Mumbai (Metro Rail News): Alstom and Mumbai Metro Rail Corporation (MMRC) unveiled the life-sized mock-up of the trainset for Mumbai Metro Line 3 (Aqua Line). The new, iconic and exclusive design for Mumbai meets all technical and manufacturing parameters. The mock-up provides a glimpse of the advanced features that will make daily commute substantially easier for millions of citizens in the city.
Once
operational, the Aqua Line will reduce vehicular congestion by offering a
better alternative that will be fast, efficient and sustainable. Earlier, in August
this year, the scale model of the rolling stock was unveiled by Devendra
Fadnavis, Chief Minister of Maharashtra in presence of Ashwini Bhide, Managing
Director of MMRC along with senior officials. At the same event, Line 3 was christened
as Aqua Line, inspired by the vital flow of the sea which is an integral part
of the city.
Speaking of this milestone, Alain Spohr, Managing Director, Alstom India and South Asia said, “Our objective was to create an appropriate, future-proofed design that is relevant to the people, the city and their expectations. This theme is called – Dynamic Fluidism. All technical and manufacturing parameters have been met in respect to the high interior density layout and space efficiency. We are proud to present this ‘New Face of Mumbai Transportation’. Alstom is committed to support MMRC in easing the transportation challenges of Mumbai. With the project stipulating more than 80% localized manufacturing, this contract further reinforces Alstom’s commitment to invest, grow and Make in India.”
The design takes
inspiration from the positive energy of Mumbai and architecture of the
city–which is an amalgamation of different styles from around the world. The
theme captures evolution of the city’s architectural landscapes over the years.
The exterior theme is a tribute to the
energy flowing through the city of Mumbai–the city that never sleeps. Inspired
by the vital flow of water and aspiring to be a fast, efficient and sustainable
mode of travel, to become the new lifeline for the people of Mumbai.
The interior colour harmony is inspired by
the people of Mumbai–always on the move, who turn to the sea for peace and are
soothed by its waves and breeze. This inspired the idea to use a unique blend
of comfort (beige) and freshness (arctic green) to provide a relaxing and
refreshing travel experience.
The trainsets for
Aqua Line will be equipped with regenerative braking system aiding significant
reduction in carbon emissions. The 177.2 meter-long trainsets will have higher
capacity capable of ferrying around 3,000 passengers in one trip to accommodate
high passenger flow.
Aqua Line trainset
will have safety features that include CCTV cameras, smoke detectors, emergency
intercoms, fire extinguishers with large detrainment doors to quickly evacuate
passengers in an emergency. The trainsets have appropriate signages, three rows
of grab rails, grab handles, poles for holding and dedicated space for
passengers with luggage. The design also ensures easy accessibility and comfort
for the differently abled, with dedicated space for wheelchair in every car.
MMRC awarded
Alstom a contract worth €315 million to supply 31 lightweight, fully-furnished
modern passenger trainsets of 8 cars each (total 248 metro cars) for Mumbai
Metro Line 3 (Aqua Line) in September 2018. Along with rolling stock, Alstom
will also execute the power supply contract and equip Line 3 with Urbalis 400,
its latest generation of CBTC signalling technology. The scope of the
signalling contract (worth €100 million) includes unattended train operation
(UTO), computer-based interlocking and centralised train supervision, platform
screen doors, as well as the electrical and mechanical supervisory control and
data acquisition system (E&M SCADA).
The Aqua Line has
27 stations (26 under-ground & 1 at-grade), 33.5-km long underground
stretch connecting the busiest and most congested regions in Mumbai – one of
the fastest growing cities in India. The metro line will connect Cuffe Parade
business district in the extreme south of the city to Santacruz Electronics
Export Processing Zone in the north-central. The Aqua Line will be the first
underground metro line in Mumbai and will be one of the longest underground
continuous stretches in India.