K-Rail can be implemented effectively using elevated tracks: Metro Man E Sreedharan

Narendra Shah
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K-Rail can be implemented effectively using elevated tracks: Metro Man E Sreedharan

NEW DELHI (Metro Rail News): According to Metroman Shri E Sreedharan, the K-Rail project is not practical as planned. It might be implemented by constructing an elevated overpass or an underground corridor.

Following a meeting with Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw, he stated that building the flyover as part of the project would be more expensive. “The State Government’s Detailed Plan Report (DPR) contains numerous errors. There hasn’t been a thorough investigation. Many issues, such as the placement of rail tracks, cannot be resolved by an aerial survey. Furthermore, this survey is unable to determine the number of bridges required. The SilverLine will require the construction of approximately 3,000 small bridges.”

Furthermore, he added, “The estimated cost for the project was arrived based on these findings. Further, the land is now being acquired as per the average width needed for the railway lines. However, the project may need 50 per cent more land. In addition, the land is required for the construction of ancillary buildings.”

According to Sreedharan, implementing the project based on the state government’s alignment would be difficult. He also scoffed at the notion that the project could be finished in five years. Instead, he estimated that it would take at least ten to twelve years to complete. He also denied the idea that the SilverLine project could be replaced by the Vande Bharat trains. However, he noted that such train services would be beneficial to the public.

KSM Bashir Mohammad and Sons Bags Gandhi Nagar Depot Work of Indore Metro Rail Project

Narendra Shah
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KSM Bashir Mohammad and Sons Bags Gandhi Nagar Depot Work of Indore Metro Rail Project

BHOPAL (Metro Rail News): Madhya Pradesh Metro Rail Corporation (MPMRC) opened financial bids, KSM Bashir Mohammad and Sons emerged as the lowest bidder for Indore Metro Line-3’s building contract, Gandhi Nagar Depot (IN07).

This depot, which is part of the Indore Metro’s Phase 1 project, will serve trains on the 33.53-kilometre Yellow Line, which will form a ring around Indore city and connect Palasia – Railway Station – Rajwara – Airport – Bhawarsala through 30 elevated stops.

The MPMRCL invited tenders for the depot’s construction in September 2021, with a three-year deadline and an estimated cost of Rs. 283.65 crore to be funded by equity contributions from the Government of India and the Government of Madhya Pradesh.

In November 2021, technical bids were opened, revealing 16 bidders. Unfortunately, the following ten firms’ bids were rejected during the evaluation process because they were determined to be non-compliant with the tender terms.

  • Engineering Projects (India) Ltd.
  • Shalimar Corp Ltd.
  • SMS Ltd.
  • Vijay Nirman Company Pvt Ltd
  • Altis Holding Corporation – Varindera Constructions (Altis-VCL) JV
  • Amara Raja Infra Pvt Ltd
  • Bansal Construction Works Private Limited
  • Bridge and Roof Company India Ltd.
  • Dhaya Maju Infrastructure (Asia) SDN Berhad
  • Dineshchandra R Agrawal (DRA) Infracon Pvt. Ltd.

Construction of Rolling Stock Depot cum Workshop at Gandhi Nagar for Indore Metro Rail Project is the brief scope of the project, and the package is IN-07. However, the number of stabling, workshop, and inspection lines was not included in the basic tender announcement and is still unknown.

KSM Bashir Mohammad’s bid of Rs. 247.64 crore was significantly lower than MPMRCL’s estimate of Rs. 283.65 crore, indicating that a contract will be given in the next weeks. They just completed work on the Kanpur Metro’s Polytechnic Depot in record time, so Indore is anticipated to follow suit.

Financial bids were as follows:

Bid (Rs. Crore)Company
247.64KSM Bashir Mohammad and Sons
255.64Quality Buildcon Pvt Ltd.
293.91IRCON International Ltd.
300.35Montecarlo Ltd. – Kunal Structure (MCL-KSIPL JV)
320.68URC Construction Pvt. Ltd.
353.27Suroj Buildcon Pvt. Ltd.

Terratec delivers another TBM for the Surat Metro Rail

Narendra Shah
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Terratec delivers another TBM for the Surat Metro Rail

SURAT (Metro Rail News): Terratec performed factory acceptance tests (FAT) on the only new tunnel boring machine (TBM) for Surat Metro’s Phase 1 project’s 7.02 km underground stretch connecting Chowk Bazar and Kapodra in January.

Gulermak – Sam India Builtwell JV will use this 6.61m earth pressure balance (EPB) TBM, S94, along with TBM S78 from Pune Metro, to build twin tunnels between Kapodra Ramp (North Ramp) and Surat Railway Station on the 21.61 km Line-1 (Sarthana – Dream City).

Both machines will build a total of 6 tunnels for the 3.46 km Package CS2 / UG1, which was awarded in March 2021 by Gujarat Metro Rail Corporation (GMRC). Gulermak-Sam’s scope also includes the construction of 3 stations at Kapodra, Labheshwar Chowk and Central Warehouse.

Both machines will construct a total of 6 tunnels for Gujarat Metro Rail Corporation’s (GMRC) 3.46 km Package CS2 / UG1 project, which was awarded in March 2021.  The scope of work for Gulermak-Sam additionally involves the construction of three stations in Kapodra, Labheshwar Chowk, and Central Warehouse. Sand, clay, gravel, and silt are expected geological conditions along the tunnel alignments, according to Terratec’s press release.

J Kumar Infra's 1 of 2 TBM assembled in Palanpur for constructing 3.56 km underground Pkg between Surat Railway Station and Chowk Bazar Ramp
J Kumar Infra’s 1 of 2 TBM assembled in Palanpur | Photo Copyright: Aakash Tanwar

J Kumar Infraprojects will use two refurbished Terratec TBMs, S25 and S28, to create twin tunnels between Surat Railway Station and Chowk Bazar Ramp for the 3.56 km Package CS3 / UG2. J Kumar’s team at Palanpur is now overhauling and refurbishing both machines.

SCC-VRS JV Wins Mumbai – Ahmedabad Bullet Train Package C8

Narendra Shah
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SCC-VRS JV Wins Mumbai – Ahmedabad Bullet Train Package C8

DELHI (Metro Rail News): National High-Speed Rail Corporation Ltd. (NHSRCL) awarded SCC – VRS JV with an Rs. 307.24 crore contract to construct the 2.127 km Package C-8 (Sabarmati Depot) of the 508.17 km Mumbai – Ahmedabad High-Speed Rail (MAHSR Bullet Train) project. SCC – VRS JV has received LOA for C8’s contract from NHSRCL on February 4, 2022.

Within Ahmedabad, Package C8 of the mainline (chainage 507.599 to 509.726) is the shortest and last of five packages. It covers civil, building, and preparatory work at the Sabarmati train maintenance depot. The largest of three planned  (the others would be at Surat and Thane) on this line for Shinkansen trains inspection and maintenance and stabling.

NHSRCL invited tenders for its construction, which will begin in October 2020 and be funded by the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA), with a four-year completion deadline. In February 2021, technical bids were opened, revealing nine bidders, of which only four qualified

When financial bids were launched in April 2021, SCC-VRS JV was the lowest bidder. Still, Montecarlo Ltd. asked the Delhi High Court to reconsider their disqualification, which was granted. However, India’s Supreme Court this week set aside HC’s judgement allowing for the contract to be finally awarded, stating “the Republic of India can’t deviate from terms and conditions of a fully foreign-funded contract.“

Design and Construction of Civil and Building Works for the Depot on Design-Build Lump Sum Price Basis for Double Line High-Speed Railway involving works for Site Formation, Abutment, Retaining Walls, Roadbed for a track, Box Culvert, Roads, Cable Duct, Foundations of OHE Masts, Piping, Drainage, Water Harvesting, Fire Fighting, Landscaping, Boundary Wall, General Inspection Train Shed, Maintenance Depot and other Associated works At Sabarmati between MAHSR Km. 507.599 and MAHSR Km. 509.726 in the State of Gujarat for the Project for Construction of Mumbai-Ahmedabad High-Speed Rail are some of the brief scopes for the project.

A notice inviting bids for constructing the depot’s workshop shed, inspection shed, office building, Operations & Control Centre (OCC), machinery and plants under Package D2 is currently pending. C8’s basic pre-construction work will begin in April, with comprehensive construction to commence in mid-2022. With this development, all civil packages (C4-C8) of the project within Gujarat have been awarded.

Siemens Limited New Orders grow by 65.3% in Q1 FY 2022

Narendra Shah
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Siemens Limited New Orders grow by 65.3% in Q1 FY 2022

MUMBAI (Metro Rail News): Siemens Limited registered Revenue from continuing operations of Rs. 3,197 crore, an 11.8 % increase over the same quarter in the preceding year for the first quarter of Financial Year 2022 ended December 31, 2021. New Orders from continuing operations stood at Rs.
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5,300 crore, a 65.3% increase over the same period last year. The Company’s Order Backlog stands at a healthy Rs. 15,575 crore. Profit after Tax from continuing operations of Rs. 245 crore, decreased by 6.5% over the same period last year.

“All our businesses demonstrated very strong growth. New Orders booked in the quarter included approximately Rs. 900 crore booked for the electrical and mechanical system works of the Pune Metro Rail Line 3 corridor from Hinjewadi to Shivajinagar. The Company is executing this order as part of a consortium, together with Siemens AG, Siemens Mobility GmbH and Alstom Transport India Limited. While Revenues were marginally impacted due to delays in offtake by customers on account of COVID-19 and supply chain challenges resulting from global shortage of semiconductors, profit was impacted due to continuing increases in commodity prices and lower Forex gains than in the previous year. However, we continue to be cautiously optimistic about the increase in demand across all our businesses.” Said Mr. Sunil Mathur, Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer.

On Budget 2022, Mr Mathur commented, “We welcome the increased Capex outlay of Rs. 7.50 lakh crore. With the continued focus on driving infrastructure growth in the country, a commitment to energy transition and sustainability and a clear direction on adopting technologies of the future, the Budget is directionally consistent and represents steadiness, continuity and predictability in Government policy making.”

Two Chennai Metro rail stations prepared for next week safety inspection

Narendra Shah
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Two Chennai Metro rail stations prepared for next week safety inspection

CHENNAI (Metro Rail News): Tiruvottiyur Theradi and Wimco Nagar Depot, two stations in Chennai Metro’s phase I expansion project, are expected to open shortly. The Commissioner of Metro Rail Safety (CMRS) will inspect these two stations next week after they have been completed. Once the CMRS gets clearance, the two stations will be active.

According to an official of Chennai Metro Rail Ltd (CMRL), a CMRS team will check the safety aspects necessary to allow passenger traffic. According to an official “Last week, the documents containing technical parameters of both the stations such as how the station had been built, signalling, telecom and various other systems were sent to CMRS. They sought additional information, which we have provided. They have agreed to inspect next week. During the inspection, they will be thoroughly examining everything from accessibility of fire exit to signage.”

Typically, the CMRS issues a certificate within a few days of determining whether all of the facilities comply with the standards; otherwise, a conditional certificate is granted, instructing Metro Rail to complete the pending work and resubmit the paperwork. The station can be opened for operations once CMRS issues the safety certificate. It might be ready in roughly two weeks. We’ll notify the State government and inquire about a prospective inauguration date as per the official.

The 9-kilometre Washermenpet-Wimco Nagar Phase I extension project was inaugurated around the same time last year. Contractors were still constructing Tiruvottiyur Theradi station at the time, hence trains were skipping the stop. Officials recently decided to construct the Wimco Nagar Depot station.

Kochi Metro Rail to initiate free Wi-Fi service inside trains

Narendra Shah
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Kochi Metro Rail to initiate free Wi-Fi service inside trains

KOCHI (Metro Rail News): Commuters may now use Wi-Fi inside Metro coaches to access free internet, thanks to a pilot project launched by KMRL (Kochi Metro Rail Ltd) on its line no. 1 (Mandakini). The initiative is being carried out in collaboration with Worldshore, a Thiruvananthapuram-based company, with the help of PM’s Wi-Fi

Access Network Interface (PM-WANI) programme, which aims to increase broadband internet penetration in the country. If the trial is a success with a significant number of users, KMRL officials want to expand the service to all Metro trains. The Delhi Metro was the first metro system in the country to provide free Wi-Fi to passengers on board.

Commuters can access the KMRL Free Wi-Fi by selecting it from a list of accessible networks and signing up using their cellphone number and OTP. The project is part of a series of recent measures by KMRL to improve passenger services and attract more ridership, as the company’s annual losses continue to rise.

IGBC honours Kanpur Metro as ‘Green Metro Rail System’

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IGBC honours Kanpur Metro as ‘Green Metro Rail System’

KANPUR (Metro Rail News): The Uttar Pradesh Metro Rail Corporation Limited (UPMRC) took several comprehensive environmental measures during the construction of the Kanpur Metro Rail Project’s Priority Section, for which the project was recognised by the Greentech Foundation for outstanding achievements in environmental protection. 

Greentech Foundation is a Delhi-based organisation that identifies and honour industry innovators in a variety of categories, the most important of which are environment protection, safety, and Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR). Kanpur Metro Rail Project has been awarded the first prize under the category of environmental protection.

Kumar Keshav, Managing Director of UPMRC, Congratulated everyone and said, “Environment protection has always been our priority. Under the Kanpur Metro Project, we have translocated trees, made suitable arrangements for rainwater harvesting, developed greenbelts on the Priority Section, installed treatment plants to recycle water in the Metro Depot etc. UPMRC is fully committed towards environmental conservation. Previously, the Priority Section of Kanpur Metro Rail Project has also received ISO 14001 certificate for environmental management.”

According to him, the UPMRC has planted over 10,000 plants and saplings at various sites along with the Kanpur Metro’s Priority Section and translocated over 100 trees. In addition, it has devised plans to collect rainwater that falls on the roofs of the stations and the viaduct.

In addition, to save energy, 100% LED lighting (in the Depot, Stations, and other Metro sites), maximum use of natural light, effective waste management, and other green initiatives were implemented. As a result, the Indian Green Building Council (IGBC) certified Kanpur Metro’s Priority Section as ‘Green Metro Rail System’ and granted Platinum Rating certifications to all nine Metro Stations in recognition of these efforts.

Maha Metro Successfully Launches 85 meter long and 800 tonne heavy Girder at Gaddigodam

Narendra Shah
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Maha Metro Successfully Launches 85 meter long and 800 tonne heavy Girder at Gaddigodam

NAGPUR (Metro Rail News): Maha Metro scripted history with the successful launch of 85 meter long and 800 tonne heavy Girder at Gaddigodam in the early hours on Friday. For the first time such a gigantic task has ever been executed in Nagpur. The highest ever Girder launching was part of 4-layer transportation system at Kamptee Road (Gurudwara) and the work was executed after taking 4.30 hours of Railway Block. With the successful launch of Girder, Maha Metro has created a milestone.

History was created and these major records were scripted with the launching of Girder:

  • Installing 800 Tonne heavy Girder on India Railway Track is a unique record.
  • For the first time 1,650 Tonne capacity structure has been put in place in the urban India.
  • Overall, 32,000 Height Strength Friction Grip (HSFG) bolts were used in the 800 tonne Girder. Similarly 80,000 bolts have been used in the complete structure.
  • The top-most part of steel girder is at a height of 32 meters from the ground.
  • For the first time in the history of Indian Railways, 22 meter wide Steel Girder was launched across railway track.
  • Such a 4-layer transportation system is being constructed for the first time in the country.

History Has Been Made: The robust 1,650 tonne structure, including 800 tonne Girder has been installed for the first time in urban India. The complete task was executed with the non-stop work of hundreds of officials and employees over a period.

Precision at its Heights: The successful launching of Steel Girder and scripting of multiple records would also be nominated and the process has been started for recording the same with Limca Book of Records, Guinness World Records and India Book of Records. The successful installation is an example of `Precision at its Heights’. All such issues which require, Micro Level Precision were taken care of at all the appropriate levels.

MD Dr Dixit has congratulated all the Metro officials and workers associated in the fruitful execution of this challenging task over the Railway track at Gaddigodam. Dr Dixit thanked the citizens for all the co-operation extended to Maha Metro during the execution of this project. Dr Brijesh Dixit expressed hope that the balance work would soon be executed and the road, Fly-Over and Metro services would soon be available for citizens.

Creating a 4-layer transportation structure in itself is a record. While multiple records have been achieved with the successful execution of project, the Gaddigodam structure is the biggest/heaviest structure in the infrastructure sector. The structure was moved with the help of heavy duty cranes and history made, in the process. The Nagpur-Delhi Railway track over which the work was executed is one of the busiest railway line with more than 150 trains passing over it every day.

Working at such heights requires complete synchronisation at all levels. The officials, employees had to work in tandem during this entire process of execution. The teamwork ensured completion of the task in the given time frame and with utmost efficiency. The four-layer transportation system includes the existing road and the railway track over it. Fly-over and railway Track are the next two levels of the 4-layer transportation system.

The assembly and fabrication work for the launching of the girder started in September 2021 at Butibori. The huge structure was then transported to work site through trailers. The 1650 tonne structure is E-350 grade and is as per the standards laid down by Research Design and Standards Organization (RDSO).

The task was gigantic and challenging not just because of the nature of work involved, but also because of the various constraints at the worksite. The entire location is very narrow and is lined by Gurudwara, School, Shops and Various commercial establishments on its four sides. Thus the task had to be completed keeping all these constraints in mind. The road and the Railway-under-Bridge (RuB) there are part of the narrow location.
Railway Block for 4.30 hours was sought for the launching of the girder. Intimation for the block was given 15 minutes before starting of the work. Maha Metro had sought 24 hour block for the entire project, of which 8-hour block has already been availed of before in phases.

It is worth mentioning that the successful launching of Steel Girder signals completion of work in Reach-II (Sitabuldi Interchange to Automotive Square Metro Station). The fly-over is being constructed by the National Highway Authority of India (NHAI).

Maha Metro has executed many unique and innovative projects in the city before. These include a 2-Layer transportation system over Wardha Road, Balance Cantilever Bridge at Anand Talkies, Interchange Metro Station at a crowded location like Sitabuldi and Zero Mile Freedom Park Metro Station. The 4-layer transport system at gaddigodam, the first of its kind in the country, is an addition to the long list of achievements by Maha Metro.

The Chief Bridge Engineer, Divisional Railway Manager (Central Railway), Additional Divisional Railway Manager (Infra-Central Railway), Additional Divisional Railway Manager (Operating-Central Railway), Senior Divisional Operations Manager, Senior Divisional Engineer, Senior Divisional Engineer (Central) have extended valuable co-operation for the execution of the project.

Union Budget 2022 Reaction from Metro & Railway Industry

Narendra Shah
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Union Budget 2022 Reaction from Metro & Railway Industry

DELHI (Metro Rail News): Union Finance Minister Mrs. Nirmala Sitharaman tabled Union Budget-2022 in the Lok Sabha on February 01, 2022. Beginning her presentation of the budget by expressing empathy with those who have been affected by the adverse health and economic effects of the COVID-19 pandemic, the FM said that India’s economic growth in the current year is estimated to be 9.2 per cent, the highest among all large economies. She also said that Union Budget 2022-23 seeks to lay the foundation and give a blueprint of the economy over the next 25 years. This is the sixth combined budget since the Rail Budget was merged with the Union Budget in 2017.

As a part of Atmanirbhar Bharat, the Finance Minister stated that 2,000 km of the rail network will be brought under the indigenous world-class technology KAWACH.

Key takeaways for the Metro & Railway sector:

  • Railways will develop new products and efficient logistics services for small farmers and Small and Medium Enterprises, besides taking the lead in the integration of Postal and Railways networks to provide seamless solutions for the movement of parcels.
  • ‘One Station-One Product’ concept will be popularized to help local businesses & supply chains.
  • As a part of Atmanirbhar Bharat, 2,000 km of network will be brought under Kavach, the indigenous world-class technology for safety and capacity augmentation in 2022-23.
  • Four hundred new-generation Vande Bharat Trains with better energy efficiency and passenger riding experience will be developed and manufactured during the next three years. These new trainsets are going to be made of light-weight aluminium, as opposed to steel, making each around 50 tonnes lighter in weight, consuming much less energy than their steel counterparts.
  • One hundred PM GatiShakti Cargo Terminals for multimodal logistics facilities will be developed during the next three years. Mass Urban Transport including Connectivity to Railways.
  • Innovative ways of financing and faster implementation will be encouraged for building metro systems of appropriate type at scale.
  • Rs 19,130 crore for all metro projects in the country
  • Multimodal connectivity between mass urban transport and railway stations will be facilitated on priority. The design of metro systems, including civil structures, will be re-oriented and standardized for Indian conditions and needs.

Here is how the industry leaders reacted to the Union Budget 2022 announced by the Union Finance Minister Mrs. Nirmala Sitharaman in the Lok Sabha.

Mr. Ashish P. Dhakan , MD & CEO, Prama Hikvision India Pvt. Ltd.

A pro-growth budget with a vision for the new emerging India:

India’s progressive Union Budget seeks to complement macro-economic level growth with a focus on micro-economic level all inclusive welfare. It has a pro-technology focus with futuristic vision. A special thrust on promotion of Digital India and adoption of emerging technologies, including 5G, AI, ML and Drones. The key highlights of union budget underlines the economic growth estimated at 9.2% to be the highest among all large economies. It promises 60 lakh new jobs to be created under the productivity linked incentive scheme in 14 sectors. It also highlights the Production Linked Incentive (PLI) Schemes, which has the potential to create an additional production of Rs 30 lakh crore. This budget has a roadmap for achieving the objective of ‘Make-in-India’ and ‘Atmanirbhar Bharat’. The customs duty rationalisation to incentivise domestic manufacturing is a welcome step.

The budget has the PM Gatishakti Scheme with ambitious plans to transform the transportation sector. The seven engines that are going to drive PM GatiShakti are Roads, Railways, Airports, Ports, Mass Transport, Waterways and Logistics Infrastructure. The big boost to infrastructure will help the security industry growth in the long term.

There is a greater focus on MSME sector in the budget and as a key stakeholder of the MSME Ecosystem, we feel this a very positive step for the security industry. The government has announced that Udyam, e-shram, NCS and ASEEM portals will be interlinked. The help is provided to 130 lakh MSMEs as additional credit under Emergency Credit Linked Guarantee Scheme (ECLGS). The extension of this scheme till March 2023 is a thoughtful decision. The firm focus on Skill Development is another positive aspect of the union budget. Digital Ecosystem for Skilling and Livelihood (DESH-Stack e-portal) will be launched to empower citizens to skill, reskill or upskill through on-line training. Overall a pro-growth budget with a vision for the new emerging India on global front.

Mr. Alain SPOHR, Managing Director, Alstom India & South Asia:

“We welcome the progressive and growth-oriented Union Budget presented by the Finance Minister for 2022-23. India is poised to regain its title of the fastest-growing large economy with a 9.2% GDP growth estimated for the coming year. With an enhanced capital expenditure outlay of 35% as compared to last year, core infrastructure segments including Railways and Urban Transport stand to benefit and will have a huge multiplier effect on the economy.

Highlight of the budget was the announcement to introduce 400 new Vande Bharat trains over the next three years, introduction of the state-of-the-art KAVACH TCAS signalling systems over 2000 kms of railway network, larger investments to provide for sustainable and integrated urban transport systems. The total budget estimates of Rs 23,875 crore for MRTS & Metro Projects will incentivise faster implementation of projects and the standardisation of metro design systems will provide the much-needed stability for manufacturers.

The development of 100 Cargo terminals over the next 3 years will also improve India’s competitiveness in faster and cleaner logistics and freight movement by rail. The announcement of a new legislation regarding Special Economic Zones is a welcome step as it will help India enhance the competitiveness of its exports and integrate successfully with global supply chains.

From a policy standpoint, launch of the next phase of Ease of Doing Business (EoDB 2.0), is a step in the right direction. Modernized rules for evaluation of complex tenders especially transparent quality criteria and provisions for payment of 75% of running bills mandatorily within 10 days will encourage faster dispute resolution.

Introducing PLI scheme for railway manufacturers and exporters promoting Make-in-India would have been ideal for fast-tracking the implementation of projects and supporting the manufacturing ecosystem. We were anticipating FM’s announcement regarding plans for the private train operations; however, this budget provides the overall push towards economic growth and addresses the key priorities of the Government.”

Mr. Sunil Mathur, Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer, Siemens Limited

We welcome the growth-oriented budget with a focus on the four pillars – productivity, climate action, financing investments, and PM Gati Shakti plan. These are concrete steps in the right direction, and over time should positively impact the economy. The increased Capex outlay of Rs.7.50 lakh crore further demonstrates the intent of the government to create the necessary impetus for the economy. Stability in tax policy is also a welcome step.

Maccaferri – Vikramjiet Roy, Managing Director of Maccaferri Environmental Solutions Pvt. Ltd 

‘This budget reflects the government’s push towards sustainable development. Encouraging safe and modern public transport, road  connectivity and infrastructure facilities to remotest parts of the country especially in the North East with a focus on renewables showcases the government’s push on reducing the carbon footprint. 

The policy push towards battery swapping will also significantly increase the rate towards EV adoption that will help towards India achieving its net zero commitment.’

Rajeev Singh Partner & Automotive Leader, Deloitte India

Massive focus this year on logistics infrastructure, additional multi-modal parks, cargo terminals, vande Bharat trains could help in reducing our logistics costs as well as overall inventory on wheels.

Ashish Gupta, Managing Director, Texmaco Rail & Engineering Ltd:

We welcome FM’s announcement of development of railway infrastructure in the budget. This will result in increase of railways share in overall freight and will have a cascading impact on the industries associated with railways. Overall a very positive budget for all the segments of railways like wagon manufacturing, EPC business etc.

Budget will aid in recovering economy hit by Covid – 19, more funds likely for Namma Metro: Karnataka CM

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Budget will aid in recovering economy hit by Covid – 19, more funds likely for Namma Metro: Karnataka CM

BENGALURU (Metro Rail News): On Tuesday, Chief Minister Basavaraj Bommai said the Union Budget presented by Finance Minister Nirmala Sitaraman would assist stabilize the country’s economy, which had been impacted hard by the COVID 19 pandemic.

According to him, “It was a budget presented in the shadow of the pandemic but has the foresight of bringing the economy back on track. Moreover, since the finance minister addressed all the sectors, it will benefit the common man and the working class as well as the business class.”

He noted that funds for the rejuvenation of MSMEs had been increased from Rs 50,000 to Rs 5 lakh, stimulating entrepreneurship, including the hotel industry. It is a budget for economic reforms, stability, and growth, he added.

Under the shadow of Covid, it aims to reach a 9.2% economic growth rate. According to Bommai, the budget was proposed with a long-term objective of increasing capital investment and consumption. In addition, the budget would empower rural India by focusing on basic infrastructure and programmes such as the Jal Jeevan Mission, Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana, and Pradhan Mantri Sadak Yojana. The budget has met the expectations of the general public, with a focus on drinking water, roads, and housing, according to Bommai.

As per Bommai, the budget also includes initiatives in digitalization, utilization of services of town planning experts, increased funding for urban transportation, and an emphasis on the constant development of urban and rural areas.
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Its goal is to attain agricultural self-sufficiency. Organic agricultural and oilseed cultivation has also garnered special attention.

As the budget has a significant increase in capital expenditure, the state is expected to get about Rs 3500 crore more under the capital account compared to last year. Karnataka is set to benefit from a big thrust for the railways, national highways and infrastructure projects. ‘Namma Metro’ is likely to get a more significant allocation under the urban transport sector, Bommai said.

When asked if the state’s wish list had been met, he replied that the state’s fiscal deficit had been maintained at 4%. Second, the CM hoped that the state would receive Rs 3,000 crore of its share because the Finance Minister increased the capital outlay for the states from Rs 10,000 to Rs 1 lakh crore to assist with investments in centrally sponsored programmes such as railways, highways, and the Prime Minister’s Gram Sadak Yojna.

He also stated that funds would be allocated to expand Bengaluru’s Metro rail project. In addition, Bommai praised the funding allocated to the development of 25,000 kilometres of roadways to boost surface transportation.

He commented that the plans to run 400 extra trains under the ‘Vande Bharat‘ programme and 200 TV channels to impart education to kids from Class I to Class XII under the Prime Minister’s e-Vidhya initiative the establishment of a digital university are visionary. In addition, Bommai believes that the green light given to the interlinking of rivers, particularly the Cauvery-Pennar, will help resolve the long-standing ‘controversial’ problem between states.

Apex court’s crucial decision on Mumbai-Ahmedabad Rail project

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Apex court’s crucial decision on Mumbai-Ahmedabad Rail project

NEW DELHI (Metro Rail News): The Supreme Court ruled on Monday that no company, including the Republic of India, may be allowed to violate any of the agreements’ terms and conditions, including the loan deed for the Mumbai-Ahmedabad rail project.

The Supreme Court overturned the Delhi High Court’s decision in favour of Montecarlo Limited, whose technical bid for many works related to the Bullet train project was rejected by an expert committee appointed by the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA).

Justices M R Shah and A S Bopanna were dealing with the question whether in the facts and circumstances of the case and concerning such a foreign-funded project, the High Court was justified in “interfering with the tender process in the absence of any specific allegations of mala fides and/or favouritism.”

The Supreme court released an 82-page judgement stating, “it is to be noted that under the contractual obligation, it was not open for the appellant – corporation and/or even the Republic of India to deviate from any of the terms and conditions of the loan agreement and/or the decision of JICC/JICA. Therefore, in the absence of any allegation of mala fides/arbitrariness and/or favouritism, we are of the opinion that the High Court has committed a grave error in interfering with a conscious decision taken by the JICC/JICA, which has been followed by the appellant.
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“

The bench accepted the appeal of the National High-Speed Rail Corporation Limited (NHSRCL), which is accountable for the Bullet train project, with Justice Shah saying that the 2021 high court ruling was “clearly unsustainable and the same deserves to be quashed.”

It said, “It cannot be disputed that the Bullet Train Project is a very important National project. However, the Bullet Train Project is a fully foreign-funded project, which was envisaged when the Japanese and Indian governments entered into a Memorandum of Understanding, pursuant to which it was agreed that the said project would be fully funded by a Concessional Official Development Assistance (ODA) loan of Rs.1 lakh crores by the Japan International Cooperation Agency.”

The communications of April 27 and 28, 2021 has been quashed,  in which the private firm was informed that its technical Bid had been rejected on the grounds that it was non-responsive. NHSRCL is a government company formed under the Companies Act of 2013, with equity participation from the Governments of India, the Government of Gujarat, and the Government of Maharashtra. It was formed to fund, build, maintain, and operate the planned bullet train project.

On October 22, 2020, the NHSRCL issued a tender notice seeking bids for ” Construction of Civil and Building Works for the Depot on Design-Build Lump Sum Price Basis for Double Line High-Speed Railway involving works for Site Formation, Abutment, Retaining Walls, Roadbed for the track, Box Culvert, Roads, Cable Duct, Foundations of OHE Masts, Piping, Drainage, Water Supply, Water Harvesting, Fire Fighting, Land-scraping, Boundary Wall, General Inspection Train Shed, Maintenance Depot and other Associated Works at Sabarmati.”

The NHSRCL opened the Technical Bids filed by several bidders, including Montecarlo Limited, on February 19, 2021. The original writ petitioner’s bid and four other bidders were declared unsuccessful.

Five Bidders for Delhi Metro Phase 4’s 288 Coach Contract

Narendra Shah
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Five Bidders for Delhi Metro Phase 4’s 288 Coach Contract

DELHI (Metro Rail News): After the Delhi Metro Rail Corporation (DMRC) opened technical bids today, five train manufacturers filed bids to supply 288 coaches (48 trains) for Delhi Metro Phase 4’s Package RS17.

The DMRC had invited tenders for these train cars in June 2021, with a delivery deadline of 236 weeks (4.5 years). Their purchase is funded by Rs. 8,390 crore loan from the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA).

The new trains for Phase 4 must be 3.2 metres wide, lightweight, stainless steel, and adhere to the standard gauge track system. They must also be suitable for CBTC signalling for Unattended Train Operations (UTO) complying with Grade of Automation level 4.

Alstom Transport India Ltd., BEML Ltd., CAF India Pvt. Ltd., JSC Metrowagonmash and Titagarh Wagons Ltd. Were involved in the bidding process.

Trains will be stabled at the following maintenance depots:

  • Line-7 (Pink Line): Mukundpur (existing) and Vinod Nagar (existing)
  • Line-8 (Magenta Line): Kalindi Kunj (existing) and Mukundpur (upcoming)
  • Line-10 (Silver Line): Sarita Vihar (upcoming)

Some of the brief scopes are – PART A: Design, Manufacture, Supply, Testing, Commissioning, Training of 234 Nos. Standard Gauge Cars for Extended Sections of Line 7 & 8 AND PART-B: Design, Manufacture, Supply, Testing, Commissioning, Training of 54 Nos. of Standard Gauge Cars Including Comprehensive Maintenance up to Fifteen Years for These 54 Nos. Standard Gauge Cars for Aerocity – Tughlakabad Corridor.

The Russian company JSC Metrowagonmash is a surprise entry, but the other four are regular bidders for Indian rolling stock contracts.

All five bids have been submitted for technical bid evaluation, which can take several months. The financial bids of the technically qualified bidders will next be opened to determine who is the lowest bidder and most likely supplier.

As previously reported, DMRC introduced a condition allowing a maximum of 72 coaches (12 trains) to be manufactured in an off-shore factory outside of India to promote the government’s Aatmanirbhar Bharat (Make in India) mission. To meet the bid terms, the contractor must establish facilities locally, either independently or with an Indian partner.

The Delhi Metro now has 2294 coaches in its fleet, which will increase to 2582 after Phase 4’s RS17 order is completed by the end of 2028.

The contract consists of two parts:

  • 90 coaches (15 x 6 coaches) for the Pink Line’s 12.558 km extension (Mukundpur – Maujpur) and 144 coaches (24 x 6 coaches) for the Magenta Line’s 28.92 km extension (Janakpuri West – RK Ashram)
  • 54 coaches (9 x 6 coaches) for the 23.622 km new Silver Line (Aerocity – Tughlakabad)

Union Budget 2022: Find out what’s in it for Metro Rail Sector

Narendra Shah
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Union Budget 2022: Find out what’s in it for Metro Rail Sector

DELHI (Metro Rail News): The Finance Minister presented the Union Budget for this fiscal year in parliament on Feb 1, 2022. However, instead of just the Delhi Metro Rail Corporation (DMRC), the Finance Ministry has granted a budget for all Metro Projects in the country.

As a result, the allocation for all Metro projects in India has been made in the Union Budget for the financial year 2022-23. The Minister of Finance of India, Nirmala Sitharaman, has allotted Rs 3,702 crore in equity investment, Rs 1,272 crore in subordinate debt, Rs 14,156 crore in pass through assistance, and a total budget of Rs 19,130 crore for all metro projects in the country.

In her Budget Speech of 2022-23, the Finance Minister said that innovative ways would be encouraged for financing and faster implementation for building metro systems of appropriate type at scale.   In addition, the FM stated that multimodal connectivity between mass urban transport and railway stations would be prioritised in the country.

In addition, Sitharaman claimed that the design of metro systems in India, including civil constructions, will be re-oriented and standardised for Indian conditions and requirements. Meanwhile, the Finance Minister stated in her Budget Speech 2022-23 that the National Ropeways Development Program, which is environmentally sustainable, will be taken up on a public-private partnership (PPP) basis as a preferred alternative to conventional highways in challenging hilly locations.

According to the FM, the goal of this initiative is to improve commuter convenience and connectivity while also boosting tourism. According to the minister, the National Ropeways Development Program may also cover crowded urban areas where conventional mass transit is not practical. In the fiscal year 2022-23, contracts for up to eight ropeway projects with a total length of 60 kilometres would be awarded.

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