NCRTC and DMRC collaborates for Integrated QR-Ticketing System

On 18 November, The National Capital Region Transport Corporation (NCRTC) and Delhi Metro Rail Corporation (DMRC) officially launched their integrated QR-ticketing system . 

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This landmark initiative is aimed at making travel across Delhi-NCR more seamless and convenient for commuters. A Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was signed by both organisations in August 2024, for creating a unified, digitally driven commuter centric network of networks in the region. 

Shri Shalabh Goel, Managing Director of NCRTC, and Dr. Vikas Kumar, Managing Director of DMRC, officially launched this integrated ticketing by booking the tickets on their respective mobile apps. Both have expressed confidence that the integration would pave the way for future innovations in travel, as well as encourage greater public transport usage in the region.

Commuters can now book Delhi Metro QR code tickets through the ‘RRTS Connect’ app and Namo Bharat QR code tickets through the ‘DMRC Momentum 2.0’ app, enabling seamless ticketing across both the RRTS systems and Delhi Metro. 

The integration of the RRTS and DMRC networks, supported by the newly launched QR-ticketing system, ensures a seamless travel experience across the NCR. The two systems complement each other, with regional transit provided by the Namo Bharat and intra-city transit services offered by the Delhi Metro, together creating a comprehensive and efficient commuting network for the community. This multi-modal connectivity not only enhances commuter convenience but also encourages increased public transport use, contributing to the long-term sustainability of these essential transit projects.

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The integration represents a major leap forward in NCRTC’s mission to provide an efficient, sustainable, and commuter-centric transport solution across Delhi-NCR. In line with the Government’s “One India – One Ticket” initiative, which aims to make inter-modal travel as convenient as possible for passengers, this initiative will simplify the ticketing process. By consolidating both metro and RRTS travel options into a single digital platform, this collaboration significantly enhances connectivity for millions of commuters across the National Capital Region.

NCRTC is playing a pivotal role in shaping the region’s transport landscape with the implementation of the RRTS project. With this initiative, NCRTC has not only advanced its vision for a multi-modal, integrated transport system but also reinforced its commitment to promoting sustainable, green, and efficient public transportation solutions. This integration is expected to reduce queues at both NCRTC and DMRC stations, save passengers valuable time, encourage digital transactions and environmentally friendly travel options and provide a more seamless and time-efficient travel experience for passengers.

This initiative is also a continuation of NCRTC’s earlier MoU with IRCTC, which will enable passengers to book Namo Bharat train tickets via the IRCTC platform with the Indian railway train tickets, further simplifying access and enhancing convenience.

The newly launched system also aligns with the objectives of the PM National Gati Shakti Master Plan, which aims to foster integrated infrastructure and seamless connectivity between different transport modes. With the operational 42 km RRTS corridor now linked to the 393 km DMRC metro network, commuters can enjoy a unified and efficient travel experience. The integration will ease congestion, and promote a cleaner, more sustainable future for the region.

RDSO finalize Oscillation Trials On the Yellow Line of Indore Metro 

Indore ( Metro Rail News): Indore Metro Phase 1 advances with the completion of oscillation and brake performance trials on the Yellow Line through three coaches manufactured by Alstom. 

The oscillation trials were conducted with an aim to evaluate the stability and performance of the three different coaches during the movement, ensuring that the commencement of operation on Indore metro meets the safety and performance standard. 

The Emergency Braking Distance (EBD) was also reviewed by the RDSO team to evaluate the efficient stopping of trains during the operations. 

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 Indore Metro Phase 1

Indore Metro is an under construction Mass Rapid Transit System ( MRTS). `The state government approved the Detailed Project Report (DPR) of Phase 1 in December 2016 while the central government cabinet approved the DPR in October 2018. 

Phase 1 of Indore metro consists of one corridor ( Yellow Line ) spanning 33.53 km with 29 stations in total. 

Stations: 

  • Bhawarsala Square
  • MR 10 Road
  • ISBT / MR 10 Flyover 
  • Chandragupta Square 
  • Hira Nagar
  • Bapat Square
  •  Meghdoot Garden
  •  Vijay Nagar Square
  •  Radisson Square 
  • Mumtaj Bag Colony
  • Bengali Square 
  • Patrakar Colony 
  • Palasia Square
  •  Indore Railway Station
  •  Rajwada Palace
  •  Chota Ganpati
  •  Bada Ganpati
  • Ramchandra Nagar Square
  • BSF / Kalani Nagar 
  • Airport
  • Gandhi Nagar Nanod
  • Super Corridor 6
  •  Super Corridor 5 
  • Super Corridor 4
  •  Super Corridor 3
  •  Super Corridor 2
  •  Super Corridor 1

Current Status:

The RDSO team is currently finalising the trial reports for the certification process.

Chennai Metro Phase 2 Advances With Completion Of Piling Work On Line 4 ’s 8 Km Stretch 

Chennai (Metro Rail News) : Chennai Metro advances with the completion of piling works on the 8 km stretch of Phase 2’s  Line 4 between Kodambakkam Powerhouse and Porur Junction on 19 November. 

This 8 km stretch includes 5 Single Decker and 4 Double Decker stations, which requires 2,255 piles to support the structure and transfer the load to the ground. 

Chennai Metro Rail Limited (CMRL) made progress in Phase 2 by addressing key engineering challenges. This included rerouting 24.45 km of utilities, such as water pipelines, to make way for construction. To safeguard critical infrastructure like a 1,200mm water line, the CMRL project team adjusted pile layouts as needed. A particularly significant accomplishment was the successful diversion of a massive 1,500mm water line without interrupting the water supply.

Chennai Metro Phase 2

Chennai Metro phase spanning 116.1 km c consists of 3 corridors. The Tamil Nadu government approved  Phase 2 of Chennai Metro in 2019 at an estimated cost of Rs. 69,180 crore. 

Line 3 ( Purple Line ) Madhavaram station- SIPCOT 2 station 45.4 km Total no. of Stations: 49 
Line 4 ( Orange Line ) Light House station-Poonamallee Bus Depot station 26.09 kmTotal No.of Stations: 28
Line 5 ( Red Line ) Madhavaram station- Sholinganallur station 44.6 km Total No.of Stations: 48

NCRTC Honored With The IGBC Net-Zero Energy Rating For Sahibabad and Guldhar RRTS Stations

Metro Rail News: On 16 November, NCRTC reached a milestone as Sahibabad and Guldhar RRTS stations located on the Delhi-Ghaziabad-Meerut corridor achieved a Net-Zero Energy rating by the Indian Green Building Council (IGBC) at Green Building Congress 2024. 

The platinum-rated Sahibabad and Guldhar RRTS stations marked a historic achievement due to their energy-positive operations powered by solar infrastructure. The use of solar infrastructure at stations reflects the NCRTC’s commitment towards a sustainable urban transit system.

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NCRTC’s Initiative:

The NCRTC has installed in-house solar rooftop plants at the Sahibabad and Guldhar RRTS stations. These solar panels are designed to generate more energy than the auxiliary consumption. The surplus energy generated through solar panels is directed to support other NCRTC electrical systems. 

During the different stages of the Delhi-Ghaziabad-Meerut corridor project, NCRTC boosted several green practices, including: 

  • Utilisation of fly ash bricks.
  • Reusing waste for construction of RRTS.
  • Natural ventilation and energy-capable designs.
  • Solar energy solutions and rainwater harvesting systems.

Significance of sustainable practice

The solar panels along stations generate 4 MWp of in-house solar power, reducing annual C02 emissions by over 4,000 tons. 

Acknowledgement received by Ghaziabad RRTS project 

During the Green Building Congress 2024, the Ghaziabad RRTS station also received the IGBC Platinum rating in the Green MRTS category. 

DMRC’S MD Honoured With IGBC Senior Fellow Title At TGNC 22nd Congress 

Delhi ( Metro Rail News): DMRC’s Managing Director, Dr. Vikas Kumar, has been awarded the prestigious IGBC Senior Fellow title for his remarkable contribution to the Green Building Movement in India by India Green Building Council ( IGBC) in its 22nd congress, Asia’s largest conference on green built movement, organised in Bengaluru. 

 Dr Vikas Kumar received this recognition due to his contribution to promoting the green infrastructure in DMRC and numerous Indian metro systems under operation. 

IGBC
DMRC MD

Transforming Metro Systems with Sustainable Practices

Under DR Kumar’s leadership, DMRC and IGBC collaborated to invent the world’s first green certification norm for the Mass Rapid Transit System (MRTS). This initiative aimed to promote eco-friendly practices in the Metro System. After this, not just DMRC but other metro systems like Kochi and Noida metro adopted this MRTS Green rating. 

The IGBC has been collaborating with different metro systems to promote a more environmentally sustainable and green culture across metro systems in India. 

Achievements & Recognitions 

The Delhi Metro’s Phase 3 stations have been certified platinum according to the IGBC MRTS rating system. 

Other amenities of the Delhi metro, including substations, colonies, corporate headquarters and metro bhawan, were certified as green buildings by IGBC. 

Previously, Metro Bhawan and a residential colony in Noida were certified as “Carbon Neutrals”. 

Future prospect: 

The Delhi Metro has been aiming to continue the same efforts in promoting green infrastructure in the upcoming Phase 4 which is under construction. 

Toyota secures Bangalore Metro Airport Challaghatta Depot E&M contract 

Bangalore ( Metro Rail News): Toyota Tsusho India Pvt Ltd. was announced as the lowest bidder on 14 November for the electrical and mechanical ( E & M) installation contract for Bangalore Metro’s Challaghatta Depot and Airport Depot.

Scope of E&M contract:

The scope of work under Package -3 of BMRCL Project Phase-2 and 2B includes the installation of L.T. Panels, L.T. Cables, Lighting, Hydraulics, Fire Safety Systems, UPS, DG Sets, HVAC for Depots at Challaghatta (Ph-2) and Airport (Ph-2B).

Bid overview:

BMRCL floated the tender for this work in August 2024 with an 18 month deadline. Technical bids revealed 4 bidders on 1st october and financial bids on 14 november.

Financial Bid Price:

Firms 
Toyota Tsusho India Pvt. Ltd.

Jakson Ltd.

Blue Star Ltd.

URC Construction Pvt. Ltd.
Bids 69.46 Crore75.30 Crore81.26 Crore93.60 Crore

Construction Contractor Information:

Bangalore Metro Phase 2 project Challaghatta Depot Purple lineMysore RoadRITES – Power Mech Projects JVRs. 499.41 croreOctober 2022
Bangalore Metro Phase 2B projectAirport Depot Blue lineDoddajala or ShettigereJ Kumar Infraprojects – AIC Infrastructures JV Rs.182.33 croreMarch 2023

Delhi Metro Phase 4  Advances As First Train Set Arrives at Mukundpur Depot

Delhi ( Metro Rail News): Another milestone for Delhi Metro Phase 4 has been achieved as Alstom Transport delivered their first of 52 metropolis train sets under Package RS-17 at the Pink Line’s Mukundpur Depot.

The first look of the train set was unveiled in September at an event held at Alstom’s manufacturing plant situated at Sri City, Andhra Pradesh facility, with the presence of  Delhi Metro Rail Corporation ( DMRC) officials. 

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Image Credit: DMRC
delhi Metro
Image Credit: DMRC

Train specification: 

The 6 coach new train sets are designed to have a maximum speed of up to 95 kmph while the trains will be operating at a speed of up to 85 kmph. 

Delhi metro rollomg stock 1
Image Credit: DMRC

The train sets will be operated in the formation of DMC + TC + MC + MC + TC + DMC where DMC = Driving Motor Car, MC = Motor Car and TC = Trailer Car.

The trains feature GOA 4 (grade of automation), which will enable these trainsets to operate in the driverless mode of UTO (Unattended Train Operations). 

Trains configuration: 

The 15 trains (90 Coaches)  out of 52 will be operating at Pink Line’s 12.558 km extension from Mukundpur to Maujpur. 

The 24 trains (144 coaches)  will be operating at  Magenta Line’s extension spanning 28.92 km between Janakpuri West and RK Ashram. 

The remaining 13 trains will be operated on a new golden line spanning 23.622 km from Aerocity to Tughlakabad. 

Package RS-17 

Alstom Transport grabbed the rolling stock contract in October 2022 from DMRC at Rs. 2631.36 crore and 4.5 year delivery period. 

The awarded contractor is responsible for the manufacturing and supply of 52 news train sets for the Delhi Metro Phase 4. 

The RS-17 contract is being financed by the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) through a Rs. 8,390 crore loan. 

Delhi Metro Fleet:

After the completion of this order by Alstom, the Delhi metro’s fleet will reach 2606 coaches. 

First U-Girder Launched for Kanpur Metro Line 2

Kanpur (Metro Rail News): On November 11, Ceigall India successfully launched the first
of 184 U-girders for Package KNPCC-12 on Kanpur Metro’s Line-2. The Line 2 spans 8.38
kilometres and connects Agriculture University to Barra-8 via eight stations.
This milestone was achieved in the ramp area near the Agriculture Metro station and depot,
which is currently under construction under Package KNPCC-14.

KanpurMetro Line2 UGirder2
Kanpur metro
u Grider

Package KNPCC-12 Of Kanpur Metro

Ceigall India was awarded package KNPCC-12 from UPMRC at Rs. 427.11 crore in March
2024 with a 30-month deadline.
The scope of work under this package includes two separate elevated sections on either side
of the underground package KNPCC-1, which connects the Agriculture Depot to the Double
Pullia Ramp.

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The southern portion of KNPCC-12 features a 3.75 km elevated section extending from
Double Pullia Ramp to Barra 8 with 4 elevated stations at Vijay Nagar Chauraha, Shastri
Chowk, Barra-7 Station and Barra-8. Additionally, to the north, beyond the Rawatpur
Interchange Station, a shorter viaduct spanning 557.8 meters will be constructed, including an
elevated station at Agriculture University adjacent to Line-2’s Agriculture University Depot.

TBM Vidyarthi Records Breakthrough At Transport Nagar Station Of Kanpur Metro Line 1 

Kanpur ( Metro Rail News): Another milestone has been achieved for Kanpur Metro phase 1 as Afcons-Sam India Consortium’s TBM Vidyarthi recorded its second breakthrough at Transport Nagar Station of Line 1 under Package KNPCC-06.

This is the overall 4th breakthrough out of 8 breakthroughs planned under Package KNPCC-06. 

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TBM Vidyarthi’s Journey 

TBM S-639B, nicknamed Vidyarthi, started its journey in December 2023 as the fourth TBM deployed for the construction of downline underground tunnels on Line 1 spanning 23.78 Km from IIT Kanpur to Naubasta. 

Current Assignment Transport Nagar Ramp -Transport Nagar Station331 m  November 2024 
First Assignment Kanpur Central Station- Nayaganj Station.1250 m June 2024 

KNPCC- 06 Package

Afcon Sam India Consortium grabbed package KNPCC-06 spanning 4.65 km approx from UPMRC at Rs. 1087.76 cores with a 36-month deadline. 

The scope of work under this package includes the construction of underground tunnels at 3 stations from Nayaganj Station to Transport Nagar Ramp for Line 1 of Kanpur Metro. 

Stations: 

  • Kanpur Central
  • Jhakarkatti
  • Transport Nagar

Future Prospects: 

TBM Vidyarthi will be dragged from Transport Nagar Station towards Jhakarkatti for its third and final breakthrough for Package KNPCC-06. 

YFC Projects – BBG JV Submit Bid for Package C-09 of Nagpur Metro Phase 2

Nagpur (Metro Rail News): On 12 November, Maha Metro opened the bids for package C-09 of the 43.8 km Nagpur Metro phase 2 project, revealing YFC Projects – BBG Infrastructure JV as the sole bidder for the contract.

Nagpur Metro Phase 2 map

Scope of Nagpur Metro Package C-09

The appointed contractor for this contract will be responsible for the construction of 8 elevated stations on Reach 1A, which is an extension of the Orange Line. The 8 stations are:

  • Ashokvan
  • Dongargaon
  • Mohgaon
  • Meghdoot CIDCO
  • Butibori Police Station
  • MHADA Colony 
  • MIDC KEC and 
  • MIDC ESR 

Bidding Process 

Maha Metro initiated the bidding for contract C-09 in April 2024 with an estimated cost of Rs. 258 crore and a 2.5-year deadline.

Funding Mechanism

Package C-09 will utilise funding from a $ 200 loan that was sanctioned by the Asian Development Bank in July 2024 for Nagpur Metro Phase 2.

The viaduct that will connect the stations on this package will be constructed by GR Infraprojects (GRIL) under package C-02, which is worth Rs. 903.53 crore.

The Process Ahead

It is likely that the bid submitted by YFC-BBG JV will undergo technical evaluation. Following the successful technical evaluation Maha Metro will reveal the financial bid for the contract.

Enia Design became the lowest bidder for the DDC-03 contract, which includes the development of various designs for all 8 stations.

Aurionpro Win AFC System Contract for Chennai Metro Phase 2 

Chennai (Metro Rail News): Chennai Metro Phase 2 advanced as Aurionpro Solutions, a leading technology provider in the transit and fintech space, grabbed the contract to supply Automated Fare Collection (AFC) systems for Phase 2 by Chennai Metro Rail Corporation Limited (CMRL).  

The President & Global Head of Tech Innovation Group Sanjay Bali said “We are thrilled to announce this significant win and grateful to CMRL for entrusting us with this opportunity. This project further reaffirms our commitment to “Make in India”, with automated swing gates to be manufactured at our Ghaziabad facility. It positions us as the leading end to end provider of smart mobility solutions supporting the rapid development of India’s metro infrastructure and setting new standards for excellence in urban transit systems.”

AFC system
AFC system/Representational image, Photo by: Rohit Padole

Scope of work: 

As per the Release, The scope of work under this contract includes the end-to-end delivery of station-level Automated Fare Collection (AFC) systems, encompassing design, manufacturing, supply, installation, testing, commissioning, training, and ongoing maintenance for Corridor 3 from Sholinganallur to Sipcot and Corridor 5 from Koyambedu to Elcot Park.

Aim of the Contract: 

The AFC system will enhance the operational efficiency and passenger convenience by managing the large number of passengers by advanced, streamlined ticketing and fare management solutions. 

The CMRL has been planning to increase the passengers convenience 

Aurionpio has been aiming to support CMRL in setting a new standard of operation efficiency and passenger convenience by integrating innovative technology with seamless service. 

 Chennai Metro Phase 2

Chennai Metro phase 2 consists of 3 corridors spanning 116.1 km . The phase 2 was approved by the Tamil Nadu government in 2019 at an estimated cost of Rs. 69,180 crore. 

Line 3 ( Purple Line ) Madhavaram station- SIPCOT 2 station 45.4 km Total no. of Stations: 49 
Line 4 ( Orange Line ) Light House station-Poonamallee Bus Depot station 26.09 kmTotal No.of Stations: 28
Line 5 ( Red Line ) Madhavaram station- Sholinganallur station 44.6 km Total No.of Stations: 48

Railway Board Member Shri Braj Mohan Agrawal Assesses Vande Bharat and Hydrogen Train Manufacturing at Chennai’s ICF

Chennai (Metro Rail News): Shri Braj Mohan Agrawal, Member of Traction & Rolling Stock of the Railway Board, conducted an inspection at the Integral Coach Factory situated in Chennai. 

The inspection mainly focused on the Vande Bharat, Freight EMU, and Hydrogen Train manufacturing processes. 

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The inspection includes brief reviews about the Vande Bharat sleeper rakes and Amrit Bharat Coaches. 

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He also inspected the Hydrogen Train DPC Shells and Amrit Bharat (Version 2.0) coaches in the DPRS shed. 

Shri Agarwal’s inspection reinforced the Railway Board’s commitment towards innovation and modernisation in Indian Railways.

Sona BLW Acquires Railway Equipment Division of Escorts Kubota at Rs ₹1,660 crore

(Metro Rail News): Sona BLW Precision Forgings Ltd. (Sona Comstar), a leading provider of global mobility technology solutions, has entered into a ₹1,660 crore agreement to acquire the Railway Equipment Division (RED) of Escorts Kubota Ltd. (EKL). 

This acquisition not only increases Sona Comstar’s commercial value but also signifies its entry into the railway components market.

Mr. Vivek Vikram Singh, MD & Group CEO of Sona Comstar, mentioned “We are delighted to step into the railways components sector with the signing of the agreement to acquire the Railway Equipment Division of EKL. The proposed acquisition of the Railway Equipment Division aligns with our vision statement as we expand into the broader mobility sector. Once completed, the ‘Railway Equipment Division’ acquisition will enhance our clean mobility product offerings by adding a market-leading railway components business. The railway industry presents long-term growth opportunities, and with the ‘Railway Equipment Division’ business, we see significant potential to broaden our product range by incorporating advanced technology and engineered products”. 

The transaction will involve the acquisition of RED as an operational entity through a slump sale. The Railway Equipment Division (RED) of Escorts Kubota Ltd. (EKL) is a well-known provider of railway components. It made INR 950 crore in revenue and INR 179 crore in EBIT in FY24. From the first year of operation, Sona Comstar should see an increase in earnings as a result of the acquisition.

Strategic Importance:

Given India’s growing railway infrastructure, fast urbanization, and rising investment in the industry, Sona Comstar’s debut in the Indian Railways Components market offers promising growth opportunities.

Brief about RED in the Market

With more than 60 years of experience in the field, RED has long been a reliable partner for private OEMs and Indian Railways.

It is the only domestic company with silver-grade IRIS certification for brake systems and one of the few in India that have various products certified by Indian Railways.

RED specializes in the design, development, and testing of several vital railway components and has a 600,000-square-foot plant in Faridabad.

Growth Dynamics:

HVAC systems, electrical control panels, vacuum evacuation systems, and automated plug doors are just a few of the new goods that RED is producing in large quantities.

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The company is a market leader in India because of its wide range of products, which includes brakes, couplers, suspension systems, and friction and rubber goods.

Over the last five years, RED has demonstrated remarkable development, with sales rising at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 19% and EBIT growing at a CAGR of 18%. 

Bangalore Metro: Green Line’s Nagasandra -Madavara Stretch Becomes Operational 

Bangalore (Metro Rail News): The operations on the much-awaited Nagasandra -Madavara extension of the Green Line of the Bangalore metro finally began on 7 November. However, the official inauguration will be held later. 

As per the Release, the Hon’ble Deputy Chief Minister, Government of Karnataka, along with Hon’ble MP, Bengaluru South, Hon’ble MLAs & other dignitaries travelled in Metro Train from Yeshvanthpur to Madavara and inspected the Reach 3 Extension line of 3.14 km and three stations from Nagasandra to Madavara (BIEC). 

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Nagasandra- Madavara Extension Of Green Line

 Bangalore Metro’s Green Line Nagasandra- Madavara extension spans 3.7 km, covering 3 stations and was constructed at a cost of Rs 298 crore.

Stations covered: 

  • Manjunath Nagar
  • Chikkabidarakallu (formerly Jindal Nagar)
  • Madavara (BIEC)

Additional Information: 

As per the BMRCL press release, the passenger services will start on 7 November, with the first train departing from Madavara at 05.00 am, while the last train will be leaving at 11:00 pm.

The travel time on the Madavara – Nagasandra section will be 10 minutes. However, this will not interrupt train operations on the other section of Green Line.