Techno Feasibility Study Commences for Ballabhgarh-Palwal Metro Rail

CHANDIGARH (Metro Rail News): On Tuesday, a team of experts from Haryana Mass Rapid Transit Corporation (HMRTC) and Rail India Technical and Economic Services (RITES) commenced a techno feasibility study for the Ballabhgarh-Palwal metro rail.The study was directed by Chief Minister ML Khattar on June 26.The proposed Ballabhgarh-Palwal corridor will be approximately 24 km long and will have 10 stations. It aims to provide connectivity to the industrial areas of Sector 58-59, Sikri, Prithla, Alhapur, Baghola, Softa, and Palwal.During the study, alternative options for the metro rail system will be explored. The alignment of the corridor will be determined through discussions with NHAI and other stakeholders. There are plans to integrate Ballabhgarh railway station, Raja Nahar Singh metro station, Ballabhgarh bus stand, and Palwal bus stand.The techno-feasibility study, conducted by RITES Limited, is expected to be completed in the next few days. In addition, preparations are underway to develop a comprehensive mobility plan for Palwal.According to the spokesperson, “The metro rail corridor is planned to be elevated and is estimated to cost around ₹180 crore per kilometer. The entire project is expected to cost approximately ₹4,320 crore.”Chief Minister Khattar announced on Sunday that government had given the green light for a metro link between Ballabgarh and Palwal. He emphasized that this development would enhance connectivity and accelerate the area’s progress.

Indian Railways’ “Hydrogen for Heritage”: 35 Hydrogen Trains for a Greener Future

NEW DELHI (Metro Rail News): Under the ‘Hydrogen for  Heritage’ project, the Indian Railways have unveiled their ambitious plan to operate 35 hydrogen trains, marking a significant step towards reducing carbon emissions in the transportation sector.With the introduction of these innovative trains, the railway network in India is set to make substantial progress in creating a more sustainable and eco-friendly future.By using hydrogen fuel cells instead of conventional diesel engines, the Hydrogen for a Heritage initiative hopes to revolutionize the railway sector.The project aims to minimize harmful pollutants by embracing clean energy sources and setting an example for sustainable transportation practices.In response to a question posed in the Rajya Sabha, Union Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw confirmed the project’s development and revealed that the prototype train would undergo field trials on the Jind-Sonipat section of the Northern Railways.For the necessary ground infrastructure, the project’s initial phase will cost an estimated Rs. 80 crores for each train and Rs. 70 crores per route.In a remarkable move, the Indian Railways has already awarded a pilot project worth Rs. 111.80 crores for retrofitting a hydrogen fuel cell on an existing Diesel Electric Multiple Unit (DEMU) rakes, along with the associated ground infrastructure.The trials for these revolutionary trains are scheduled to commence in March 2024, as announced by Shobhan Chaudhry, the General Manager of Northern Railway. With full momentum behind the initiative, the Indian Railways is on track to test and validate the feasibility and efficacy of hydrogen-powered trains.These trains hold immense potential to significantly reduce carbon emissions, marking a monumental step towards a greener and more environmentally friendly future for India’s railway network.

PM Modi Flags Off 5 Vande Bharat Express Trains, Boosting Connectivity Across States

BHOPAL (Metro Rail News): Honorable Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi flagged off five Vande Bharat Express trains from Rani Kamlapati Railway Station in Bhopal on 27 June. These trains will improve connectivity in Madhya Pradesh, Karnataka, Maharashtra, Goa, Jharkhand, and Bihar. The five Vande Bharat Express trains flagged off by PM Modi are Rani Kamalapati (Bhopal)-Jabalpur Vande Bharat Express, Khajuraho-Bhopal-Indore Vande Bharat Express, Dharwad-Bengaluru Vande Bharat Express, Madgaon (Goa)-Mumbai Vande Bharat Express , and Hatia-Patna Vande Bharat Express.Prime Minister Modi inaugurated the Goa (Madgaon)-Mumbai, Ranchi-Patna, and Dharwad-Bengaluru train routes through a virtual ceremony. Subsequently, he inaugurated the Bhopal-Indore and Bhopal-Jabalpur Vande Bharat trains, which departed simultaneously from Rani Kamlapati Station after the inauguration.The Khajuraho-Bhopal-Indore Vande Bharat Express will run faster by two hours and thirty minutes compared to the fastest existing train on this route, connecting the Malwa Region (Indore) and Bundelkhand Region (Khajuraho) to the Central Region (Bhopal).The Vande Bharat Express running between Madgaon (Goa) and Mumbai’s Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus (CSMT) is the first Vande Bharat Express in Goa, connecting the two stations.The Dharwad-Bengaluru Vande Bharat Express will connect important cities in Karnataka, such as Dharwad, Hubballi, and Davangere, with the state capital, Bengaluru. It will be faster by approximately thirty minutes compared to the fastest train on the route.Also, the introduction of the Vande Bharat Express on the Hatia-Patna route will mark the inaugural Vande Bharat service for the states of Jharkhand and Bihar. This route will reduce journey time by about one hour and twenty-five minutes.According to railway officials, the introduction of these indigenous Vande Bharat trains will enhance connectivity between state capitals and other cities, resulting in reduced travel time and improved passenger comfort during the journey.

RailTel Wins Rs 294.37 Crore Order from TASMAC for Integrated Solution Project

TAMILNADU (Metro Rail News): RailTel, a leading telecom infrastructure and ICT solutions provider, has secured an important order worth Rs 294.37 crores (including taxes) from TAMILNADU STATE MARKETING CORPORATION LIMITED (TASMAC). In accordance with the order, an Integrated Solution project will be implemented, enabling complete computerization and connection of TASMAC’s core and support services. The project, set to span 5 years, cements RailTel’s position in the domestic ICT space.The scope of work includes providing end-to-end computerization of TASMAC’s operations, focusing on designing, developing, and deploying the application.Excise and TASMAC Integrated Supply Chain Management System (ETISCMS), Depot, Track & Trace (Supplier and Retail Vending Shop), HRMS (Human Resource Management System), and Financial & Accounting Module are some of the application’s most important modules.Furthermore, RailTel will establish the necessary infrastructure, including a Data Centre and Data Recovery Centre, with clustering for 2-way disaster recovery operations in conjunction with the State data centre (TNSDC).The company will also provide IT infrastructure and services for the TASMAC system at various locations, such as the Head Office, Senior Regional Manager Office, District Manager Office, Depots, and Retail Vending Shops spread across Tamil Nadu State.The project additionally involves data digitization, master data creation, migration of historical data, and internet connectivity at various locations. RailTel will also be responsible for deploying a Help Desk and providing necessary workforce support. Lastly, RailTel will operate, maintain, and manage the entire hardware and software system for 5 years.A Milestone in Digital Transformation and Revenue AssuranceCommenting on this significant achievement, Sh. Sanjai Kumar, Chairman & Managing Director of RailTel, emphasized the importance of this work order for providing comprehensive ICT solutions to TASMAC. He stated that the project is essential to TASMAC’s digital transformation, transparency, and revenue assurance.Mr. Kumar confirmed RailTel’s commitment to providing high-quality services and being at the forefront of their client’s digital journeys.About RailTelOne of India’s largest independent ICT solutions and services providers, RailTel is a “Mini Ratna (Category-I)” Central Public Sector Enterprise under the Ministry of Railways. The company also manages two Tier-III MeitY empanelled Data Centres. RailTel actively contributes to creating a knowledge society and the execution of mission-mode telecom projects for the Government of India by utilizing its high-capacity network.MPLS VPN, Telepresence, Lease Line, Tower Co-location, and Data Centre services are among the offerings from RailTel. With the help of RailTel’s RailWire WiFi service, the firm has teamed with the Indian Railways to turn more than 6108 railway stations nationwide into digital centres.

Titagarh Rail systems Receives LOA for Rs 857 Crore Order from GMRC

SURAT (Metro Rail News): On Tuesday, Titagarh Rail Systems stated that Gujarat Metro Rail Corporation (GMRC) Limited provided a Letter of Acceptance (LOA) to Titagarh Rail Systems for the ambitious Surat Metro Rail project worth Rs 857 crore.According to the contract terms, the execution will begin 76 weeks after the contract signing, followed by a completion timeline of 132 weeks. Titagarh Railsystems expressed its dedication to delivering high-quality, technologically advanced standard gauge cars within the agreed timeframe.Titagarh Rail system’s successful bid to design and manufacture 72 standard gauge cars for the Surat Metro Rail highlights the company’s expertise and capabilities in the rail engineering sector.The Surat Metro Rail project is a massive undertaking, encompassing two corridors spanning 40.45 kilometres and incorporating a network of 38 stations, with an estimated cost of Rs 12,020 crore.The Surat Metro Rail project holds immense significance for the economic and social growth of the city. It is expected to ease traffic congestion, reduce carbon emissions, and enhance Surat’s residents’ overall quality of life.

Afcons Achieves Another Breakthrough with TBM Sudarshan 8.1 at Begumpul RRTS Station

MEERUT (Metro Rail News): Afcons Infrastructure achieved another milestone with the second tunnel breakthrough of the tunnel boring machine S88 at the South Shaft of the Begumpul RRTS Station. Afcons achieved its fifth tunnel breakthrough out of the six planned breakthroughs on Package 8 of the semi-high-speed rail project, with S88 marking the final breakthrough on the 5.68 km underground section.The Terratec Earth Pressure Balance (EPB) machine, nicknamed Sudarshan 8.1, achieved its first breakthrough at Meerut Central Station in December 2022 after successfully tunnelling a distance of 1823 meters from Bhaisali Station. Following this accomplishment, the machine was transported back to Bhaisali Station and recommissioned in February 2023 to construct an approximately 1 km long tunnel towards Begumpul Station.Afcons Infrastructure secured the contract worth Rs. 1529.10 crores for Package 8 from the National Capital Region Transport Corporation (NCRTC) in November 2020, with a 1310 days (3.6 years) deadline. The cut and cover method will be used to build three underground stations at Meerut Central, Bhaisali, and Begumpul, as well as six twin tunnels running from Brahampuri DN Ramp to Begumpul UP Ramp.With the successful completion of S88’s tunnelling assignments, the machine becomes the fifth out of seven to accomplish its designated tasks, joining the ranks of STEC’s TBMs Sudarshan 4.1, 4.2, and 4.3 on Package 4, as well as Afcons’ 8.3 (S90). Only one more breakthrough remains for Afcons, which will be achieved by TBM S89 (Sudarshan 8.2). The parts of S89 were lowered in March 2023 at Bhaisali, aiming to construct a parallel 1 km tunnel towards Begumpul.

Jaipur Metro Expands: Bids Invited for Jaipur Metro Phases 1C and 1D

JAIPUR (Metro Rail News): The Jaipur Metro Rail Corporation has released a tender for the building of an elevated ramp, elevated viaduct, and an elevated station for each of Jaipur Metro Phases 1C and 1D in Jaipur, Rajasthan. The estimated cost for the contract is Rs 260.58 crore, and its completion period is 28 months.In Phase 1C, the metro line will cover a distance of  2.85 km from Badi Chaupar to Transport Nagar. At Transport Nagar, there will be one elevated station, while at Ramganj Chaupar, there will be one underground station.In Phase 1D, the metro line will span 1.35 kilometres from Mansarovar to Ajmer Road, including an elevated station at Ajmer Road Chauraha.It also involves designing and building twin tunnels utilising the Shield TBM (Tunnel Boring Machine).The 11.64-kilometre East-West Corridor, with its 11 stops, was opened in two stages. On June 3, 2015, Phase 1A, spanning 9.63 km from Mansarovar to Chandpole, was successfully launched. On September 23, 2020, Phase 1B, spanning 2.01 km from Chandpole to Badi Chaupar, was successfully inaugurated.The State government had previously announced the expansion of the Jaipur Metro under Phase 1C and 1D in the fiscal year 2022–2023 budget.In January 2023, the Jaipur Metro Railway Corporation (JMRC) appointed the Delhi Metro Rail Corporation (DMRC) as the general consultant for Line 1C and Line 1D, marking the second time the DMRC has been entrusted with constructing metro lines in the Pink City. The DMRC previously served as a consultant for the development of Phase 1A from Mansarovar to Chandpole.

CMRS Approves the Operation of RAPIDX Service on the Priority Section of Delhi-Meerut RRTS Corridor

DELHI (Metro Rail News): Commissioner for Metro Rail Safety (CMRS), Government of India, has approved the operation of RAPIDX service on the Priority Section of Delhi-Meerut RRTS corridor. Earlier last week, the Ministry of Railways had sanctioned RRTS Rolling Stock, which has a design speed of 180 kmph, an operational speed of 160 kmph, which is the full potential of the Rolling Stock.
Rapidx station
Rapidx station
With these approvals, the Priority Section of RRTS has become the first railway system in the country which is being opened for operations in its entire length at a maximum operational speed of 160 kmph.
RAPIDX CORRIDOR 1
Inside view of Rapidx station
 Over the course of the last one year, more than one Independent Safety Assessors have rigorously examined the processes deployed by NCRTC for implementing this state-of-the-art, world-class, new-age transit infrastructure project. Thus, the system has been thoroughly scrutinized and only after the clearances, it has received approvals from the Ministry of Railways and CMRS. RAPIDX CORRIDOR 2 NCRTC is ready to start the commercial operations of RAPIDX services within four years of the start of the construction work in June 2019. Even the serious impact of COVID-19 couldn’t affect the resolve of team NCRTC in achieving this target. Team NCRTC has also made rapid progress on the balance of the project and is determined to commission the full corridor along with Metro services in Meerut within the scheduled timeline of June 2025.During this journey of project implementation, team NCRTC worked with innumerable stakeholders and received invaluable support from the Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs, Ministry of Railways, Ministry of Finance, Department of Telecom, State Govt. of UP, Haryana, Rajasthan and GNCTD, Asian Development Bank, Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank, New Development Bank and officials of Ghaziabad and Meerut districts.The general consultants, construction partners, and consultants who worked with team NCRTC have also played a critical role in the successful implementation of the project. With this important milestone, NCRTC is ready formally to enter Operations & Maintenance phase.NCRTC’s O&M team of NCRTC NETRA, DB and Alstom will be working hard to provide fast, safe, and comfortable regional commute for the people who take a ride on RAPIDX trains.

Obstacles in Newly Proposed Ghaziabad Metro Route, GDA Seeks Solutions with DMRC

GHAZIABAD (Metro Rail News): The Ghaziabad Development Authority (GDA) has encountered obstacles that may restrict the progress of the recently proposed Metro route connecting Sector 62 in Noida to Vaishali in Ghaziabad.According to officials, multiple patches of private land along the proposed corridor present legal and financial hurdles for the authority.To address these concerns, GDA officials are scheduled to meet with representatives from the Delhi Metro Rail Corporation (DMRC).The discussion will focus on the newly proposed route and revisit two previously rejected routes: Mohan Nagar to Vaishali and Sector 62, Noida to Sahibabad.The DMRC submitted a project report to the GDA in January 2020, estimating a budget of ₹1,517 crores for the Sector 62 to Sahibabad route and ₹1,808.22 crore for the Vaishali to Mohan Nagar route.During the meeting with DMRC officials, the two earlier routes, including the Sector 62 to Sahibabad route, will be given renewed consideration. The Sector 62 to Sahibabad route, in particular, holds promise as an interchange hub for passengers with the Regional Rapid Transit System (RRTS) project station, making it a more viable alternative to the Mohan Nagar to Vaishali route, which could reduce RRTS ridership.The GDA is currently grappling with significant financial constraints, having faced a setback when the state government denied 50% of funding for the Ghaziabad Metro projects in May. Moreover, the authority is burdened with the repayment of two substantial loans obtained for constructing the 10.3km Hindon elevated road and increased compensation to farmers in the Madhuban Bapudham housing scheme.The GDA has explored various options to connect the previously proposed Metro extensions for nearly two years due to a lack of funds. Ropeway link connections and alternative transit systems like Metrolite and Metro Neo were considered. Still, residents voiced their preference for Metro connectivity over other modes of transportation, leading the GDA to conclude that Metro connectivity along the two previous routes would be the optimal solution.

L&T Emerges as the Lowest Bidder for Kolkata Metro’s Purple Line’s UG1 Contract

KOLKATA (Metro Rail News): Larsen & Toubro has emerged as the lowest bidder for the civil construction contract of the underground section of Kolkata Metro Purple Line. This section, called UG1, spans 5.05 km from Mominpur to Esplanade. It is the final part of the 15.215 km Line-3, which connects Joka to Esplanade/BBD Bagh. The underground section includes four stations: Kidderpore, Victoria, Park Street, and Esplanade. If awarded the contract, Larsen & Toubro will use two new tunnel boring machines, with one machine on standby.Rail Vikas Nigam Ltd. (RVNL) had invited bids for this contract in July 2022, with an estimated cost of Rs. 2571.28 crore. The deadline for the bids was not specified. In February, the technical bids were opened, and three bidders were revealed: Larsen & Toubro, ITD Cementation, and Afcons Infrastructure.Here are the financial bid values submitted by the firms:Larsen & Toubro: Rs. 2447 crore ITD Cementation: Rs. 2473 crore Afcons Infrastructure: Rs. 2486 croreIn comparison to RVNL’s estimate, L&T’s offer of Rs. 2447 crore was 4.82% less. As a result, it is expected that L&T will be given the contract in the coming months, subject to Ministry of Railways clearance.The project involves designing and building the ramp and underground metro railway works between Mominpur and Esplanade. It spans a distance of 5.05 km. The construction includes the creation of four underground stations: Khidderpore, Victoria, Park Street, and Esplanade. The tunnels will be constructed using tunnel boring machines and the cut & cover method. Additionally, the project encompasses architectural finishing works, track works, and other related activities. This initiative is part of the Joka-Esplanade metro corridor in the state of West Bengal, India.

Indian Railways to Start Production at its Largest Solar Plant in Bhilai

RAIPUR (Metro Rail News): Indian Railways is ready to start production at its largest solar plant in Bhilai, Chhattisgarh. After its 1.7 MW unit, which was commissioned in February of last year at Bina under West Central Railway in neighbouring Madhya Pradesh, the 50 MW solar photovoltaic plant is the Railways’ second facility of its kind.The Railways installed a solar plant near Charoda, close to a national highway in Bhilai, under the Raipur Division of the South East Central Railway (SECR) zone as part of its aim to utilise the large and uninhabited regions to promote renewable energy. This initiative aims to make the Railways more environmentally friendly and reduce its carbon footprint. The Railways plans to set up more solar plants in different regions.The solar plant in Bhilai is the largest among all the solar plants owned by the Indian Railways. It covers an area of 200 acres and has 154,500 solar photovoltaic panels. The plant underwent two trials in the month of May and June. The Railway Board will decide how the renewable energy will be used, whether to power the trains or for commercial purposes.The electricity generated by the solar plant will be supplied to the Power Grid Corporation. The Railways can utilise the same amount of energy from the regional grid wherever it is needed across the country. The project was assigned to Sherisha Rooftop Solar SPV, a Chennai-based company, which will operate the plant for over two decades after its completion. The project is anticipated to be launched by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, according to railway authorities.

Ballabhgarh-Palwal Metro Receives Green Signal from Haryana Government

HARYANA (Metro Rail News): On 25 June 2023, the Haryana chief minister Manohar Lal Khattar made an announcement that the government has approved the Ballabgarh-Palwal metro to ensure better connectivity and for improving the development of the area while addressing the Gauravshali Bharat Rally at Village Gajpuri of Plawal.According to the chief minister, the national and state governments are making tremendous progress to ensure inclusive growth. He thanked the Union government for encouraging the development of significant projects in Haryana, such as the Metro and the National Highways.He stated that our government has developed unprecedentedly in Palwal and Faridabad regions. A better connection has been made possible by constructing many important state roads. The construction of Jewar Airport will speed up other development projects and industries in the region.Mr. Krishan Pal Gujjar, Union Minister of State for Power and Heavy Industries, along with Transport Minister Mool Chand Sharma and Cooperative Minister Banwari Lal, also addressed the gathering.The event was also attended by Nayan Pal Rawat, MLA from Prithla, Jagdish Nair, MLA from Hodal, Parveen Dagar, MLA from Hathin, Narender Gupta from Old Faridabad, Seema Trikha from Badkhal, and Rajesh Nagar from Tigaon.

Union Ministry Approves Tricity Metro Project to Alleviate Traffic Chaos

CHANDIGARH (Metro Rail News): A month after receiving the comprehensive mobility plan (CMP), the Union Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs has approved the Tricity metro project. The project, designed to address the burgeoning traffic chaos in the Tricity region of Chandigarh, Mohali, and Panchkula, is expected to boost the area’s transportation infrastructure.A senior UT official confirmed the approval: “We have received a nod from the ministry, indicating their support for the project. The ministry had instructed Rail India Technical and Economic Services (RITES) to prepare a detailed project report (DPR) in phases, which will be submitted for further funding considerations.”The proposed Tricity metro network, prepared by RITES, spans approximately 39 kilometres and strategically covers Chandigarh, Mohali, and Panchkula.The mass rapid transit system (MRTS), which is expected to cost roughly 10,570 crores, will comprise metro lines and bus terminals, depots, and upgrades at important junctions, among other features.The comprehensive mobility plan (CMP) put up by RITES for Tricity had previously received in-principle approval from Chandigarh, Haryana, and Punjab in April of this year. In its final network, the metro network would connect Chandigarh, Mohali, Panchkula, Zirakpur, New Chandigarh, and Pinjore in two phases.The initial phase, scheduled for development between 2027 and 2037, will witness the construction of metro lines connecting Sarangpur to Panchkula ISBT, Rock Garden to Zirakpur ISBT via Mohali Industrial Area and the airport, as well as Grain Market Chowk (Sector 39) to Transport Nagar (Sector 26).Further, the second phase, scheduled to begin in 2037, would extend the metro lines to include routes from Panchkula ISBT to Panchkula Extension, Paraul (New Chandigarh) to Sarangpur, Zirakpur ISBT to Pinjore ISBT, and Airport Chowk to Manakpur Kallar.The comprehensive mobility plan, assigned to RITES Limited in December 2021, aims to ease the challenges and provide a sustainable solution.It is worth noting that RITES had previously recommended the Metro project in its 2009 report. However, eight years later, the Union Home Ministry rejected the proposal in 2017, citing the city’s size and the project’s financial feasibility. Despite the setback, the current approval by the Union Ministry signals a renewed commitment to enhance connectivity and address the pressing transportation needs of the Tricity region.

Railway Ministry Approves Allocation of ₹153.84 Cr for India-Bangladesh Rail Project

AGARTALA (Metro Rail News): The Railway Ministry has recently approved an allocation of Rs 153.84 crores to complete the Agartala-Akhaura railway line project, connecting India’s Tripura with Bangladesh. The estimated cost of the project is Rs 862.58 crores, and it is expected to be operational by the end of this year or early next year.According to Sabyasachi De, Chief Public Relations Officer of the Northeast Frontier Railway (NFR), the project is funded by the Ministry of DONER (Development of North Eastern Region). Approximately Rs 708.74 crores of the anticipated cost have already been provided and utilized.Moreover, the improved connectivity will facilitate faster import and export of commodities, empowering local producers to reach international markets more efficiently.In line with Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision of the ‘Act East Policy’ and ‘Neighborhood First Policy,’ Indian Railways has been actively executing various railway line projects to connect neighbouring countries. The Agartala-Akhaura international connectivity rail line project is an important initiative strengthening relations between India and Bangladesh. The railway line, which stretches 15.064 kilometres (5.05 kilometres in India and 10.014 kilometres in Bangladesh), connects Akhaura, Bangladesh, to Nischintapur, an international immigration station outskirts of Agartala.The station will serve as a dual gauge facility for passenger and goods interchange between nations. The project includes the construction of one major bridge and three minor bridges, ensuring smooth and efficient operations.Once the Agartala-Akhaura railway project is completed, the travel time between Agartala and Kolkata via Dhaka is expected to reduce drastically from approximately 31 hours to just 10 hours.NFR officials in Agartala expressed their satisfaction with the project’s progress, noting that over 90 per cent of the work on the Indian side has already been completed.