Delhi Metro Secures Operation and Maintenance Contract for Mumbai’s Metro Line 3
MUMBAI(Metro Rail News): Mumbai’s Colaba-Bandra-SEEPZ Metro line 3 has reached an exciting milestone in its development. The Mumbai Metro Rail Corporation (MMRC) has awarded the contract for the operation and maintenance of this fully underground corridor to the Delhi Metro Rail Corporation (DMRC) after a competitive bidding process.The contract has been granted to the DMRC for a period of 10 years, recognizing DMRC’s expertise and experience in the metro rail sector. This decision was made after careful evaluation and consideration of various factors.To ensure high standards and efficiency, the operations by DMRC will be governed by key performance indicators (KPIs). These benchmarks will monitor and evaluate the quality of services provided to the commuters.This contract is a crucial step forward in advancing the operations of Mumbai’s metro system. It demonstrates the MMRC’s commitment to delivering a world-class transportation system for the city. The DMRC’s reputation for the efficient and reliable operation of the Delhi Metro over the past two decades further reinforces its expertise and credibility.The collaboration between the MMRC and the DMRC sets the stage for an improved public transportation system that will benefit the residents of Mumbai for years to come. Mumbaikars can look forward to a safe, reliable, and convenient mode of transportation with the expertise of the DMRC behind the operation of the metro line.
Empowering Sustainable Mobility: InnoMetro 2023 Unveils Cutting-Edge Solutions for Railways and Metro
NEW DELHI (Metro Rail News): The 3rd Edition of InnoMetro 2023, the highly anticipated India’s premier conference and expo on Railway, Metro, RRTS, High-Speed Rail, and Allied Industries, concluded on a high note after a successful two-day event at Hotel Vivanta by Taj Dwarka in New Delhi on 24th and 25th May 2023.InnoMetro 2023, which was organized by Symbroj media and presented by Metro Rail News marked a significant milestone in the revival of large-scale face-to-face business events, catering to the sourcing and networking requirements of nearly 1000 metro and railway professionals from around the globe.The exhibition witnessed the participation of over 35+ sponsors and exhibitors who showcased their cutting-edge technologies, providing valuable insights into the latest advancements in the metro and railway sectors. APL Apollo Tubes Ltd., HYT Engineering Company Pvt. Ltd., DB RRTS Operations India, E+E Elektronik, Jindal Steel & Power, Zoho Corporation, TATA Steel, Envision Enterprise, Rehau, 3M, Rittal etc. were among the sponsors for InnoMetro-2023. Additionally, the event featured an impressive lineup of 50+ prominent speakers and moderators who stimulated engaging discussions on the industry’s current developments and innovations. The speakers represented different organisations like Indian Railways, DMRC, NHSRCL, NCRTC, APMRC, NSDC, Invest India, Hitachi, DFCCIL, RDSO, NITI Aayog, RLDA and BMRCL etc.The event was inaugurated with the lamp lighting by the Guest of Honour Shri Sharad Mehta, AM (L&A), Railway Board, Ministry of Railway in the presence of APMRC MD, Shri U J M Rao; Shri Rajesh Aggarwal, Former Member (Rolling stock) Railway Board; Shri S K Suri, Former GM, RCF; Shri Paul Brown, ED, 2xm Consult; and Shri Narendra Shah, Founder and Managing Editor, Metro Rail News.While addressing the audience in the inaugural ceremony, Shri Sharad Mehta said, “The List of panellists and speakers of InnoMetro 2023 comprises of many eminent personalities. Many of them, I know personally I am sure that all the participants will be immensely benefitted with their vast experience and knowledge in their respective domains. I thank the organisation for giving me the opportunity to express my views on this forum. I wish all the success for InnoMetro 2023.”Coordinating the entire InnoMetro event, Mr. Narendra Shah, Founder and Managing Editor, Metro Rail News said in the inaugural address of nonmetro, “I am ecstatic to be able to address you all at this year’s edition of InnoMetro.Today’s conference has about 1000 people participating with exquisite skills and experiences to share with us. I am sure this conference will truly exude a diverse spirit and will be an immense success. This annual conference has been a part of our organisation for the last three years and it has always helped yield useful and spectacular results. The InnoMetro – 2023 is the third edition of our annual tech event and every year it has been a great medium to include people around the world belonging to Metro, Railways and the tech industry to share their knowledge and update us with the latest trends and developments in the rail transit industry.”The event provided an impressive environment for many leading infrastructure companies to exhibit and showcase their technology and products to various stakeholders as well as to network in order to explore mutual business interests. Speaking at the event Mr. Ramana, Vice President, Envision Enterprises said, “This event is very helpful. It is well organised, where we can conveniently communicate to lots of people like manufacturers, and suppliers to exchange ideas and see how best we can go & explore common business interests for all.”Additionally, Innometro came up with the theme “Sustainable and Green Mobility” to address the challenges arising in the field of metro and railways with respect to sustainable development. The conference deeply discussed various aspects of it and provided solutions to the challenges. The conference also covered crucial topics like Atmanirbhar Bharat, Make in India, Make for World, Light Metro Rail Projects, RRTS projects in India, Station Redevelopment, Business Opportunities and Challenges in DFCs, Indigenous Export of Rolling Stock, Advanced signalling & Telecom technologies, Modernization and Repair of Rolling Stock, Artificial Intelligence, Big data, Transport Infra-Financing, Mobility-as-a-Service, emerging opportunities in Railways and Standardization of Metro Rail System etc.Concluding this two-day event and announcing its grand success, Mr. Shah stated, the 3rd Edition of InnoMetro 2023 proved to be a resounding success, bringing together metro and railway professionals from around the world for two days of insightful discussions, networking, and technological advancements. It showcased cutting-edge technologies and provided a platform for industry leaders to share their expertise.The presence of esteemed speakers and moderators from renowned organizations added depth and credibility to the event, stimulating engaging discussions on various crucial topics.InnoMetro has become an essential annual event that fosters knowledge sharing, collaboration, and the exploration of business opportunities in the metro and railway industry. We look forward to the next edition, where we anticipate even greater advancements, partnerships, and sustainable solutions for the future of rail transit.Thank you to everyone involved in making InnoMetro 2023 a remarkable event, and we wish all participants continued success in their endeavours within the metro and railway sectors.After the huge success of the 3rd Edition of InnoMetro, it is expected to be back in the year 2024 with its 4th edition, where it will expand its reach and domain bringing a variety of key stakeholders shaping the future of Urban transport.
Land Transfer for Delhi Metro’s Phase-IV Corridor Gets Approval from L-G Saxena
DELHI (Metro Rail News): The transfer of land at Keshopur from the Irrigation and Flood Control Department to the Delhi Metro Rail Corporation (DMRC) for the planned Janakpuri West to Majlis Park Corridor of Delhi Metro’s Phase-IV has been approved by Lieutenant Governor (L-G) Vinai Kumar Saxena.DMRC’s proposal to the Delhi Government for the transfer of the 2,796 square metre land has reportedly been delayed since April 2019, according to L-G house officials.
DMRC had promised to pay a total of Rs. 2,62,36,006 at the rate of Rs.573.22 lakh per acre for transfer of 1852.3 sq mt of land permanently to build the station, according to officials, and a total of Rs. 26,55,855 as lease fees for 937.5 sq mt of land that it would require temporarily for four yearsAccording to the L-G house officials, the construction of this section was significantly delayed due to the I&FC department’s delay. They stated that it was only when Saxena assumed the role of LG and prioritized such projects that the I&FC and DMRC officials conducted a joint inspection of the land pockets on 23rd July, 2022, and 2nd August of the same year. After these inspections, the project finally progressed.
Exclusive Interview with Mr. Sankar Kumar Rajan – Global Head (Rail and FMCE, Transportation Business Unit), Tata Elxsi
Metro Rail News Team Conducted an exclusive email interview with Mr. Sankar Kumar Rajan – Global Head (Rail and FMCE, Transportation Business Unit), Tata Elxsi. Mr. Sankar Kumar Rajan is a seasoned professional with over 30 years of experience in high-end electronics, embedded systems, and software technology. He has worked with customers in the US, Europe, and APAC regions and handled responsibilities such as ODC management, customer satisfaction, innovation, P&L, business development, and solution architecture. He has expertise in hardware and software engineering, system and safety engineering, and modelling and simulation. He specialises in delivery, leadership, strategy, innovation, outsourcing, technology, and business alliances.The interview discusses the latest digitalisation trends in the railway industry. The adoption of new technologies, such as autonomy and automation, IoT, ADAS, passenger experience, and next-generation technologies, aims to enhance efficiency, safety, and the overall passenger experience. Here are the excerpts from the interview: What are the latest digitalisation trends in the Rail industry today? Please share your insights on its global adoption and impact on the railways? The rail industry is currently experiencing a digital revolution, with the adoption of new technologies that aim to enhance efficiency, safety, and the overall passenger experience. Some of the latest digitalisation trends in the rail industry are: Autonomy and Automation: Using autonomous and automated systems to improve operations, reduce costs, and enhance safety. This includes technologies such as driverless trains, automated maintenance systems, and predictive maintenance using AI. Internet of Things (IoT): Leveraging IoT to collect data from various systems such as trains, tracks, and stations. This data can be used to optimise operations, reduce costs, and enhance safety. Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS): ADAS is being used to improve safety and reduce accidents. This includes systems such as monitoring and detection of defects, collision avoidance, and automatic speed regulation. Passenger Experience: Using technology to enhance the passenger experience, including connected travel, ticket booking, and passenger comfort. This includes technologies such as end-to-end journey planning, in-train entertainment systems, and personalised service. Next-Generation Technologies: Adopting next-generation technologies such as 5G and Future Railway Mobile Communication Systems (FRMCS) to enable high bandwidth applications such as real-time monitoring, predictive maintenance, and enhanced passenger connectivity. As the rail industry continues to embrace digitalisation, we can expect to see further advancements in the years to come. A number of key technologies, like AI, Cloud, Big Data etc. are making a significant impact on the railroad industry. What, according to you, are its major advantages and demerits? Advantages: Predictive Maintenance: Implementation of AI and Big Data has enabled the development of predictive maintenance models that help in predicting potential asset failures before they occur. This helps to ensure that there are no interruptions to revenue-generating service operations due to unplanned maintenance, and the maintenance/repair/ replace process becomes more planned and efficient rather than being reactive. Traffic Management: The use of AI and Machine Learning algorithms in monitoring rail network traffic has been an important development for the industry. With the help of real-time data analysis, traffic can be optimised, and congestion can be predicted and averted. Digital Twin: The concept of a digital twin, where a virtual replica of a physical asset is created, is being used for network modelling and devising maintenance strategies. The digital twin can simulate real-world conditions and provide insights into the asset’s behaviour, helping to predict potential faults and develop efficient maintenance strategies. Cloud hosting: Moving various on-premise applications to the cloud enables the industry to create more integrated solutions for rail operations and benefit from improved efficiency, faster time to market, and reduced cost of ownership. Another important aspect to consider is the Cybersecurity challenges. The more the proliferation of connected services, the bigger the challenge. In particular, the aspect that “OT and IT needs to be connected to deliver various Digitalization initiatives also means increasing the attack surface for cyber-attacks.”Tata Elxsi’s expertise in design-led technology and customised solution services for a no. of industries is globally acclaimed. What is the strategy for keeping the company abreast with the latest trends & technologies to meet customer needs? Tata Elxsi strategies to be abreast with the latest trends & technologies by:Taking part in national & global rail symposiums, for example, InnoTrans last year, to understand the need & pain points of the stakeholders in rail industries, be it Train Operating Companies (TOCs), Rail OEMs, and Systems & Technology partners.Services Mapping- Identify & synchronise service lines to craft & cater the customer needs. Organizing- Digital Campaigns, Industry focused Tech Days & Workshops to demonstrate Tata Elxsi’s focused service lines & GTMs. Railroad industry has come a long way with digitisation and the use of technology. Tata Elxsi in the segment is known for a no. of successful pilots. Would you like to share a few major accomplishments of the organisation as learning cases? Depending on the intensity of the traffic or the inherent instability of the track’s base, geometric flaws in rail tracks are likely to develop after a particular amount of time. The discovery of such problems through measurement and their rectification is essential for the effective and safe operation of a railway and consequently constitutes a considerable portion of any infrastructure manager’s maintenance budget. Using digital technologies, Tata Elxsi can solve many of these customer problems. We have more than 30+ reusable algorithms in-house which are used in the transportation industry. This will help our customers to solve their business problems. E.g., Track maintenance- track geometry, turn out switch gap measurement, joint gap measurement, joint bar inspection, track gauge measurement, vegetation detection, obstacle detection, collision avoidance, sensor fusion architectures leveraged for quick turnaround, etc. are a few of the existing algorithms which can help to enhance the safety and comfort of railway transportation. With the means of even more diverse and precise algorithms for inspection systems, we could help customers to predict and prioritise the necessary maintenance activities. Further, Tata Elxsi has a number of reusable algorithms to address passenger convenience and security needs that are so essential with the increase in rail traffic. In what ways specifically has Tata Elxsi helped the development of Rail Transportation in India? How are you embedding 6G technology solutions with your services? We have assisted many Indian customers. Using Virtual Reality, Tata Elxsi enabled this global locomotive client’s teams to connect remotely, review, operate, and train at each stage of product development. Tata Elxsi enabled the client to review the locomotive’s interiors and exteriors collaboratively to reduce prototyping costs. This resulted in a decrease in personnel hours, time, and effort required to visualise the end product. Similarly, Tata Elxsi designed and executed a complete wayfinding signage and information design system for ten airports and Metro rails in India. With changing technologies, how do you see the future of the railroad industry, especially in developing nations? How is the company planning to adapt to new demands amidst the changing transport requirement globally? The future of the railroad industry in developing nations will be heavily influenced by digital technology that would bring about transformation in the way the business runs. As the industry evolves, companies will need to adapt to new demands and changing transport requirements globally. Leveraging digital technology to reduce manual interventions when it comes to maintenance of wayside and rolling stock assets would be increasingly used to reduce cost and improve efficiencies, thereby maximising revenue. We have been heavily investing in digital technologies for many years now and have developed solution accelerators such for obstacle detection, collision avoidance, sensor fusion architecture, data analytics, video analytics, cloud core, etc., that could be used for rail-specific use cases. These accelerators will enable us to adapt quickly to changing demands and stay ahead of the competition. We are also customising automotive-specific solution accelerators and reusable assets for addressing new domain use cases. Please share your views on Metro Rail News and your message for our readers. Rail transportation is and will continue to be a key means for moving masses and freight in an environmentally sustainable way across the globe. Digitalisation shall play a key role in transforming current rail operations to the next level to increase customer comfort, increase safety, decrease the cost of operations and maintenance, and increase the network capacity to meet future demands. Metro Rail News is the magazine and the website to carry the news on the major events in the rail world and has a large community that subscribes to the publication, aiding in widespread access and information on the current trends and innovations within the rail transportation industry.
Civic Body Identifies Sites for Depots for Nashik Metro Neo Project
Nashik (Metro Rail News): Two potential sites have been selected by the civic body for the construction of depots as part of the proposed Nashik Metro Neo project.Around 15 acres of land has been identified near the Chehadi truck terminus in Nashik Road division, while an additional three acres has been located near Gangapur village in close proximity to Nashik city.In a recent meeting between NMC officials and representatives from the Maharashtra Metro Rail Corporation Limited (MahaMetro), the allocation of land for the project was discussed. NMC officials mentioned that the land near Gangapur village is relatively small, and MahaMetro has requested a larger area. However, efforts are being made to find suitable land in the area, said NMC officials.The Metro Neo project aims to introduce rubber-tyred AC electric coaches with a capacity of approximately 300 passengers. It will involve the construction of two elevated corridors with a total length of 32km in Nashik city. One corridor will connect Gangapur to Nashik Road railway station, covering a distance of 22km and featuring 19 stations, including Satpur Colony, CBS, and Dwarka. The other corridor will stretch 10km between Gangapur and Mumbai Naka, featuring 10 stations.Additionally, there will be two feeder routes with a total length of 24km. These routes will be served by battery-powered feeder buses, which will run on both the routes and the elevated wires. This Metro Neo project is expected to improve the connectivity in the city and ease the congestion.
Bhubaneswar Metro Rail Project Set to Commence Construction by December 2023
BHUBANESWAR (Metro Rail News): Work on the highly anticipated metro rail project in the capital region of Bhubaneswar is scheduled to commence by the end of December next year.Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik has approved the metro rail system, and the Delhi Metro Rail Corporation (DMRC) has been engaged as the project’s consultant, as confirmed by G. Mathi Vathanan, the state’s Secretary of Housing and Urban Development.The survey is almost finished, and the Detailed Project Report (DPR) is now being created. According to Vathanan, construction work is anticipated to start by the end of 2023. In the first stage of the metro rail project, a metro trunk route will be built from Trisulia, a town close to Cuttack, to Bhubaneswar’s Biju Patnaik International Airport. The Railway Station, Nandankanan, Patia, Vani Vihar, and other significant sites are all expected to be connected by this route.According to the official, as the project progresses, the metro system will expand to encompass Jatni, Khurda, and Puri. Furthermore, With the impending construction of the Bhubaneswar Metro Rail project and the government’s efforts to enhance infrastructure and living conditions, the capital region is poised to witness significant development and improved connectivity shortly.
Maha-Metro Receives Positive Structural Audit Report, Ensures Safety of Pune Metro Stations
PUNE (Metro Rail News): On Tuesday, Maha-Metro released a press statement addressing concerns raised by engineers regarding the structural integrity of Pune Metro stations. Taking the matter seriously, Maha-Metro swiftly engaged the expertise of (the College of Engineering Pune Technological University) CoEPTU to conduct a thorough structural audit, aiming to identify any potential flaws or inadequacies.Maha-Metro clarified that they have successfully resolved all construction issues at Pune Metro stations, refuting allegations made by two city-based structural engineers.Hemant Sonawane, the Public Relations Officer (PRO) of Maha-Metro, announced, “The final report on the structural inspections of Pune Metro was submitted on Thursday by CoEPTU. The report confirms that the metro stations have passed all tests and are ready for use. This conclusion was reached after extensive site visits, meticulous observations, and a detailed investigation of the station structures, including their earthquake resistance capacity.”The structural stability and security of the metro stations were confirmed by the expert assessment carried out by CoEPTU, reassuring commuters. Following the initial audit, Maha-Metro enlisted the services of CoEPTU to conduct a third-party examination of the construction work. As a result, CoEPTU issued a report acknowledging the cooperative efforts of Metro Engineers in rectifying the identified flaws.
RITES and PFC sign MoU for Collaboration in Transport, Logistics and other Infrastructure Areas
GURUGRAM (Metro Rail News): RITES Ltd, a leading transport infrastructure consultancy and engineering firm, has entered into a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with Power Finance Corporation (PFC) to explore avenues of mutual collaboration in consultancy services. The collaboration aims to support infrastructure projects in sectors including Transport & Logistics, Energy, Water & Sanitation, Communication, Social, and Commercial Infrastructure.Following the terms of the MoU, RITES will offer its knowledge in pre-feasibility reports, detailed project reports, transaction advisory, project management services, audits, and inspections. In addition, domestically and internationally, infrastructure projects will receive financial support from PFC and its companies. The MoU establishes a working relationship between the two entities, enabling them to focus on specific requirements and jointly develop proposals. This collaboration will explore opportunities with government bodies, semi-government organizations, autonomous bodies, private entities, and multilateral funding agencies such as the World Bank, Asian Development Bank, and JICA.Chief Strategy Officer at RITES, Manobendra Ghoshal, expressed his excitement for the collaboration by saying, “The partnership with PFC will not only provide a platform to explore business opportunities in the consultancy domain but also facilitate knowledge sharing in developing Infra4Future.”This collaboration between RITES Ltd and Power Finance Corporation holds excellent potential for driving infrastructure development in India and beyond. With their combined expertise and resources, the two organizations aim to contribute significantly to the growth and modernization of critical sectors, ensuring sustainable and efficient infrastructure solutions for the future.
Delhi Metro Rail Corporation to Operate Mumbai’s First Underground Metro Link
MUMBAI ( Metro Rail News): On Friday, the Mumbai Metro Rail Corporation (MMRC) announced that the Delhi Metro Rail Corporation (DMRC) has been selected to operate Mumbai’s inaugural underground metro link.The 10-year contract for Mumbai Metro’s Line 3, stretching from Colaba to SEEPZ, was awarded to DMRC following an internationally competitive bidding process, where they emerged as the lowest successful bidder.Under the terms of the agreement, the DMRC will assume the responsibility for day-to-day operations of the line, including train services, maintenance of trains and metro systems infrastructure, and ensuring the safety of passengers.In a press release, Ashwini Bhide, the managing director of the Mumbai Metro Rail Corporation, said, “We are pleased to work with DMRC, one of the top Metro operating firms, to operate and maintain Mumbai’s first underground Metro line. For any metro, operation and maintenance are essential elements.While the DMRC handles the operational aspects, the MMRC, responsible for constructing the underground line, will oversee revenue management, legal compliances, and non-fare-box revenue generation. This collaborative approach ensures a comprehensive and well-balanced framework for the successful functioning of Mumbai’s new metro system.The Line 3 project is an ambitious undertaking, spanning approximately 33.5 km and estimated to cost nearly Rs 37,000 crore. The construction of the first phase, connecting Bandra Kurla Complex to SEEPZ, is nearing completion, and it is anticipated to be open to the public by December.In conclusion, the selection of DMRC as the operator for Mumbai’s first underground metro link marks a significant milestone in developing the city’s transportation infrastructure.
Larsen and Toubro Secures 2 Contracts Worth Around ₹770 Crore for Chennai Metro Rail Phase II Project
CHENNAI (Metro Rail News): Larsen and Toubro has secured two contracts valued at around ₹770 crore by Chennai Metro Rail Limited. These contracts involve the manufacturing and installation of important overhead equipment, as well as electrical, remote monitoring, and controlling systems for the phase II project.The phase II project is currently under construction and covers approximately 116 km across Chennai. It consists of three corridors: corridor 3 (Madhavaram to SIPCOT), corridor 5 (Madhavaram to Sholinganallur) and corridor 4 (Light House to Poonamallee). The project includes both elevated and underground sections, and construction is in progress at various locations in the city.CMRL is also awarding contracts and commencing work for the supply of trains, signalling, telecom, electrical systems, and more for the project altogether.One of the awarded contracts, worth ₹533.87 crore, pertains to the design, manufacturing, supply, installation, and commissioning of receiving sub-stations (RSS), auxiliary sub-stations (ASS), and supervisory control and data acquisition (SCADA) systems for parts of corridors 3 and 5. The aim is to ensure a reliable and stable power supply, along with uninterrupted service.This contract specifically caters to the section from Madhavaram Milk Colony to Sholinganallur in corridor 3 and a small stretch from Madhavaram Milk Colony to CMBT in corridor 5.The second contract, worth ₹239.41 crore, is also awarded to Larsen and Toubro for the design, manufacturing, supply, installation, training, testing and commissioning of overhead equipment & Switching Stations for the same sections of the phase II project.
Agra Metro Achieves Another Milestone as TBM Relaunched for Taj Mahal Station
AGRA (Metro Rail News): Agra Metro Rail Project has reached another significant milestone as the Tunnel Boring Machine (TBM) Yamuna has been relaunched from Agra Fort Metro Station. This comes after the TBM successfully broke through at the station on April 25th, 2023.
The TBM, now back in action, will be heading towards the Taj Mahal station to continue its tunnelling work.The construction of the underground section for the priority corridor of the Agra Metro Rail Project is progressing rapidly, keeping pace with the set deadline.
In addition to TBM Yamuna, another TBM named Ganga is simultaneously executing tunnelling work for a different line. Ganga has already completed over 100 meters of the tunnel, showcasing the project’s efficiency.The civil works for the underground stations are also advancing smoothly and have reached an advanced stage. In addition, the construction of the mid shaft at Shahjahan Garden is planned to expedite the tunnel construction process.With its latest achievement, the Agra Metro Rail Project continues to make remarkable progress, promising improved connectivity and transportation options for the residents and tourists visiting the city.
In addition to TBM Yamuna, another TBM named Ganga is simultaneously executing tunnelling work for a different line. Ganga has already completed over 100 meters of the tunnel, showcasing the project’s efficiency.The civil works for the underground stations are also advancing smoothly and have reached an advanced stage. In addition, the construction of the mid shaft at Shahjahan Garden is planned to expedite the tunnel construction process.With its latest achievement, the Agra Metro Rail Project continues to make remarkable progress, promising improved connectivity and transportation options for the residents and tourists visiting the city.Chennai Metro Soon to Begin Tunnelling Work at Light House Station
CHENNAI (Metro Rail News): Preparations are underway to commence tunnel construction in the coming months following the barricading of Marina Beach for Chennai Metro Rail Ltd.’s phase II project. The Light House station, under corridor 4 of the phase II project, spans a distance of 26.1 km from Light House to Poonamallee. Approximately half of this distance, from Light House to Kodambakkam, will be constructed underground, whereas the remaining portion will be elevated up to Poonamallee.Furthermore, two other corridors, namely Madhavaram to SIPCOT (corridor 3) and Madhavaram to Sholinganallur (corridor 5), are also being developed as part of the 116 km phase II project.To facilitate the tunnel construction, a tunnel boring machine (TBM) will be deployed at the Light House station in August. By the end of 2025, the TBM is expected to complete the tunneling process up to Boat Club. Another TBM will be utilized later this year to create twin tunnels over the same distance, ensuring the operation of trains within the underground network within two years.Flamingo, the TBM, boasts impressive specifications, including a diameter of 6.670 meters, a length of 110 meters, and a weight of nearly 700 tonnes. Having recently undergone the Factory Acceptance Test at Alinjivakkam village in Tiruvallur, the machine will now be disassembled and transported to the Light House station site in several stages over the coming weeks.Currently, construction is underway for the TBM launching shaft at the Light House station, with assembly expected to be completed by August. Once operational, the TBM will excavate tunnels at a depth of 29 meters below the ground.
Railway Board Directs MRVC to Procure 238 Vande Metro AC Rakes for Suburban Network
MUMBAI (Metro Rail News): The Mumbai Railway Vikas Corporation (MRVC) has been directed by the Railway Board to procure 238 Vande Metro AC rakes for the suburban network as part of the Mumbai Urban Transport Project (MUTP). These trains will come with strict maintenance equipment for 35 years.The railway ministry has chosen for the first time to refer to the upcoming air-conditioned trains produced under MUTP as Vande Metro. On May 15, it was decided to purchase these trains under MUTP and 3A, and on May 19, the official letter to MRVC was sent.In the letter, Tej Pratap Narayan, OSD Electrical Engineering for the Railway Board, stated that “MRVC shall consult Western Railway and Central Railway for requirements of rakes with 12/15 car formation. The technology partner will build up the two depots in Bhivpuri and Vangaon, which have previously received approval under MUT and 3A.The technology partner will produce these trains in-house in accordance with Make in India standards.Although new paths will be created that will allow us to run more trains after quadrupling and 5th and 6th lines are laid on, the majority of these services will be introduced by replacing existing non-AC services. Both CR and WR MRVC are expected to prepare “migration strategy” before it plans to introduce additional AC services once new rakes get added to the existing fleet under MUTP.
Dr Shivraj Manaspure Assumes Role as Chief Public Relations Officer at Central Railway
MUMBAI (Metro Rail News): Dr Shivraj Manaspure, MBBS, MD (Physiology), a member of the Indian Railway Traffic Service 2011 Batch, has been appointed Chief Public Relations Officer (CPRO) at Central Railway. He succeeds Shivaji Sutar, who has transitioned to the Railway Board as Director of Information & Publicity.Dr. Shivraj Manaspure previously held the Senior Divisional Commercial Manager position for Central Railway’s Bhusaval Division.He has held various positions with Central Railway, including Senior Divisional Operation Manager for the Mumbai Division and Divisional Operation Manager for the Solapur Division. He was also the Deputy Chief Operation Manager for the Mumbai Construction Department.Dr. Shivraj Manaspure was honoured with the General Manager’s Zonal Award in 2016 for his outstanding performance in train operations. In recognition of his remarkable administration of local suburban trains and mail express trains in the Mumbai Division, he was also awarded the Best Punctuality Zonal Shield for 2019–20.His achievements have significantly improved Mumbai Division’s infrastructure and effectiveness, enabling the efficient operation of suburban services and mail/express trains. In addition, he significantly contributed to rationalising the suburban timetable and expanding suburban services.Furthermore, he supervised the development and execution of the Thane-Diva new 5th and 6th lines, organising different maintenance blocks during the construction phase while maintaining continuous suburban train services for nearly 180 days.