Exclusive Interview with Shri Manas Sarkar, MD, Kolkata Metro

Metro Rail News
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Exclusive Interview with Shri Manas Sarkar, MD, Kolkata Metro

Metro Rail News Conducts an email interview with Shri Manas Sarkar, MD, Kolkata Metro, on recent Developments of Kolkata Metro Projects. Here are the edited excerpts: –

 Q.1. Many congratulations for being appointed as the new MD of first and oldest metro systems in India? How does it feel to bear the legacy? Do you feel a sense of greater responsibility and ownership? What are your immediate plans ahead?

Thanks for the compliments. Let me clarify that I am the Managing Director of Kolkata Metro Rail Corporation Limited.  Here the perspective of Kolkata Metro system is required to be understood for better clarification. In Kolkata, several metro lines are being constructed at present. Unlike other cities in India, where Metro systems are being developed with joint venture effort of State Government and Union Government, all Metro Lines in Kolkata are being developed by Union Government only. Kolkata Metro Rail Corporation, a CPSE under Ministry of Railways, is only entrusted with construction of Kolkata East-West Metro Corridor. The other lines are being constructed by RVNL and Metro Railway itself. The operation & maintenance of all the lines including the existing North-South line which is the oldest metro system in India is entrusted with Metro Railways, Kolkata which is a zonal railway under Ministry of Railways. Hence I am not in-charge of the oldest Metro System in India ; at the best it can be said that I am associated with the entire system of Kolkata Metro which is indeed the oldest Metro system in India.

Q.2. Kolkata Metro is presently fifth-largest metro system of the country after Delhi, Hyderabad, Namma and Chennai Metro. Don’t you think Kolkata Metro couldn’t grow and develop the way it should have been being the oldest metro systems of the country? What according to you is the reason for the same and that too when Kolkata lacks a smart and present era transportation system.

As per early Master Plan through Metropolitan Transportation Projects [Railways], 1971, there were 5 possible Metro Corridors identified in Kolkata. Survey was conducted in three of these Corridors. The 1st of the 3 corridors in North-South direction was first taken up for implementation in 1972 which was commissioned in Phases from 1984 and it is the oldest metro rail system in the country. Now other two corridors as identified in 1971 have already been taken up. Apart from that, another 4  new corridors are also under construction.

When all the corridors will be completed Kolkata will have 133 Km of Metro system. Apart from these lines, there are future lines which are also in different stages of planning. Thus the planning process for development of MRTS systems in Kolkata has a legacy of around 50 years now. The size of Delhi Metropolis along with Gurgaon is 2216 sq km and length of Metro Corridor in operation is around 350 Km while size of Mumbai Metropolis is 603 Sq km and length of Metro Corridor in operation and construction is around 190 Km.  In comparison, Kolkata having 133 km Metro Lines [ operational and under construction] with only 206 sqm of Metropolis is not a meagre number. However if you look at the progress history of major Metro systems in the world as well as in this country, requirement of new metro corridors is often perpetual as the systems always try to get saturated  in capacity with passage of time. Same is expected in Kolkata with possibility of development of new lines in future .

Q.3. Amongst all metropolitan and tier-1 cities, Kolkata has least no. of private vehicle ownership. So, the stress on public transport system is enormous which is estimated to increase significantly amidst rapidly urbanising nearby areas of the capital city. What is your say in this regard and are you ready for future challenges?

Vehicle ownership in Kolkata is  indeed the lowest amongst all the Tier-1 cities which is not a very discouraging statistics for a transportation professional as Kolkata also has the lowest length of city streets amongst all Metro Cities in India. The approximate ratio of private owned  vehicles versus road Kilometers in Delhi in 2019 was 134 while it is 450 in Kolkata which clearly indicates that Kolkata streets are already overpopulated with private vehicles and the growth of sustainable transport solution should be through modern, people-centric mass rapid transit systems.  As per the study conducted by Wilber Smith & Associates in 2008, the existing public transport share without the present Metro systems [only one Metro at that time] was 54  % of total transportation demand which was the highest in India at that time. Therefore the challenge before the city planners is to nourish this public-transport oriented transit feature of the city and to cater the expectation and demand of the people by providing fast, reliable, safe and modern mass transportation mode. Metro Rail has a long history in Kolkata and associated as an integral part of city life which should be further boosted and encouraged with augmentation of new lines.

KOLKATA METRO 2
Shri Manoj Joshi, GM, Kolkata Metro Railway inspected the underground Sealdah Metro station along with Manas Sarkar, MD, KMRCL & other Sr. officials of Metro Railway & KMRCL in order to review the progress of the ongoing works on Nov 2, 2021

Q.4. The Kolkata Suburban Railway is the largest suburban rail system of the country with an annual ridership of more than 02 billion people. It’s a very robust system developed since British era. Do you think it is the suburban railway that a need of other modern transport systems like RRTS, BRTS, MetroNeo, MetroLite etc. hasn’t been felt to be developed in Kolkata?  Do you think it is a righteous approach? What according to you can be a better transport plan for Kolkata?

The sub-urban railway system links the urban conglomeration of 1851 Sq-km around city of Kolkata known as Kolkata Metropolitan Area [KMA] with the City proper.  The population of KMA is around 16.8 million and Kolkata being the center for majority of economic, social, educational and medical hub, there is huge transportation demand to the city. The majority of this city bound transportation demand is met by the sub-urban transportation system with two major sub-urban terminals at Howrah & Sealdah which handle around 2 million passenger daily. Sub-urban railway being the economic and easy mode of transport, the development pattern in this sub-urban localities have grown rail-centrically oriented accordingly. These sub-urban localities in and around the city have century old development history with mushroomed up settlements leaving spare area for development of other infrastructure modes. The sub-urban railway system and other modes of transport like RRTS, BRTS etc should not necessarily be competitive to each other but reciprocal and all the modes of transport should be integrated and well-orchestrated to provide the necessary service to the people.

Q.5. Kolkata unarguably has the most varied and complex set of transport systems offering its citizens ferries, trams, buses, trains, metro, taxis, auto-rickshaws and cycle-rickshaws. So, do you agree that the present transportation system in Kolkata is capable of serving a larger population of commuters at lower fiscal costs, lower levels of environmental destruction and infrastructure usage although being a metropolitan city?

Indeed Kolkata possesses the most varied public transportation modes amongst Indian cities. As per the International Association of Public Transport [UITP]Survey [ Arther D’Liittle 2.0- 2013], the mobility index of Kolkata was the highest amongst Indian cities due its various modes of public transport. At present the road volume is only about 5.4% and it can’t be expanded beyond 8% due to narrow right of way. In fact, Kolkata being a city developed over 300 years under heterogeneous development regime, adequate space for future transportation planning is not possible. Moreover huge population upsurge after independence due to refugee migration has also put pressure on city transportation system. The present public transport system of Kolkata is bus oriented which is insufficient to handle the ever increasing pressure. As per all the Development Studies done so far, it is said that non-road based rapid transit system with densification around the transport nodes is the most viable transport solution for the city. In core area of Kolkata, underground metro is the only perceivable rapid transit system possible. It will divert a lot of commuters from surface level to underground thereby it will decongest the roads. This system is eco-friendly, safe, reliable at the same time economically suitable.

Q.6. What in your opinion a smart and future centric transportation system of a mega-city be like? What would be your ratings for present transport system in Kolkata judging it on parameters of transport system of a megacity?

Our world is fast urbanizing with more and more people moving to urban areas and it is a challenging task for modern city planners to provide a futuristic city life which is sustainable to the society. As transportation is a vital aspect of modern connected city life, the sustainable modes of transport should be safe, reliable, adequate, modern & accessible.  For an old metropolis like Kolkata with lingering issues of over population, congestion as well as environmental pollution, ideal transportation solution is MRTS along with supplementary feeder bus service and adequate first and last mile connectivity. Modern para transits like electric bikes & electric auto-rickshaws may play a vital role in first and last mile connectivity aspect.

I will never say Kolkata is adequate in transportation system; in fact very few cities in the world are adequate. But there is definitive effort from every stakeholders to upright the transportation system which is welcome.

Q.7. Kolkata metro is rapidly gaining popularity of being the slowest metro system in the country in terms of work speed and completion of projects. It’s been more than 10 years that work on new lines in Kolkata Metro started but none of them has been completed. What in your opinion is the reason for the same and what steps are being taken to remove the hurdles if any observed?

The perspective of implementation of Metro Rail systems in Kolkata should not be judged by very simplistic black & white yardstick of completion time. The example of Kolkata East West Metro perfectly demonstrates the complexity and diversity of problems associated here. The project was started in year 2009 with an initial target of 5 &1/2 years. There were issues of land acquisition both for private land as well as Govt land right from beginning. In 2012, at the middle of project execution, there was a proposal for realignment in some part which completely upset the execution in some part of the project for several years. After several years of suspension of work in this section, the realignment of route was sanctioned in year 2015 to recommence the works. In addition, in 2012 the stake holding of project execution was shifted from Joint venture of State Govt and Union Govt to only Union Govt. There were other issues of obtaining permission from ASI and Defence Authorities which also eroded valuable project time. Hardly any Metro Project in India had to undergo such multi-dimensional hurdles. In spite of all these impediments, 6.97 Km of this corridor out of total 16.55 Km has already been commissioned and another 2.33 Km is expected to be commissioned in next few months,

Q.8. What is the status of India’s first underwater metro being developed by Kolkata metro over Hooghly? What is the progress so far? Are you meeting the deadline of March,22?

The tunnel below river Hooghly was completed in 2017 and presently the track linking has also been completed. The follow on activities of tunnel ventilation and electro-mechanical works are in progress. The revenue service in this section is expected in end of year 2022.

Q.9. What had been the reason for the Bowbazar mishap during the underground tunnelling of Sealdah-Esplanade metro of east-west corridor? Two buildings – 13,14 Durgapithuri lane got completely demolished apart from damage to a number of other residential structures. Where do you feel metro authorities failed to analyse the whole situation? Don’t you think the situation could have been averted had there been a better feasibility and planning done?

At the outset this can be stated that one tunnel boring machine was affected by ingress of water added with fine soil particles which caused severe ground settlement and damage to some buildings at Bowbazar. The water ingress was stopped by creating multiple bulk heads inside the tunnel to create closed chamber in frontal part of the tunnel boring machine and by exerting counter pressure by filling up the frontal portion with water. Bowbazar tunnel incident has been referred to contractual dispute resolution process.  Hence It is not possible to state anything in this regard at this stage.

Q.10. What are your preparation and plans for averting any further damage in the area. Is there any compensation offered by KMRC to those affected by the mishap?

The balance tunneling in this area has already been completed so the question of any further damage does not arise.

All the affected families are paid with one time compensation of Rs.5 Lakh as per decision of provincial government.

All the demolished buildings will be reconstructed and all structurally damaged buildings will be adequately repaired. Till such time, all the families are kept in furnished rental flats.

Q.11. ‘KMRC has proved its efficacy in developing India’s most advanced metro system single handed in terms of civil engineering’. Do you still agree with the statement after the bow bazar incident? 

Tunnel water ingress issue, though rare and unwelcome,  is not uncommon. It had earlier been witnessed in more developed Metro Systems in the world with issues of damages and project delays. The responsiveness and re-fortification exerted by this organisation after the incident towards rehabilitation of the affected families as well as completion of the balance mechanised tunneling work in the project were definitely reassuring.

Q.12. Would you like to share anything about your professional career and experience as a metro person? What would be your message to young technocrats aspiring to get into metro industry?

I being a veteran professional in the field of Railways and Metro Industry, I have spent my career dealing with variety of challenges both in construction and maintenance. As this industry deals with safety of the passengers, engineering accuracies and respect to maintenance protocol are demand of the day. My experience says that a combination of basic professional knowledge and logical thinking is essential to be successful in this field.

For all aspiring Metro Professionals, I would say this is a new emerging area of challenge for the engineering professionals and definitely a sun-shine sector. But the knowledge base is required to be updated regularly to keep pace with the global changes in this industry.

Q.13. What would be your message to our readers? Please share your views about Metro rail News. 

It is heartening to see that focused magazines for Metro industry are coming up which not only shares knowledge base and information for the project but ushers a general interest in public for Metro Rail who are the ultimate stake holders for such projects. I hope Metro Rail News to come up with all the galore in future.

Exclusive Interview with Mrs. Chhavi Bharadwaj, MD, MPMRCL

Metro Rail News
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Exclusive Interview with Mrs. Chhavi Bharadwaj, MD, MPMRCL

Our Managing Editor Mr. Narendra Shah conducted One 2 One Interview Session. With Mrs. Chhavi Bharadwaj, 2008 Batch IAS officer currently serving as Managing Director, Madhya Pradesh Metro Rail Corporation Limited.

Here are the edited excerpts: –

Narendra Shah (NS): Our first question to you – ‘You are famous as a corruption – buster IAS officer’. How does it feel? What pain and efforts you had been through to have this reputation and how difficult it has been?

Chhavi Bharadwaj (CB): The perception is built up because of an incident happened that happened few years back. Every officer in his tenure in his/her capacity tries to bring significant change in the society. The kind of value system I am bought up with never allows compromising with corruption (small or large).

NS: You spent more than 02 years as a collector in a district which saw 15 officers in the last 17 years. That shows your grit and commitment. What had been your strategy after being appointed as Collector at Dindori – The district with an infamous repute on part of governance and work culture?

CB: Dindori is one of the most important beautiful and a backward tribal area of Madhya Pradesh. It also provides a lot of space and latitude for an officer to work. The people living there really appreciate the efforts to bring basic civil amenities. The reason for that is that people living there were deprived of basic amenities for a long time. The amenities like road connectivity, infrastructure is very crucial to a community. In my tenure, I did my best as an officer to bring change there. I can say that the two years I spent there were one of the best I had in my career.

NS: Do you think there has been any significant change in the working of government departments in the last few years as far as project delays and work culture is concerned. What would you like to say about a required change in working scenario in the country? Do you feel any necessity towards it?

CB: I believe there have been some significant changes with the passage of time. Earlier we had a very longish and procedure bound method of implementing and monitoring projects. There was a lot of red tape and trained incapacity in the government. The bureaucracy was blamed for not understanding the context enough. However, I have seen significant changes happening at our level to avoid red-tapism.

NS: Metro projects in Bhopal & Indore has already been delayed. The project cost of Bhopal Metro has already risen by 50% of its actual cost. What as new MD of MPMRCL would be your priority in this regard? What are your plans for meeting the deadlines?

CB: I don’t agree with the fact that cost has risen by 50 per cent. However, I do agree with the delay which happened primarily due to the pandemic and also the organisation did not have a full-time Managing Director. At this point of time, we are looking at 30.5 kms of Bhopal metro and another 31 kms of Indore metro with a priority corridor for 7 kms and 17 kms for Indore metro. We have set a target for flagging off the first set of trains at the priority corridors for both metros by 2023. The good thing is that we have already started awarding the tenders for work like rolling stock and we are hopeful that work will be completed within the designated time of 2 years from now.

NS: Can we expect smart transport system in few other cities of M.P. with yourself being the managing director of implementing agency for the same in the state? Is there any update on greater Gwalior Metro which had been under discussion and long demanded?

CB: We are exploring several options like deploying a consultancy firm for a comprehensive mobility plan for all the five major cities as it will explore options like multi-modal transportation systems and trip generation. We are aware that we have almost a 30 km narrow gauge ROW in Gwalior metro. It is very rare to find such a narrow gauge in the middle of the city. We are currently studying the model of Nashik metro which is identical to Gwalior. It is noteworthy that Gwalior city will have a metro lite, unlike Nashik metro which has heavy metro. We are also exploring the option of connecting a metropolitan city like Indore with satellite towns like Ujjain, Mau etc. An idea of connecting cities like Bhopal and Indore through a high-speed corridor is also being explored which will also bring urbanisation into perspective. The potential of RRTS-MRTS is also a viable option to connect the cities

NS: You have worked as Commissioner, Municipal Corporation Bhopal. How do you see your tenure over there apart from bagging for Bhopal, the status of the second cleanest city of India in Swacchta Sarvekshan in 2018? Do you feel satisfied with your work as commissioner over there?

CB: Satisfaction is a very subjective thing. The most important thing I learned in Bhopal is municipal finance and a dire need to complete objectives. I believe the cities in India require substantial investment in infrastructure and urban services in the years to come. As municipal commissioner in Bhopal, I tried to rationalize the budgetary planning in the corporation. We tried to look for avenues that could strengthen the inherent resource raising capacity for Bhopal. We tried to rue the system for the collection of property tax and water tax. There was a very alarming situation in the city where we spent 90 crore rupees annually for supplying water in households, but the revenue raised was around 20 crores. So, there is a deficit which got created in every almost service provided by the corporation. If I ever get the opportunity to experiment with or deploy new tools for corporations that have a lot of experience, I will consider myself very fortunate.

NS: You have set several examples of good governance like virtual coaching to tribal children in naxal affected Dindori district, 4 O’clock review in Swacch Bharat Abhiyan and many more to name. What gives you the energy and inspiration to make such efforts on a continual basis?

CB: I believe public service is a domain where only a few people get to work. I consider myself very lucky and fortunate where I, as a District Collector, could really make a difference. As we go up the ladder, the domain gets specific and there are specialisations too for the officers. The motivation to serve people you live around is most satisfying for the district collector. The serving window is very limited (7-8 years maximum) and the satisfaction of making a difference in that window is very important for a serving DC.

NS: It’s been almost 13 years since you have been into administrative services holding important portfolios. Is there any special incidence, the moment of success, failure etc. you would like to recognize and share with us regarding your professional journey so far?

CB: I remember going to a Bega village. Begas are particularly vulnerable tribal groups which is found in Dindori. They are decreasing in terms of its population and there are specific regions where they inhabit. I found that there was a meeting going where the natives were discussing issues they face against government officials like pension, the Forest guards not allowing them to pick their produce. I realized how important the public delivery service was to the lives of these people. It might not be that important to a self-sufficient city dweller who does not depend too much on the government and its services. This is where I realize the centrality of government services in the lives of these people. The way in which the people of the community described their problems (most of them were angry) shook me for a good period of time. However, this also motivated me to listen to people and engage with them on a daily basis. We think that everything is fine while the situation is not that easy-going as it seems from our homes. A constant feedback system provides a reality check for course correction. That meeting in the village will stay in my memory and will always remind me to stay on course with the purpose I am being chosen for the service.

NS: Would you like to share your views regarding your book ‘Like a Bird on the Wire’. Can your readers and followers expect a few more representations of the author in you in the coming few years?

CB: Actually, it took me five years to write that book. I wrote it during my paternity leave and when I was in Dindori. Thereafter, I haven’t been able to write anything at all. I used to write a blog which I discontinued. I hope I can create a space for myself where I can read and write again in the future.

NS: We shall like to know your views about Metro Rail News. Any message to our readers?

CB: I believe that it is a very good initiative that will enable any metro organisation to understand what is happening in the country or in different cities. What different mechanisms are being tested, how innovative they are. I believe peer learning is very crucial and a lot of times when we through articles in magazines like Metro Rail news, we get a lot of ideas and inspiration from the stories of other metro corporations. New options get explored every now and it also keeps you aware.

NS: Many thanks for your precious time and our wishes for your new role and responsibility.

MP Metro issued tender notice to supply 750 V DC third rail and Electrification work for Indore Metro

Rajat Khanna
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MP Metro issued tender notice to supply 750 V DC third rail and Electrification work for Indore Metro

MADHYA PRADESH, INDIA (Metro Rail News): The Madhya Pradesh Metro Rail Corporation Limited (MPMRCL) issued a global tender notice to supply 750 V DC Third Rail and Electrical Systems for Indore Metro Rail Project.

Project’s Scope: Engineering, Supply, Erection, Testing and Commissioning of Power Supply Receiving Sub-Station, Traction Sub-Station, Auxiliary Sub-Station, 750 V DC 3rd Rail and SCADA System for Indore Metro Rail Project.

Important information is to be followed:

• Tender Notice No. 1458/MPMRCL/2021/Package IN-09

• Issue Date: 10/11/2021

• Cost of Work: Rs. 516 Crores (Approx.)

• Work Completion Period: 1278 days (Approx.)

• Pre-bid Meeting: 08/12/2021 at 11.00 AM (IST)

• Bid Submission Date: 29/12/2021 to 05.01.2022

• Tender Opening Date: 06/01/2022 at 04.30 PM (IST)

You can get more information from this link http://mpmetrorail.com/files/IN09NIT.pdf related to the tender.

Alstom inaugurates new components manufacturing facility in Coimbatore, India in the presence of his excellency Ambassador of France to India

Metro Rail News
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Alstom inaugurates new components manufacturing facility in Coimbatore, India in the presence of his excellency Ambassador of France to India

NEW DELHI, INDIA (Metro Rail News): Alstom, a global leader in sustainable and green mobility solutions, inaugurated its new components manufacturing facility in Coimbatore, in the presence of Emmanuel LENAIN, Ambassador of France to India and Alain SPOHR, Managing Director, Alstom India & South Asia. This is the largest components manufacturing facility in Asia and is dedicated to improving industrial efficiency in manufacturing components for various prestigious national and international projects.

Alstom’s industrial presence in Coimbatore has evolved across 3 sites since 1978. This new site is spread over a total area of 15 acres and has an installed capacity of 2.1 million hours, which will offer a higher degree of production diversity & complexity – integration & testing of tractions, auxiliary converters, cubicles, driver desks and Rolling Stock looms. The site will create 10,000 direct & indirect jobs and currently has a gender diversity rate of 20%.

The Coimbatore site currently delivers not just to Alstom’s Indian sites but also to major sites across 5 continents – Asia, Australia, Europe, North America and South America. Some of the key countries include – France, Canada, Italy, Belgium, Germany, Netherlands, Saudi Arabia, Vietnam, UAE etc.

Speaking at the inauguration, Alain SPOHR, Managing Director – Alstom India said, “Our presence in Coimbatore dates to the 1970s and since then we’ve grown multifold. The opening of this facility is a testament of our commitment to the government’s flagship ‘Make in India’ & ‘Atmanirbhar Bharat’ initiative. With our enhanced capabilities and a team of talented and dedicated employees, we are proud to be a catalyst in India’s manufacturing led growth story. We have been the preferred mobility partner on various Indian projects and are keenly looking forward to becoming a leading supplier of components across Alstom’s sites globally.”

Marvelling at Alstom’s commitment to India, at the inauguration of the large-scale setup with modern equipment and amenities, Emmanuel LENAIN, Ambassador of France to India, said, “French companies are fully committed to ‘Make in India’ and speeding ahead on the back of strong bilateral relations between the two countries. It is heartening to see India’s manufacturing prowess powering global mobility. I salute the efforts and investments made by Alstom over the years in India towards building a strong base of sustainable mobility solutions and high localization, while creating a positive impact on the people and communities”

In line with Alstom’s Sustainability Goals for 2025, this site has undertaken several sustainability measures like – targeting 80% of regular activities to be run on green energy, utilizing 100% of natural light during daytime, rainwater harvesting, reusing 100% of the sewage treated water, etc. The factory also boasts of a stellar record in safety. Cumulatively, the factory has successfully achieved 10+ years of ‘accident free’ man-days.

In line with its commitment to contributing sustainably to communities in need, Alstom is taking up various projects around the factory. With the objective of reaching out to a total of over 100,000 direct beneficiaries, the company has pledged INR 3 crores for various CSR projects in the next 3 years. Some of these activities include – Water conservation, sustainable rural living and youth skilling. With this stronger industrial & commercial base with the purpose to offer a broad range of components, Alstom is much stronger to address the mobility needs of India and the world.

Larsen & Toubro bagged another two contracts worth Rs. 1620 CR. from Chennai Metro Phase-2 Project

Rajat Khanna
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Larsen & Toubro bagged another two contracts worth Rs. 1620 CR. from Chennai Metro Phase-2 Project

CHENNAI, INDIA (Metro Rail News): Larsen & Toubro (L&T) Ltd., bagged the contracts for the two upper sections of the Chennai Metro Phase-2 project. It includes 47 km Line-5, which will link Madhavaram – Sholinganallur to 48 stations.

L&T was the only bidder for Packages CP-10-EV-03 and C5-ECV-02 when the technical bids were opened in mid-July, so it became clear that they would be the lowest bidder when Chennai Metro Rail Ltd (CMRL) passed on a technical bid review and proceeded to the filing of the funding application in September 2021. L&T bid for this project is Rs. 1620 Crore and the given deadline to complete this project is approximately 36 months i.e., 3 Years.

Package Details:

• CP-10-EV-03: 10.2 km CMBT – Venugopal Nagar with one subway station and 11 high stations

• C5-ECV-02: 12.431 km CMBT – Puzhuthivakkam with 12 high stations

Project’s Scope: Construction approx. 10.2 km of the high viaduct, high ramp, and 11 elevated stations from Assissi Nagar to CMBT (except for the subway section from Retteri Ramp to Nathamuni Ramp) and cut section and cover, depot route almost. 1.5 kms and the subway station Venugopal Nagar verify the suitability of the building design, which includes the completion of buildings, plumbing works, signage and all related works in Corridor 5.

HCC-KEC JV won the contract of Chennai Metro of Rs. 1300 Crore

Rajat Khanna
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HCC-KEC JV won the contract of Chennai Metro of Rs. 1300 Crore

CHENNAI, INDIA (Metro Rail News): Hindustan Construction Company (HCC), in consortium with KEC International Ltd, has bagged a ₹1,309 crore contract from Chennai Metro Rail Limited for the construction of an 11.61-km elevated viaduct section and eleven elevated stations on Corridor 5 of phase II of the Chennai Metro. It is the second HCC-KEC Consortium order for the Chennai Metro. This work will be completed in 36 months (3 years).

The scope of the work of this contract involves civil, architectural works, signages, plumbing and drainage and other temporary services. The eleven elevated stations include Madipakkam, Kilkattalai, Echangadu, Kovilambakkam, Vellakkal, Medavakkam Junction Road, Kamaraj Garden Street, Medavakkam Junction, Perumbakkam, Global Hospital and Elcot. The project is to be completed in 36 months.

HCC owns several shares worth Rs. 668 crore in a joint venture with KEC International. HCC is part of the HCC Group, with a profit of Rs. 9,437 crore. The HCC team includes HCC, HCC Infrastructure Limited and Steiner AG in Switzerland.

Eleven high-rise stations include Madipakkam, Killkattalai, Echangadu, Kamaraj Garden Street, Elcot, Global Hospital, Perumbakkum, Vellakkal, Medavakkam Koot Road, Kovilambakkam and Medavakkam Junction.

According to the given reports, the project’s scope includes community works, plumbing and drainage services, architectural and signage works, and temporary services. In addition, HCC makes part of Mumbai Metro Line III, one Delhi Metro package, one Bangalore Metro Rail Project package, two Pune Metro contracts and one Chennai Metro package.

Metro Rail News Nov 2021 Issue published

Narendra Shah
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Metro Rail News Nov 2021 Issue published

In the spirit of ensuring to keep you updated about the Metro & Railway Industry, Metro Rail News November 2021 Issue published. Our team is dedicated to delivering quality & curated news on urban mobility developments in India & across the globe that impact you and shape the world we live in.

Readers see the cover story on Gati Shakti in this edition. The Kolkata Metro, Chennai Metro Phase-2 is the month’s project, the Kochi Metro is the featured project and provides an overview of new infrastructure projects in India. We also covered an exclusive media interview session with Mrs. Chhavi Bhardwaj, Managing Director, MPMRCL and Shri Manas Sarkar, Managing Director, KMRCL.

Along with these, this edition also covers exclusive interviews of influential people from the industry, informative articles & job alerts We believe in keeping you well informed about the metro & rail industry and enhancing your decision making.

I want to express my gratitude to our Readers and Promoters for their active participation in subscribing to Metro rail news; because of your commitment and loyalty, this magazine was successfully released since 2015 and widely appreciated and acclaimed by the participants; I wish you a happy reading commented Mr. Narendra Shah, Managing Editor, Metro Rail News.

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Delhi Metro’s Green Line extension till Indraprastha

Narendra Shah
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Delhi Metro’s Green Line extension till Indraprastha

DELHI (Metro Rail News): People in Haryana and Outer Delhi will soon be able to commute more efficiently. The Green Line of the Delhi Metro, which currently ends at Inderlok station, will be extended to Indraprastha station as part of Phase IV developments, offering direct access to Central, New, Old, West, and East Delhi.

LNJP Hospital, Indira Gandhi Hospital, IG Stadium, Old Delhi landmarks, and localities like Chandni Chowk will be connected by the proposed 12-kilometre Inderlok-Indraprastha corridor. The Green Line currently has interchange stations at Inderlok for the Red Line and Kirti Nagar for the Blue Line.

It will also have interchange facilities at Nabi Karim for the Magenta Line, Delhi Gate for the Violet Line, and Indraprastha for the Blue Line due to the extension.

It will also interchange with the Pink Line because the Delhi Metro Rail Corporation (DMRC) is building a halt platform to connect the Green Line’s Punjabi Bagh and Pink Line’s Punjabi Bagh West stations, which will open to the public next year.

Brigadier Hoshiyar Singh (Marg) is connected to Kirti Nagar and InderLok via the 29.64-kilometre Green Line. “In comparison to the others, this corridor has a lower ridership. Residents in Haryana’s areas bordering the national capital and Outer Delhi neighbourhoods Tikri, Savda Ghevra, and Mundka will have seamless access to Dwarka, Raj Nagar Extension, Vaishali, and Noida as a result of the extension. People who live in the city’s rural areas will also have direct access to hospitals, the railway station, and the NCR region,” stated a government official.

The extension of Delhi Metro Green Line from Inderlok to Indraprastha via NabiKareem, NewDelhi, DelhiGate stations
The extension of Delhi Metro Green Line from Inderlok to Indraprastha via NabiKareem, NewDelhi, DelhiGate stations

Inderlok, Daya Basti, Sarai Rohilla, Ajmal Khan Park, Nabi Karim, LNJP Hospital, Delhi Gate, Indira Gandhi Stadium, and Indraprastha will be ten stops with the 12-kilometre Green Line extension. Six routes were suggested as part of the Phase IV project, three of which were authorised by the national government in 2019, and work has begun. The Delhi government approved the remaining three corridors, and the Centre’s final sanction is likely before the end of the year.

Rithala-Bawana-Narela (22.91 km), Lajpat Nagar-Saket G-Block (8.38 km), and Inderlok-Indraprastha (12.37 km) are the three metro lines approved under Phase IV, with a total length of nearly 43 kilometres. It is projected that the overall cost will be around Rs 12,586 crore.
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Sam India re-launched the first U-Girder for the Agra Metro Phase-1 Project

Rajat Khanna
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Sam India re-launched the first U-Girder for the Agra Metro Phase-1 Project

AGRA, INDIA (Metro Rail News): On 12th November 2021 Sam India Builtwell re-launched their first U-girder for the Agra Metro Phase-1 project (4 km Taj East Gate – Taj Mahal Ramp on the central tunnel on Fatehabad Road).

 It was recorded at Trident Chowk near the Taj East Gate Station site using a 28-meter duct. Workers had begun making U-girders of various sizes in Bamrauli Katara by July 2021.

Sam India will launch 196 steps to build a high-line viaduct, forming an extensive 7 km Priority Corridor between Jama Masjid – Taj East Gate. The remaining three kilometers are still under contract, with the UPMRC receiving seven bids for the Package AGCC-02 underground tunnel project this week.

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Image Source: Twitter

Sam India Builtwell was awarded the Package AGCC-01’s Rs. 273 crore by Uttar Pradesh Metro Rail Corporation (UPMRC) in October 2020, which includes the construction of a three-line high viaduct with three stations at Fatehabad Road, Basai and Taj East Gate. Sam India started Pier work in February 2021 and introduced the first pier cap in August 2021.

According to the given sources about 115 piers have been plastered. In addition, all 48 T-girders have been introduced at Taj East Gate Station, while the UPMRC is chasing the October 2022 deadline to begin the trial using three Alstom trainers training from the PAC Depot.

CMRS will inspect the Delhi Metro’s Pink Line for driverless trains on November 16

Rajat Khanna
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CMRS will inspect the Delhi Metro’s Pink Line for driverless trains on November 16

NEW DELHI, INDIA (Metro Rail News): On 16th November 2021, the Commissioner of Metro Rail Safety (CMRS) will inspect Delhi Metro’s 58.596 KMs Pink Line (Majlis Park – Shiv Vihar) for the introduction of unattended train operation (UTO), commonly known as “Driverless Trains“.

The Prime Minister of India flagged similar services to the Phase-3 project plan of 38.235 KMs Magenta in December 2020 with SPARCS solution to control the telecommunications-based train (CBTC) Nippon Signal.

After the 1.38 km Pink Line of Trilokpuri was started its operations in August 2021, Delhi Metro Rail Corporation (DMRC), Bombardier Transportation (signed dealer) and SYSTRA MVA (UTO Consultant for RS10) have started working on a similar system for using a train without driving.

Test Program: The inspection will take 5 hours starts from Majlis Park to Maujpur through 38 municipal stations.

Pink Line’s Hyundai Rotem: BEML trains are designed to support UTO for automation (GoA) level 4, but Delhi Metro Rail Corporation (DMRC) has so far used them automatically on GoA 2, like all other ropes. (Excluding Magenta Line) on a 349 KMs network. It involves a train driver who performs essential tasks such as monitoring trackside conditions and causing the closure of doors and departure of the train.

Three firms bid to supply 78 Coaches for Chennai metro phase 2

Narendra Shah
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Three firms bid to supply 78 Coaches for Chennai metro phase 2

Chennai, India (Metro Rail News): Chennai Metro Rail Ltd (CMRL) opened technical bids on September 30, 2021, for the Rolling stock contract package (Phase – II / ARE03) of the Chennai Metro Rail Project, Phase 2. As a result, three bidders/rolling stock manufacturers made bids to deliver 78 coachers (26 train sets) for Chennai Metro’s corridor 4.

The scope of work for the Chennai Metro Rail Project Phase 2 involves the design, production, procurement, testing, commissioning, and training of people for standard gauge metro rolling stock (electrical multiple units).

The following are the bidders’ names:

1) BEML Limited

2) Alstom Transport India

3) Titagarh Wagons Ltd.

The Chennai Metro Rail Project’s Phase 2 corridor would require 288 cars, which CMRL will procure. Corridors 3 and 5 have 4,336 cars (112 train sets) out of 78 vehicles (26 train units). On the other hand, 126 cars (42 train sets) will be leased. Tender announcements have been circulated for all packages.

The 28-station Corridor, 4 of Chennai Metro’s Phase 2, would connect Lighthouse to Poonamallee Bypass via Porur over 26.09 kilometres, with 18 elevated stations and ten underground.

4 Bidders for Patna Metro’s Electrification PE-03 Contract

Metro Rail News
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4 Bidders for Patna Metro’s Electrification PE-03 Contract

PATNA, INDIA (Metro Rail News): After the Delhi Metro Rail Corporation (DMRC) opened tenders in mid-October, four firms filed bids for the 25KV Overhead Equipment (OHE) electrification system of Patna Metro’s Phase 1 project.

PE-03 is the network’s third electrification-related package, with two mostly elevated lines and 24 stops, including two interchanges at Khemni Chak and Patna Junction Railway Station.

Aside from the OHE system, the scope of work includes installing a 33 KV ring central unit, auxiliary substation (ASS), and SCADA for both elevated and underground sections, including the Quality Buildcon-built New ISBT Depot.

In July, the DMRC invited bids for package PE-03, which had a budget of Rs. 144.65 crore and a 36-month completion period (3 years).  Kalpataru Power Transmission, KEC International, Salasar Techno Engineering and Siemens were the four bidders.

SITC of 25KV Overhead Equipment (OHE) System, Switching Posts, 33KV Ring mains, Auxiliary Substations for Elevated Sections and SCADA System for Underground and Elevated sections for Corridor 1 and 2 and ISBT Depot of Patna Metro Rail Project were the scope available.

The bids have now been forwarded for technical review, which could take many months. After that, the financially eligible bidders’ financial bids will be opened to determine the lowest bidder and most likely contractor for this package.

KEC Awarded Delhi Metro Pink Line’s DE-14 Electrification Contract

Metro Rail News
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KEC Awarded Delhi Metro Pink Line’s DE-14 Electrification Contract

DELHI, INDIA (Metro rail News): KEC International was granted an Rs. 68.98 crore contract for the Delhi Metro Line-7 extension’s 25 kV overhead equipment and 33 kV auxiliary power supply system (Package DE-14) in mid-October.

The scope of this Phase 4 project’s package also includes electrical augmentation works at Mukundpur Depot and electrifying the 12.098 km Maujpur – Majlis Park segment. In addition, the train repair facility is being renovated to boost capacity for the Pink Line and serve the future trains of the Magenta Line.

In mid-March, DMRC issued a request for tenders (bids) for this package, which has an estimated cost of Rs. 79.52 crore and a completion deadline of 540 days (1.5 years).

In June, technical bids were opened, revealing eight bidders. Unfortunately, Alstom’s technical proposal was unexpectedly rejected, while Kalpataru, Ojasync, and Texmaco Rail & Engineering’s EMD/Fee were not correctly submitted.

Design, Supply, Installation, Testing and Commissioning of 25 kV Overhead Equipment (OHE), 33 kV Auxiliary Power Supply for an elevated section of Line-7 Ext. (Maujpur to Majlispark) And Augmentation works of Mukundpur depot of Delhi Metro MRTS Phase-IV are some of the brief scopes.

As part of the Longjian – KEC Joint Venture for DC-02, civil construction for this leg of the 65.1 km Phase 4 project is also ongoing. At Yamuna Vihar, Bhajanpura, Khajuri Khas, Sonia Vihar, Wazirabad Surghat, Jagatpur Village, Jharoda Majra, and Burari, there will be eight stations.

DE-14 is Line-7’s second major electrification project. Sudhir Power was awarded Package DE-01 in March for its electrical and mechanical work.

Bangalore Metro’s TBM Rudra Makes Breakthrough at Dairy Circle

Metro Rail News
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Bangalore Metro’s TBM Rudra Makes Breakthrough at Dairy Circle

BANGALORE, INDIA (Metro Rail News): Afcons Infrastructure’s TBM S-1259 also made a breakthrough at Dairy Circle Station on Bangalore Metro’s 21.386 km Pink Line, which would connect Nagawara – Kalena Agrahara through 18 stops.

TBM S-1259, dubbed Rudra, made the first of three breakthroughs for the 3.655 km Package RT-01 (Rashtriya Military School Station – Dairy Circle Ramp) of the 73.92 km Bangalore Metro Phase 2 project, and Afcons made the second of eight breakthroughs. Overall, this is the project’s fourth breakthrough out of a total of 26 scheduled for Phase 2.

This Herrenknecht slurry machine was launched on April 23 from Dairy Circle’s South Ramp and went 614 metres to pierce the diaphragm wall of Dairy Circle Station. The station’s box is still being excavated. Therefore the breakthrough was “hidden” and unnoticed by construction personnel.

Similar “secret” TBM breakthroughs have been made by Afcons Infrastructure in Chennai Metro’s Sir Theagaraya College Station (By S-711 and 219-364), TBM S-639 at Howrah Station & Mahakaran Station, and TBM S-616 at Bowbazar Shaft lately.

Rudra will now begin creating rings for the up-line tunnel under Dairy Circle Station’s box to Lakkasandra Station, a distance of 747.338 metres that Afcons aims to finish in 243 days, according to the tunnelling plan. Those rings will be dismantled during the excavation of Dairy Circle Station.

Rudra’s final task is to construct a 714.510-meter tunnel leading to Langford Town Station, which Afcons intends to finish in 157 days. According to BMRCL’s October newsletter, Afcons’ third machine, Vamika (S-1260), has manufactured 187 rings on the down-line (261.80m or 42.7 per cent). If and when the most recent figures are released, I’ll update this area.

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