GM P Uday Kumar Reddy Visits Blue and Green Line of Kolkata Metro

KOLKATA (Metro Rail News): On 5 May 2023, Shri P Uday Kumar Reddy, General Manager, Metro Railway, reviewed the Blue Line’s Central and Esplanade Metro stations, as well as the Green Line’s Sealdah station.He examined the entry/exit points, platforms, concourse level, Ticket Vending Machines, station signage, overall cleanliness, booking counters, passenger facilities, and so on.During the inspection, he also met with station personnel and learned about the stations passenger management system. He also directed concerned officials to improve the commercial utilisation of unoccupied spaces at stations.Shri P Uday Kumar Reddy took the metro to Esplanade station after completing the inspection of Central Station. He next proceeded to Sealdah station to see various amenities, including a double discharge platform. He took the Metro from Sealdah to Salt Lake Sector V stop.He was pleased with the general layout and cleanliness of the Central, Esplanade, and Sealdah stations.

MMRDA to Install Rooftop Solar Panels at 30 Stations

MUMBAI (Metro Rail News): The Mumbai Metropolitan Region Development Authority has (MMRDA) proposed installation of rooftop solar panels at 17 stations on Line 2A (Dahisar to DN Nagar Andheri) and 13 stations on Line 7 (Dahisar East to Andheri East).The MMRDA has constructed the rooftop of the Charkop depot, In addition to the 30 stations which are available for solar panels. The MMRDA has suggested a solar power generation capacity of 7,100 kW.According to the officials, the solar panels on Line 2A will add 2,600 kW to the total, the panels above Line 7 stations will add 2,000 kW, and the panels on the depot’s roof will add 2,500 kW.Under the RESCO (Renewable Energy Service) model, the MMRDA plans to install rooftop solar panels for over 25 years.In a RESCO model, a bidder takes over control of a site or rooftop that is under the control of an authority and enters into a Power Purchase Agreement (PPA) for the supply of solar electricity beginning on the date of commissioning under terms and conditions that have been mutually agreed upon, including its entire operation and maintenance.Before May 24, prospective bidders can submit their applications by paying tender security of Rs 13.87 lakh. 

COEP Tech University Conducts Technical Audit of Pune Metro stations

PUNE (Metro Rail News):  COEP Tech University is conducting a technical audit of Pune Metro stations. In this context, COEP Tech University has submitted queries/observation reports to Maha Metro to seek clarification on technical matters.Maha Metro will clarify the queries/observations communicated by COEP Tech University as soon as possible. COEP Tech, after receiving clarifications, will issue the final closure report to Maha Metro, and the order of the Hon’ble  High Court of Bombay will be complied with.

Ahluwalia Contracts Bags Contract Worth 2,450 Cr. for Redevelopment of CSMT Railway Station

MUMBAI (Metro Rail News): The Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus station in Mumbai will be renovated, and the contract for this work has been awarded to renowned engineering and construction company Ahluwalia Contracts for Rs 2,450 crore.Earlier, Ahluwalia Contracts claimed the contract to redevelop CSMT with the lowest bid. In contrast to an estimated cost of approximately 2,000 crore rupees, the company quoted 2,450 crore rupees.Four main participants emerged in the bidding process for the CSMT project after the opening of technical bids on March 15, 2023, when the RLDA issued a call for tenders for the project in October 2022.Apart from Ahluwalia contracts, Afcons Infrastructure, Nagarjuna Construction Company (NCC), and  Larsen and Toubro (L&T), had also filed bids for the (CSMT) redevelopment project. The CSMT project has a three-year completion window.The scope of work for the Mumbai CSMT includes civil work for the station buildings and related infrastructure, primarily an iconic façade, ultra-modern station buildings, heritage building renovations, a separate platform for suburban and long-distance trains, and a connection via skywalk from Mahatma Jyotiba Phule Mandai (previously known as Crawford Market).The station’s gothic-style heritage architecture, recognised as a world heritage monument by UNESCO, would undergo some significant alterations.The RLDA stated in April that a decision would be made so that the contracts could be given in May of this year and that the tender committee is tasked with opening the financial bids of the three stations.

RLDA to Reissue Bidding For Redevelopment of New Delhi and Ahmedabad Stations Soon

NEW DELHI (Metro Rail News): The proposal to redevelop the New Delhi and Ahmedabad station is back at the planning stages, seven months after the Union Cabinet sanctioned Rs 10,000 crore for the renovation of  Ahmedabad, New Delhi and the Mumbai’s Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj terminus, stations.The Rail Land Development Authority (RLDA) suspended the bidding procedure because the lowest bidders quoted prices that were far higher than the railways’ predictions and were not justified.
Ahmedabad Railway station Redevlopment Project
Ahmedabad Railway station Redevlopment Project
According to sources, the RLDA would shortly reissue the invitations for bids for New Delhi and Ahmedabad station project whereas Ahluwalia Contracts has already been awarded the contract for Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus (CSMT) redevelopment project in Mumbai at a cost of Rs 2,450 crore.
CSMT Railway Station
CSMT Railway Station
According to sources, Ashwini Vaishnaw, the railway minister, is going to hold a meeting to discuss the project to renovate New Delhi station. A similar meeting will also be held to discuss the project in Ahmedabad. The probability of the railways seeking cabinet acceptance again after re-evaluating the costs of the projects cannot be considered out.

Work on FOB Begins at KR Railway Station and Metro Stations in Bengaluru

BENGALURU (Metro Rail News):  The construction of the foot overbridge (FOB) connecting the KR Puram Rail and metro stations has started following the resolution of  the dispute between South Western Railway and Bangalore Metro Rail Corporation Limited (BMRCL).The FOB will be built in three stages: the first will connect the Purple Line station with the opposite side of the street; the second will do the same for the Blue Line station, and the third will link the platform of the renovated KR Puram railway station to all of the Metro stations.The Purple Line (Byapapnahalli-Kengeri) and the future Blue Line (ORR-Airport Metro) will converge at the KR Puram Metro station.According to BMRCL’s Chief public relations officer, Yashvanth Chavan, a timeline outlining the project’s stages and the planned completion date has not yet been released because the FOB construction is still in the planning stages. “Land licencing fees still need to be paid.The Mahadevapura Task Force (mobility) actively participated in discussions with the government to persuade them to link the FOB to the already-existing Purple Line Metro station. According to Clement C Jayakumar, a member of MTF (mobility), the officials had planned to keep the Blue Line station separated from the station because it will be close to the existing KR Puram Metro station. But we could persuade them to consider connecting it to the Purple Line station.

GM P Uday Kumar Reddy Visits Cave- In site of East West Metro

KOLKATA (Metro Rail News): On Wednesday, P Uday Kumar Reddy, general manager of Metro Railway, examined the Metro shaft at Bowbazar’s Durga Pituri Lane cave-in zone along with KMRC MD H N Jaiswal and other officials. He also instructed KMRC to speed up the construction so that the 2.5 kilometre stretch between Sealdah and Esplanade could be used to transfer rakes from the Salt Lake depot to Esplanade.The authorities entered the tunnel to inspect the progress of construction after walking down the shaft and passing through the concrete box being constructed to connect the two open ends of the west-bound tunnel.The Contractors ITD-Cementation informed Reddy that 24m of the box’s total length of 38m, which was erected using the cut-and-cover method, had already been finished. The GM emphasised that there are gaps in the eastbound tunnel as well, particularly around Nirmal Chunder Street

Indian Railways to Begin Hydrogen Train Trials Soon

NEW DELHI (Metro Rail News): On Wednesday, Anil Kumar Lahoti, the chairman of the Railway Board, stated that work was progressing on the project to create the nation’s first hydrogen train and that efforts were being made to begin its trial in the current fiscal year.According to Anil Kumar Lahoti, using hydrogen to power trains would be a significant “technological breakthrough” for the nation.”The Northern Railway has been awarded the contract for the development of the hydrogen train, and work on it is already underway.”The Indian Railways strives to complete the project effectively rather than setting very stringent timeframes for it because the hydrogen train is a novel technology at an international level, and such train is being constructed for the first time in the country.He added that the country should begin testing hydrogen trains during the financial year. Around the world, hydrogen train technology is still being developed. He said that we will advance on this front as we become more familiar with this new technology.According to Lahoti, Prime Minister Narendra Modi has previously declared that 75 Vande Bharat trains will be operated nationwide. Railways operate three of these trains each month to carry out this plan. The chairman of the Railway Board attended a departmental meeting to assess ongoing rail projects in and around Indore.

Agra Metro Successfully Completes its First Test Run

AGRA (Metro Rail News): On 3 May 2023, the Agra Metro completed its maiden test trial successfully on an 700-meter test track using the third rail technology. The system will make power derivation simpler and more attractive.The third rail technology is being tested on the Agra Metro train run for the first time. Before this, an electric bogey shunter was used to test the train’s braking and other systems on the track.The third rail system will shortly be used to test the trains on the elevated section of the viaduct. The third rail system is the one that will supply electricity to Agra Metro trains. A news release from the public relations department of the Uttar Pradesh Metro Rail Corporation (UPMRC) described it as a sort of third rail that ran parallel to the track marked with yellow markings.Significantly, the metro network of two corridors of 29.4 kilometres in length is to be built in Tajnagari. It will have 27 stations. The construction of a 14 km long first corridor between Taj Mahal East Gate and Sikandra is progressing quickly.Moreover, Fatehabad Road and Basai metro stations have been completed. 13 stations will be constructed in this corridor, including six elevated and seven underground stations.In addition, a depot is being constructed for this corridor in the PAC premises. Along with this, another 16 km long corridor will be constructed between Agra Cantt to Kalindi Vihar. It will have 14 elevated stations.  

Jakson Group Remains the Preferred EPC Partner for Major Metro Rail Projects in India

NEW DELHI (Metro Rail News): One of India’s fastest-growing energy conglomerates, Jakson Group, has strengthened its position as the Preferred EPC partner for the nation’s most significant metro rail projects.After completing several metro projects nationwide, the organisation is well known for its expertise, experience, and commitment to quality. The company completed recent projects for Rail Vikas Nigam Ltd., Delhi Metro Rail Corporation Ltd., and the Bangalore Metro Rail Corporation.Jakson Group can offer state-of-the-art solutions that satisfy the various needs of its clients because of its considerable experience in designing, engineering, sourcing, and commissioning sizable Civil & Electrical EPC projects. In addition, the business has a track record of finishing projects on schedule.“We are delighted to continue our partnership with India’s major metro rail projects”, said Mr Raghav Gupta, MD, EPC – Electrical, Water & Civil, Jakson Group. He further added that they have developed dependable and affordable solutions that help our clients achieve their objectives thanks to our significant EPC experience.Additionally, with its project for the State Water & Sanitation Mission (SWAM) in Uttar Pradesh, Jakson Group has increased the scope of its EPC portfolio to include a water supply network. For the next ten years, Which also includes O&M of several rural water supply projects in the state.The Jakson Group, founded in 1947 as a manufacturer of diesel generators, has evolved into an energy solutions provider with expertise in distributed energy, solar power, clean energy, alternative fuels, battery energy storage systems, and EPC – renewables, civil, and infra.One of India’s top 10 energy firms, the company has a significant presence nationwide because of its four manufacturing facilities, 30+ sales offices, and broad network of channel partners and dealers. The company strongly emphasises offering clients the most practical & affordable solutions, supported by a wealth of experience in the energy industry.

World’s Highest Railway Bridge to be Functioning Soon in India

JAMMU & KASHMIR (Metro Rail News): The Chenab Rail Bridge is featured as the world’s most significant Bridge, constructed at 359 meters (around 1,180 feet) above the Chenab River in the Jammu and Kashmir region. It is stated that the Bridge is nearly 35 metres taller than the Eiffel Tower.According to the Ministry of Railways, the work of the Bridge will be finished by the end of December 2023 or January 2024. The 1,315 meter-long (4,314 feet) bridge is a part of the Udhampur-Srinagar-Baramulla Rail Link (USBRL) project, which can make Kashmir Valley accessible and seen as a powerful tool for the Social integration and political influence.By establishing all-weather rail connectivity between the valley and the entire India, connecting Kashmir with the rest of India will specifically improve the region’s industrial and agricultural sectors.Previously, the only land route connecting Indian-controlled Kashmir to the rest of the country was the winding 300-kilometre (185-mile) Srinagar-Jammu national highway, which closes for part of the winter and is frequently the site of vehicle accidents.The Chenab Bridge is already hailed as a prime example of his efforts to expand the country’s development.

Kolkata Metro Orange Line to be Operational Soon

KOLKATA (Metro Rail News): The commercial service on the Kavi Subhash to Hemanta Mukhopadhyay stretch of the Orange Line will begin soon. Meanwhile, the official time and date of the inauguration is not known.However, the inauguration is scheduled for later this month. Metro officials are testing the rakes to ensure the line’s willingness and parameters before launching regular services.The Kavi Subash to Hemanta Mukherjee segment is part of the new Kavi Subhash – Dumdum Airport via the Rajarhat Metro line.The stretch is expected to cost Rs 1,550 crores to build. These two Metro lines of the country’s first metro network will be joined at Kavi Subhash station with the beginning of regular service.Last month, the Kolkata Metro disclosed the price structure for the 5.4 kilometres segment. To ensure a smoother experience, Metro Railway has implemented a Single Ticket System from the Blue Line to the Orange Line. The minimum and maximum fares for the new corridor are Rs 20 and Rs 45, respectively.The newly constructed route has five metro stations. Kavi Subhash (New Garia area), Jyotirindra Nandi (Metro Cash & Carry and Ajoy Nagar Area), Satyajit Ray (Hiland Park Area), Kavi Sukanta (Abhishikta Crossing Area), and Hemanta Mukhopadhyay (Rubi Area) are among them.

Laying of Ballastless Track Begins on Katra-Banihal section in USBRL Project

JAMMU & KASHMIR ( Metro Rail News): Indian Railways is developing an operation for connecting the Union Territory of Jammu & Kashmir to the other parts of India. The national transporter has started laying the Ballastless Track (BLT) on the Katra-Banihal section in the Udhampur-Srinagar-Baramulla Rail Link (USBRL) Project.The BLT will be placed on 30 km of track in various stretches over the 111 km line from Katra to Banihal.On 29 April 2023, RN Sunker, a Member of the Infrastructure Railway Board, observed the ongoing development activities in the prestigious USBRL project. Sunker went through the work at the Reasi station yard between Tunnels 3 and 5.Untitled design 25The Reasi yard is located on another Gigantic Bridge no. 39, which is the continuous composite steel girder with a span of 490 metres and Pier heights ranging from 35.08 metres to 105 metres, with the tallest Pier, P5 standing 105 metres above the foundation level.Meanwhile, the Bakkal-Dugga section of the ballastless track has been completed. The installation of Electro-Mechanical equipment is now underway.The Ballastless track is a railway track infrastructure type in which a rigid concrete or asphalt construction replaces the usual elastic mix of ties, sleepers, and ballast. It is also referred to as a slab track.

Eastern Railways Appoints Amar Prakash Dwivedi as its New General Manager

KOLKATA (Metro Rail News): On 1 May 2023, Shri Amar Prakash Dwivedi, an IRSE (Institution of Railway Signal Engineers) from the 1987 class, accepted the general manager position at Eastern RailwaysDwivedi was once East Coast Railway’s chief administrative officer (construction).He began his career at the Eastern Railway after earning a B-Tech in Civil Engineering from the Indian Institute of Technology in Delhi in 1987. He has since held positions such as chief engineer (construction) for the South Eastern Railway and Kolkata Metro Railway. He has also been the executive director for the Public Sector Units (PSU) of the Railway Board. He also received high-speed transportation training in France. Amar Prakash Dwivedi established a record while serving as East Coast Railway’s chief administrative officer (construction) by commissioning an additional line and doubling work, over twice the quantity as the previous record for East Coast RailwayDwivedi pioneered the IPO of railway PSUs, including IRCTC, IRCON, RITES, and RVNL, during his time as executive director of the PSU Railway Board, paving the way for these Public Sector Units’ new growth path. He also received the honourable railway minister-level award for his exceptional accomplishment. The general manager of Eastern Railway, Amar Prakash Dwivedi, has a keen interest in sports and cultural events.