BMRCL starts Metro girder work near Baiyappanahalli
BANGALORE (Metro Rail News): The Bangalore Metro Rail Corporation Limited (BMRCL) has started work on its overhead structures above the railway line after the Railways finally granted traffic and power blockage for a small section between Karmelaram and Baiyappanahalli stations on the Bengaluru-Salem route. However, BMRCL has announced that it would only open the Baiyappanahalli-Whitefield route up to K R Puram because construction at the nearby railway crossing has yet to begin.According to the issued letter, the senior divisional operations manager of Bengaluru Railway Division approved line blocks ranging from 3-4 hours on nine different days between December 8 and December 31. This allowed BMRCL to carry out its work.A senior BMRCL official announced that the construction of an open web steel girder with a 65-meter length had started on December 9. The girder is a steel building constructed and placed over a bridge (horizontal structure between the piers). The girder is being built in the space between pillars 25 and 26.“Concrete would then be poured to create a deck, over which the rail tracks are laid,” the official added. “It is being done at a height of 14 metres above the railway tracks. Anything over 8 metres above the railway tracks is safe, and there will be no issues in future when trains run.” The launch will happen on December 19, the source stated.The 2.5-kilometre stretch from KR Puram to Baiyappanahalli will be worked on after the erection of the girder. The 13-km route from Whitefield to K R Puram, where testing is currently taking place, is expected to be operational by mid-March in 2023.
PM Modi flags Off Metro Services and dedicates Nagpur Metro Rail Project Phase-I
NAGPUR (Metro Rail News): The Hon. Prime Minister Narendra Modi, on 11th October, flagged off inaugural metro trains from Automotive Square to Kasturchand Park Metro Station (Orange Line) and Prajapati Nagar to Sitabuldi Interchange (Aqua Line). The Prime Minister dedicated the first phase of the Nagpur Metro Rail Project. The starting of metro services would provide seamless connectivity to commuters across the city in all four directions.The Hon. Governor of Maharashtra Shri Bhagat Singh Koshyari, Chief Minister Hon Eknath Shinde, Union Minister for Road Transport and Highways, Hon Nitin Gadkari, Deputy Chief Minister Hon Devendra Fadanvis, Union Minister of State for Railways Shri Raosaheb Danve, MP Shri Krupal Tumane, MLC Shri Chandra Shekhar Bawankule and other officials accompanied the Prime Minister during the event.The section from Automotive Square to Kasturchand Park Metro Station is part of Reach-II, while Prajapati Nagar to Sitabuldi Interchange forms Reach-IV of the Nagpur Metro Project. Simultaneously, the Prime Minister also performed Shilanyas for the second phase of the Nagpur Metro Rail Project. Phase II would be an extension of the first phase and includes 32 stations and covers a distance of 43.8 km and extends to Kanhan in the North, Butibori MIDC in the South, Transport Nagar (Kapsi) in the East and Hingna in the West. It comprises 1.2 km at-grade with two stations and 42.6 km elevated with 30 stations.The Prime Minister reached Zero Mile Metro Station at 10 am today and viewed the Gallery and exhibition there. The Gallery and the exhibition showcased the entire Maha Metro Nagpur project. The Maha Metro Nagpur routes in all four directions were depicted there. In addition, the various facets of the project, like double-decker via-duct, Zero Mile Metro Station, and Guinness World Record title achievement, were on display at the Gallery.A `Rangoli’, depicting the G20 logo, was also drawn at the Zero Mile Metro Station, which was a significant attraction for the commuters. Next, the Prime Minister went through the Gallery and watched the various panels. He also inspected the Model of the Maha Metro Rail Project Phase-I. After watching the Model and the exhibition, the Prime Minister got a ticket from himself and then proceeded to the Platform level to board the train.The Prime Minister boarded a metro train from Zero Mile Metro Station at the platform level. On board, the Prime Minister talked to All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) students and asked them about their academic exercise. He also interacted with young entrepreneurs from various start-ups and also diwyang individuals. The Prime Minister also enquired about various activities undertaken by the Diwyang (Physically Challenged) bodies.
The PM deboarded at Khapri Metro Station. First, he flagged off the maiden Metro trains on the two routes (Khapri to Automotive Square Metro Station) and Aqua Line (Prajapati Nagar to Lokmanya Nagar Metro Station). Then, he unveiled the plaque dedicating the first phase of the Nagpur Metro Rail Project. Then, the Prime Minister performed Shilanyas of the second phase of the Nagpur Metro Project.
A social worker and Diwyang Shri Shrikant Bhoge, who rode the Metro train, said he was fortunate to meet and talk to the Prime Minister. He said he was excited to have travelled with the PM and added that he gave a congratulatory letter to the PM, which he willingly accepted.The starting of services on these two routes has been widely welcomed by one and all and would certainly boost the Maha Metro ridership in the coming days.
The PM deboarded at Khapri Metro Station. First, he flagged off the maiden Metro trains on the two routes (Khapri to Automotive Square Metro Station) and Aqua Line (Prajapati Nagar to Lokmanya Nagar Metro Station). Then, he unveiled the plaque dedicating the first phase of the Nagpur Metro Rail Project. Then, the Prime Minister performed Shilanyas of the second phase of the Nagpur Metro Project.
A social worker and Diwyang Shri Shrikant Bhoge, who rode the Metro train, said he was fortunate to meet and talk to the Prime Minister. He said he was excited to have travelled with the PM and added that he gave a congratulatory letter to the PM, which he willingly accepted.The starting of services on these two routes has been widely welcomed by one and all and would certainly boost the Maha Metro ridership in the coming days.Minister of Railways announces a new train service Kashi Tamil Sangamam Express to commemorate event
NEW DELHI (Metro Rail News): Union Minister of Railways, Communications and Electronics & Information Technology Shri Ashwini Vaishnaw has announced a new train service Kashi Tamil Sangamam Express, between Kashi and Tamil Nadu to commemorate the event. He interacted with the delegates from Tamil Nadu who were invited to witness the Kashi Tamil Sangamam. He also inspected the redevelopment plan of Varanasi Junction Railway Station.Shri Ashwini Vaishnaw interacted with the delegates of the eighth batch. The delegates shared their experiences on tour and how they were well taken care of. He lauded the efforts of the Ministry of Railways & IRCTC team, who helped in making this event successful. He said that such people-to-people exchange would bring the traditions, knowledge and culture closer while building an understanding of shared heritage and strengthening ties between the people of these two regions.Shri Vaishnaw announced a new train service Kashi Tamil Sangamam Express, between Kashi and Tamil Nadu to commemorate the event. He said the service would commence soon.The Union Minister of Railways also reviewed the redevelopment plans of Varanasi Junction Railway Station. He suggested planning the redevelopment of the station, keeping future traffic increases in mind.While inspecting the Varanasi Junction Railway Station, the Minister said the redevelopment of this station into a world-class railway station aligns with the PM’s vision of making the railway station look like an airport terminal. He added that about Rs 7000 crore would be spent revamping the station to make it one of the best in the world.Shri Vaishnaw said that the redevelopment would be done planning 50 years. He said that to ease the heavy footfall of passengers in the stations in Varanasi city, Integrated development of all the regional railway stations would be made. He also said that sleeper Vande Bharat manufacturing would soon commence providing passengers with modern amenities.Kashi Tamil Sangamam is a month-long programme organized by the Ministry of Education as a part of Azadi ka Amrit Mahotsav. Delegates from various walks of life are invited to witness this festival in Kashi. The Ministry of Railways and IRCTC ferried the invited delegates to Kashi, Prayagraj and Ayodhya and provided hospitality to them.
PM to dedicate Nagpur Metro phase I to Nation and lay foundation stone of phase II
NAGPUR (Metro Rail News): The Phase-I of Nagpur Metro is all set to be dedicated at the hands of the Hon. Prime Minister on 11th December 2022. The Hon. Prime Minister will inaugurate metro services by flagging off trains for their maiden ride on Reach II (Kasturchand Park to Automotive Square Metro Station) and Reach IV (Sitabuldi Interchange to Prajapati Nagar Metro Station) on 11th December 2022. This would signal the completion of Phase-I of the Nagpur Metro Project, which encompasses 38 Metro stations and covers a distance of 40.012 km.
The Reach–II proposed inauguration includes Gaddigodam Square, Nari Road, Kadbi Square, and Automotive Square Metro stations. The total length of the route is 5.8 km. The Reach–IV includes Railway Station, Dosar Vaisya Square, Agrasen Square, Chitra Oli Square, Telephone Exchange, Ambedkar Square, Vaishnodevi Square and Pajapati Nagar Metro Stations. The total length of this route is 8.30 km.
Simultaneously, the Prime Minister would also lay the foundation for the Second Phase of the Nagpur Metro Rail Project. Phase II would be an extension of the first phase. Phase II includes 32 stations, covers a distance of 43.8 km, and extends to Kanhan in the North, Butibori MIDC in the South, Transport Nagar (Kapsi) in the East, and Hingna in the West. It comprises 1.2 km at-grade with two stations and 42.6 km elevated with 30 stations.
Delhi Metro honoured with prestigious certificate of comendation by Japanese Embassy
NEW DELHI (Metro Rail News): The Delhi Metro Rail Corporation has been honoured with a Certificate of Commendation by the Japanese Embassy in India in recognition of its distinguished contribution to the enhancement of mutual understanding and friendship between Japan and India.Sh. Vikas Kumar, Managing Director, Delhi Metro, has received the Certificate of Commendation from His Excellency SUZUKI Hiroshi, Ambassador of Japan to India, at a ceremony organised on 9th December at the Japanese Embassy, New Delhi.This assumes importance as 2022 marks the 70th anniversary of the establishment of Diplomatic Relations between Japan and India. Japan has had a long-standing association with the DMRC since the organisation’s inception through financial support and technical assistance for the construction of all phases of the Delhi Metro project so far.
Centre to approve Delhi-Gurugram-SNB RRTS project soon
GURUGRAM (Metro Rail News): The Rapid Rail Transit System (RRTS) Delhi-Gurugram-SNB corridor is getting closer to becoming a reality. According to information, the Union government is anticipated to approve the corridor’s detailed project report (DPR) soon.Various pre-construction activities, such as geotechnical investigation work and pile load tests, have been completed from the Indian Drugs and Pharmaceuticals Limited (IDPL) complex to Dharuhera. The shifting of utilities is also in progress. And the National Capital Region Transport Corporation (NCRTC) has now written to the Gurugram Metropolitan Development Authority (GMDA) to avoid any other infrastructure development work on the corridor’s alignment, officials have said.Puneet Vats, Chief PRO, NCRTC, said, “NCRTC is carrying out pre-construction activities on the Delhi-Gurugram-SNB urban complex (Shahjahanpur-Neemrana-Behror) RRTS corridor. Currently, the utility shifting and road widening works from Kapashera border to IDPL plant are being carried out closely with the GMDA. It aims to ensure smooth traffic movement, minimum inconvenience to residents, and speedy construction of the corridor.”The 107km-long Delhi-Gurugram-SNB Urban Complex RRTS corridor, a part of the Delhi-Alwar RRTS line, would run from Sarai Kale Khan in Delhi to Shahjahanpur in Rajasthan. The route will begin at Old Delhi-Gurugram Road in Gurugram and travel via Atul Kataria Chowk to NH-8 at Signature Towers.
Mumbai Metro Line 2B will connect three other Metro lines
MUMBAI (Metro Rail News): The Upcoming Metro Line 2B would connect three other Metro lines, giving passengers convenient transport options between the western and eastern Mumbai neighbourhoods of DN Nagar and Mandale.The line is proposed to connect with the suburban railway stations at Kurla East and Mankhurd to give passengers access to Central Railway and Harbour line trains and the Monorail station at Chembur.The projected Metro line 2B will join the already-existing Metro line 1, which connects Versova and Ghatkopar at D N Nagar station. At ITO Junction in Bandra, it will also connect to underground line 3, which will travel between Colaba-Bandra-Seepz. The stretch will also connect at Kurla with line 4, which is proposed to run between the central suburb of Wadala to Kasarvadavali in Thane.Officials stated that the 23.6-km-long Metro Line 2B work got approval from the state government in 2016, while the work on the ground began in March 2018, and nearly 30 per cent of the work had been completed.A senior MMRDA official said that work speed has increased on this stretch with the construction of pillars. The Metro line 2B will be a fully elevated corridor with 20 stations. It is being constructed at an estimated cost of Rs 10,986 crore. The depot of this line will come up at Mandale in Mankhurd on 31 hectares of land.One of the appointed contractors failed to carry out the project work smoothly within the given timeline, so the project was delayed between Bandra Kurla Complex (BKC) and Chembur. After that, in March 2022, the Mumbai Metropolitan Region Development Authority (MMRDA) switched the contractor.The MMRDA will commission the line in two stages. By the end of 2024, part 1 of the project connecting DN Naga to the National College in Bandra will be completed. Phase 2 of the project connecting Mandale to Chembur is anticipated to be completed by June 2025.
Telangana CM KCR lays foundation stone for Hyderabad Airport Express Metro
TELANGANA (Metro Rail News): Chief Minister of Telangana, K. Chandrashekar Rao, laid the foundation for the Hyderabad Airport Express Metro at the IKEA intersection on 9th December.
Once finished, it will reduce the distance between the city and the airport travel time to just 26 minutes. Additionally, a multi-location check-in facility will be provided.In addition to serving as a vital link between the Aerocity in Adibatla and the planned Pharma City, the project will also offer public transportation to southern Hyderabad.
It will connect Mindspace Junction and Hyderabad Airport at Shamshabad and is projected to cost Rs. 6250 crores.A special purpose vehicle called Hyderabad Airport Metro Limited (HAML) was established for the 31-kilometre Airport Metro line. It is a joint venture between Telangana State Industrial Infrastructure Corporation (TSIIC), Hyderabad Metropolitan Development Authority, and Hyderabad Metro Rail Limited (HMRL).NVS Reddy, the managing director of HAML, claims that the corridor will have more modern amenities than the Hyderabad Metro Rail. He wants to offer amenities superior to those at Gatwick Airport or Hong Kong.Chief Minister Sri K. Chandrashekar Rao today laid foundation stone for #HyderabadExpressMetro to Airport at Mindspace junction. Hon'ble CM, later, addressed a public gathering. pic.twitter.com/mgy338gRzO
— Telangana CMO (@TelanganaCMO) December 9, 2022
Railway Ministry still reviewing Detailed Project Report of k-Rail: CM Pinarayi Vijayan
KERALA (Metro Rail News): Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan made it clear on 8th December that his government’s ambitious Silver Line project has not been put on hold and that the Railway Ministry is still reviewing its Detailed Project Report (DPR), despite calls from the opposition Congress-led UDF for him to revoke its notification as soon as possible.The semi-high-speed rail corridor is envisaged as a significant project to make a major leap in the southern state’s infrastructure development. He said its proposed contribution to the state’s economy, industrial environment, and social growth would not be small.The Chief Minister was responding to an opposition Congress-UDF motion for an adjournment of the state Assembly due to the proposed project and residents’ concerns.“The opposition legislator who moves the notice says that the project is frozen. Let me say at the onset itself that this is untrue. The DPR of the project has been submitted to the union government for approval and the information sought by the Ministry of Railways has been clarified,” he said.Referring to recent media stories concerning the apparent shelving of the project, he claimed that false information was being spread to create panic in the state and destroy the initiative before it ever gets off the ground.“As the Silver Line is yet to receive clearance, it has been decided to temporarily redeploy revenue officials and staff to carry out the work related to the land acquisition procedures of other projects. It is misleading to use this (order) to propagate that the project has been shelved,” he said.
ADB Approves $780 Million Loan to Expand Rail Network in Chennai
MANILA, PHILIPPINES (Metro Rail News): The Asian Development Bank (ADB) approved a $780 million multi-tranche financing facility (MFF) to build new lines and improve the connectivity of the metro rail system at Chennai, the capital of India’s Tamil Nadu state, with the city’s existing bus and feeder services.“This project will expand Chennai’s metro rail system to provide a safe and integrated transport solution essential in improving urban mobility and make the city more livable,” said ADB Senior Transport Specialist for South Asia Andri Heriawan. “By fostering a shift to less greenhouse-gas-emitting metro systems, it will also benefit climate change mitigation and, through appropriate design elements, improve resilience to climate change.”The project will construct 10.1 kilometres (km) of the elevated section between Sholinganallur to State Industries Promotion Corporation of Tamil Nadu-2, including nine metro stations and system components; 10 km of the underground section between Lighthouse and Meenakshi College, including nine stations; and 31 km of system components, such as electrical, mechanical, power, and telecommunication infrastructure, between Chennai Mofussil Bus Terminus to Okkiyam Thoraipakkam. The stations will incorporate disaster- and climate-resilient features and will be responsive to the needs of the elderly, women, children, differently abled, and transgender people.Multimodal interchanges and facilities will be established along metro rail corridors to improve commuters’ experience, such as drop-off and pick-up areas, sheltered waiting areas, bicycle facilities, and passenger information.ADB will provide an additional $1 million technical assistance (TA) grant to help the Chennai Metro Rail Limited plan and manage the metro system’s multimodal integration. The TA will support identifying first- and last-mile connectivity needs and explore opportunities for transit-oriented development to increase revenues through land value capture.ADB is committed to achieving a prosperous, inclusive, resilient, and sustainable Asia and the Pacific while sustaining its efforts to eradicate extreme poverty. Established in 1966, it is owned by 68 members—49 from the region.
Indian Railways’ Production Units on fast track to achieve record production in 2022-23
NEW DELHI (Metro Rail News): Indian Railways Production Units, i.e. Chittaranjan Locomotive Works (CLW) at Chittaranjan, Banaras Locomotive Works (BLW) at Varanasi, Patiala Locomotive Works (PLW) at Patiala, are on the fast track to achieve record production in 2022-23.https://twitter.com/PIB_India/status/1600794238605983745With the production of 614 Electric Locomotives in FY 2022-23, till 30th November, Indian Railways has recorded a growth of 25.3% over last year for the same period. Last year, 490 electric locomotives were produced during the same period.
IRCON international bags contract from Sri Lanka Railways
SRI LANKA (Metro Rail News): IRCON International Limited said in an exchange filing that the Indian Line of Credit had approved a project for Sri Lanka’s Ministry of Transport and Sri Lankan Railways for a total of Rs. 122 crores.The project includes signalling and telecommunication systems designed, installed, tested, and commissioned from Maho Junction to Anuradhapura.The project was chosen through a competitive bidding process and must be finished within 24 months of the Contract Agreement’s date of execution.The project work is valued at Rs 122 crore, and IRCON has to execute the contract in the next 24 months.
NMRC floats tender for Ticket Vending services at NMRC stations
NOIDA (Metro Rail News): Noida Metro Rail Corporation (NMRC) Ltd. has floated online open e-Bids from interested Bidder/s to submit proposals per provisions for Ticket Vending services at NMRC stations.Tender Reference Number: NMRC/TVS/232/2022Name of Work: Request For Proposal (RFP) for Ticket Vending services at NMRC stations.Approximate Cost of Work: INR 22,73,10,817 CrorePeriod of Contract: 04 YearsEMD: INR 22,73,108 LakhsBid Validity Period 180 daysDocument Download / Sale Start Date: 02nd December 2022Document Download / Sale End Date: 26th December 2022Pre-bid Meeting: 08th December 2022Bid Submission Start Date: 02nd December 2022Bid Submission End Date: 26th December 2022Bid Opening Date: 27th December 2022Scope of Work:The Contractor shall be required to execute the Ticket Vending Services with a uniformed and trained workforce with the specifications determined by NMRC. In addition, NMRC will approve the design and shade of the uniforms.The services may be required at the metro stations and other locations, as deemed fit, by NMRC. The brief of the required services, working requirements and area of deployment is detailed as under;To issue QR Code / Contactless Smart Cards from Ticket Office Machines (TOMs) / other authorized mediums installed at the stations / other locations of NMRC. The personnel so deployed may be asked to perform associated/related works. In addition, they will be required to ensure cleanliness in and around their workplace.The person-day (deployment) is for a 9-hour shift, including a 01-hour break for Lunch, Tea and Rest.NMRC shall fix the requirement of Ticket Vending Services Personnel and Supervisor from time to time depending on the requirement/traffic pattern at different stations/locations of NMRC.
Naresh Chandra Karmali appoints as MD of KMRCL
KOLKATA (Metro Rail News): Naresh Chandra Karmali, an IRSE (Indian Railway Service of Engineers) officer from the 1990 batch, has been appointed by the Railway Board, Ministry of Railways, to the post of Managing Director at Kolkata Metro Rail Corporation Ltd. (KMRCL). He is promoted within the same organisation from Director (P&P) to Managing Director.Karmali began serving as KMRCL’s new managing director. After Chandeswar Nath Jha, the former managing director of KMRCL, retired on November 30, 2022, the position became vacant.Karmali, an IIT-Kharagpur graduate in civil engineering, oversaw crisis management during Bowbazar’s three subsidence occurrences. He served as general manager (civil) until February 2021, overseeing the rolling stock that passed complex oscillation tests, the depot in Central Park, and the 6 km elevated segment. In February 2021, he was promoted to Director (Project & Planning).He will now direct the remaining stretches of Kolkata Metro’s Line 2’s East-West Metro Corridor.The East-West Metro Corridor, which will include an underground tunnel crossing the Hooghly River, is being implemented by KMRCL. By 2023, the Kolkata undersea tunnel is anticipated to be in use.