MMRCL Welcomes Shri Rajeev Tyagi as Director (Project) for Nagpur Metro Rail Project
NAGPUR (Metro Rail News): Maharashtra Metro Rail Corporation Limited (Maha Metro) has welcomed Shri Rajeev Tyagi as the new Director (Project) for the Nagpur Metro Rail Project. Shri Tyagi, who took over as leader on May 10th, brings a wealth of experience and a strong dedication to advancing the development of this important transit project.Shri Rajeev Tyagi, an Indian Railway Service of Engineers (IRSE) official from the 1989 batch, began his career as an Assistant Engineer in Katni (East), Madhya Pradesh. Throughout his tenure, he focused on track modernization and played a pivotal role in the Mumbai suburban system of Central Railway. Notably, Shri Tyagi introduced various track machines and implemented effective maintenance practices.The esteemed officer has also served as the Chief General Manager for the Dedicated Freight Corridor Corporation of India Limited (DFCCIL) in Mumbai. In this capacity, Shri Tyagi supervised the critical JN Port-Vaitarna Section of the Western Dedicated Freight Corridor (WDFC), DFCCIL.Shri Rajeev Tyagi previously held the important position of Chief Engineer (Track Procurement) at South Central Railway (SCR), which led to his current appointment. He was in charge of organising and acquiring the walkway supplies for the entire SCR. He received the General Manager’s Award twice, in 1998 and 2006, as well as the esteemed Minister of Railways Award in 2008 for his outstanding efforts.Shri Tyagi has undergone advanced management training in Singapore, track monitoring programs in Italy, urban train infrastructure systems in Germany and Denmark, and received insights into heavy haul systems in the USA.Beyond his professional achievements, Shri Rajeev Tyagi is an enthusiastic sports lover with a special passion for cricket. As he assumes his role as Director (Project) for the Nagpur Metro Rail Project, he brings his well-rounded expertise and a spirit of sportsmanship to drive the project’s success.The appointment of Shri Rajeev Tyagi as Director (Project) marks an important milestone for the Nagpur Metro Rail Project. With his extensive experience and dedication, it is expected that he will play a vital role in accelerating the development and ensuring the project’s timely completion.
Wabtec Signs Modernization Deal with MTR
PITTSBURGH (Metro Rail News): Wabtec Corporation (NYSE: WAB) signed a deal to modernize 25 Mk3 Battery-Electric Locomotives for Hong Kong-based MTR Corporation. The order, valued at approximately £12 million, will extend the service life of the fleet, and improve performance, and reliability.“This order is a result of an extensive collaboration with MTR to define a project that will maximize the capital investment in the fleet,” said Garry Mowbray, Group Managing Director and Regional Vice President of UK, Wabtec.“The tailored approach is designed to install the latest technologies where necessary to provide the greatest benefit to MTR’s fleet. This project provides an innovative and lasting transportation solution unlocking the potential of one of our strategic customer’s assets.”MTR’s modernizations come as the company looks to meet the growing demands on its transit network by maximizing and extending the capabilities of the locomotive fleet. The project strives to extend the service life of the locomotives by more than 15 years.“With Wabtec’s extensive knowledge of this particular locomotive, I am confident that the project will be delivered on time and enhance the operational efficiency and performance of MTR locomotives,” said Mr. Kim-Hung Lee, Acting Chief of Operations Engineering Maintenance, MTR CorporationWabtec built the original locomotives for MTR in 1996 and 1997. Following a detailed feasibility study of modernizing these locomotives, the project focuses on three key areas. Wabtec will upgrade the locomotive’s existing control electronics and the motor alternator control units, as well as replace the battery charger units.The control electronics upgrade also will include a data logger, which provides comprehensive diagnostic capabilities. Additionally, Wabtec will design and build new automatic test equipment to ensure the newly refurbished electronic racks meet different modes of operation.Teams from Wabtec’s United Kingdom and Hong Kong offices are leading the project in collaboration with MTR. Wabtec is currently in the design phase and plans the first delivery in 2024.About WabtecWabtec Corporation (NYSE: WAB) is revolutionizing the way the world moves for future generations. The company is a leading global provider of equipment, systems, digital solutions, and value-added services for the freight and transit rail industries, as well as the mining, marine, and industrial markets.Wabtec has been a leader in the rail industry for over 150 years and has a vision to achieve a zero-emission rail system in the U.S. and worldwide. Visit Wabtec’s website at www.wabteccorp.com.
Kochi Metro Considers Extension to GIFT City for Enhanced Connectivity
KOCHI (Metro Rail News): Kochi Metro Rail Ltd (KMRL) is planning an extension of the proposed Metro line from Aluva to Cochin International Airport Ltd (Cial) further northeast to provide connectivity to the upcoming GIFT City at Ayyampuzha. The decision comes as part of the comprehensive mobility plan (CMP) that aims to identify suitable models for various Metro line proposals in the city. KMRL will proceed with the GIFT City extension based on the recommendations outlined in the CMP.Emphasizing the importance of Metro and road connectivity in attracting investors, P Rajeeve stated that the government is actively considering the extension of Kochi Metro to the GIFT City site. P. Rajeeve further explained that once the land acquisition procedures for GIFT City are completed, the Centre and the state government will form a joint venture company to implement the project. Following this, a detailed proposal regarding the Metro extension will be submitted to the Centre.Loknath Behera, MD of KMRL, highlighted that the project’s specifics could only be determined after the finalization of the CMP. GIFT City, a significant component of the Kochi-Bengaluru Industrial Corridor project under the National Industrial Corridor Development and Implementation Trust, is set to be developed on 360 acres of land in the Ayyampuzha panchayat near Angamaly, approximately 15 km away from Cial.However, as the compensation amount has been revised to Rs 850 crore, the project approval from the Kerala Infrastructure Investment Fund Board (KIIFB) and various departments. The minister projected that the acquisition process would be completed by September this year, with the Kerala Industrial Infrastructure Development Corporation (Kinfra) already preparing the detailed project report (DPR) for the GIFT City project.
Hyderabad Airport Metro Project Invites Global Tenders for EPC Contractor Selection
HYDERABAD (Metro Rail News): Global tenders have been invited by Hyderabad Airport Metro Limited (HAML), to select an engineering, procurement, and construction (EPC) contractor for the ambitious Hyderabad Airport Metro project. The project, with an estimated cost of ₹5,688 crore, aims to enhance connectivity and facilitate efficient transportation in the region.Aiming to cover a comprehensive range of works, the tender has an estimated contract value of ₹5,688 crore for the design and construction of the project.The development of civil constructions such as elevated viaducts, underground structures, stations, rail construction, and electrical and mechanical works are all included in the scope. The contract also includes automatic fare collecting (AFC) gates, electric traction and power supply, signalling, telecommunications, and train control systems, as well as the procurement and commissioning of rolling equipment.The development of civil constructions such as elevated viaducts, underground structures, stations, rail construction, and electrical and mechanical works are all included in the scope. The contract also includes automatic fare collecting (AFC) gates, electric traction and power supply, signalling, telecommunications, and train control systems, as well as the procurement and commissioning of rolling equipment.N.V.S. Reddy, the Managing Director of HAML, highlighted the progress made in preliminary works such as land survey, peg marking, and alignment fixation. The ongoing soil testing is also being conducted in full swing. As per the updated survey and alignment fixation, the 31-km corridor between Raidurg metro station and GMR International Airport terminal station will consist of an elevated portion spanning 29.3 km and an underground portion spanning 1.7 km.The metro project is designed to include nine stations, including an underground metro station adjacent to the airport terminal. Moreover, provisions have been made for incorporating four additional stations.This strategic decision considers the extensive development of commercial and residential skyscrapers along the airport metro line alignment.Furthermore, it aligns with Chief Minister K. Chandrasekhar Rao’s vision of facilitating cost-effective accommodation on the outskirts and enabling reverse commutes to workplaces in the city through the Airport Metro line.The last date for bid submission is set for July 5, and the detailed tender documents will be available for potential bidders on the Telangana government’s e-portal.
RAPIDX Introduces Dedicated Women’s Coach for Safe and Comfortable Regional Commute
NEW DELHI (Metro Rail News): India’s first regional rail system, RAPIDX, will have a special coach for women on every train. In addition, women are entitled to exclusive use of the second coach heading from Delhi to Meerut to provide secure and comfortable regional travel.• The women’s coach will be located in the trainset’s second carriage or immediately following the premium coach as it moves from Delhi to Meerut. While travelling from Meerut to Delhi, it would be the second-to-last coach of the train, right before the first-class coach.
• At platform level and train door openings, appropriate signage is used to identify these ladies’ coaches. There will be 72 seats available on this reserved coach. In addition, ten additional seats in other train cars are also set aside for female passengers.• The NCRTC has been working constantly to make RAPIDX more accessible and guarantee women safe and comfortable travel. A step in this direction is selecting a dedicated women’s coach. In addition to this, the train’s other coaches have also been equipped with reserved seating.
• To make it more convenient for commuters travelling with young children, diaper-changing stations have also been added at each station connected with other public transportation options.• A Train Attendant will be assigned to every RAPIDX train, and they will play a crucial role in acquainting passengers with the facilities provided there and ensuring their safe and secure trip.• The NCRTC seeks to promote an atmosphere where women feel safe using public transport, whether travelling alone or with a companion. Security staff have been assigned to monitor various movements to improve safety, while CCTV cameras are being put in and around the station’s premises for 24/7 surveillance.• The NCRTC has taken several steps to ensure commuters’ safety and comfort, including installing Platform Screen Doors (PSD) at every station, dedicating a space in the train for wheelchairs and stretchers, and installing lifts at every station that can also hold stretchers. Further facilitating universal access at the stations will include well-lit pedestrian-friendly pathways, lifts/escalators, seating places, and other commuter-centric facilities.
• To ensure the safety and dependability of commuters’ end-to-end trips, the stations have designated, well-lit pick-up and drop-off zones. Additionally, the NCRTC has partnered with independent First/Last service providers to make it simple for commuters to get from point A to point B.• For the residents of this section of the NCR, safety has influenced the majority of decisions. Despite being a nearby urban node to the National Capital, the inhabitants have been deprived of chances and services due to impaired mobility. This has been extremely hard for women. The opening of these facilities geared towards women will result in essential developments and opportunities that will empower women in many ways.• The RAPIDX is made to meet the various requirements of different societal groups, including those of women. When they travel, the two main concerns for women are convenience and safety.
For women, it will change the game since it will give them better access to jobs, education, healthcare, economic opportunities, and smooth and quick connectivity.
• By 2025, NCRTC hopes to open the entire 82-kilometre Delhi-Ghaziabad-Meerut route to the general public. Before that, a 17-km Priority Section with five stations between Sahibabad and Duhai Depot would be operationalized very soon.
• At platform level and train door openings, appropriate signage is used to identify these ladies’ coaches. There will be 72 seats available on this reserved coach. In addition, ten additional seats in other train cars are also set aside for female passengers.• The NCRTC has been working constantly to make RAPIDX more accessible and guarantee women safe and comfortable travel. A step in this direction is selecting a dedicated women’s coach. In addition to this, the train’s other coaches have also been equipped with reserved seating.
• To make it more convenient for commuters travelling with young children, diaper-changing stations have also been added at each station connected with other public transportation options.• A Train Attendant will be assigned to every RAPIDX train, and they will play a crucial role in acquainting passengers with the facilities provided there and ensuring their safe and secure trip.• The NCRTC seeks to promote an atmosphere where women feel safe using public transport, whether travelling alone or with a companion. Security staff have been assigned to monitor various movements to improve safety, while CCTV cameras are being put in and around the station’s premises for 24/7 surveillance.• The NCRTC has taken several steps to ensure commuters’ safety and comfort, including installing Platform Screen Doors (PSD) at every station, dedicating a space in the train for wheelchairs and stretchers, and installing lifts at every station that can also hold stretchers. Further facilitating universal access at the stations will include well-lit pedestrian-friendly pathways, lifts/escalators, seating places, and other commuter-centric facilities.
• To ensure the safety and dependability of commuters’ end-to-end trips, the stations have designated, well-lit pick-up and drop-off zones. Additionally, the NCRTC has partnered with independent First/Last service providers to make it simple for commuters to get from point A to point B.• For the residents of this section of the NCR, safety has influenced the majority of decisions. Despite being a nearby urban node to the National Capital, the inhabitants have been deprived of chances and services due to impaired mobility. This has been extremely hard for women. The opening of these facilities geared towards women will result in essential developments and opportunities that will empower women in many ways.• The RAPIDX is made to meet the various requirements of different societal groups, including those of women. When they travel, the two main concerns for women are convenience and safety.
For women, it will change the game since it will give them better access to jobs, education, healthcare, economic opportunities, and smooth and quick connectivity.
• By 2025, NCRTC hopes to open the entire 82-kilometre Delhi-Ghaziabad-Meerut route to the general public. Before that, a 17-km Priority Section with five stations between Sahibabad and Duhai Depot would be operationalized very soon.Transport Infra-financing: An Analysis in Indian Context
In India, there are numerous possibilities for different modes of transportation infrastructure. Therefore, prioritising the most appealing opportunity is crucial. The National Infrastructure Pipeline, the government’s growth roadmap, calls for a $1,350 billion investment over the next five years. (the fiscal year 2019–2020 to the fiscal year 2024–2025). Approximately $575 billion of this amount is designated for transportation facilities. The remaining is distributed across other infrastructure areas, including energy, irrigation, agriculture, and urban and rural infrastructure.The private sector’s involvement in developing transportation infrastructure is anticipated to grow in the coming years. Actually, the National Infrastructure Pipeline anticipates $115 billion in private sector investments across transportation sectors over the next five years, demonstrating the possibilities and the need for increased private sector participation. For example, private-sector participation in road projects is anticipated to rise from approximately 15% of total investments today to approximately 40% over the next five years.RoadsThe Bharatmala Pariyojana, India’s most extensive infrastructure investment programme worth over $100 billion, offers the most appealing road investment potential. Over the next five years, an average annual investment of about $45 billion is anticipated in the road sector, which is roughly four times the average annual investment made between 2014 and 2016. Investments are expected to be made in a variety of ongoing programs, with the flagship Bharatmala Pariyojana project, the government-sponsored national highways development program, being the most promising opportunity. Due to the programme’s size and significance, the Bharatmala Pariyojana offers a rewarding opportunity for concessionaires and financial investors:
- Once completed, the Bharatmala Pariyojana road network will serve as the backbone of the country’s national highway network, catering to approximately 70% of freight volume and connecting approximately 550 districts.
- As part of the Bharatmala Pariyojana, shorter greenfield alignments between key economic centres are also being developed. These high-traffic routes have substantial toll potential and will stimulate economic growth in previously underserved rural areas.
- With the country’s long history of tolling on national highways, enforcing tolls on the corridors being built under the Bharatmala Pariyojana will be easier.
- The investment potential of the Bharatmala Pariyojana is both substantial and immediate; the first phase alone includes an award target of 34,800 km and a $110 billion outlay. The National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) has prioritised the rapid implementation of projects under this plan, as evidenced by the NHAI’s robust pipeline of detailed project reports.
- While some of the ambitious targets may not be met entirely, the intent to accelerate execution is clear. The award procedure has become more transparent and efficient as the NHAI’s expertise in engineering, procurement, construction (EPC), and public-private partnership (PPP) projects has grown, thereby improving the investment environment and reliability of such infrastructure projects. Since 2014, more than 32,500 kilometres of road work have been approved and awarded.
Delhi Metrolite: A Modern Transport System to Provide Feeder Services to Delhi Metro
InformationThe Delhi Metrolite project, with two lines and 37 stations, is a 40.88 km light rail transit (LRT) system planned by the Delhi Metro Rail Corporation (DMRC) to be built in Delhi.Metrolite lines in Delhi are proposed on routes where costly heavy-rail metro lines may be overkill in terms of cost and engineering. The system has been developed in accordance with the Government of India’s July 2019 metrolite specifications, and it will be less expensive to build and operate due to its smaller size and lower capacity when compared to traditional heavy-rail metro systems.Metrolite trains will primarily operate at-grade (road level) on dedicated/fenced-in corridors and will serve as a much-required feeder to the Delhi Metro system. The DMRC board approved the Detailed Project Report (DPR) for Delhi Metrolite’s Line-1 (Kirti Nagar – Bamnoli Village) in October 2019. It is presently awaiting approval from the Delhi government.Key Figures
- Operational: 0 km
- Under Construction: 0 km
- Approved: 0 km
- Proposed: 40.88 km
- DMRC’s Deadline: Not Finalized (Pending Route Finalization & Approval)
- Estimated Completion: 2026
- Estimated Cost: Rs. 5,587 crore
- Funding Pattern: 50:50 between Govt of India (GOI) and Govt of Delhi (GNCTD)
- Track Gauge: Standard Gauge – 1435 mm
- Electrification: 25 kV, 50 Hz AC OHE
- Signalling: Communications-based train control (CBTC)
- Number of Trains: 29 (Line-1)
- Total Capacity: 425 passengers
- Number of Coaches: 3
- Length: 45m
- Top Speed: 60 kmph
- Average Speed: 35 kmph
- Length: 19.15 km
- Estimated Cost: Rs. 2,673 cr
- Type: At-Grade (16 stations), Elevated (5 stations, Tihar Jail – Dwarka Sector 2 section) & Underground (0 stations, underpass for main-line to be built at Mayapuri & Tihar Jail)
- Number of Stops/Stations: 21
- Station Names: Kirti Nagar (elevated), Saraswati Garden, Mayapuri Bus Depot, Mayapuri, Hari Nagar, Mayapuri Industrial Area (MIA), Mayapuri Industrial Area 2 (MIA 2), Tihar Jail, Shivpuri (elevated), Dabri Village (elevated), Sitapuri (elavated), Mahavir Enclave (elevated), Dwarka Sector 2, Dwarka Sector 7, Dwarka Sector 6, Dwarka Court, Dwarka Sector 20, Dwarka Sector 23, Dhul Siras – Dwarka Sector 24, Dwarka Sector 25 – ECC Centre, Bamnoli Village
- Length: 21.73 km
- Estimated Cost: Rs. 2,914 cr
- Type: At-Grade
- Number of Stops/Stations: 15
- Station Names: Rohini Sector 26, Rohini Sector 31, Rohini Sector 32, Rohini Sector 36, Rohini Sector 37, Barwala, Put Khurd, Bawana Industrial Area – 1, Bawana Industrial Area – 2, Bawana, Bawana JJ Colony, Sanpath, New Sanath Colony, Anaj Mandi, Narela
Extensions for Last Mile Connectivity: DMRC Phase 4&5
IntroductionPhase IV of the Delhi Metro is a network expansion to new housing areas in the National Capital Region. The fourth phase of the Delhi Metro will include six additional routes that would connect to a few prominent locations in West Delhi and Faridabad. In March 2019, the central government approved three routes as part of the project, totalling 61.679 kilometers: Tughlakabad to Aerocity, Janakpuri West to RK Ashram, and Maujpur to Mukundpur.The Delhi government approved the long-awaited Phase 4 of the Delhi Metro in December 2018. Six corridors were approved during a cabinet meeting presided by Chief Minister Mr. Arvind Kejriwal. Following that, on March 7, 2019, the union cabinet approved three ‘priority corridors’ out of six corridors of Metro’s Phase 4.
- Total length of approved ‘Priority Corridors’: 61.679 km
- Estimated project cost: Rs 24,948.65 crore
- Total length of six corridors: 103.93 km
- Total Estimated Project Cost: Rs 45,000 crore
- Expected Ridership: 1.5 million passengers per day
- Expected completion date: December, 2024
- Estimated Cost: N/A (Pending Route Finalization & Approval)
- DMRC’s Phase 5 Deadline: Not Finalized (Pending Route Finalization & Approval)
- Completion Estimate: 2032 (no sooner, if approved by the state government in 2025)
- DMRC’s Deadline: December 31, 2024 (Priority Corridors)
- Completion Estimate: 2026 (Priority Corridors)
- Estimated Project Cost: Rs. 24,948.65 cr
- Revised Funding Pattern (December 2019): Central Government (GOI) Rs. 4,643.638 cr, Delhi Government (GNCTD) & other sources Rs. 7,374.098 cr and External Loan: Rs. 12,930.914 cr
- Length: 23.622 km
- Type: Elevated (4.279 km) & Underground (19.343 km)
- Depot: Sarita Vihar (shared with Violet Line) & possibly Vasant Kunj
- Number of Stations: Sixteen
- Stations: Aerocity, Mahipalpur, Vasant Kunj, Kishangarh, Chhatarpur, Chhattarpur Mandir, IGNOU, Neb Sarai, Saket G-Block, Ambedkar Nagar, Khanpur, Sangam Vihar, Maa Anandmayee Marg Junction, Tughlakabad Railway Colony (Pul Prahaladpur) and Tughlakabad
- Length: 12.558 km
- Type: Elevated (12.58 km)
- Number of Stations: Eight
- Stations: Burari Crossing, Jagatpur Village, Surghat, Khajuri Khas, Bhajanpura, Yamuna Vihar and Maujpur
- Length: 28.92 km
- Type: Elevated (21.18 km) & Underground (7.74 km)
- Number of Stations: 22
- Station Names: Krishna Park Extn, Keshopur, Paschim Vihar, Peeragarhi, Mangol Puri, West Enclave, Pushpanjali, Deepali Chowk, Madhuban Chowk, Prashant Vihar, North Pitampura, Haiderpur Badli Mor, Bhalaswa, Majlis Park, Azadpur & Ashok Vihar, Derawal Nagar, Rajpura, GG Sabji Mandi, Pulbangash, Sadar Bazar, Nabi Karim and RK Ashram Marg
- Length: 21.73 km
- Type: Elevated
- Number of Stations: 15
- Stations: Rohini Sector 26, Rohini Sector 31, Rohini Sector 32, Rohini Sector 36, Rohini Sector 37, Barwala, Put Khurd, Bawana Industrial Area – 1, Bawana Industrial Area – 2, Bawana, Bawana JJ Colony, Sanpath, New Sanath Colony, Anaj Mandi and Narela
- Length: 4.86 km
- Type: Elevated
- Number of Stations: Three
- Stations: Narela Sector 5, Kundli and Nathupur
- Length: 5.11 km
- Type: Elevated
- Number of Stations: Five
- Stations Names: Vaibhav Khand, Indirapuram, Shakti Khand, Vasundhra Sector 5, Sahibabad (interchange)
- Length: 5.06 km
- Type: Elevated
- Number of Stations: Four
- Stations: Prahlad Garhi, Vasundhara Sector 14, Sahibabad (interchange), Mohan Nagar (new station building will connect with Red Line’s Mohan Nagar Station)
- Length: 7.96 km
- Type: Elevated & Underground
- Number of Stations: Six
- Stations: Saket-G Block, Pushp Vihar, Saket District Court, Sheikh Sarai, GK1, Andrews Ganj and Lajpat Nagar
- Length: 12.58 km
- Type: Underground
- Number of Stations: Ten
- Stations: Inderlok, Dayabasti, Sarai Rohilla, Ahmal Khan Park, Nabi Karim, New Delhi Railway Station, LNJP Hospital, Delhi Gate, IG Stadium and Indraprastha
Hyderabad-Warangal RRTS: A Regional Transport System to Reduce Road Congestion
IntroductionHyderabad is the country’s industrial hub, with industries spanning areas such as information technology, pharmaceuticals, automobile and defence equipment manufacturing. Hyderabad has grown exponentially during the last few decades. It is essential to diversify new investments in the state to tier 2 cities in order to develop a sustainable environment. The state’s key tier 2 cities, including Warangal, Nizamabad, and Khammam, have all of the resources and opportunities to become the state’s future growth centre. Access to Hyderabad from these cities will be seamless and quick, promoting the region’s holistic and comprehensive growth. Semi-high-speed rail connectivity can be investigated to give improved and better connectivity.A semi-high-speed rail system connecting peripheral areas to the metropolitan region shall help Tier 2 cities to develop as economic centres. The system with high-speed connectivity would assure new investments in these cities and will gradually improve metropolitan living standards due to a reduction in the arrival of the migrants from Tier 2 cities to metropolitans. The GoTs has planned to explore the feasibility of a semi-high-speed rail system connecting Hyderabad to Warangal and Vijayawada in the first phase. The tender has been invited by HUMTA/HMDA for selecting consultants to carry out the ‘Pre-feasibility Study of Semi High-Speed Rail System in Telangana.’Hyderabad MetroThe Hyderabad Metro is a rapid transit system that serves the city of Hyderabad, Telangana. After Delhi Metro and Namma Metro, it is India’s third-longest operational metro network, with lines structured on a secant model. It is funded through a public-private partnership (PPP), with the state government owning a minority stake. Based on DBFOT, Hyderabad Metro is the world’s largest elevated Metro Rail system. (Design, Built, Finance, Operate and Transfer). The construction firm L&T established a special purpose vehicle company, L&T Metro Rail Hyderabad Ltd (L&TMRHL), to develop the Hyderabad metro rail project.Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated a 30-kilometre line with 24 stations from Miyapur to Nagole on November 28, 2017. This was India’s longest rapid transit metro line to be opened in a single stretch. It is expected to cost Rs. 18,800 crores. During morning and evening rush hours, trains are generally crowded. All trains now include a ladies-only coach since May 7, 2018. Hyderabad Metro had an average ridership of 4,50,000 passengers daily post-covid, by December 2022. At the Global Infrastructure Leadership Forum in New York in February-March 2013, the HMR project was highlighted as one of the top 100 strategic global infrastructure projects. L&T Metro Rail Hyderabad Limited (LTMRHL) received the SAP ACE Award 2015 in the ‘Strategic HR and Talent Management category.Rasoolpura, Paradise, and Prakash Nagar Metro stations were honoured with the Indian Green Building Council’s (IGBC) Green MRTS Platinum Award in 2018. In November 2018, the Government of India declared the Hyderabad Metro the Best Urban Mass Transit Project. Durgam Cheruvu, Punjagutta, and LB Nagar metro stations in Hyderabad received Indian Green Building Council (IGBC) Green MRTS Certification with the highest platinum grade under elevated stations category in October 2022. With this, Hyderabad Metro Rail now has 23 metro stations certified with the IGBC Platinum grade certification.WarangalAccording to the 2011 census, Warangal is the second largest city in Telangana, with a population of over seven lakh people. The city covers an area of more than 400 km. It is one of eleven cities in the country designated by the Government of India for the Heritage City Development and Augmentation Yojana initiative. It was also chosen as a smart city in the ‘fast-track competition,’ making it eligible for additional investment to develop an urban infrastructure and industrial possibilities under the Smart Cities Mission.The Warangal Tri-City consists of three urban cities: Kazipet, Hanamkonda, and Warangal. The National Highway 163 connects the three cities. (Hyderabad–Bhuvanagiri–Warangal–Bhopalpatnam). Kazipet Junction railway station and Warangal railway station are the major stations. According to the 2011 census, Warangal is one of the Indian cities that has undergone rapid urbanisation rising from 19% to 28%, along with places such as Gandhinagar and Kozhikode.Agriculture is the principal economic activity, with irrigation primarily dependent on monsoon and seasonal rainfalls. Paddy, cotton, mango, and wheat are the major crops. The Godavari lift irrigation plan, which is designed to lift water from the Godavari River and irrigate drought-prone districts in Telangana, benefits Warangal. The city is home to Asia’s second-largest grain market, which is located in Enumamula. Another industry in which the city is making steady progress with its Incubation hub at Madikonda is information technology. Tech Mahindra and Cyient have launched their development centres, and many more IT companies, such as Mindtree and Quadrant Resource, will be opening offices soon.Warangal MetroWarangal Metro, also known as Metro NEO, is a bus rapid transit system proposed by Greater Warangal Municipal Corporation (GWMC) to be developed in Warangal, Kazipet, and Hanamkonda in Telangana. This system’s electric bus coaches, similar to Nasik Metro Neo, will be 25 metres long, travel on rubber wheels, and have a maximum capacity of 250 passengers at a time. The total system capacity is projected to be 15000 PPHPD. (Passengers Per Hour Per Direction). Coaches will be powered by an overhead electrical (OHE) system on elevated sections and by battery power on at-grade (road) sections.The detailed project report (DPR) for Warangal Metro NEO Phase 1 was prepared by Urban Mass Transport Company Limited in collaboration with Maharashtra Metro Rail Corporation Limited (Maha-Metro), which was hired by GWMC to assist with project preparation. GWMC is currently finalising the project’s proposal and route with input from other stakeholders such as TSRTC, Police, Transport, and NPDCL. Following completion, it will be submitted to the state government for approval. The project is expected to cost Rs. 1100 crore. The project’s deadline and completion date have yet to be disclosed.Key InformationOperational: 0 kmUnder Construction: 0 kmApproved: 0 kmProposed: 17 kmLine-1: Kazipet Junction – Warangal Railway Station
- Length: 17 km
- Type: Elevated & At-Grade
- Depots: Not Revealed
- Number of Stations: Not Revealed
- Station Names: Not Revealed
The Local Train Service Serving Millions of Passengers Daily: Kolkata Suburban Railway
IntroductionThe Kolkata Suburban train is a branch of the British-built second commuter train in India. The East Indian Railway (EIR) ran the first train between Howrah and Hooghly stations on August 15, 1854. On the same day, regular services on the 38.6 km route began, with stops at Bally, Serampore, and Chandannagore. The Tarkessur Railway Company inaugurated the broad gauge Sheoraphuli-Tarakeswar branch line on January 1, 1885.All railway companies, zones, and divisions were integrated and recategorized in 1951. As a result, the Eastern Railway (ER) and South Eastern Railway (SER) zones were established. The Kolkata Suburban Railway is presently operated by these Indian Railways zones.Eastern Railway ZoneOn 14 April 1952, the East Indian Railway Company and the entire Bengal – Nagpur Railway (later formed the SER) merged to create the Eastern Railway zone. It is divided into four divisions, with Howrah and Sealdah divisions operating the system. Prior to the reclassification, the Sealdah division was part of the Eastern Bengal Railway. The ER zone’s Howrah division is the oldest.EMU services were inaugurated on the Howrah – Bandel section of the Howrah division on February 1, 1957. In 1963, services were steadily extended to Barddhaman, and on the Sealdah Division of the Eastern Railway were introduced on the Sealdah – Ranaghat route. The Howrah-Barddhaman main and chord lines were changed from a 3000 V DC power supply to a 25 kV 50 Hz AC power supply in 1968. In 1957-58, the Howrah-Sheoraphuli-Tarakeswar route was electrified.South Eastern Railway ZoneIn 1887, the Bengal Nagpur Railway (BNR) Company was established to take over the Nagpur Chhattisgarh Railway (NCR) and convert the route to broad gauge. The project was completed in 1888. By 1891, the main line extension from Nagpur to Asansol was completed. It later became the Eastern Railway zone. The former Bengal Nagpur Railway portion was split on August 1, 1955, and a new zone, the South Eastern Railway (SER), was established. The SER is divided into four divisions, with Kharagpur being the only one that operates the suburban train.EMU service began in the SER zone on 1 May 1968 between Howrah and Mecheda in the Kharagpur division, and it was expanded to Kharagpur on 1 February 1969. By 2003, the services had been gradually expanded to eight other lines. By 1968, the system within this zone was totally electrified.Lines & NetworkIn terms of size, Kolkata is the smallest of India’s six A-1 cities. However, in terms of track length and station count, the Kolkata Suburban Railway is India’s largest suburban railway network. The total track length is 1,501 km, with 458 stations. The system is run by two zonal divisions (under Indian Railways), Eastern Railways (ER) and South Eastern Railways (SER).The fast commuter rail corridors on the Eastern and South Eastern Railways are shared with long-distance and freight trains, whereas inner suburban services run on separate parallel tracks. The South Eastern Line is operated by SER, while the Eastern Line, Circular Line, Chord Link Line, and Sealdah South routes are operated by ER.
South Eastern Railways operates 12-coach EMUs manufactured by Jessop, Siemens, Titagarh Wagons, and ICF. BEML EMUs have been bought and are now in operation. A few one-of-a-kind BEML stainless steel EMUs are also in use. The ICF Medha 3-phase rakes were used for the first time in West Bengal by SER. ICF DEMU rakes and RCF MEMU rakes are in operation. Medha ICF Rakes were introduced by SER on the Howrah-Kharagpur line in February 2018, and Eastern Railway began using them on the Howrah-Bandel route on April 15, 2018. The SER operates 30 12-car EMU rakes.The Kolkata Suburban Railway is quickly replacing its old Jessop and ICF EMUs with the latest Medha 3-phase EMU rakes manufactured by ICF in collaboration with Bombardier Transportation. Almost all of the Kolkata Suburban Railway’s EMU Units have been fitted with a GPS-based passenger tracking system. Some EMUs that were previously in service with the Mumbai Suburban Railway’s Western Line were subsequently shifted to Kolkata for service.The most common signalling method is electronic interlocking, which has largely replaced the old lever frames/panel interlocking system. Automatic signalling is being used to improve sectional capacity and efficiency. This is regulated by AC/DC track circuits, axle counters, and others. The axle counter system detects the existence of a train in an absolute block section, a station’s point zone area, and level crossings.The backbone of a telecommunications network is an optical fibre communication infrastructure. The telecommunications facility is an omnibus circuit that connects Sealdah and Howrah stations to the central control centre. Mobile Train Radio transmission (MTRC) is used for ground-based mobile transmission.ConclusionThe Kolkata Suburban Railway (also known as Kolkata local trains or simply locals) is a suburban rail system that serves the Kolkata metropolitan region and its surrounding areas. It is the country’s biggest suburban railway network, with the highest number of stations. It is also the world’s seventh-biggest suburban rail system. There are five main routes and nineteen branch lines. It has over 1,500 services and carries 3.5 million people every day with nearly 1.2 billion people annually. It operates from 03:00 a.m. to 02:00 a.m., with prices ranging from Rs.5 to Rs.25. The system operates on 5 ft 6 in (1,676 mm) broad gauge track and is powered by a 25 kV 50 Hz AC power supply. It has interchange stations with the Kolkata Metro at different places.The Kolkata Suburban Railway is part of the second commuter railway built in British India in the mid-nineteenth century. The first train operated between Howrah and Hooghly stations. Electric Multiple Unit (EMU) services commenced a century after the initial run. With 458 stations and a track length of 1,501 km, it is India’s biggest suburban railway network in terms of track length and number of stations.The suburban system is run by two Indian Railways zones: the Eastern Railway zone and the South Eastern Railway zone. These zones are further subdivided into the Eastern Railway’s Howrah and Sealdah divisions and the South Eastern Railway’s Kharagpur division. The three major terminals servicing the city’s network are Howrah, Sealdah and Kolkata. Santragachi and Shalimar are also the termini stations for mail/express trains as well as passenger/fast passenger trains.
- Eastern Line: There are five corridors in the Howrah division of the Eastern line, which also bifurcates and extends into the northwestern suburbs. The first two corridors are the 107-kilometer-long Howrah-Bardhaman main route and the 94-kilometer-long chord line.
- South Eastern Line: The South Eastern line in Kolkata is made up of three main corridors that split into two branches as they approach the suburban satellite towns. Two lines, one local and one through, follow the South Eastern Railway for 128 kilometres from Howrah Junction to Midnapore. The mainline divides into two branch lines: the Panskura-Haldia line at Panskura Junction, 69 kilometres to the south-east, and the Santragachi-Amta line 45 kilometres to the north. The ‘main’ South Eastern route is comprised of these corridors. The South Eastern line also has two branch lines, 5 km and 94 km long, linking Santragachi to Shalimar and Tamluk to Digha, respectively.
- Sealdah South Lines: The Sealdah South line as an important link connects Kolkata to the Sundarbans in West Bengal. It is also a component of the Eastern Railway. This route has four corridors and splits into branch lines that connect Kolkata’s southern suburbs. The main line runs for 110 kilometres from Sealdah to Namkhana railway station. The main line is double-tracked until Lakshmikantapur railway station, and then it is single-tracked to Namkhana.
- Chord Link Line: Sealdah is linked to Dankuni Junction on the Howrah-Barddhaman Chord by the Chord link route. This line connects the Sealdah Division’s mainline to the Howrah-Bardhaman chord, which is mainly used by freight and passenger trains travelling to North India (The Howrah–Bardhaman chord is part of the Howrah–Delhi mainline and the Grand Chord). The Vivekananda Setu road-rail bridge spans the Hooghly River, allowing the Chord link to traverse it. The Dakshineswar Kali Temple, where Ramakrishna Paramhansa worked as a priest, is a popular tourist attraction along this corridor. It also features the Vivekananda Setu, also known as the Bally Bridge, a road-rail bridge. There are three interchange stations. Interchange is available at Dum Dum Junction for the Eastern line (Sealdah-Gede mainline), Dankuni Junction for the Eastern line (Howrah-Barddhaman Chord), and Bally Halt (above Bally station) for the Eastern Line. (Howrah–Barddhaman mainline). The extension of Kolkata Metro route 1 travels parallel to this route and will have interchange facilities at Dum Dum, Baranagar, and Dakshineswhar stations.
- Circular Railway: The Kolkata Circular Railway corridor encircles the city’s inner-city areas. This 42-kilometre-long route, with 20 stations, is managed by Eastern Railway’s Sealdah Division. The route is double-tracked from Dum Dum Junction to Tala, but single-tracked from Tala to Majerhat. Running alongside the Hooghly River from Tala to Majerhat, it joins and travels parallel to the Sealdah South tracks after Majerhat and elevates at Park Circus to bypass Sealdah (which is a terminal station). After bypassing Sealdah, it rejoins the mainline at Bidhannagar Road before ending at Dum Dum Jn. The route is also referred to as the Chakra Rail. The circular line is a popular tourist attraction. It gives access to a scenic view for daily commuters and visitors as it passes under Howrah Bridge, Vidyasagar Setu, and parallel to the Hooghly River, connecting numerous tourist places and ghats.
South Eastern Railways operates 12-coach EMUs manufactured by Jessop, Siemens, Titagarh Wagons, and ICF. BEML EMUs have been bought and are now in operation. A few one-of-a-kind BEML stainless steel EMUs are also in use. The ICF Medha 3-phase rakes were used for the first time in West Bengal by SER. ICF DEMU rakes and RCF MEMU rakes are in operation. Medha ICF Rakes were introduced by SER on the Howrah-Kharagpur line in February 2018, and Eastern Railway began using them on the Howrah-Bandel route on April 15, 2018. The SER operates 30 12-car EMU rakes.The Kolkata Suburban Railway is quickly replacing its old Jessop and ICF EMUs with the latest Medha 3-phase EMU rakes manufactured by ICF in collaboration with Bombardier Transportation. Almost all of the Kolkata Suburban Railway’s EMU Units have been fitted with a GPS-based passenger tracking system. Some EMUs that were previously in service with the Mumbai Suburban Railway’s Western Line were subsequently shifted to Kolkata for service.The most common signalling method is electronic interlocking, which has largely replaced the old lever frames/panel interlocking system. Automatic signalling is being used to improve sectional capacity and efficiency. This is regulated by AC/DC track circuits, axle counters, and others. The axle counter system detects the existence of a train in an absolute block section, a station’s point zone area, and level crossings.The backbone of a telecommunications network is an optical fibre communication infrastructure. The telecommunications facility is an omnibus circuit that connects Sealdah and Howrah stations to the central control centre. Mobile Train Radio transmission (MTRC) is used for ground-based mobile transmission.ConclusionThe Kolkata Suburban Railway (also known as Kolkata local trains or simply locals) is a suburban rail system that serves the Kolkata metropolitan region and its surrounding areas. It is the country’s biggest suburban railway network, with the highest number of stations. It is also the world’s seventh-biggest suburban rail system. There are five main routes and nineteen branch lines. It has over 1,500 services and carries 3.5 million people every day with nearly 1.2 billion people annually. It operates from 03:00 a.m. to 02:00 a.m., with prices ranging from Rs.5 to Rs.25. The system operates on 5 ft 6 in (1,676 mm) broad gauge track and is powered by a 25 kV 50 Hz AC power supply. It has interchange stations with the Kolkata Metro at different places.The Kolkata Suburban Railway is part of the second commuter railway built in British India in the mid-nineteenth century. The first train operated between Howrah and Hooghly stations. Electric Multiple Unit (EMU) services commenced a century after the initial run. With 458 stations and a track length of 1,501 km, it is India’s biggest suburban railway network in terms of track length and number of stations.The suburban system is run by two Indian Railways zones: the Eastern Railway zone and the South Eastern Railway zone. These zones are further subdivided into the Eastern Railway’s Howrah and Sealdah divisions and the South Eastern Railway’s Kharagpur division. The three major terminals servicing the city’s network are Howrah, Sealdah and Kolkata. Santragachi and Shalimar are also the termini stations for mail/express trains as well as passenger/fast passenger trains. Bengaluru Metro Expansion: Phase 2, 2B, Purple Line, Green Line, and Future Plans
Providing connectivity to the population in city’s outskirtsThe Delhi Metro Rail Corporation (DMRC) developed and conceptualised the Bengaluru Metro. After years of delay, the first route was opened to the public in October 2011. The Bengaluru Metro Rail Corporation Limited (BMRCL) is carrying out the project, which is presently in expansionary mode. The current ridership of Namma Metro is around 5.5 lakhs to 6 lakhs and is likely to reach around 10 lakhs with the commissioning of the Whitefield Metro.Phase 1Namma Metro Phase 1 in Bangalore included 42-kilometers two long lines, 8.82 kilometres of which is underground and the remaining one is elevated. This segment has 40 stations. The foundation stone for Phase 1 was laid in June 2006, and construction started in April 2007 between Baiyyappanahalli and Mahatma Gandhi Road. The phase was subsequently expanded to include the northern extension (from Yeshwanthpur to Nagasandra) and the southern extension. (from Rashtreeya Vidyalaya Road to Yelachenahalli).Phase 2The second phase of Namma Metro was approved by the union cabinet in January 2014, the initial cost of which was 26,405 crore which is expected to rise to Rs 32,000 crore over time. Phase 2 stretches for 72 kilometers, 13 kilometres of which is underground. There are 62 stations in this section, 12 of which are underground. Bengaluru Metro Phase 2 involves both the extension of the two Phase 1 lines in both directions and the construction of two new lines.According to the plan, the south end of the Green Line will be expanded from Yelachenahalli to Anjanapura along Kanakapura Road and from Nagasandra to Madavara (previously called BIEC) along Tumkur Road. The Purple line’s east end has been expanded from Baiyappanahalli to Whitefield and from Mysore Road to Challaghatta via Kengeri. The BMRCL spent over Rs 4,500 crores to build the K.R. Puram to Whitefield Metro line. It will have 12 locations.In the second phase, a new 18-kilometer-long fully elevated line from RV Road to Bommasandra via Electronic City is also proposed. Another 21-kilometer railway is being built from Kalena Agrahara (previously Gottigere) to Nagawara. The route will have an elevated corridor, spanning a distance of 7.5 kms with six stations and an underground stretch of 13.76 kms from the south ramp near Jayanagar Fire station to the north ramp at Nagawara consisting of 12 underground stations. The second phase of the Bengaluru Metro is scheduled to be completed by 2024.Phase 2A (Blue Line)As Phase-2A of the plan, a new line between Silk Board and KR Puram has been included in Phase 2. Silk Board, HSR Layout, Agara, Ibbalur, Bellandur, Kadubeesanahalli, Kodibisanahalli, Marathahalli, ISRO, Doddanekundi, DRDO Sports Complex, Sarasvathi Nagara (previously Mahadevapura), and KR Puram are the planned thirteen stations along the Outer Ring Road.The ORR Metro route, also known as the Blue Line, will connect with the extended Purple Line at KR Puram and the proposed RV Road-Bommasandra route (Yellow Line) at Silk Board.Phase 2B (Airport Line)Namma Metro Phase 2B, which will link Kempegowda International Airport and MG Road, is currently under construction and will cost Rs 10,584 crores. The length of the route would be 39 kms. The route would commence in Krishnarajapura (KR Puram) and would run along the northern part of the ORR (Outer Ring Road), passing through Nagawara, Hebbal, and Jakkur before moving towards the airport.Purple LineThe Purple Line links Baiyyappanahalli in the east to Mysore Road terminal station in the south-west. The route is 18.1 kilometres long and has 17 stations. It is mostly elevated, with a 4.8-kilometer underground section in the city’s center, and it runs through some of Bengaluru’s most well-known areas, including MG Road, Majestic, Railway Station, Vidhana Soudha, and others. The Purple Line is being expanded to Challaghatta in the south-west and Whitefield in the east.On August 30, 2021, the section from Mysuru Road to Kengeri became operational. The BMRCL put in Rs 1,820 crore to build the elevated line and Rs 181 crore to acquire land. By March 2022, the metro line has been extended by two kilometres along the same path to Challaghatta. Challaghatta will be the city’s first elevated metro depot.Pink LineThe pink line is one of the future metro projects in Bangalore that shall improve the city’s connectivity. This section will link Kalena Agaraha (formerly Gottigere) to Nagawara over a distance of about 21 kilometres. There will be a 7.5-kilometer elevated route and a 13.8-kilometer underground section. In total, 18 metro stations are proposed for this metro line.According to the Bangalore Metro Rail Corporation Limited (BMRCL), approximately 75% of the underground tunnelling work for the Pink Line has been completed. Tunnelling work for 15.2 kilometres of the 21.2 kilometres has been finished. The BMRCL intends to complete the Pink Line by the end of March 2025.Green LineThe Green Line of the Bangalore Metro connects Nagasandra in the north-west to Anjanapura in the south-west. It has 30 stations and spans a distance of 30 kilometres. In conformity to the Purple Line, this stretch too is mostly elevated on both the north and south sides, with a four-kilometer underground section in the middle. There are 26 elevated metro stations and three underground stations on the route. Bengaluru Metro Green Line crosses through commercial and industrial centers such as Peenya and Yeshwanthpur in the north with residential areas such as Basavanagudi, Jayanagar and Banashankari. The Green Line is also being extended to Madavara in the north-west and Silk Institute in the south, increasing the length of the route to 33.5 kilometres.Phase 3The Phase 3 alignment of the Bangalore Metro has been finalised. The Bangalore metro route will run for 105 kilometers, connecting other Metro lines, suburban rail lines, and bus depots at nine points while also allowing for multi-modal integration. The proposed work is expected to be completed by 2027-2028.Corridor 1 was originally planned to conclude at Hebbal Railway Station. The Metro Phase 3 will also be extended by approximately 2 kilometres and will link to Kempapura. The plan is expected to cost around Rs 13,500 crore.Under Phase 3, there will be two corridors:
- Corridor 1 will stretch for 31 kilometres along the Outer Ring Road (ORR West), connecting J P Nagar and Kempapura. It will have 22 stations that will intersect with Phase 2B of the Airport route.
- Corridor 2 will be 11 kilometres long, connecting Hosahalli Toll to Kadabagere.
- Carmelaram to Yelahanka, covering 37 kms
- Marathahalli to Hosakerehalli, covering 21 kms
- Bommasandra to Attibele
- Gottigere to Basavanapura
- RK Hegde Nagar to Aerospace Park
- Kogilu Cross – Rajanukunte
- Magadi Road Toll gate to Kadabgere (Metrolite) (12.5 km)
- Hebbal to Sarjapura (35 km)
- JP Nagar to Hebbal Kempapura (32.15 km)
- Whitefield to Domlur (31 km)
- Inner Ring UG Metro (34 km)
- Old Airport Road, a 16-kilometer stretch from MG Road to Hope Farm via Marathahalli and Whitefield/IT corridor (underground), is expected to cost Rs 9,600 crore.
- Nagawara to Kempegowda International Airport (KIA) via Thanisandra/ Bharatiya City for a distance of 25 kilometres for an approximate cost of Rs 10,000 crore.
- A 6-kilometer Metro expansion from Whitefield to Katamanallur / Hoskote at an approximate cost Rs 2,400 crore.
- A 12-kilometer extension of the Bannerghatta stretch to Jigani at a cost of Rs 4,800 crore.
- ADB: Rs. 2,410.79 crore
- JICA: Rs. 1,310.74 crore
- PPP Sources: Rs. 800 crore
- State Govt: Rs. 4,074.34 crore
- Central Govt: Rs. 1,260.54 crore
- Current Phase 2B Deadline: 2024
- Estimated Completion Estimate: 2027
- Length: 37 km
- Type: Elevated, At-Grade and Underground (within the airport)
- Depot: Shettigere Depot (in addition to Phase 2A’s Baiyappanahalli Depot)
- Number of Stations: 17
- Station Names: Kasturinagara, Horamavu, HRBR Layout (erst. Babusaheb Palya), Kalyan Nagar, HBR layout, Nagawara, Veerannapalya, Kempapura, Hebbal, Kodigehalli, Jakkur Cross, Yelahanka (erst. Kogilu Cross), Bagalur Cross (erst. Bagalur/PRR Cross), Bettahalasuru, Doddajala (erst. Trumpet Junction), Airport City (erst. Sky Garden, to be built at-grade) and KIAL Terminals (erst. Airport Terminal, to be built partially underground).
Railways: Heading Towards Digital Mobility
Digital RailThe rail industry is experiencing rapid technological adoption. Over the last two decades, transit companies around the globe have implemented new technologies to make passengers’ journeys more comfortable. Metro and other major public transportation systems have evolved from basic mass transportation systems to integrated public transportation providers. These public transportation systems would continue to embrace evolving digitalisation for the provision of services such as security, customer service assistance, and operational support, in addition to transporting people from origin to destination.There is a growing demand for precise data and real-time information. Mobility data is also becoming more individualised, distinguishable, and predictable. This has allowed the layering of new technologies, which are supported by automated and AI-powered solutions. As a result, the following have evolved: Smart Station(a) Smart Mobility(b) Smart Operation(c) Smart MaintenanceDigitalisation today has revolutionised the railroad industry. Railways in modern times is increasingly using digital technologies to enhance its operations and efficiency. The various core activities benefitted by digitalisation processes in railways can be stated as under:Digitalization in Rail OperationDigitalisation in train operations has the potential to increase the efficiency and productivity of station staff, drivers, middle management, and operations people. Rail digitisation can also provide real-time information to operations people, such as rotating scroll warnings, centralised traffic control, track maps, and more. For example, one of the oldest Metro systems of the world, Metro de Madrid in Spain, has begun to digitalise its activities. The operator has created a macro-project with a wide and cross-functional scope. It is coordinated by Lines Operational Management and considers both customer views and internal employee visions. Since 2018, the project has been completely operational in various phases, covering the following areas:(a) Tablet for station staff(b) Digital process of checking station installations(c) Tablet for traffic and running staff (located at the headways)(d) Digital head-end information displays(e) Digital time recording of operational staff(f) Digital repository of operational documentationDigitisation in infrastructure maintenanceThe applications of IoT, sensors, and devices in rail infrastructure maintenance are opening up various new possibilities such as:(i) Problem/damage detection,(ii) Preventive maintenance, and(iii) Coordination with other systems, Government agencies, logistics providers, and transport modes.In recent years, a number of digitisation applications have been launched collaboratively by public transportation operators and cutting-edge system providers to enhance system security, maintenance cost reduction, asset availability optimisation, issue detection, and mitigation strategies.Digitalisation in control and signalling systemsDigitalised control and signalling systems have the potential to significantly improve the reliability and performance of train operations. In terms of infrastructure asset management, removing the obsolete train signal boxes and heavy copper wires. Here are a few instances of digitalisation in control and signalling systems:Digitalisation in Customer ExperienceCustomer service is becoming increasingly important for rail transport operators. Passengers want improved service and real-time information. Passengers’ expectations are rising, and with increased competition from new mobility players, railways and train operators must embrace new technologies and provide digital experiences to remain competitive. Railways must put the traveller at the centre of the experience. Technology can help increase customer satisfaction and loyalty among passengers.One recent example is implementing a passenger flow system to handle crowding at railway stations during the COVID. The train movement and passenger control during the pandemic involved the use of various new technologies, such as Passenger Flow Analysis using IoT devices and use of AI in Vehicles and Stations functions with various technologies. The implementation of passenger flow system can be stated involving following stages:(iv) Real-time people flow estimation achieved by image processing(v) Motion of image is converted to people flow and congestion rate(vi) Count of number of passengers getting on and off the vehicleDigital communications with passengers using AI applicationsAI is essential for recognising and connecting data-generated patterns generated by advanced technologies. The popularity of AI has been growing significantly in Customer Support Centres at rail stations. The following are the most prevalent AI applications in rail transportation:
- Customer Analytics
- Real-time Operations Management
- Intelligent Ticketing System
- Predictive Maintenance
- Scheduling & Timetabling
- Multi-modal Journey Planner
- Maintenance: Optimisation, labour reduction,automation, and crisis prediction.
- Service Availability: Minimising service failures, reducing incidents and downtime.
- Quality Information: Better understanding of rolling stock conditions, investigation data, prediction of problem indicators.
- Suppliers: Metro operators often face challenges relating to dearth of OEM assistance, complicated validation, and maintenance training. Before making a final choice on the installation of an automatic monitoring system, it is highly recommended that all stakeholders be consulted so that they are completely aware of the requirements and potential constraints. It is also important to make purchases only from enterprises having a proven track record.
- Equipment: Sometimes, it is difficult to integrate monitoring systems into the main IT system. They may also have operational constraints and require highly skilled personnel for servicing and upkeep. It is also suggested that the system hardware and software be able to be customised. The procurement contract should explicitly specify the system specifications with regard to system availability, measurement accuracy, operational conditions, and maintenance obligations.
- Service Quality: Some methods, such as incorrect detection, have been proven to be unreliable. It will take time for public transportation companies to gain trust in their dependability. It may be beneficial to combine the monitoring system with the main IT system in order to identify the best detection and data access location. Data management concerns (such as size, usage, security, and access) and specialised data transformation skills are also essential considerations.
- Identification of areas where frequent corrective maintenance measures are to be carried out.
- Prioritisation of maintenance tasks.
- Quantitative assessment of asset health.
- Analysis of asset health data to identify precursors of future problems.
- Technical – Transmission and communication bandwidth, data accuracy, cyber security, inconsistent standards, and obsolescence.
- Commercial – Fragmentation of supply chain, data governance, and management, warranty, proprietary software.
- Economic / business case – High initial investment and maintenance costs.
- Organisation and HR – Impacts on management and company culture, the requirement of IT maintenance skills.
- Law and regulations – Resistance from safety authorities/PTOs/insurance companies, hindrance from complex tendering requirements on technological development.
- Improve processing efficiency
- Lower overall costs
- Enhance productivity (for example, operation and maintenance)
- Establish new business models
- Provide new revenue and value-adding opportunities
Transport Infrastructure in India: Challenges & Opportunities
In the new millennium, India’s transportation infrastructure has expanded by leaps and bounds. The Golden Quadrilateral national highway network, the Delhi Metro rapid transit system, and several public-private partnership airport projects in India’s major metropolitan regions, including New Delhi, Mumbai, Bengaluru, and Hyderabad, to name a few, have not only revolutionised the capacity and quality of the country’s transportation infrastructure but have also fueled the growth of other major infrastructure projects, including the Bharatmala project national highway project, high-speed and semi-high-speed rail projects, dedicated freight corridors, rapid-transit metro railways across significant cities and airport modernisation.Although India has significantly improved its transportation infrastructure over the last two decades, the country still has a long way to go to guarantee that it can meet the country’s needs now and in the future. Therefore, it becomes imperative to size the investment opportunities and explore the most prominent issues that are crippling India’s transportation infrastructure. Additionally, a closer look at the challenges that three groups of stakeholders—government agencies, concessionaires and contractors, and financiers—will face in capturing those opportunities also needs to be ascertained. Finally, the strategies these stakeholders can adopt to overcome the challenges can be summarised.
Major ObstaclesIndia spends less money on transportation infrastructure than other developing nations. India, for example, has historically invested about 1% of its GDP in transportation infrastructure, whereas China increased its investments from 4.7 per cent of its GDP in 2014 to 6.5 per cent in 2017. Even developed countries with more mature infrastructure, such as France and Japan, spend roughly 1% of their GDP on transport infrastructure annually. Four significant problems are crippling India’s transportation infrastructure as a result of this lack of investment:
Major ObstaclesIndia spends less money on transportation infrastructure than other developing nations. India, for example, has historically invested about 1% of its GDP in transportation infrastructure, whereas China increased its investments from 4.7 per cent of its GDP in 2014 to 6.5 per cent in 2017. Even developed countries with more mature infrastructure, such as France and Japan, spend roughly 1% of their GDP on transport infrastructure annually. Four significant problems are crippling India’s transportation infrastructure as a result of this lack of investment:- Inadequate Roads: Highways are the backbone of any developing sector or economy. Despite this, India only spent $38 billion on highway development between 2014 and 2018, or about 0.35 per cent of its GDP. In contrast, China has consistently invested about 1.5 per cent of its GDP in highways. The insufficient supply of infrastructure investments compared to demand has strained the country’s roads. Additionally, roads are the most important ways of transportation in India, accounting for 65 per cent of all freight movement. This puts massive pressure on the roads and highways, and limited capacity causes highway congestion and slower operating speeds. Because congested roads account for 8 to 10% of wasted journey time, network enhancements such as new motorways to augment the capacity of congested corridors, new economic corridors, and urban decongestion are much needed.
- Social welfare obligations: Governments are frequently under social welfare obligations to subsidise public services at the price of businesses; for example, freight operations subsidise the cost of passenger journeys on railways. It may be noted that raising the cost of freight rail transport reduces its attractiveness, resulting in a modal shift away from railways, limiting the government’s ability to produce revenue, and limiting investments that could augment capacity, resulting in poor service on key routes.
- Insufficient Airport Capacity: In the coming years, India’s aviation infrastructure will face a large supply and demand gap. Although initiatives such as the UDAN regional airport development tackle regional connectivity issues, airport capacity expansion remains a challenge, particularly in the metropolitan cities of Delhi and Mumbai, which account for nearly 55 per cent of total air traffic in India. Large cities are anticipated to require at least two to three airports in the future to address congestion problems while also providing passengers with world-class facilities. Developing new greenfield airports in Navi Mumbai and Jewar is a testament to this strategy and a step in the right direction.
- Lack of public–private partnerships: Because India is a developing economy with limited financial resources, rapid transportation infrastructure development will necessitate private involvement. However, the difficulty and uncertainty in enforcing a ‘user-pays principle,’ as well as the risks involved with enforcing contracts, induce revenue uncertainties. Additionally, the country’s evolving concessionaire ecosystem, with a mixed record of success in public-private partnerships (PPP), has restricted private involvement in infrastructure projects—private investment accounts for only about 15% of total infrastructure investment. To sustain investments in India’s infrastructure environment, social acceptance and enforcement of user fees, as well as stricter contract enforcement and sustained improvements to the concessionaire ecosystem, will be required.
- Government Authorities: Project financing issues, clearance delays, land acquisition delays, and concessionaire and contractor non-performance all contribute to inadequate infrastructure coverage and quality. India’s transportation infrastructure in road, rail, air, and port infrastructure is both extensive and inefficient, highlighting the pressing need to enhance the quality and extent of the infrastructure. Project financing issues, timely land acquisition and clearances, and contractor non-performance have all exacerbated the situation.
- Because of the large upfront capital expenditure needed, the primary challenge for government agencies is securing project funding. Typically, infrastructure development expenditures are incurred in the first two to three years, while income from the project in the form of user fees is collected over a period of 20 to 30 years after the project is launched. As a result, a large-scale infrastructure push will necessitate a mix of upfront public and private-sector financing. With the rapid evolution of technological interventions in infrastructure development, it is necessary to evaluate and prioritise investments based on total life-cycle cost and project returns rather than the needed upfront investment.
- Concessionaires and Contractors: Concessionaires and contractors’ viability is impacted by issues such as project financing, timely clearances, operational disruptions, and user-fee collection. The primary issue for concessionaires is effective capital management. It is essential to have a complete portfolio perspective that reduces risk while increasing profitability. In addition, the availability of credit from financial institutions to execute big projects is a major obstacle in generating interest in infrastructure projects. The market credit crunch is harming concessionaires, particularly small to mid-size concessionaires, when it comes to raising money, causing project delays.
- Financial institutions: The lack of a strong legal and regulatory framework for early and efficient dispute resolution, as well as challenges in infrastructure valuation, have limited financial institutions’ involvement.



