New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi has flagged-off the Delhi-Faridabad Metro Line that would allow hassle free travel for around two lakh daily commuters between the national capital and the industrial hub in Haryana.
The extension of the Delhi Metro connects Badarpur to Escorts Mujesar in Faridabad.
The total cost of the project from Badarpur to Escorts Mujesar is nearly Rs. 2,500 crore. Out of this, Rs. 1,557 crore was borne by the Haryana Government, the Centre contributed Rs. 537 crore, while the Delhi Metro provided Rs. 400 crore.
All these are elevated and located on either side of the Delhi-Mathura Road (NH-2).
“The nine-station metro corridor which was 95 per cent indigenously built will provide people a safe, affordable, quick, comfortable, reliable, environment-friendly and sustainable transport facility,” a Haryana government spokesperson said.
Haryana Chief Minister ML Khattar, addressing a press conference on Saturday, had thanked the Prime Minister for “gifting” the Metro service which would take the city to “another level of progress” with better connectivity with other NCR towns.
He had also said that the Prime Minister would be announcing the go-ahead for connecting Gurgaon with Faridabad by Metro.
Indore ( Metro Rail News): Madhya Pradesh Rail Corporation Ltd. (MPMRCL) received bids from 6 construction firms (2 in a consortium) for the Indore Metro’s Yellow Line underground section under Package IN-05R.
SCOPE OF PACKAGE IN-05R
Package IN-05R includes the construction of twin tunnels connecting a ramp east of Indore railway station with a ramp west of Indore’s Devi Ahilya Bai Holkar Airport covering 8.626 Km long and 7 underground stations at Indore Railway Station, Rajwada, Chota Ganpati, Bada Ganpati, Ramchandra Nagar, BSF / Kalani Nagar, and Airport.
Package In-05R stands as the only underground package for the Indore Metro Phase 1 project which covers a total length of 33.53 km. The appointed contractor will be required to deploy 4 TBMs for constructing twin tunnels.
The eastern side of Package IN-05R will be joined with Package IN-04 (under construction) Whereas the western side will be joined with Package IN-03 (under construction).
MPMRCL originally floated tenders in February 2024 for package IN-05 and then cancelled and re-floated tenders for the same package, package IN-05R, at the cost of RS. 2550 crore with a 4-year deadline.
Map Depicting route and stations in the Indore Metro
(Metro Rail News):Another progress has been waiting as the Indian Railway is planning to conduct the trials for its first hydrogen-powered trains in December 2024 on the Jind- Sonipat route in Haryana, covering a distance of 90 kilometres.
About Hydrogen-powered trains:
The first hydrogen train was manufactured by the Integral Coach Factory, situated in Tamil Nadu.
The trains have been designed with an operational speed of 140 Km\hr.
The fuel used in Hydrogen-powered trains is a combination of hydrogen and oxygen cells that produce electricity, only with the emission of water vapour.
Aim behind hydrogen trains
The hydrogen trains align with Indian Railways’ vision of achieving net-zero emissions by the end of 2030.
This will make India stand with other countries like Germany, Sweden, and China, which are already using hydrogen train technology.
Other contract:
Indian Railways has awarded a project to develop ground infrastructure and retrofit hydrogen fuel cells in existing DEMU (Diesel Electric Multiple Unit) rakes. The pilot project is estimated at Rs. 111.83 crore.
Future Prospects:
The railway network is likely to introduce 35 more hydrogen-powered trains by 2025 if the trials are successful.
Kolkata ( Metro Rail News): The Kolkata Metro has been progressing rapidly as on 19 November, Shri P Uday Kumar Reddy, General Manager of Metro Railway Kolkata, inspected the under-construction Victoria Memorial Station of Purple Line’s section spanning 7.55 km from Majerhat to Esplanade.
The general manager was accompanied by senior officials of Metro Railway and Rail Vikas Nigam Limited (RVNL) throughout the inspection.
Shri P Uday Kumar Reddy also inspected the model room at Victoria station site, progress of viaduct launching as well as station construction work of Beleghata to Salt Lake Sector V section of Orange Line and viaduct work near Bagjola Canal, New Town Depot.
Kolkata Metro’s Purple Line
Operation route: Currently, The Kolkata Metro’s 7.75 km section from Joka to Majerhat is operational with 7 stations.
Stations:
Joka, Thakurpukur, Sakherbazar, Behala Chowrasta, Behala Bazar, Taratala, and Majerhat
Under-construction route: The under-construction route of Purple Line spans 7.55 km between Majerhat and Esplanade with 5 stations.
Stations :
Mominpur, Kidderpore, Victoria Memorial, Park Street and Esplanade.
On 18 November, The National Capital Region Transport Corporation (NCRTC) and Delhi Metro Rail Corporation (DMRC) officially launched their integrated QR-ticketing system .
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.
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.
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.
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 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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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 ofE&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.
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.
Image Credit: DMRCImage 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.
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.
