Chennai Metro: HCC-KEC JV Concludes Casting Work For Corridor 4

Narendra Shah & Editorial Team
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Chennai Metro: HCC-KEC JV Concludes Casting Work For Corridor 4

Chennai (Metro Rail News): On 27 June, the Chennai Metro Phase 2 project reached another milestone as the joint venture between Hindustan Construction Company (HCC) and KEC International concluded the casting of all precast elements within Package C4-ECV02 of Line 4.

Package C4-ECV02 covers a total distance of 7.945 km through 9 stations. It connects Poonamallee Bypass and  Porur. Additionally, this was the first civil package to be issued by CMRL for the 116.1km long Phase 2 project. 

According to CMRL’s press release, HCC-KEC JV cast a total of 2,885 precast elements of 18 types, including prestressed (pre-tensioned and post-tensioned) components like U-girders, pier arms, portal beams, and pier caps, at their casting facility located in Kolappancheri.

Package C4-ECV02

Cost: In May 2021, HCC – KEC Joint Venture secured Package C4-ECV02 from Chennai Metro Rail Ltd. (CMRL) at Rs. 1007.95 crore.

Deadline:  This package has a completion deadline of a 36-month (3 years). 

Scope of work: This package includes the construction of a 7.945 km viaduct for the main line, primarily consisting of U-girders, as well as a viaduct extending to the Poonamallee Depot.

Line 4 of Chennai Metro Phase 2

Chennai Metro Phase 2 stretches about 116.1 km, featuring 3 new Lines ( Purple Line, Orange Line and Red Line). Line 4 (Orange Line) runs 26.09 km, connecting  Light House with Poonamallee Bus Depot through 28 stations(18 elevated & 10 underground). 

In February 2024, Alstom initiated the production of the rolling stock that will be deployed on Line 4. The delivery of the first trainset is expected by August 2024. 

Nagpur Metro: 5 Firms Submit Proposal for Phase2’s OHE Contract

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Nagpur Metro: 5 Firms Submit Proposal for Phase2’s OHE Contract

Nagpur (Metro Rail News): On June 26, Maharashtra Metro Rail Corporation Ltd. (Maha-Metro) opened the technical bids for package TR-02. Five firms have submitted proposals to undertake the overhead equipment (OHE) electrification work for the 43.8 km Phase 2 of Nagpur Metro.

The Asian Development Bank (ADB) and the European Investment Bank (EIB) will fund Package TR-02 through a proposed loan.

Nagpur Metro

Scope of work:

Package TR-02 involves a comprehensive scope of work, including the design, supply, installation, testing, and commissioning of a 25kV flexible overhead equipment (OHE) system and sectioning posts for Phase 2 of the Nagpur Metro Rail Project. This infrastructure is crucial for ensuring efficient and reliable electrical distribution along the metro network’s at-grade and elevated sections.

Bidding Process

In December 2023, Maha Metro issued a call for bids for Package TR-02. The tender was released with an undisclosed budget and a completion deadline of 180 weeks (3.45 years).

The firms that have submitted proposals for Package TR-02 include:

  1. Siemens Ltd. – Rail Vikas Nigam Ltd. (RVNL) JV
  2. Kalpataru Projects International Ltd. (KPIL)
  3. Texmaco Rail and Engineering Ltd.
  4.  KEC International Ltd.
  5. Konkan Railway Corporation Ltd

The bids will now undergo a comprehensive technical evaluation process, which probably will take a few months to complete. Following this evaluation, Maha Metro will reveal the financial bids of the technically qualified bidders to identify the L1 (Lowest Bidder) for package TR-02.

Nagpur Metro Phase 2 Project

In January 2019, the Maharashtra government approved the Detailed Project Report (DPR) of the 43.8 km long Nagpur Metro Phase 2 project at Rs.  5,976 crore. However, in  2023, the state cabinet revised the estimated project cost to Rs. 6,708 crore.

Phase II will cover a total distance of 43.8 km through extensions of the existing two corridors. It will incorporate a total of 35 stations. Upon completion, Phase 2 will expand the Nagpur Metro Network to 82 km.

Bangalore Metro: TBM Tunga Halts Operations on Pink Line Due to Sinkhole Formation

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Bangalore Metro: TBM Tunga Halts Operations on Pink Line Due to Sinkhole Formation

Bangalore (Metro Rail News): On 27 June, Bangalore Metro’s Pink Line encountered a major setback when authorities halted the operations of Tunnel Boring Machine (TBM) Tunga due to the appearance of a sinkhole on the road in KG Halli, located in northeastern Bengaluru.

As per a senior BMRCL official, the sinkhole measures roughly between 2.5 to 3 meters in width and 3 meters in depth and is likely to have appeared due to either an air pocket or loose soil conditions.

SInkhole formed on pink line
The sinkhole formed on the road

Since 2023, there have been 3 sinkholes identified along the Pink Line: one on Brigade Road and another in Pottery Town.

According to an official  “The repair is underway and will be followed by grouting. Backfilling the sinkhole again will need four more days. The TBM will not operate during this time. We will then proceed slowly,” reported Deccan Herald.

ITD Cementation Ltd deployed the TBM (S-839), nicknamed TBM Tunga at KG Halli for its 935-metre-long tunnel drive towards Nagavara In the first week of February.

This is TBM Tunga’s final assignment for the 21.26-km long Pink Line, which will connect Kalena Agrahara to Nagavara through MG Road and Tannery Road. The Pink Line features a 13.76 km underground section and a 7.5 km elevated section.

 TBM Tunga’s Journey on the Pink Line:

1. First Drive

   – Route: Venkateshpura to Tannery Road

   – Distance: 834.4 meters

   – Duration: July 23, 2021 – August 24, 2022

2. Second Drive

   – Route: Venkateshpura to KG Halli

   – Distance: 1,184.4 meters

   – Duration: October 31, 2022 – December 6, 2023

3. Third Drive

   – Route: KG Halli to Nagavara

   – Distance: 935 meters

   – Start Date: February 1, 2024 (ongoing)

TBM Tunga is likely to achieve its final breakthrough at Nagavara Station of Pink Line on 30 October.  

Kolkata Metro: D-Wall’s Construction Work at Victoria Metro Station is Advancing Swiftly

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Kolkata Metro: D-Wall’s Construction Work at Victoria Metro Station is Advancing Swiftly

Kolkata (Metro Rail News): The Construction work of Victoria Metro station of the Purple Line of Kolkata Metro has been going o­n smoothly. Joka -Majerhat stretch of this Purple Line has already been operational and efforts are now o­n to extend it further in order to reach the heart of the city. Construction work of Mominpur (Excl.) to the Esplanade stretch of this Corridor has been going o­n in that direction. A work order for the construction of this stretch has already been issued to M/s. Larsen & Toubro in last July.

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Image Credit: Kolkata Metro

Out of the four stations o­n this stretch (Khidderpore, Victoria, Park Street and Esplanade) construction work of the underground Victoria station has been taken up by the executing agency Rail Vikas Nigam Limited (RVNL).  This station will be 325 meters long and its platform level will be at a depth of 14.7 meters from the surface.

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Image Credit: Kolkata Metro

Barricading work of the area required for the construction of this underground station and other preparatory works are now complete. At first, diaphragm walls (D-walls) are being constructed and then the station slabs will be constructed following the Cut and Cover Top-Down Method.  Already construction of 115 metres of diaphragm walls has been completed.  At Victoria Station, a total of 709 metres of diaphragm walls will be constructed.

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Image Credit: Kolkata Metro

Some encroaching trees at the station site were infringing the construction work of this station.  It was decided to transplant those trees following all stipulated norms to a nearby area. Hon’ble Calcutta High Court has already dismissed a plea challenging the transplantation of these trees o­n 20.06.2024.  In order to construct this station, already 22 trees have been transplanted to Kamardanga Railway land.  This has cleared the infringements towards the construction of this station.  

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During the construction of the station, special care has also been taken to assess the vibration level generated and also for the nearby Victoria Memorial Hall.

For the tunnelling work of the stretch from the Khidderpore to  Park Street stretch of this Corridor, two Tunnel Boring Machines (TBM) will be deployed from the Khidderpore launching shaft. At present, construction of this launching shaft inside the St. Thomas School premises at Khidderpore is in progress.

Mumbai Metro: 3 Firms Submit Proposals to Construct Dongri Depot on Red Line

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Mumbai Metro: 3 Firms Submit Proposals to Construct Dongri Depot on Red Line

Mumba (Metro Rail News): On June 25, 2024, the Mumbai Metropolitan Region Development Authority (MMRDA) opened technical bids for Package CA-207. This package involves the construction of the Dongri Depot on the Red Line of the Mumbai Metro. Three firms have submitted proposals to carry out the work for this package.

The Dongri Depot and Workshop, under Package CA-207, is planned to be built on 41.36 hectares of land in northwest Mumbai. This facility will be designed to accommodate and maintain BEML trains serving the entire Red Line, which includes Line-9, Line-7, and Line-7A. These lines connect Dongri, Mira Bhayandar, Dahisar East, Gundavali, and CSIA Terminal 2.

Additionally, the Dongri Depot will feature an Operations Control Centre (OCC), a 690-meter-long test track with platforms, a stabling shed (SBL), a workshop shed (WSL), an inspection shed (IBL), a receiving substation (RSS), and two auxiliary substations (ASS).

Bidding Process

In February 2024, MMRDA called for bids for the package CA-207, estimating the project at Rs. 626.69 crore. The project has a completion timeline of 52 months.

Firms 

Three firms who have submitted the proposal to construct Package CA-207 are the following:

  • KPC Projects Ltd.
  • Ritwik Projects Pvt. Ltd
  • NCC Ltd.

Scope of work

The work under Package CA-207 includes the development of the depot land and the construction of essential infrastructure for the Depot at Dongri, part of Metro Line-9 of the Mumbai Metro Rail Project by MMRDA. This includes:

  • Stabling Yard
  • Operations Control Centre
  • Depot Control Centre
  • Administrative Building
  • Maintenance and Inspection Buildings
  • Auxiliary Substation
  • Roads
  • Underground Utility Ducts
  • Drainage System
  • Rainwater Harvesting Facilities

Additionally, the project involves architectural finishing, plumbing, and pre-engineered building (PEB) works.

The bids submitted by the three firms will now undergo a comprehensive technical evaluation process which can take a few months to complete. Once this evaluation is done, MMRDA will proceed to open the financial bids of the technically qualified bidders to identify the L1 (Lowest bidder) for Package CA-207.

A  4.9 km extension of Line 9 will provide access to the Dongri Depot. This extension originating from Subhash Chandra Bose Ground Station will run along Uttan Road.

Mumbai Metro 3: RDSO Conducts Trials of Rolling Stock on Aqua Line

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Mumbai Metro 3: RDSO Conducts Trials of Rolling Stock on Aqua Line

Mumbai (Metro Rail News): The work is advancing swiftly on the Aqua Line (Line 3) of the Mumbai Metro. In a recent development, the Research Design and Standards Organisation (RDSO) has wrapped up the testing phase for the rolling stock designed for the Mumbai Metro’s Line 3, which runs underground between Aarey and Seepz via BKC. Currently, trials are underway in Phase 1, which extends from Aarey to Bandra-Kurla Complex (BKC).

On 24 June 2024, an update on the official X account of the Mumbai Metro 3 project announced the completion of oscillation trials for the Metro rakes. The Research Design and Standards Organisation (RDSO) will now submit the trial report to the Railway Board and the Commissioner of Metro Rail Safety. 

Meanwhile, other electrical system tests and integrated testing of the rolling stock with signalling are ongoing. Once these tests are completed, the Commissioner of Metro Rail Safety (CMRS) will be called for the final inspection before commencing the public operations in Phase 1.

Commencing on June 8, the trials were executed at a maximum speed of 95 km/h using both empty and loaded rakes. These oscillation trials are essential as they assess how well the train performs dynamically and maintains stability at different speeds.

A thorough assessment of the dynamic stability of rolling stock, especially at high speeds and on curves, is crucial to minimise the risk of derailments. Additionally, testing includes a detailed analysis of how the rolling stock interacts with the track, specifically evaluating the forces applied on the rails. Through these tests, RDSO ensures compliance with safety standards to prevent accidents and ensure passenger safety.

Mumbai Metro Line 3

Mumbai Metro’s Aqua Line (Line-3), spans 33.5 kilometres and serves as a crucial north-south corridor, designed to streamline connectivity throughout Mumbai. It will link six commercial suburbs, 30 office areas, 12 educational institutions, 11 major hospitals, and 10 transport hubs, including both of Mumbai’s airports. Once operational, this corridor is expected to alleviate congestion on roads. The operations for Phase I of the Mumbai Metro Line 3 are anticipated to commence by the end of 2024.

Nagpur Metro Phase 2: 6 Firms Submit Bids for Package C-02

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Nagpur Metro Phase 2: 6 Firms Submit Bids for Package C-02

Nagpur (Metro Rail News): On 20 June 2024, Maharashtra Metro Rail Corporation Limited (MAHA METRO) opened technical bids for Package C2 of the 43.8 km Nagpur Metro Phase 2 project. 6 civil engineering firms have submitted their proposals to carry out the work of Package C2.

Nagpur Metro Phase II map 1

Scope of work

The work under Package C-02 entails the construction of a 17.624 km viaduct within Nagpur Metro Orange Line’s 18.7 km Reach 1A, which connects Khapri to Butibori MIDC ESR. 

The viaduct will run alongside the National Highway (NH-4) and will include two special spans over the Indian Railways lines, measuring 79 meters and 100 meters respectively. Additionally, it will include a 1.14 km long double-decker section with six lanes, accommodating vehicles on the lower level (level 1) and metro trains on the upper level (level 2).

Cost and Deadline

In March 2024, MahaMetro initiated the bidding process for Package C2, estimating the project cost at Rs. 945 crore. The package has a completion deadline of 912 days.

Bidders

The six firms who have submitted bids for Package C2 are the following:

  • Dilip Buildcon Ltd. (DBL)
  • Kalpataru Projects International Ltd. (KPIL)
  • Rail Vikas Nigam Ltd. (RVNL)
  • Tata Projects Ltd. (TPL)
  • G R Infraprojects Ltd. (GRIL)
  • NCC Ltd.

The bids will now undergo technical evaluation, which is expected to take a few months to complete. After this process, Maha Metro will open the financial bids of technically qualified bidders to identify the L1 (Lowest bidder) for Package C2.

Reach 1 A of Nagpur Metro Phase 2

The 18.7 km long Reach 1A links Khapri to Butibori MIDC ESR, featuring a total of 10 stations. The construction of 8 metro stations—Ashokvan, Dongargaon, Mohgaon, Meghdoot MIDC, Butibori Police Station, MHADA Colony, MIDC KEC, and MIDC ESR—will be executed under Package C-09, which is currently in the bidding phase.

Kochi Metro: Afcons Infrastructure Bags Rs. 1141.32 crore Civil Contract of Pink Line

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Kochi Metro: Afcons Infrastructure Bags Rs. 1141.32 crore Civil Contract of Pink Line

Kochi (Metro Rail News): On 20 June 2024, Afcons Infrastructure bagged a contract worth Rs. 1141.32 to undertake the construction work of Pink Line under package KBC3 of the Kochi Metro Phase 2 Project.

Kochi Metro

When bids were opened in March, Afcons was identified as the sole technically qualified bidder. In contrast, the bids submitted by KEC International – Sadbhav Engineering JV and Rail Vikas Nigam (RVNL) were disqualified due to non-compliance with the tender conditions.

 Package KBC3:

Under this contract, Afcons Infrastructure will be responsible for Designing and Constructing an elevated viaduct and 10 elevated stations of the Kochi Metro Phase 2 project which will connect Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium to Infopark II. This package has a completion deadline of 600 days. 

Although the construction of entry/exit buildings and architectural finishing will be executed through separate packages.

Kochi Metro Phase 2

Approval

Kerela government approved Kochi Metro Phase 2 in July 2018 at an estimated cost of Rs.2,310. The Detailed Project Report(DPR) of the Phase 2 project received approval from the Central Government in September 2022 at Rs 1,957.05 crore. 

Corridor length & Stations 

Phase 2 of Kochi Metro will cover a total distance of 11.2 km via 1 corridor (Pink Line). The Pink Line will connect JLN Stadium and Infopark II through  11 elevated stations.

Financial Aspects

Currently, Phase 2 awaits approval of a USD 122.3 million loan from the Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank (AIIB).

Patna Metro: L&T Deploys TBM-1 at Patna University Metro Station

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Patna Metro: L&T Deploys TBM-1 at Patna University Metro Station

Patna (Metro Rail News): The Patna Metro Phase 1 project is advancing at a rapid pace. Recently,  Larsen & Toubro (L&T) deployed Tunnel Boring Machine (TBM-1) at Patna University Metro Station on Line 2 (Patna Junction Railway Station- New ISBT) for underground Package PC-03. This package spans 8 km and connects Rajendra Nagar to Patna Junction Railway Station.

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Image Credit: Patna Metro

This achievement comes about three months after TBM DZ1090, also known as TBM-1, achieved its first breakthrough at Patna University’s east shaft in March 2024. Over a period of 11 months, the TBM-1 constructed a 1494-meter tunnel for the down-line, starting from Moin-ul-Haq Station.

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Image Credit: Patna Metro

After its first breakthrough, TBM-1 was moved from Patna University’s east shaft into its west shaft. Now L&T has deployed TBM-1 for its next assignment which involves constructing a 2302 m downline tunnel toward PMCH Station.

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Image Credit: Patna Metro

Patna Metro Phase 1’s Package PC-03

In December 2021, Larsen & Toubro (L&T) secured Package PC-03 from the Delhi Metro Rail Corporation (DMRC) at a cost of Rs. 1989 crore. The contract has a completion deadline of 42 months.

Scope of work

Package PC-03 will link a ramp near Rajendra Nagar with Patna Junction Railway Station. To facilitate this work L&T will design and construct a Twin Tunnel and six underground metro stations: Rajendra Nagar, Moin Ul Haq Stadium, University, PMCH, Gandhi Maidan, and Akashvani (formerly Dak Bungalow).

Advancements in Package PC-03

Till now L&T has achieved 2 Tunnel breakthroughs in Package PC-03. Both were recorded at Patna University Metro Station: The first in March for the down-line by TBM-1, and the second in May for the up-line by DZ1091, also known as Buddha.

Bangalore Metro Phase 2: Final Precast Segment Launched on Pink Line

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Bangalore Metro Phase 2: Final Precast Segment Launched on Pink Line

Bangalore (Metro Rail News): On 21 June 2024, GR Infraprojects (GRIL) launched the final precast segment for the 7.5 km stretch of Bangalore Metro’s Pink Line. This section runs from Dairy Circle Ramp to Kalena Agrahara.

The launching of the final segment took place on Bannerghatta Road for a viaduct situated south of Jayadeva Metro Station. This advancement signifies the completion of segment-launching activities for the 21.386 km Pink Line, spanning from Kalena Agrahara to Nagawara, as well as for the entire Bangalore Metro Phase 2 project.

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Image Credit: Mada Samy S

The contact to GRIL 

The contract for the construction of the elevated part of Reach 6 was initially awarded to Simplex Infrastructures in September 2017 with a deadline of 27 months. The contract was terminated and re-tendered due to insufficient progress, and in August 2021, GR Infraprojects secured the contract at Rs. 364.87 crore with a revised deadline of 21 months.

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Image Credit: Mada Samy S

The launch of segments in Phase 2 of Bangalore Metro

In November 2021, GR Infraprojects initiated the process of launching segments in the Arekere neighbourhood, using mainly 8.5-meter-wide girders with weights ranging from 38 to 42 tons.

In January 2017, IL&FS Engineering performed the launch of the first segment for the Purple Line’s 3.945 km Reach 2A, which connects the Mysore Road and Pattanagere stations.

In September 2022, HCC – URCC JV launched the last segment of the 19.14 km Yellow Line or Reach 5 (RV Road – Bommasandra). 

The next route to open in 2024 is Reach 3C (Nagasandra – Madavara), a 3.031 km stretch of the Green Line. In April 2023, Simplex Infrastructure launched the final segment for this section.

SYSTRA Bags Ticketing Consultant Contract for MAHSR Corridor

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SYSTRA Bags Ticketing Consultant Contract for MAHSR Corridor

On 18 June 2024,  the joint venture between SYSTRA MVA Consulting (India) and SYSTRA  was awarded the Ticketing Consultant contract for the 508 km Mumbai – Ahmedabad High-Speed Rail corridor at Rs. 3.97 crores.

Brief Scope of Contract

The contract involves selecting a consultant to manage various tasks related to the ticketing system for the Mumbai-Ahmedabad High-Speed Rail (MAHSR) Project. 

Under this contract SYSTRA will be responsible for the following:

1. Studying Global AFC Systems: Analysing existing Automatic Fare Collection (AFC) systems around the globe to recommend the best option for NHSRCL.

2. Cost Estimation: Preparing a detailed cost estimate for the ticketing system.

3. Bidding Process Assistance: Assisting NHSRCL throughout the bidding process, from inviting bids to evaluating them.

4. Contract Preparation: Preparing the contract agreement for the selected ticketing system.

Bidding Process

NHSRCL initiated the bidding process for this consultancy contract in November 2023, specifying a contract duration of 365 days. In February 2024, NHSRCL opened the technical bids and discovered that the only participants were SYSTRA and a joint venture between DB Engineering and Balaji Railroad Systems.

Criteria of SYSTRA’S Selection

NHSRCL selected SYSTRA using the 80:20 Quality and Cost Based Selection (QCBS) method. In this selection process, 80% of the weightage was assigned to the technical score and 20% to the financial score.

With an offer of Rs. 3.97 crore, SYSTRA was the lowest financial bidder. It also received a technical score of 100. DB – BARSYL JV, on the other hand, received a technical score of 97.82 and submitted a bid of Rs. 6.59 crore.

Agra Metro: TBM Yamuna Achieves Breakthrough at SN Medical College Metro Station

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Agra Metro: TBM Yamuna Achieves Breakthrough at SN Medical College Metro Station

Agra (Metro Rail News): On 21 June 2024, the Agra Metro Phase 1 project reached a major milestone with the breakthrough of tunnel boring machine (TBM) Yamuna breakthrough at SN Medical College Metro Station within Package AGCC-02.

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TBM Yamuna’s Journey in Agra Metro Project:

This was the 4th tunnel breakthrough of TBM Yamuna (Robbins 215-323) in Corridor 1. The other 3 tunnel breakthroughs include:

  • Ramleela Maidan to Agra Fort Station (334 m) in April 2023
  • Agra Fort Station to Shahjahan Gardens Midshaft (175 m) in July 2023
  • Shahjahan Gardens Midshaft to Taj Mahal Station (1175 m) in October 2023

Overall this is the 11th tunnel breakthrough on 14.25 km  line-1’s 7.93 km Package AGCC-02 which spans between RBS College Ramp and Taj Mahal Ramp.

TBM Yamuna was deployed for its 4th drive from Agra College Station on March 23, 2024. It travelled roughly 508 meters eastward and reached SN Medical College Metro Station in less than three months.

Contract

In March 2022 Afcons-Sam India Consortium secured underground Package AGCC-02 from Uttar Pradesh Metro Rail Corporation at Rs. 1819.79 with a 48-month deadline.

Package AGCC-02 spans  7.93 km from chainage 3630.000 to 11564.485. It comprises twin tunnels that will pass through 7 stations: Taj Mahal, Agra Fort, Mankameshwar Mandir, SN Medical College, Agra College, Raja ki Mandi and RBS College.

A way forward

For its next assignment, TBM Yamuna will be taken through the station box of SN Medical College and recommissioned towards Mankameshwar Mandir Station (formerly known as Jama Masjid Metro Station).

Currently, TBM Ganga, nicknamed Robbins 324 is constructing a parallel tunnel from Agra College to SN Medical College.

Mr Manoj Jain assumes charge as new Chairman & MD of BEL

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Mr Manoj Jain assumes charge as new Chairman & MD of BEL

On June 20, 2024, Mr Manoj Jain took charge as Chairman and Managing Director of Bharat Electronics Limited (BEL). He was the Director (R&D) since September 26, 2022, and from August 1, 2023, he was also assigned the additional Director charge (Bangalore Complex).


Since November 1, 2022, Mr Manoj Jain has also been assigned the additional Director (HR) charge. Before becoming Director (R&D), he was General Manager of the Electronic Warfare & Avionics SBU at BEL’s Bangalore Complex.


Mr Manoj Jain’s journey at BEL started in August 1991 as a Probationary Engineer after he completed his BE (Electronics) from REC Jaipur (MNIT) with a gold medal. In his career of over thirty years, he has made significant contributions to the field of Research and Development.
In his initial years in D&E at BEL’s Kotdwara Unit, Mr Manoj played a crucial role in developing Digital Multiplexers, Cross Connects, CDOT Exchanges, and Military Switches.


In 1999, Mr Manoj moved to BEL’s Central Research Laboratory in Bangalore and developed technologies for Defence Networks and Network & Bulk Security Solutions. He was also involved in developing VeXT, Scan Converter, and Display using FPGA in Radar, one of BEL’s core businesses.


From December 2017 to May 2019, Mr Manoj served as the Chief Scientist of CRL-Bangalore, overseeing technological developments in all technical areas. In June 2019, he became the General Manager of BEL’s Product Development and Innovation Centre. During his two years as a general manager, the centre developed many new products/ sub-systems required for BEL. He ensured innovation and value-addition while working.


In June 2021, Mr Manoj became the General Manager and Head of the Electronic Warfare & Avionics SBU at BEL-Bangalore. He provided a much-needed vision for this business vertical besides managing all the SBU’s operations.


Mr Manoj has been awarded various R&D awards, Key Contributor Awards, Raksha Mantri’s Award, and SODET Awards. During his career, he has published various technical papers, applied for several patents, and done sessions with Defence users and DRDO scientists.

Bullet Train Project: 3rd OWG bridge launched over the Delhi-Mumbai Expressway

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Bullet Train Project: 3rd OWG bridge launched over the Delhi-Mumbai Expressway

Gujarat (Metro Rail News): On 23 June 2024, National High-Speed Rail Corporation Limited (NHSRCL) successfully launched a 130-meter-long steel bridge over the Delhi-Mumbai national expressway. The bridge in Vadodara near Gujarat is part of the Mumbai-Ahmedabad Bullet Train project.


This is the third successful completion of a steel bridge out of 28 steel bridges for the MAHSR corridor. The launch of the first and second steel bridges took place across National Highway 53, in Surat and over the Vadodara – Ahmedabad main line of Indian Railways, in Gujarat respectively.

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Image Credit: NHSRCL


The launch was completed within 24 hours, and multiple rollers and hydraulic jacks with intermittent breaks to allow vehicular traffic to pass. The bridge weighs 3000 MT with a height of 18 meters and a width of 14.9 meters. It was manufactured in Wardha, Maharashtra. It is expected to be the longest of any other national highway in the country.


The bridge was assembled at a 15-m height from the ground on temporary trestles, and it was pulled with the automatic mechanism of two semi-automatic jacks, each capable of 250 tons. The bridge fabrication utilised approximately 124,246 Nos. of Tor-Shear Type High Strength (TTHS) bolts designed for a 100-year lifespan, with C5 system painting and metallic spherical bearings.


In August 2021, NHSRCL awarded M G Contractors with a bridge package P-1 (C) of Rs. 261.24 crore. P1-C’s scope involves constructing one press trusted concrete (PSC) and four steel truss bridges within 87.569 km package C6, which is under construction by Larson & Toubro.

In October 2023, M G Contractors placed the first open web girder (OWG) of the entire project on Package P-1(B) at MAHSR’s chainage 254.585 across NH-53 near Surat. In April 2024, the first OWG for Package P1(C) was placed over Indian Railways’ mainline track between Kanjari Boriyavi and Uttarsanda stations.


The utmost safety standards are being practised during the project’s execution. Under the ‘Make in India’ initiative, India is making increased use of its technical and material resources, and the major example is the steel bridge for the Bullet Train project.


India boasts the capacity to construct steel bridges for heavy haul and semi-high-speed trains which can operate at 160kmph. Now India is utilising the same expertise to construct steel girders for the MAHSR corridor which is designed to accommodate high-speed trains running at the top speed of 320 kmph.

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