Affordability & Sustainability of Public Transport

Public transport has long been an essential aspect of urban mobility across the globe. It provides a convenient and cost-effective mode of transport for people to move from one place to another in cities, thereby reducing traffic congestion, air pollution, and carbon emissions. However, there are two major issues that often hinder the widespread use of public transport in cities: affordability and sustainability.Affordability is one of the biggest challenges in public transport. The cost of public transport must be low enough for people to be able to use it regularly. High ticket prices and lack of affordable options can result in a decline in the use of public transport and an increase in private vehicles on the road. For low-income people, public transport can be the only viable option, and as such, it is essential that it remains accessible and affordable to them. Governments and public transport authorities must ensure that the fares remain within reach of everyone, and special concessions and subsidies are provided for those in need. Another significant challenge in public transport is sustainability. Public transport systems that run on fossil fuels are a significant contributor to greenhouse gas emissions, which has a harmful impact on the environment and public health. To make public transport more sustainable, cities need to move towards low-emission alternatives such as electric buses, hybrid buses, and trams. Many cities around the world have already started implementing such alternatives, resulting in cleaner and greener public transport systems.Furthermore, in addition to low-emission alternatives, cities must also focus on developing a comprehensive network that provides connectivity to all areas of the city. This means ensuring that public transport is accessible to all, including people with disabilities, senior citizens, and children. The provision of cycle lanes, walkways, and other alternative modes of transport can also play a crucial role in improving the overall sustainability of public transport.Finally, to encourage the use of public transport, it is crucial to ensure that the system is efficient and reliable. Commuters need to be able to rely on the public transport system to get them to their destination on time. The system should be well-maintained, with regular and predictable schedules, and passengers should have access to real-time information about the routes and schedules. In addition, safety and security measures, such as CCTV cameras and emergency response teams, must be put in place to ensure the safety of commuters.In conclusion, making public transport affordable and sustainable is vital for the mobility of people in urban areas. To achieve this goal, cities need to ensure that public transport is accessible to all, environmentally friendly, efficient, and reliable. By doing so, public transport can become the preferred mode of transport, resulting in a reduction in traffic congestion, air pollution, and carbon emissions, and ultimately contributing to the creation of healthier, more livable cities.Urban & Social Mobility In IndiaMetro Commuters scaled 1Urbanization is rapidly transforming India, with more and more people moving to cities in search of better opportunities and a higher standard of living. The process of urbanization is a complex one, with multiple challenges and opportunities. One key area of focus in this regard is the issue of urban and social mobility. Urban mobility refers to the ability of people to move freely and easily around cities, while social mobility refers to the ability of people to move up or down the socioeconomic ladder. Both these types of mobility are critical to the success of India’s urbanization process, as they enable people to access jobs, education, healthcare, and other services that are vital for their well-being.However, the reality is that urban and social mobility in India is far from ideal. The country’s cities are often characterized by congested roads, inadequate public transport, and poor infrastructure, all of which contribute to low levels of urban mobility. In addition, there are significant inequalities in access to services and opportunities, which hinder social mobility for many people, particularly those from disadvantaged backgrounds. The challenges of urban and social mobility are particularly acute for women, who often face multiple barriers to movement and participation in urban life. These include safety concerns, limited access to public transport, and social norms that restrict their mobility and agency. Addressing these challenges requires a holistic approach that takes into account the unique needs and experiences of different groups in society.There are many potential solutions to the challenges of urban and social mobility in India. These range from investments in public transport and infrastructure, to policies that promote sustainable urban development and more equitable access to services and opportunities. For example, initiatives such as the Smart Cities Mission and the Atal Mission for Rejuvenation and Urban Transformation (AMRUT) are aimed at improving urban infrastructure and services, while the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana (PMAY) seeks to provide affordable housing for all.In addition, there is a growing recognition of the importance of sustainable urban development, which prioritizes the needs of people and the environment over short-term economic gains. This approach involves a shift away from car-centric planning and towards more sustainable modes of transport, such as walking, cycling, and public transport. By making cities more livable and accessible, sustainable urban development can help to improve both urban and social mobility in India.Overall, the issue of urban and social mobility is a complex one that requires a multifaceted response. By investing in public transport, infrastructure, and sustainable development, and by taking into account the unique needs and experiences of different groups in society, India can create more inclusive, equitable, and sustainable cities that enable people to move freely and participate fully in urban life.

Track-Bed Concreting Work Commences for Delhi-Meerut RRTS Tunnels

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DELHI NCR (Metro Rail News): Contractors for the Delhi-Meerut RRTS project’s Package 8 have completed 3 out of 6 tunnels, marking a significant milestone in the semi-high-speed rail project. Afcons Infrastructure has progressed to the subsequent stage of the project to aid system works while the tunnel construction work continues.
 First stage concrete  in bored tunnel
First stage concrete in bored tunnel
Last week, Afcons poured first-stage invert concrete inside the down-line tunnel between Begumpul Ramp and Begumpal Station. This work, which is being done above the tunnels’ precast segment lining, will help Larsen & Toubro with track-laying work under Package 17. In November 2020, Afcons was awarded the Rs. 1529.10 crore contract for Package 8, with a deadline of 1310 days. They have deployed 3 Terratec Earth Pressure Balance (EPB) machines (S88, S89 & S90) with a diameter of 7.51m each to construct six twin tunnels from Brahampuri DN Ramp to Begumpul UP Ramp. In addition to tunnel construction, they will also be responsible for building three underground stations at Meerut Central, Bhaisali, and Begumpul using the cut & cover method.While concrete work advances on this particular section, joint tunnel surveys are being conducted by teams from NCRTC, Afcons, and L&T in other areas. The purpose of these surveys is to gather tunnel geometry data using reference points to guarantee accurate track installation.

Spirit Infrastructure Awarded LoA for Property Development at Badkal Mor Metro Station

DELHI (Metro Rail News): Spirit Infrastructure Pvt. Ltd. has been awarded a Letter of Acceptance (LoA) by the Delhi Metro Rail Corporation Ltd. (DMRC) for the property development at Badkal Mor Metro Station (Line-6 Extension). The DMRC had invited a Request for Proposal (RFP) for the same in November last year under Tender Reference Number CPD-76R1.The proposed development is situated at the Line-6 Extension of Phase-III of the Delhi MRTS Project, and Badkal Mor is an elevated metro station that lies close to the Delhi-Agra highway (NH-2). The DMRC plans to develop retail and commercial space on the ground and concourse floors of the station for specified purposes as outlined in the RFP document.The space will be leased out for a period of 15 years, with an upfront fee of INR 2,22,00,000/- and a quoted lease fee of INR 401/- per square metre per month.The project site’s location in the commercial sector of Faridabad presents excellent potential for it to become an important commercial hub in the area, with separate access available for commercial areas, prominent and spacious frontage, and a captive commuter base, presenting unique opportunities for retailers.The document outlines the scope of work for the Lessee, who is responsible for financing, constructing, procuring, managing, operating, and maintaining the leased area. The Lessee must follow the activities permitted by the local authority and the Master Plan of Delhi. Various activities and facilities are allowed in the leased space, including shopping complexes, offices, restaurants, and educational institutes. The Lessee must comply with all applicable laws and adhere to building codes and standards while designing and developing the leased area. The Lessee must obtain DMRC‘s written approval before obtaining approval from any other competent authority. The Lessee is responsible for its fire-fighting arrangements, and parking facilities are subject to availability.

PM Lays Foundation Stone for Shivamogga-Shikaripura-Ranebennur New Line Project

KARNATAKA (Metro Rail News):  The Prime Minister of India, Narendra Modi, laid the foundation stone for two significant railway projects in the district of Shivamogga, Karnataka. The two projects are the Shivamogga – Shikaripura – Ranebennur new Railway line and Shivamogga (Koteganguru) Coaching Depot.The Shivamogga – Shikaripura – Ranebennur new Railway line will be constructed at a cost of Rs. 990 crore, and it will connect the Malnad region with the Bengaluru-Mumbai mainline. The new railway line will provide enhanced connectivity, boost trade and tourism and will be an important step towards the development of the Malnad region.The Koteganguru Railway coaching depot, located in Shivamogga city, will be built at the cost of more than Rs. 100 crores. The primary objective of the depot is to decongest maintenance facilities at Bengaluru and Mysuru by starting new trains from Shivamogga. The depot will also improve the facilities for railway passengers, create job opportunities and contribute to the overall development of the region.The Chief Minister of Karnataka, Basavaraj Bommai, and other ministers also attended the event. The government officials stated that the new railway projects would create employment opportunities and boost the economic development of the Malnad regionThe laying of the foundation stone for the two railway projects by the Prime Minister is a significant step towards the development of the Malnad region. These projects will improve connectivity, boost tourism, create job opportunities and contribute to the overall growth and prosperity of the region.

Alstom Gets Rs. 219.59 Crore Contract for Delhi Metro’s Silver Line

DELHI(Metro Rail News): Alstom Transport India has been awarded a Rs. 219.59 crore contract by Delhi Metro Rail Corporation (DMRC) for the train-control and signalling solution (Package DS-06) of the 23.622 km Silver Line. The primarily underground under-construction line is a part of the 65.1 km Delhi Metro Phase 4 project and will connect Delhi Aerocity – Tughalakabad via 16 stations in South Delhi. The line will feature Alstom’s CBTC system (Communications Based Train Control) and run in conjunction with i-ATS, and alongside its Automatic Train Supervision (ATS) system.The tenders were invited by DMRC for this contract in February 2022 itself with an unspecified estimate and 4 years of the deadline. In August 2022, the technical bids were opened, declaring Alstom the only bidder. Post technical evaluation, Alstom’s financial bid was opened in the month of November. Subsequently, a three-month contract negotiation period ensued, during which Alstom submitted four revised offers to DMRC. The final contract value for the project is approximately Rs. 219.59 crore. DMRC’s project scope involves designing, manufacturing, supplying, installing, testing, and commissioning the train control and signalling system for the Delhi MRTS phase 4’s Aerocity to Tuglakabad Corridor.

CMRL to Construct an at-grade Station at Venugopal Nagar in Phase 2

CHENNAI (Metro Rail News): As part of the upcoming 118.9-km phase II project, Chennai Metro Rail Limited (CMRL) has planned to construct an at-grade station at Venugopal Nagar in the northern region of the city. The station will be partially underground and partially above ground level. CMRL officials have stated that the Venugopal Nagar station falls in corridor 5 of phase II project, which connects Madhavaram to Sholinganallur. The concourse or ticketing level of this station will be built at ground level, while the platform will be constructed underground.The upcoming phase II project of Chennai Metro Rail will feature an at-grade station at Venugopal Nagar in the northern part of the city. Unlike other stations in the project, which are either elevated or underground, this station will be half-underground and half-on-ground. According to officials of Chennai Metro Rail Limited (CMRL), the Venugopal Nagar station is located in corridor 5 of the phase II project, connecting Madhavaram to Sholinganallur. It will serve as a link between an elevated corridor in corridor 5 (Assissi Nagar to Retteri Junction) and the underground stretch in corridor 3 (Madhavaram to Taramani), hence the unique construction plan.According to sources, work on the construction of this station has been underway for the past few months. Officials have stated that there will be two entry and exit points for commuters, and sufficient parking space will be made available.

Centre Approves Doubling of Guntur-Bibinagar Railway Project to Boost Industrialization in AP

AMARAVATI (Metro Rail News): The doubling of the Guntur-Bibinagar railway project has been approved by the Centre, providing a significant boost to the industrialisation of underdeveloped areas in Andhra Pradesh and Telangana. Despite not being included in the recent railway budget, the Network Planning Group (NPG), under the PM Gati Shakti scheme, has given the project a significant push. The NPG has suggested that the Ministry of Railways undertake the long-awaited project, which is expected to cost approximately 2,853 crore.The railway project linking Guntur with Hyderabad is expected to double the volume of goods traffic by automatically connecting with other major metro railway lines. This development will not only facilitate the speedy movement of freight trains but also attract new investments in Nalgonda, Khammam (TS), and Palnadu Guntur (AP) districts.Despite the fact that the scheme was initiated in 2021 with the goal of comprehensively integrating the interventions of various ministries/departments and bridging gaps to ensure the uninterrupted movement of people, goods, and services, the Guntur-Bibinagar railway project was approved during the latest meeting of the NPG.

Tunnelling Work Between BKC and Thane for Bullet Train Project Set to Start

MUMBAI (Metro Rail News): Following the Supreme Court’s approval of the bullet train project of Mumbai-Ahmedabad, the National High-Speed Rail Corridor Limited (NHSRCL) is set to initiate preliminary activities on the Vikhroli land. The upcoming tasks include clearing a 3.92-hectare area in Vikhroli, erecting barricades around the boundaries, and commencing drilling on a 21-km tunnel linking Bandra Kurla Complex and Thane. The tunnel is expected to cost around ₹10,000 crore. According to reports, the tunnel’s depth will range from 25 meters to 65 meters, and it will reach a depth of 45 meters below Thane creek, spanning a distance of 7 kilometres. The most profound point of the tunnel will be beneath Parsik Hill, plunging to a depth of 114 meters.An official stated that the NHSRCL would create shafts in BKC, Vikhroli, and Sawli in Ghansoli for the tunnel’s excavation, which will be carried out from both ends. The approximate cost per kilometre for the tunnel is estimated to be ₹500 crore. As of February 23, NHSRCL has acquired 99.75% of the land in Maharashtra, and the total land procured for the 508-kilometre-long corridor is 99.17%. Earlier this month, the NHSRCL released technical tenders for tunnelling, and by March 29, authorities plan to open tenders for civil works that include viaducts, bridges, tunnels, maintenance depots at Thane, Virar, and Boisar, and connecting works for the Thane depot between Shilphata and Zaroli on the Gujarat-Maharashtra border, according to officials.

Only Two Bidders for Mumbai Metro’s Line-2B PEB Roof and Finishing Contract

MUMBAI (Metro Rail News): Only J Kumar Infraprojects and Ahluwalia Contracts (India) have submitted their bids for the pre-engineered building (PEB) roof and architectural finishing contract at five stations of Mumbai Metro’s 23.6 km Line-2B (Yellow Line) that links DN Nagar – BKC – Mandale. These five elevated stations, situated at Shivaji-Chowk, Diamond Nagar, Mankhurd, BSNL, and Mandale, have already had their civil construction contract (Package CA-07) awarded to NCC Ltd. back in April 2019 after multiple rounds of re-bidding. The first set of U-girders was launched in January 2020.Back in January 2023, the Mumbai Metropolitan Region Development Authority (MMRDA) had invited bids for this contract (Package CA-158), with an estimated value of Rs. 100.30 crore and an unspecified deadline of completion. On Thursday, Technical bids were opened.The Mumbai Metropolitan Region Development Authority (MMRDA) has invited bids for the project involving the design, supply, fabrication, and erection of pre-engineered building (PEB) structural steel works, execution of architectural finishings, and plumbing works for five elevated stations of the ML2B corridor that runs from Diamond Garden to Mandale as part of the Mumbai Metro rail project.The bids for this project have been submitted and are currently undergoing technical evaluation, which may take a few months to complete. Once the technical evaluation is finished, the financial bids of the technically qualified bidders will be opened, revealing the lowest bidder and the likely contractor. 

Indian Railways likely to float Tender for Hydrogen Train

NEW DELHI (Metro Rail News): The Indian Railways is expediting plans to introduce hydrogen-powered trains by preparing to float a tender to procure 35 green energy-driven trains. According to sources, the cost for these trains would be approximately Rs 2,800 crore. This week, railway officials held a detailed meeting with several major technology players, including Siemens, Cummins, Hitachi, BHEL, and Medha Servo, who expressed interest in manufacturing the trains. The trains are expected to be introduced on heritage routes. After receiving input from the industry, the railways will float the tender. Officials stated that the meeting with the industry was productive and aided in expediting the plan.At present, Medha Servo is conducting a pilot project to retrofit hydrogen fuel cells onto a Diesel Electric Multiple Unit (DEMU) train. This initiative will result in the development of the first prototype hydrogen train, which is expected to commence operation between Jind and Sonipat later this year.According to recent announcements made by the Railway Ministry to the Rajya Sabha, the cost for each hydrogen train is estimated to be around Rs 80 crore, while the ground infrastructure required for various heritage and hill routes will require an investment of approximately Rs 70 crore per route.  

Alstom and Medha-Stadler Consortium bid to Make100 lightweight Vande Bharat Train

NEW DELHI (Metro Rail News): Alstom, the French railway company, and the Medha-Stadler consortium, which includes Swiss railway rolling stock manufacturer Stadler Rail and Hyderabad-based Media Servo Drives, have placed their bids for a contract worth Rs 30,000 crore to manufacture and maintain 100 aluminium Vande Bharat trains for 35 years. The successful bidder will receive Rs 13,000 crore upon delivery, with an additional Rs 17,000 crore paid over 35 years for maintenance. The Indian Railways is currently reviewing technical bids, and the financial bids will be opened in the next 45 days. The tender document requires the winning bidder to create a prototype of the sleeper class Vande Bharat train within 24 months.Reportedly, although government officials had expected around five bids from companies such as Siemens in partnership with BEML, Russian Transmashholding, and Rail Vikas Nigam Ltd, none of them eventually submitted a bid. This was apparently due to their lack of technical qualifications required to meet the bid’s requirements.The upcoming Vande Bharat trains will feature an aluminium coach with a sleeper facility for the first time in Indian Railways’ history. The 16-coach lightweight trains are designed to achieve a maximum speed of 220 kmph and an operational speed of 200 kmph. In addition to a distributed power system like other Vande Bharat trains, the manufacturer of these 16-coach trains will also be responsible for maintaining them for 35 years

Haryana Plans to Get 3 New Metro Links

CHANDIGARH (Metro Rail News): In an effort to boost infrastructure development in the state, the Haryana government has announced several new projects. During the budget presentation for the fiscal year 2023-24 on Thursday, Haryana’s Chief Minister, Manohar Lal Khattar, revealed plans for three new metro rail projects.What are the new Metro routes?As part of Haryana’s infrastructure development plan, three new metro routes have been proposed. The first proposed route is a metro link from Southern Peripheral Road to Panchgaon, passing through Global City and Manesar. The second route involves extending the Bahadurgarh Metro to Asaudha to connect with the Haryana Orbital Rail Network and Kundli-Manesar-Palwal (KMP) expressway. Finally, the third route aims to connect Rezangla Chowk to the Indira Gandhi International Airport in Delhi through a metro link. These routes are expected to improve connectivity and ease travel within the state.The ‘Gurugram Metro’ project, which is a proposed 28.8-km-long corridor( Huda City Centre – Cyber City via Old Gurgaon), is expected to feature 27 elevated stations, including a spur leading to the Dwarka expressway.The construction of the Gurugram Metro project is expected to commence in the new fiscal year, pending final approval from the Union Cabinet. The Chief Minister of Haryana, Manohar Lal Khattar, announced that the Public Investment Board in the Central Government has approved the project, and he hopes that the construction work will start in 2023-24.Furthermore, the Haryana Orbital Rail Corridor Project, which has been under construction since October 2022, is expected to be completed by December 2024. The priority section from Manesar is currently under full swing of work, with an allocated amount of Rs 175.80 crore.Other railway infrastructure projects in Haryana include an elevated railway line in Bahadurgarh and Kaithal. The Chief Minister announced that detailed project reports and feasibility studies would be prepared for the approval of the Union Ministry of Railways. Additionally, the Karnal-Yamunanagar Railway line project will be started soon after approval from the Ministry of Railways. 

RRTS Corridor’s Priority Section Stations Nearing Completion for Operational Start

Ghaziabad (Metro Rail News): Delhi-Ghaziabad-Meerut RRTS: Stations Nearing Completion, Testing Underway, and Commuter-Friendly Features Being Installed. Here are the essential things to know:1. All the stations on the 17 km long Priority Section of the Delhi-Ghaziabad-Meerut are in the advanced stages of construction and have started taking shape. The section is slowly turning all shades of blue as the stations are now getting adorned with RRTS signature blue facades.2. At present, NCRTC is carrying out test runs in the Priority Section to test various components of the RRTS. For safe and efficient operations, every aspect of the RRTS is being thoroughly tested independently.3. Commuter-centricity being the tenet of the implementation of RRTS, NCRTC is constructing the entry/exits of the elevated stations on the RRTS corridor on both sides of the roads. This will not only enhance the accessibility for commuters intending to travel from RRTS but will also help passengers safely cross over busy roads such as the Link Road and the Delhi-Meerut Road.4. Unlike other transit systems, these entry/exits will be accessible not just for RRTS passengers but also for pedestrians who can use them to cross major roads without entering the paid area of the RRTS stations. This pedestrian-friendly feature will help in the safe movement of pedestrians and also help in crowd management at stations.5. Most of the RRTS stations have 3 to 4 floors. To enhance the accessibility and ensure an easy, hassle-free journey for commuters, especially for the elderly, specially-abled, children and women, multiple lifts and escalators are being installed at the stations.6. The installation of Platform Screen Doors (PSDs) at the RRTS stations is being carried out. Equipped with double-tempered glass, the installation of the PSDs are being done in several stages by assembling the individual parts. The PSDs will act as a shield for safety between the train/track and the passengers, thereby ensuring better crowd management at the stations as well as avoiding any untoward incidents such as passengers falling on the tracks.7. The safety of the commuters is a priority of NCRTC and taking a firm step in this direction, NCRTC is integrating these Platform Screen Doors with RRTS train doors and a state-of-the-art ETCS Level 2 signalling system. As a result of this, the train will run only after both the PSDs and the doors of the train are closed.8. Installation of CCTV cameras is also going on in the section. NCRTC is committed to improving the safety and convenience of passengers. Hence, CCTVs are being installed in the stations from entry-exit gates to the concourse and platform level in such a way that all the activities happening in the station premises can be monitored around the clock.9. To provide universal access and facilitate smooth travel in the RRTS trains, a designated space for wheelchairs and stretchers has been provided in the train coaches. Special, spacious lifts have also been installed at the stations to facilitate the movement of stretchers for medical needs.10. Lakhs of passengers are expected to commute daily from RRTS stations. To facilitate their travel and ensure easy access to the station, NCRTC is going to create a dedicated pick-up/drop-off zone at the stations away from the main carriageway.11. These steps were taken as due to a lack of designated space, the vehicles, generally drop off the passengers on the road. It creates hindrances in the movement of traffic, and a jam-like condition arises almost daily.12. Commuters, only after struggling with the overcrowding, haywire traffic and walking a long distance, get entry inside the station. Lack of connectivity forces them to crossroads in heavy traffic, risking their lives and creating traffic hindrances.13. A dedicated car drop-off zone is being built under the station box wherever possible so that commuters can enter the station by walking just a short distance as soon as they get off their ride.14. To manage the traffic and for the smooth and orderly movement of vehicles in and around the station, additional drive-in space for all types of vehicles is also being created by integrating traffic wherever possible.15. There will also be pedestrian-friendly paths, lifts/escalators, seating areas and other commuter-centric amenities that will facilitate universal access at the stations.16. Multi-modal integration is the core principle of RRTS. This is in line with the PM Gati Shakti-National Master Plan. Its purpose is to make travel hassle-free and convenient for passengers and encourage public transport use. To facilitate this, RRTS stations are being seamlessly integrated with other modes of public transport like bus stands, airports, metro stations, railway stations etc, wherever possible on the 82 km long Delhi-Ghaziabad-Meerut RRTS corridor. This will enable a convenient and seamless journey for commuters in the National Capital Region.17. RRTS stations are being built according to the highest rating of the Indian Green Building Council (IGBC) by providing the provision of various factors that improve the environment, including solar energy, rainwater harvesting, and waste management system.Commuter-Centric Features of the Country’s First RRTS Trainsets• Aerodynamic profile with a long nose and plug-in doors to reduce air drag at higher speeds. • Fully air-conditioned cars with wide gangways for commuters’ maximum space for easy entry and exit. Large window glasses with tint will give panoramic views. • Ergonomically designed 2X2 transverse seating, cushioned seats. • One Premium Class car on every train gives a new level of comfort, convenience, and user-friendliness. Will have wider seats with more legroom, and coat hangers. Equipped with vending machine facility. • Energy efficient, auto-control ambient lighting system. • CCTV monitoring, Indoor and Outdoor Surveillance systems • Modern Passenger Announcement and Digital Passenger Information System (PAPIS), emergency communication facilities • Provision of wheelchair space for differently-abled and stretcher space for emergency medical transit • Compatible with advanced ETCS Level II Signalling, Automatic Train Operations and Platform Screen Doors (PSD) for improved safety • Design and Manufacturing based on International Safety Standards • Appropriate SIL level based on safety and hazard assessment as per International Standards • Fire detection system for internal and external fire • Monitoring of Axle box temperature with Wayside equipment

Patna Metro Rail Project to Commence Construction of Underground Tunnels for Corridor II

PATNA(Metro Rail News): Full preparations are underway for the launch of the first tunnel boring machines (TBM) for the construction of twin tunnels beneath Corridor II (Patna station-Patliputra Bus Terminal) as part of the Patna metro rail project. In the first week of March, construction of the underground tunnels for Phase I is scheduled to commence at Moin-ul-Haq Stadium, as per the recent announcement by the Delhi Metro Rail Corporation Limited (DMRC).At a depth of 20 metres, a launching shaft has been readied to lower the TBMs for the construction of twin tunnels, placed at a distance of 1 metre apart. Upon completion of the downline tunnel from Moin-ul-Haq Stadium to SK Memorial Hall, the machines will be retrieved from Gandhi Maidan, where a retrieval shaft will be made. The underground tunnel work for Corridor II’s Rajendra Nagar to Patna Junction has been separated into phases. During the first phase, the TBMs will dig a 3.6-metre-long tunnel between Moin-ul-Haq Stadium and SK Memorial Hall. A launching shaft has already been prepared, and the launch is expected to occur before Holi. An official stated that both machines would operate parallelly in the same direction towards Gandhi Maidan via NIT More from the stadium.As per the source, in the second phase of the project, the machines will be lowered at Gandhi Maidan and will cover the distance up to Patna Junction, which is 1.4 km long. Before starting this phase, two more TBMs will be procured, which will be lowered at Moin-ul-Haq Stadium and retrieved at Rajendra Nagar, covering a distance of 700 metres. The expected timeline for the completion of the underground tunnel construction for Corridor II is 30 months. The daily maximum bore rate of the TBMs will depend on the geological conditions and is typically around 30 metres.Corridor II, which includes a 6.6 km priority corridor (Malahi Pakri, Khemnichak, Bhoothnath, Zero Mile, and New ISBT), will be 14.5 km in length and is expected to be completed by 2025. The underground network spanning 7.9 km will be completed by 2026, with an interchangeable station at Patna Junction. The remaining underground stations include Rajendra Nagar, Moin-ul-Haq Stadium, University, PMCH, Akashvani and Gandhi Maidan.