Approval From MMRDA
On March 6, 2024, MMRDA approved this project with an estimated cost of Rs. 1016.34 crore on a Public-Private Partnership (PPP) basis.
TEFS consultant developed the financial model for this project, which was further reviewed by M/s. TCE. The model anticipates a three-year construction period and a 30-year concession period, including provisions for a fixed concession fee and a percentage of revenue sharing with MMRDA.
Bhopal ( Metro Rail News): On 5 September 2024, Bhopal Metro advanced as a 400-ton, 65-metre-long Rail Over Bridge (RoB) was finally launched at Habibganj Naka Station.
Due to the commendable coordination between Madhya Pradesh Metro Rail Corporation (MPMRCL) and Indian Railways, the installation of RoB was completed in just 3 hours, enhancing the development of Bhopal Metro’s priority corridor.
Bhopal Metro Phase 1
Bhopal Metro, also known as the Bhoj Metro, is an under-construction mass rapid transit system (MRTS) project with an estimated cost of Rs. 6941.40 crore.
Bhopal Metro priority corridors consist of 2 Lines spanning 27.90 km with 28 stations in total.
Corridors
Line 2
Orange Line
Karond Circle station – AIIMS Station
14.99 km
No. of Stations: 16
Line 5
Blue Line
Bhadbhada Square station – Ratnagiri Tiraha station
Bangalore (Metro Rail News):On 4 September, ITD Cementation India’s TBM Tunga (S-839B) achieved its 4th and final breakthrough at Nagawara Station of the 21.386 km long Pink Line of Bangalore Metro Phase 2 project.
In the first week of February, ITD Cementation deployed TBM S-839B, nicknamed Tunga, from Kadugondanahalli (K.G. Halli) station for its final assignment. After constructing 938 meters TBM achieved breakthrough at Nagawara station’s South Cut and Cover Shaft.
According to BMRCL officials “With this breakthrough, out of the total 20,992 meters of tunneling, 20,582.7 meters (98%) is completed,”
With this milestone, eight of the nine Tunnel Boring Machines (TBMs): Urja, Varada, Avni, Lavi, Vindhya, Vamika, Rudra, and Tunga—have completed their tasks.
Image credit: Shiva Shankar
TBM Tunga’s Assignment on Bangalore Metro’s Pink Line
Image Credit:Shiva Shankar
Venkateshpura – Tannery Road
822m
June 2021 – June 2022
Tannery Road to Shadi Mahal TBM Retrieval Shaft
209m
June 2022 – August 2022
Venkateshpura to Kadugondanahalli
1184m
October 2022 – December 2023
Kadugondanahalli to Nagawara South Shaft
938 m
February 2024 – September 2024
Image Credit: Shiva Shankar
Package RT-04
In November, ITD Cementation grabbed Package RT-04 at a cost of Rs. 1771.25, which spans 4.591 km connecting Tannery Road to North Ramp with a 42-month deadline.
The scope of work under this package incorporates the construction of twin tunnels from Tannery Road to North Ramp, Ramp at Nagawara and four stations at;
Tannery Road
Venkateshpura
Kadugundanahalli
Nagawara.
Upcoming Development
Till date, 25 breakthroughs have been achieved out of 26 breakthroughs planned for the Bangalore Metro Phase 2 project.
Now, only one breakthrough is left by the ninth TBM, Bhadra, which is currently constructing an approx 939-meter downline tunnel between K. G. Halli and Nagawara for the Bangalore Metro Phase 2 project.
Bangalore ( Metro Rail News ): The newly launched Vande Bharat sleeper train manufactured at Bengaluru by Bharat Earth Movers Limited (BEML) will be dispatched this month; with no more delay, the Vande Bharat sleeper coaches will be inaugurated by December 2024.
On 1 September, Railway Minister ‘Ashwini Vaishnaw’ introduced the Vande Bharat Sleeper coaches as the “Best in the world”.
He also mentioned, “These trains are being manufactured with a lot of care and vision. They are designed in a way that the passengers go through ultra comfort during the journey. Not just the passengers but even the service staff will have access to these comforts as a special cell is designed for them to take rest”.
Railway Minister Shares the Pictures of Vande Bharat Sleeper Coaches.
The Union Minister talked about the fiscal benefit of the sleeper coaches providing luxurious facilities and comfort on an affordable budget. The middle-class or service staff can also easily acquire the advantages.
Specification of Vande Bharat Sleeper Trains
The new Vande Bharat Sleeper train consists of 16 coaches and is designed for overnight trips ranging from 800 km to 1200 km.
Integration of Modern Technologies
These advanced Vande Bharat trains integrate modern technologies like the Kavach system that has also been installed to streamline the safety of passengers, and this system will alert the loco pilot about any danger. This will add to the safety of the sleeper coaches.
This advancement outlines the effective implementation of the ‘Make In India’ initiative. This Indigenous version of the Vande Bharat Sleeper train aims to provide passengers with a new experience for their long-distance travel.
Additionally, on 31st August, PM Modi flagged off the new 3 Vande Bharat Express via video conferencing, connecting UP, Tamil Nadu and Karnataka.
Maharashtra (Metro Rail News): Kinet has announced the commissioning of the Marathwada Rail Coach Factory (MRCF) at Latur. This ceremony marks the beginning of active preparations for the production capabilities of the facility, leading to the commencement of serial assembly of Vande Bharat Sleeper Coaches.
About Kinet
Kinet, a leading manufacturer of electric passenger trains in India, has won an international contract to manufacture 1,920 sleeper coaches and maintain them for 35 years.
The project involves upgrading existing government manufacturing facilities and depots to meet global production and maintenance standards. The commissioning of the MRCF marks a significant milestone in the ongoing modernisation of India’s railway network.
The event was attended by Mr. NSR Prasad, CAO, ICF; Mr. Neeraj Kumar Dohare, DRM-Solapur; Mr. SC Sagar, CWE, Central Railway; Mr. Anshumali Kumar, ADRM-Solapur; Mr. Pradeep Gaur, CMD, RVNL; along with the dignitaries from the Kinet team including Ms. Alexandra Meluzova, CEO, Kinet; Mr. Sathyamurthy K, Managing Director-Latur, Kinet.
Located in Latur, Maharashtra, the Marathwada Rail Coach Factory is spread over 351 acres. The facility will be equipped with 11 advanced assembly stations and will have various specialised workshops including a car body shop, warehouse, assembly, testing, bogie and paint shops. The internal tracks will be 8.6 km long. It is equipped with a solar power plant and a wastewater treatment plant, helping to reduce its carbon footprint and support India’s renewable energy targets.
In addition, more than 1,000 trees will be planted on the site by the end of next year. Sathyamurthy K, Managing Director – Latur, Kinet, said: “This plant is more than just a manufacturing facility. It is a catalyst for socio-economic development in the region. More than 10,000 people will be involved in the entire production chain. By creating employment, supporting ancillary industries, and promoting skill development, we are contributing to the broader vision of ‘Viksit Bharat @2047’ – a developed India by the centenary of our Independence”.
Nagpur ( Metro Rail News): Maharashtra Metro Rail Corporation Ltd. ( MMRCL or MahaMetro) declared Kalpataru Projects International Ltd.( KPIL) as the lowest bidder for the 17.647 km Package-C11 which comes under Nagpur metro phase 2 (43.8 km ).
Package-C11 (Nagpur Metro Phase 2)
Package -C11 includes the construction of three different viaducts for Reach 2B, 3A and 4A on the Nagpur phase 2.
Lines
Reach
Distance
Location
Orange line
2A
5.9 km
Cantonment – Kanhan
Aqua line
3A
6.4 km
Lokmanya Nagar – Hingra
Aqua line
4A
5.3 km
Prajapati Square – Transport Nagar
Earlier, the construction of the viaducts for sections 2B, 3A and 4A was planned to be executed through 3 different packages- C-07, C-03 and C-04 consecutively. The tender procedure for these packages was scrapped. Subsequently, all three packages were merged into one Package- C-11.
In March 2024, the MahaMetro authority invited bids for Package-C-11 with an estimated cost of Rs.1010 crore. The deadline for the project is 1080 days. Later on in May, technical bids were announced with 5 bidders on the list.
Bidders
Bidders
Bidders price
Kalpatura Projects International Ltd.(KPIL)
999 crore
GR Infraprojects Ltd.(GRIL)
1031.67 crore
ITD Cementation India Ltd.
1075.65 crore
Tata Projects Ltd. (TPL)
1183.93 crore
Kalpataru Projects International Ltd. bagged package C11 with Rs.999.0 crore, which is 1.09% less than the authority estimation.
Construction of stations on these viaducts comes under separate packages. Rail Vikas Nigam Ltd.( RNVL) was awarded Package- C-08 for constructing Reach- 2B’s six metro stations.
Bangalore (Metro Rail News):On 31 August 2024, BEML, India’s leading rolling stock manufacturer, finally started the production of train sets for the Pink Line & Blue Line of the 73.92 km Bangalore Metro Phase 2 project.
In August 2023, BEML grabbed rolling stock contract 5RS-DM’s worth Rs. 3177 crore from BMRCL. Under this agreement, BEML is responsible for manufacturing 53 trains (each having 6 coaches). These trains will facilitate operations for:
Phase 2A (18.23 km)
Phase 2B (37 km)
Pink Line (21 km)
A ceremony took place at BEML’s Bengaluru facility in CV Raman Nagar for the manufacturing of a new rolling stock prototype train.
Financial Aspects:
In March 2021, A Rs. 3,717 crore loan agreement was signed between the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) and the government of India regarding the manufacturing of rolling stocks, CBTC signalling and platform screen doors.
Allotment of Trains Planned By BMRCL
Phase
Line
Stations
Length
No. of trains
Phase 2
Pink line
Kalena Agrahara station- Nagawara station
21.386 km
16
Phase 2A
Blue line
Silk Board stations – KR Puram stations
18.2 km
16
Phase 2B
Blue line
KR Puram station – Airport station
37 km
21
Key Features of New train-sets
Bengaluru’s brand new train sets will feature six coaches, comprising two Driving Motor Car (DMC) and four Trailer Car (TC).
These trains will operate at a maximum design speed of 95 kmph and operational speed of 85 kmph.
These trains will be equipped with Alstom’s CBTC signalling and train-control solution. This advanced feature will empower trains to run “driverless” on GoA4 (grade of automation 4) for Unattended Train Operations (UTO)
As per the press release BEML’s in-house engineering teams in Bangalore will be responsible for the “design and development” of these brand-new trains. . high-tensile Austenitic stainless steel will be used in the manufacture of these trainsets.
Keeping in mind the passenger’s comfort Each Metro car will incorporate two roof-mounted Saloon Air Conditioners to provide them with an air conditioning facility.
The trains will also feature an IP-based Passenger Announcement (PA) and Passenger Information System (PIS), along with a Passenger Saloon Surveillance System (PSSS) to provide real-time station information.
Additionally, the trains will have electrically driven automatic doors synchronised with Platform Screen Doors to ensure passenger safety.
Metro Rail News: On 31st August 2024, PM Narendra Modi flagged off three new Vande Bharat Express via video conferencing to enhance connectivity in Uttar Pradesh, Tamil Nadu, and Karnataka.
Recently, inaugurated three Vande Bharat Express trains are:
Chennai Central to Nagercoil
Madurai to Bengaluru Cantonment
Meerut City-Lucknow
Trial Runs Underway for Puri-Rourkela Vande Bharat Express
(Representational Image)
While adding three more Vande Bharat trains, the Prime Minister welcomes more connectivity to the route. More than 100 Vande Bharat Trains are operational, connecting 280 districts.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF NEWLY INAUGURATED TRAINS:
Chennai Central to Nagercoil Vande Bharat Train
ROUTE
TIMINGS
STOPS
From Chennai Egmore to Nagercoil
It will leave Chennai Egmore at 5 am and reach Nagercoil at 1:50 Pm Will remain off on Wednesdays.
Tambaram, Villupuram, Tiruchirappalli, Dindugal, Madurai, Kovilpatti, and Tirunelveli Will facilitate pilgrimage travelling to the divine Arulmigu Meenakshi Amman Temple, Madurai & Kumari Amman Temple, Kanniyakumari.
Madurai to Bengaluru Cantonment Vande Bharat Train
ROUTE
TIMINGS
STOPS
From Madurai to Bengaluru Cantonment
It will leave Madurai at 5:15 AM and reach Bengaluru Cantonment at 1 PM.Will remain off on Tuesdays.
Dindugal, Tiruchirappalli, Karur, Namakkal, Salem, and Krishnarajapuram Connect inter-state with providing connectivity to the temple in Madurai.
Meerut City to Lucknow Vande Bharat trains
ROUTE
TIMINGS
STOPS
From Meerut city to Lucknow
It will leave Meerut City at 6:35 am and reach Lucknow Charbagh at 1:45 pm. It will remain off on Tuesdays.
Moradabad and Bareilly.This will connect pilgrimage sites like Digambar Jain Temple, Mansa Devi Mandir, Surajkund Temple, and Augharnath Temple.
While inaugurating, PM Modi said, “Today, from North to South, a new chapter is being added to the Vikas Yatra of the country. From today, Vande Bharat Train service will start between Meerut – Lucknow, Madurai – Bengaluru Cantonment and Chennai – Nagercoil.
Surat (Metro Rail News):Surat Metro project advances as TBM Narmada accomplishes Its last Breakthrough.
On 30 August 2024, Surat Metro witnessed another milestone on Line 1 when Gulermak – Sam India Builtwell JV’s TBM Narmada achieved its third and final breakthrough at Surat Railway Station for the Surat Metro Phase 1 Project.
TBM Narmada established the overall fifth and second-last breakthrough for Package CS2 / UG1.
Labheshwar Chowk Station – Central Warehouse Station
600m
March 2024
Current assignment
Central Warehouse- Surat Railway Station.
338m
August 2024
Note: The first breakthrough was still hidden as soil excavation is still in progress.
Image Credit: Antima
Package CS2 / UG1
In March 2021, Gulermak – Sam India JV grabbed underground Package CS2 / UG1’s construction contract, which spans 3.46 km connecting Kapodra station and Surat Railway Station.
The scope of work under this package incorporates the construction of three twin tunnels and the 3 stations at ;
Kapodra
Labheshwar Chowk
Central Warehouse
Surat Metro Phase 1 Project
Surat metro is an under construction Mass Rapid Transit System (MRTS) which spans 41.93 km, consisting of 2 corridors and 37 stations.
Mumbai (Metro Rail News): Mumbai Metro Rail Corporation Ltd. (MMRCL) has revealed that 11 bidders have signed up to conduct a geotechnical soil investigation for 18 km Mumbai Metro Line 11( Green Line ), which will connect Anik Bus Depot- SPM Chowk featuring 15 underground stations.
Map of the green line
Beforehand, MMRCL had invited bids for geotechnical work on the new alignment of Line 11. The deadline for the project is 90 days. This line will be the third underground line after Line 3 (Aqua Line) and Line 7 (Red Line).
Contractors Have Bids For The Project :
CEG Test House & Research Centre Pvt. Ltd.
C E Testing Company Pvt. Ltd.
Genstru Consultants Pvt. Ltd.
Geomarine Dynamics India Pvt. Ltd.
Idhitri Geoservices Pvt. Ltd.
Independent Consultants and Technocrats
Monarch Surveyors and Engineering Consultants Ltd.
Myrtle Project and Consultancy Pvt. Ltd.
Pureways Infra Pvt. Ltd.
SKW Soil and Survey Co
S & R Geotechniques Pvt. Ltd.
The lowest bidder has yet to be announced, and bids have been sent for technical evaluation.
Objective For Geotechnical Contract
Thisgeotechnical investigation aims to collect sufficient data on the sub-soil that will help to prepare detailed structure designs and the use of appropriate machinery, methods & technology during construction. This will also help ensure the least possible damage to existing structures during construction.
Work Description: The contract involves a geotechnical investigation of the new alignment of Mumbai Metro line 11.
The report of the geotechnical survey should contain the following details:
Borehole details and locations with georeferenced coordinates
Geological characteristics of the area
Water table levels
Results of conducted tests
Foundation recommendations based on borehole data
Cut off values
Bearing capacities of Soil
Seismicity of the soil
According to the contract details, boreholes with 150 mm diameter should be drilled periodically after every 500 meters along the twin tunnel alignment. A total of 3 boreholes will be drilled at each station site. The depth of these boreholes will vary from 10 meters to 20 meters.
On corridor 11, 15 underground stations are planned to be constructed on Anik Bus Depot, Wadala Depot, CGS Colony, Ganesh Nagar, BPT Hospital, Sewri, Hay Bunder, Coal Bunder (Darukhana), Reay Road, Byculla, Nagpada Junction, Bhendi Bazaar, Crawford Market, CSMT Metro, Horniman Circle, and SPM Circle.
The Mumbai Metropolitan Region Development Authority (MMRDA) is responsible for the development of Green Line. The Green Line includes four lines( Line 4, Line 4A, Line 10, and Line 11).In 2023, the first section of the Green Line will be opened and connected with other metro lines through multiple interchanges along its route.
Agra (Metro Rail News): Recently, the Agra Metro Phase 1 project witnessed 2 milestones on Line 1 when Afcons-Sam India Consortium’s TBM Ganga and TBM Shivaji achieved breakthroughs at SN Medical College Station and Raja Ki Mandi, respectively.
TBM 324 and TBM S718C established the 13th and 14th breakthroughs for the 7.93 km underground Package AGCC-02 of Agra Metro Phase 1.
TBM Ganga’s Journey in Agra Metro Phase 1
TBM Ganga, also known as TBM 324, is the 2nd TBM deployed for the Agra Metro Project.
Image Credit: Gaurav Chauhan
TBM Ganga’s journey so far records the construction of;
First Assignment
Ramleela Maidan – Agra Fort Station
334m
June 2023
Second Assignment
Agra Fort Station – Shahjahan Gardens Midshaft
175m
September 2023
Third Assignment
Shahjahan Gardens Midshaft – Taj Mahal Station
1175m
December 2023
Current Assignment
Agra College Station – SN Medical College Station.
525m
August 2024
Image Credit: Gaurav Chauhan
TBM Shivaji’s Journey in Agra Metro Phase 1
TBM Shivaji, nicknamed TBM S-718C, is the 3rd TBM machine deployed for the Agra Metro Project.
Image Credit: Gaurav Chauhan
TBM Shivaji’s journey so far records the construction of;
First assignment
Taj Mahal Station -Taj Mahal Ramp
228m
October 2023
Second Assignment
RBS Ramp -RBS College Station.
734m
December 2023
Current Assignment
RBC College- Raja Ki Mandi Station.
685m
August 2024
Package AGCC-02
In March 2022, Afcons – Sam India Consortium bagged Rs. 1819.79 crore underground Package AGCC-02 with a 48-month deadline.
The scope of work under this package includes the construction of twin tunnels connecting 7 stations at;
Taj Mahal
Agra Fort
Jama Masjid
SN Medical College
Agra College
Raja Ki Mandi
RBS College
Upcoming Developments
Till date,14 breakthroughs have been achieved out of 18 breakthroughs planned for the Agra Metro Phase 1 project.
In future, The remaining breakthroughs will be recorded at:
