Chronicle development updates on metro rail projects : Metro Rail News

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27/05/2023

Bhubaneswar Metro Rail Project Set to Commence Construction by December 2023

BHUBANESWAR (Metro Rail News): Work on the highly anticipated metro rail project in the capital region of Bhubaneswar is scheduled to commence by the end of December next year.

Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik has approved the metro rail system, and the Delhi Metro Rail Corporation (DMRC) has been engaged as the project’s consultant, as confirmed by G. Mathi Vathanan, the state’s Secretary of Housing and Urban Development.

The survey is almost finished, and the Detailed Project Report (DPR) is now being created. According to Vathanan, construction work is anticipated to start by the end of 2023.

In the first stage of the metro rail project, a metro trunk route will be built from Trisulia, a town close to Cuttack, to Bhubaneswar’s Biju Patnaik International Airport. The Railway Station, Nandankanan, Patia, Vani Vihar, and other significant sites are all expected to be connected by this route.

According to the official, as the project progresses, the metro system will expand to encompass Jatni, Khurda, and Puri.

Furthermore, With the impending construction of the Bhubaneswar Metro Rail project and the government’s efforts to enhance infrastructure and living conditions, the capital region is poised to witness significant development and improved connectivity shortly.

Maha-Metro Receives Positive Structural Audit Report, Ensures Safety of Pune Metro Stations

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27/05/2023

Maha-Metro Receives Positive Structural Audit Report, Ensures Safety of Pune Metro Stations

PUNE (Metro Rail News): On Tuesday, Maha-Metro released a press statement addressing concerns raised by engineers regarding the structural integrity of Pune Metro stations. Taking the matter seriously, Maha-Metro swiftly engaged the expertise of (the College of Engineering Pune Technological University) CoEPTU to conduct a thorough structural audit, aiming to identify any potential flaws or inadequacies.

Maha-Metro clarified that they have successfully resolved all construction issues at Pune Metro stations, refuting allegations made by two city-based structural engineers.

Hemant Sonawane, the Public Relations Officer (PRO) of Maha-Metro, announced, “The final report on the structural inspections of Pune Metro was submitted on Thursday by CoEPTU. The report confirms that the metro stations have passed all tests and are ready for use. This conclusion was reached after extensive site visits, meticulous observations, and a detailed investigation of the station structures, including their earthquake resistance capacity.”

The structural stability and security of the metro stations were confirmed by the expert assessment carried out by CoEPTU, reassuring commuters.

Following the initial audit, Maha-Metro enlisted the services of CoEPTU to conduct a third-party examination of the construction work. As a result, CoEPTU issued a report acknowledging the cooperative efforts of Metro Engineers in rectifying the identified flaws.

RITES and PFC sign MoU for Collaboration in Transport, Logistics and other Infrastructure Areas

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27/05/2023

RITES and PFC sign MoU for Collaboration in Transport, Logistics and other Infrastructure Areas

GURUGRAM (Metro Rail News): RITES Ltd, a leading transport infrastructure consultancy and engineering firm, has entered into a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with Power Finance Corporation (PFC) to explore avenues of mutual collaboration in consultancy services. The collaboration aims to support infrastructure projects in sectors including Transport & Logistics, Energy, Water & Sanitation, Communication, Social, and Commercial Infrastructure.

Following the terms of the MoU, RITES will offer its knowledge in pre-feasibility reports, detailed project reports, transaction advisory, project management services, audits, and inspections. In addition, domestically and internationally, infrastructure projects will receive financial support from PFC and its companies.

The MoU establishes a working relationship between the two entities, enabling them to focus on specific requirements and jointly develop proposals. This collaboration will explore opportunities with government bodies, semi-government organizations, autonomous bodies, private entities, and multilateral funding agencies such as the World Bank, Asian Development Bank, and JICA.

Chief Strategy Officer at RITES, Manobendra Ghoshal, expressed his excitement for the collaboration by saying, “The partnership with PFC will not only provide a platform to explore business opportunities in the consultancy domain but also facilitate knowledge sharing in developing Infra4Future.”

This collaboration between RITES Ltd and Power Finance Corporation holds excellent potential for driving infrastructure development in India and beyond. With their combined expertise and resources, the two organizations aim to contribute significantly to the growth and modernization of critical sectors, ensuring sustainable and efficient infrastructure solutions for the future.

Delhi Metro Rail Corporation to Operate Mumbai’s First Underground Metro Link

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27/05/2023

Delhi Metro Rail Corporation to Operate Mumbai’s First Underground Metro Link

MUMBAI ( Metro Rail News): On Friday, the Mumbai Metro Rail Corporation (MMRC) announced that the Delhi Metro Rail Corporation (DMRC) has been selected to operate Mumbai’s inaugural underground metro link.

The 10-year contract for Mumbai Metro’s Line 3, stretching from Colaba to SEEPZ, was awarded to DMRC following an internationally competitive bidding process, where they emerged as the lowest successful bidder.

Under the terms of the agreement, the DMRC will assume the responsibility for day-to-day operations of the line, including train services, maintenance of trains and metro systems infrastructure, and ensuring the safety of passengers.

In a press release, Ashwini Bhide, the managing director of the Mumbai Metro Rail Corporation, said, “We are pleased to work with DMRC, one of the top Metro operating firms, to operate and maintain Mumbai’s first underground Metro line. For any metro, operation and maintenance are essential elements.

While the DMRC handles the operational aspects, the MMRC, responsible for constructing the underground line, will oversee revenue management, legal compliances, and non-fare-box revenue generation. This collaborative approach ensures a comprehensive and well-balanced framework for the successful functioning of Mumbai’s new metro system.

The Line 3 project is an ambitious undertaking, spanning approximately 33.5 km and estimated to cost nearly Rs 37,000 crore. The construction of the first phase, connecting Bandra Kurla Complex to SEEPZ, is nearing completion, and it is anticipated to be open to the public by December.

In conclusion, the selection of DMRC as the operator for Mumbai’s first underground metro link marks a significant milestone in developing the city’s transportation infrastructure.

Larsen and Toubro Secures 2 Contracts Worth Around ₹770 Crore for Chennai Metro Rail Phase II Project

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26/05/2023

Larsen and Toubro Secures 2 Contracts Worth Around ₹770 Crore for Chennai Metro Rail Phase II Project

CHENNAI (Metro Rail News): Larsen and Toubro has secured two contracts valued at around ₹770 crore by Chennai Metro Rail Limited. These contracts involve the manufacturing and installation of important overhead equipment, as well as electrical, remote monitoring, and controlling systems for the phase II project.

The phase II project is currently under construction and covers approximately 116 km across Chennai. It consists of three corridors: corridor 3 (Madhavaram to SIPCOT), corridor 5 (Madhavaram to Sholinganallur) and corridor 4 (Light House to Poonamallee). The project includes both elevated and underground sections, and construction is in progress at various locations in the city.

CMRL is also awarding contracts and commencing work for the supply of trains, signalling, telecom, electrical systems, and more for the project altogether.

One of the awarded contracts, worth ₹533.87 crore, pertains to the design, manufacturing, supply, installation, and commissioning of receiving sub-stations (RSS), auxiliary sub-stations (ASS), and supervisory control and data acquisition (SCADA) systems for parts of corridors 3 and 5. The aim is to ensure a reliable and stable power supply, along with uninterrupted service.

This contract specifically caters to the section from Madhavaram Milk Colony to Sholinganallur in corridor 3 and a small stretch from Madhavaram Milk Colony to CMBT in corridor 5.

The second contract, worth ₹239.41 crore, is also awarded to Larsen and Toubro for the design, manufacturing, supply, installation, training, testing and commissioning of overhead equipment & Switching Stations for the same sections of the phase II project.

Agra Metro Achieves Another Milestone as TBM Relaunched for Taj Mahal Station

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22/05/2023

Agra Metro Achieves Another Milestone as TBM Relaunched for Taj Mahal Station

AGRA (Metro Rail News): Agra Metro Rail Project has reached another significant milestone as the Tunnel Boring Machine (TBM) Yamuna has been relaunched from Agra Fort Metro Station. This comes after the TBM successfully broke through at the station on April 25th, 2023.
The TBM, now back in action, will be heading towards the Taj Mahal station to continue its tunnelling work.

The construction of the underground section for the priority corridor of the Agra Metro Rail Project is progressing rapidly, keeping pace with the set deadline.

In addition to TBM Yamuna, another TBM named Ganga is simultaneously executing tunnelling work for a different line. Ganga has already completed over 100 meters of the tunnel, showcasing the project’s efficiency.

The civil works for the underground stations are also advancing smoothly and have reached an advanced stage. In addition, the construction of the mid shaft at Shahjahan Garden is planned to expedite the tunnel construction process.

With its latest achievement, the Agra Metro Rail Project continues to make remarkable progress, promising improved connectivity and transportation options for the residents and tourists visiting the city.

Chennai Metro Soon to Begin Tunnelling Work at Light House Station

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20/05/2023

Chennai Metro Soon to Begin Tunnelling Work at Light House Station

CHENNAI (Metro Rail News): Preparations are underway to commence tunnel construction in the coming months following the barricading of Marina Beach for Chennai Metro Rail Ltd.’s phase II project. The Light House station, under corridor 4 of the phase II project, spans a distance of 26.1 km from Light House to Poonamallee. Approximately half of this distance, from Light House to Kodambakkam, will be constructed underground, whereas the remaining portion will be elevated up to Poonamallee.

Furthermore, two other corridors, namely Madhavaram to SIPCOT (corridor 3) and Madhavaram to Sholinganallur (corridor 5), are also being developed as part of the 116 km phase II project.

To facilitate the tunnel construction, a tunnel boring machine (TBM) will be deployed at the Light House station in August. By the end of 2025, the TBM is expected to complete the tunneling process up to Boat Club. Another TBM will be utilized later this year to create twin tunnels over the same distance, ensuring the operation of trains within the underground network within two years.

Flamingo, the TBM, boasts impressive specifications, including a diameter of 6.670 meters, a length of 110 meters, and a weight of nearly 700 tonnes. Having recently undergone the Factory Acceptance Test at Alinjivakkam village in Tiruvallur, the machine will now be disassembled and transported to the Light House station site in several stages over the coming weeks.

Currently, construction is underway for the TBM launching shaft at the Light House station, with assembly expected to be completed by August. Once operational, the TBM will excavate tunnels at a depth of 29 meters below the ground.

Railway Board Directs MRVC to Procure 238 Vande Metro AC Rakes for Suburban Network

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20/05/2023

Railway Board Directs MRVC to Procure 238 Vande Metro AC Rakes for Suburban Network

MUMBAI (Metro Rail News): The Mumbai Railway Vikas Corporation (MRVC) has been directed by the Railway Board to procure 238 Vande Metro AC rakes for the suburban network as part of the Mumbai Urban Transport Project (MUTP). These trains will come with strict maintenance equipment for 35 years.

The railway ministry has chosen for the first time to refer to the upcoming air-conditioned trains produced under MUTP as Vande Metro. On May 15, it was decided to purchase these trains under MUTP and 3A, and on May 19, the official letter to MRVC was sent.

In the letter, Tej Pratap Narayan, OSD Electrical Engineering for the Railway Board, stated that “MRVC shall consult Western Railway and Central Railway for requirements of rakes with 12/15 car formation. The technology partner will build up the two depots in Bhivpuri and Vangaon, which have previously received approval under MUT and 3A.

The technology partner will produce these trains in-house in accordance with Make in India standards.

Although new paths will be created that will allow us to run more trains after quadrupling and 5th and 6th lines are laid on, the majority of these services will be introduced by replacing existing non-AC services. Both CR and WR MRVC are expected to prepare “migration strategy” before it plans to introduce additional AC services once new rakes get added to the existing fleet under MUTP.

Dr Shivraj Manaspure Assumes Role as Chief Public Relations Officer at Central Railway

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19/05/2023

Dr Shivraj Manaspure Assumes Role as Chief Public Relations Officer at Central Railway

MUMBAI (Metro Rail News): Dr Shivraj Manaspure, MBBS, MD (Physiology), a member of the Indian Railway Traffic Service 2011 Batch, has been appointed Chief Public Relations Officer (CPRO) at Central Railway. He succeeds Shivaji Sutar, who has transitioned to the Railway Board as Director of Information & Publicity.

Dr. Shivraj Manaspure previously held the Senior Divisional Commercial Manager position for Central Railway’s Bhusaval Division.

He has held various positions with Central Railway, including Senior Divisional Operation Manager for the Mumbai Division and Divisional Operation Manager for the Solapur Division. He was also the Deputy Chief Operation Manager for the Mumbai Construction Department.

Dr. Shivraj Manaspure was honoured with the General Manager’s Zonal Award in 2016 for his outstanding performance in train operations. In recognition of his remarkable administration of local suburban trains and mail express trains in the Mumbai Division, he was also awarded the Best Punctuality Zonal Shield for 2019–20.

His achievements have significantly improved Mumbai Division’s infrastructure and effectiveness, enabling the efficient operation of suburban services and mail/express trains. In addition, he significantly contributed to rationalising the suburban timetable and expanding suburban services.

Furthermore, he supervised the development and execution of the Thane-Diva new 5th and 6th lines, organising different maintenance blocks during the construction phase while maintaining continuous suburban train services for nearly 180 days.

MMRCL Welcomes Shri Rajeev Tyagi as Director (Project) for Nagpur Metro Rail Project

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19/05/2023

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

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18/05/2023

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 Corporation

Wabtec 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 Wabtec

Wabtec 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

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17/05/2023

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

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17/05/2023