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.
Bhopal (Metro Rail News): Afcon Infrastructure was declared as the lowest bidder for the civil construction contract BH-05 for Bhopal Metro Phase 1’s Blue Line spanning 12.915 km from Bhadbhada Chauraha to Ratnagiri Tiraha via 14 elevated stations on 29 October.
MPMRCL invited bids for Package BH-05 of Blue Line in June 2023 with a Rs. 1121.63 crore estimate and a 3-year deadline. Furthermore, the technical bids were opened in October 2023, and bid evaluation was completed last week to reveal the 4 bidders who qualified through the technical round.
Financial Bid Values
Firm
Bid (Rs. Crore)
Afcons Infrastructure Ltd.
1006.74
Kalpataru – Gulermak JV
1028.49
Larsen & Toubro Ltd. (L&T)
1069.20
Tata Projects Ltd. (TPL)
1337.38
Scope of Work
The scope of work under package BH-05 includes the construction of the entire Blue Lines viaduct with the 13 stations between Bhadbhada Chauraha and Ratnagiri Tiraha, excluding the Bogda Pul (interchange) station which is a part of package BH -03 and a ramp to Subhash Nagar Depot.
Stations covered in Package BH-05 :
Bhadbhada Chauraha
Depot Chauraha
Jawahar Chowk,
Roshanpura Chauraha
Kushabhau Thakre Hall
Parade Ground
Prabhat Chauraha
Govindpura
Govindpura Industrial Area
JK Road
Indrapuri
Piplani
Ratnagiri Tiraha
Afcon’s bid of Rs. 1006.74 crores is lower than the MPMRCL estimate of Rs. 1121.63 crores. Hence, the contract will likely be awarded to Afcon in the coming weeks.
Press release ( Metro Rail News): This release from NHSRCL represents the core idea of the bullet train, expected to be completed by 2026. The bullet train stations are to be designed in a way to improve accessibility and boost economic activities around stations. Bullet train stations serve as a doorway to a contemporary lifestyle. Every stop along the Mumbai-Ahemdabad Bullet Train track will be designed to capture the essence of the city it passes through. This will foster a sense of ownership over India’s first high-speed system and establish an immediate relationship with the local population.
By integrating with other modes like rail, metro, buses, taxis, and automobiles, the stations on the alignment will be designed as a transportation centre for a smooth travel experience. This will allow for quicker and easier connectivity to and from the station. By reducing journey times, improving accessibility, and encouraging the use of public transit, such an interface will lessen traffic and pollution in the cities.
Authorities Involved
Under the Mumbai Ahmedabad High-Speed Rail project (SMART), the program aims to introduce world-class station area development techniques in partnership with the Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs, the Ministry of Railways, the Governments of Gujarat and Maharashtra, and the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA), which brings decades of experience from similar successful projects in Japan.
One of JICA’s responsibilities is to provide technical advice and experience to guarantee that the TOD plans adhere to international best practices.
Four stations have been shortlisted by the City & State authorities:
Sabarmati and Surat in Gujarat
Virar and Thane in Maharashtra
TOD under Bullet train project
The surrounding regions of bullet train stations are intended to be developed in compliance with TOD (Transit Oriented Development) rules to improve passengers’ and stakeholders’ accessibility and convenience as well as to encourage economic activity around the stations.
Benefits of TOD:
1. Improved Accessibility and Reduced Congestion. The project will streamline access to the stations, offering passengers a smoother transit experience.
2. Mix use development around HSR stations at a walkable distance by developing Key Infrastructure such as corporate offices, hotels, educational institutions, and healthcare facilities around the station areas, creating a holistic urban ecosystem
3. Boost to Local Economy: The TOD initiative is expected to foster commercial activities around the stations, benefitting local businesses and contributing to the regional economy
4. Revenue Generation through Land Value Capture: The development Initiatives can be supported by Urban Planning tools such as the introduction of premium FSI/FAR Transfer of Development Rights (TDR) etc.
5. Sustainable Urban Growth: The project will promote the surrounding cities as liveable, sustainable urban centres, attracting investment and improving the quality of life for residents.
The TOD initiative is planned to be implemented in a phased manner, ensuring long-term sustainability and scalability. The project will cater to both immediate needs at the station level and broader regional development in the future.
Additional information:
Area
Description
Action/Planning
Area 1
Immediate surroundings of Bullet Train station, Pick & Drop off, Parking, development Passenger Plaza
Multi-model integration (MMI) schemes for all stations in close coordination with different state planning authorities to ensure smooth integration with the existing infrastructure of Stage 1 is already completed
Area 2
Up to 200-300 m around the station building including facilities for passengers.
The area around the station will be developed by various city authorities under the Gujarat and Maharashtra Governments This may require the incorporation of a station arca development plan in the Master Plan of the city, Development Plan and local plans. Amendment or substantive change in the policy framework such as change of bylaws, development controls, amendment of Floor Area Ration (FAR/PSI) etc. Widening of existing roads and correction in road geometry.
Area 3
Up to 500-800m around the Bullet Train station building including medium to long term development.
Influence areas beyond Area 2 are to be developed based on the city’s vision of creating its unique identity utilising the presence of HSR connectivity. This may include Urban Planning tools such as change in Land use, transfer of Development rights (TDR) etc. This area shall be developed by city authorities considering a period beyond 10 years.
Image for representation purpose only copyright: respective Authority
Current Status (as on 21 Oct 2024)
The entire land (1389.5 Ha) for the Project has been acquired.
All Civil tenders and depot tenders for the Project and Track tender for the Gujarat portion have been awarded.
Viaduct construction is in full swing.
Pier works: 8 km
Viaduct construction: 222 km
Bridges on rivers: 11
Erection of Steel bridges 5
Work is progressing on all 12 Bullet Train stations.
Installation of Noise Barriers is underway.
Progress of 42.07 km of Track bed construction has been achieved so far.
The work of a 21 km tunnel with a 7 km length passing through undersea has also started.
The undersea tunnel is about 36 m below the ground with a diameter of 12.1 m to accommodate both UP and DN tracks of Bullet Trains in one tunnel Such big big-diameter undersea tunnel is being constructed first time in India. 10 km of Tunnel out of a total of 21 km is planned to be constructed using a Tunnel Boring Machine (TBM) and the remaining 5 km by the New Austrian Tunneling method (NATM). Slurry-type TBMs with cutter head diameter of 11.6 m are being procured keeping in mind the ground conditions and reliability. Works on three shafts for lowering and retrieval of TBMS are nearing completion. Further, the 194 m long Additionally Driven Intermediate Tunnel (ADIT) is already completed and tunnel boring through NATM has taken up three faces simultaneously to pace up the work.
Bangalore ( Metro Rail News): After the Bangalore Metro Rail Corporation Ltd. (BMRCL) invited technical bids on 24th October 2024, 5 companies placed bids for the electrical and mechanical contract E&M-6 of Bangalore Metro’s 57 km Blue Line.
This new line (Blue Line), which is now under construction as part of Bangalore Metro’s Phase 2A (ORR Line) and Phase 2B (Airport Line) projects, would connect Silkboard to KR Puram (Phase 2A) and KR Puram to Bengaluru International Airport ( Phase 2B). It would feature 30 stations on NH-44 and the Outer Ring Road national highway.
PACKAGE E&M-6
This critical systems contract covers E&M work at 28 stations, two traction substations (TSS), and the approximately 718-meter cut and cover section next to the Yelahanka Air Force Station, including LT panels, LT cables, lighting, hydraulics, fire safety systems, UPS, DG sets, HVAC, and BMS.
A different contract will cover E&M’s work at the KIA Terminals Station and the Airport City Metro Station (also called KIA West Station).
In September 2024, BMRCL released a bid invitation for Package E&M-6, with a 1.5-year completion timeline and an estimated cost of 183 crore.
Bidders who have submitted bids for the contract are:
The technical bid examination of the bids has now begun and may take several months to finish. Following that, the lowest bidder and most likely contractor will be identified by opening the financial bids of the technically qualified bidders.
Further development procedure
As per the ongoing construction, Phase 2A will open no earlier than Q4 2026 and Phase 2B opening no earlier than Q3 2027, given the current course of events.
The first batch of BEML trains from rolling stock contract 5RS-DM will probably be used to service Phase 2’s 21.38 km Pink Line, which is at a more advanced stage of construction, hence the Blue Line will experience train-related delays, just like the Yellow Line. In Q4 2025, the first of 53 trains from BEML’s nearby Bengaluru complex at CV Raman Nagar is expected to begin service.
Metro Rail News: The first Regional Rapid Transit System (RRTS) corridor in India, which connects Delhi, Ghaziabad, and Meerut, was recently visited by Dr. Phillip Ackermann, the German ambassador. He experienced the high-speed Namo Bharat train visit, which was organized by NCRTC Managing Director Shri Shalabh Goel.
He noticed the system’s effectiveness, quickness, and dedication to passenger safety when travelling from Sahibabad to the Duhai Depot RRTS station. For a more streamlined and dependable regional journey, he praised the Namo Bharat train’s design, which puts commuter comfort and convenience first.
Additionally, the Ambassador praised the green projects and commuter-friendly facilities offered at RRTS stations. The NCRTC has taken many actions to guarantee that the corridor continues to be among the greenest transit options in India, supporting regional development that is sustainable.
The tour of the Operations Control Center at the Duhai Depot, which showcases NCRTC’s cutting-edge technology that improves operating efficiency, was part of the visit. Dr. Ackermann had the opportunity to observe firsthand the innovative systems that underpin India’s first RRTS project of its type.
Dr. Ackermann highlighted the Indo-German partnership, highlighting the strong partnership in India’s transit modernization between NCRTC and Deutsche Bahn’s Indian affiliate, which is essential to the corridor’s smooth functioning.
The successful integration of innovation and sustainability by the RRTS project was highlighted by Dr Ackermann’s visit. In addition to improving regional connectivity and supporting green efforts for India’s rapid transportation future, his praise of Indo-German collaboration demonstrates a shared goal for progressive transit solutions.
The Indian freight rail industry is a critical component of the country’s transportation infrastructure, primarily operated by Indian Railways (IR), which is the fourth-largest rail network in the world.
Freight Rail, commonly referred to as cargo or goods trains consists of specialised rail cars designed for the transportation of various types of cargo across intended destinations. Rail transport is the preferred mode for freight movement due to its high energy efficiency and cost-effectiveness. The Freight Rail industry plays a crucial role in India’s transportation infrastructure, serving as the backbone of the country’s logistics sector.
The industry handles a wide range of commodities, including coal, iron ore, steel, food grains, cement, petroleum products, and fertilisers. Annually, Freight Rail moves approximately 1.2 billion tonnes of goods over an extensive network spanning 68,000 kilometres.
Recent Developments and Achievements
Key advancements in the industry include the fast-tracking of two Dedicated Freight Corridors (DFC):
Western DFC: Connecting Jawaharlal Nehru Port to Dadri.
Eastern DFC: Stretching from Ludhiana to Dankuni.
As of June 2024, the Freight Rail sector reported earnings of INR 14,798.11 crore, reflecting the ongoing modernisation and expansion efforts in India’s freight rail infrastructure.
Annual Freight loading from 2017 to 2023
In 2022-23, the Indian Freight Industry recorded its best performance with a freight loading of 1512 MT. With an incremental loading of 94 MT, the industry experienced 7% growth compared to the 1418 MT achieved in 2021-22.
Key Facts About India’s Freight Rail Industry
Total Freight Trains: 9,146
Vision 2024: Aiming for 2,024 million tonnes (MT) of freight loading.
Revenue from Freight Traffic: $17.2 billion
June 2024 Freight Revenue: Indian Railways earned ₹14,798.11 crore, an increase from ₹13,316.81 crore in June 2023.
Freight Train Speed: The average speed increased to 44.36 km/h during 2021-22, up from 42.97 km/h in 2020-21, reflecting a 3.23% improvement.
National Rail Plan: Targeting an increase in the rail share of freight traffic from the current 27% to 45% by 2030.
Asset Tracking and Maintenance in the Freight Rail Industry
Asset tracking in the freight rail industry refers to the use of technology to monitor and manage the location, condition, and utilisation of rail assets such as containers, railcars, and chassis. This practice is becoming increasingly vital as the industry embraces digitisation to enhance efficiency, safety, and operational effectiveness. It involves using technologies such as GPS, RFID, and barcode scanners. Through this process, the risk of theft and loss can be mitigated.
Asset tracking software integrates all the elements of asset tracking in one interface. Rather than maintaining physical records of all the assets, the software helps to digitally store and moderate the information according to their maintenance needs.
Linking Asset Tracking with Rail Fleet
As the rail freight sector shows significant growth, the Indian Railways face a few infrastructural challenges, including outdated tracks, inadequate terminal facilities, and connectivity issues. These issues restrict rail freight operations and efficiency. It is crucial to address these challenges to enhance the capacity of the rail fleet and foster sustainable growth.
In 2024, the Indian Railways saw substantial growth in network electrification, track commissioning, automatic signalling installation, and bridge construction. In India, logistics costs account for over 13% of the GDP, making it crucial to invest in infrastructure.
The need for better freight rail infrastructure led to the development of Dedicated Freight Corridors (DFCs). The corridors separate the busy passenger routes and enable faster movement of goods. With the integration of various ministries to investigate alternative routes, an effort is being made to optimise fares and enhance infrastructure.
Key Components of Asset Tracking in Freight Rail
Radio Frequency Identification (RFID):RFID devices are small electronic devices that can store information and use radio waves to identify objects. They do not require any line of sight to scan and are known for their accuracy and efficiency. However, these devices have high up-front costs, privacy and security issues, and are easily influenced by signal interference.
IoT Technology:Asset tracking systems leverage Internet of Things (IoT) sensors and GPS technology to provide real-time data on the location and status of assets. This enables operators to monitor freight during transit, ensuring timely and efficient deliveries.
Cloud-Based Software:Data from tracking devices is transmitted to cloud-based platforms, providing centralised access to asset conditions, movements, and historical data. This ensures quick and informed decision-making.
Condition Monitoring:Advanced systems feature sensors to monitor environmental conditions such as temperature and humidity, which is critical for perishable goods. Maintaining optimal conditions helps prevent spoilage and ensures the quality of sensitive cargo.
Security Features:Tracking systems enhance security by providing alerts for unauthorised access or movement of assets. Door sensors, for instance, can notify operators of unauthorized container openings, improving safety measures.
Data Analytics:Analytical tools help identify operational inefficiencies like prolonged loading/unloading times or excessive dwell times at terminals. This data is valuable for optimising logistics, reducing delays, and enhancing overall performance.
Maintenance
Maintenance is crucial in the freight rail industry due to the high speeds, heavy loads, and complexity of railway systems. Proper maintenance ensures safety, reliability, and efficiency.
Types of Maintenance:
Preventive Maintenance: Regularly scheduled maintenance activities designed to prevent breakdowns and extend asset life. This includes inspections, servicing, and replacements based on usage patterns.
Predictive Maintenance: This involves using data from asset tracking systems to predict when maintenance should be performed based on actual conditions rather than a fixed schedule. This approach minimises downtime and reduces costs associated with over-maintenance.
What Assets Need to be Tracked?
Role of Asset Tracking in Maintenance in the Freight Rail Industry
Real-Time Monitoring: Asset tracking systems enable continuous monitoring of rail assets, including trains, containers, and railcars. This real-time data allows operators to identify maintenance needs promptly, reducing the risk of unexpected breakdowns and ensuring that assets are always in optimal condition. For instance, GPS monitoring helps track the exact location and status of rolling stock, allowing for timely interventions when issues arise.
Predictive Maintenance: By analysing data collected from sensors on rolling stock, operators can predict when maintenance should be performed based on actual usage and performance trends rather than fixed schedules. This approach minimises downtime and helps avoid costly repairs by addressing issues before they escalate.
Improved Maintenance Scheduling: Asset tracking facilitates better planning and scheduling of maintenance activities by providing insights into asset availability and condition. This ensures that maintenance can be conducted during off-peak hours or when assets are not in use, thereby minimising disruption to operations. Setting up reminders for regular inspections and maintenance can further reduce the risk of unexpected failures.
Condition Monitoring: Sensors can monitor various conditions such as temperature, humidity, and mechanical performance. For example, refrigerated containers can have integrated sensors that alert operators if temperatures exceed safe limits, enabling immediate action to prevent spoilage of perishable goods.
Data-Driven Decision Making: The analytics capabilities of asset tracking systems allow for the identification of inefficiencies in maintenance practices. Detailed reports can highlight long loading/unloading times or frequent repairs on specific assets, providing management with actionable insights to optimize processes.
Benefits of Asset Tracking
Improved Visibility:
Enhanced tracking allows stakeholders to have complete visibility into the supply chain, helping manage expectations regarding delivery timelines. According to a study by McKinsey, companies that utilise real-time data can improve operational efficiency by up to 30%.
Lower Operational and Maintenance Costs
The asset tracking system minimises the expenses associated with asset misplacement by reducing theft, optimising maintenance schedules, and minimising downtime due to equipment failures. A report from Deloitte indicates that predictive maintenance can reduce maintenance costs by up to 25%.
Reduces Human Error
Employees can save a lot of time after scanning the details such as manufacturer, spare parts suppliers, maintenance history, and operations and maintenance methods. With the help of strong asset tracking and management systems, the employees can easily and effectively record maintenance chores, reducing the human errors that often occur due to manual documentation techniques.
Compliance and Reporting
Asset tracking helps organisations supply precise information to stakeholders and regulators when they are clear about their assets and how they are employed. An efficient asset management system helps to address the risks linked to compliance, enabling businesses to uphold a high standard of compliance. The accountability, transparency, and governance principles help businesses to build trust and confidence with investors and clients.
Challenges in Implementing Asset Tracking
Data Security
The complexity and interconnectivity of digital systems raise the risk to data security. Cyber attacks can harm sensitive data by entering through IoT, RFID, and cloud-based systems. Safeguarding and managing enormous amounts of data becomes challenging as cyber threats change, requiring regular updates.
Lack of Standardization
With no set rules and guidelines, the chances of inconsistencies in data collection, reporting, and decision-making increase. It becomes difficult to track and monitor assets effectively, resulting in inefficiencies, errors, and potential financial losses. It also makes it challenging to compare asset performance, operational costs, and maintenance practices, hindering the process of informed decision-making and proper asset utilisation.
High Upfront Costs
Upfront costs include the purchase of machinery, equipment, or technology and the hiring and training of personnel to use and maintain these assets. This financial load may hamper a business’s cash flow and profitability. The initial cost of some asset management components is higher than that of others; for example, implementing RFID is more expensive than using asset tags or barcode labels.
Skilled Personnel
Introducing new asset-tracking processes and technologies requires skilled personnel who are often resistant to change. Recruiting and training staff can be time-consuming and costly. Inadequate training or reluctance to adopt new systems may result in inefficiencies, impacting the overall success of asset tracking initiatives.
Components of Rail Fleet Management
Case Study: SALUS Asset Tracking Solution
Digital transformation is continuously helping the rail industry become efficient and productive and tackle challenges like infrastructure efficiency, energy management, and natural resource reduction. The industry utilises asset tracking to become approximately $12.6 billion by 2025.
SALUS: Serviceable Asset Location & Utilisation System
SALUS is an advanced technical solution designed to address the inefficiencies of existing asset-tracking technologies, particularly in terms of cost, power consumption, accuracy, and flexibility. It is tailored for industries struggling to track equipment, devices, and personnel across large infrastructures.
The system, known as Serviceable Asset Location & Utilisation System (SALUS), enables real-time tracking and monitoring of an asset’s location, status, and condition, both within and outside a designated network. One of its key features is the ability to transmit radio signals securely over long distances, making it ideal for extended infrastructure and remote asset-tracking applications. SALUS offers a more efficient and reliable approach to asset management over vast areas, ensuring seamless operations across the board.
Working of SALUS
SALUS operates by tracking tags within a defined radio network established through fixed positioning anchors. As each tag moves across this network, it measures its distance from each anchor. The system accurately determines the tag’s spatial location by triangulating the data from at least three anchors.
The system is designed to be energy-efficient, with tags and devices consuming minimal power, which significantly reduces maintenance and installation costs. SALUS’ durability and cost-effectiveness make it an optimal solution for long-term asset tracking, especially in large or complex infrastructures.
Efficiency Benefits for the Rail Industry
Railway operations involve managing thousands of moving parts in trains, which are heavy and energy-intensive, requiring frequent maintenance. Insufficient maintenance can reduce operational efficiency, while excessive maintenance can lead to premature wear and tear of assets.
SALUS asset tracking offers a solution that enables rail operators to make predictive maintenance decisions at the earliest signs of underperformance. By monitoring and reporting on critical tools and assets, SALUS can be tailored to meet the specific requirements of rail operators, ensuring more efficient asset management and extending asset lifespan.
Growth Projection for Rail Asset Management
The global rail asset management market is estimated to grow annually at a CAGR of around 5.36%between 2023-2030.
The global rail asset management market was valued at around USD 11.17 billion in 2022 and is projected to reach USD 16.11 billion by 2030.
The growth will be due to increased investments in the public transport infrastructure and rising international trade partnerships for large-scale rail-based corridors.
Conclusion
The Freight Rail industry is crucial to India’s logistics and transportation. It drives economic growth through its extensive network and efficient cargo-handling capabilities. Integrating advanced asset-tracking technologies like SALUS can enhance operational efficiency, reduce costs, and improve maintenance practices as the sector evolves.
While challenges such as data security and high upfront costs remain, the benefits of real-time visibility and predictive maintenance can outweigh these hurdles. With projected growth in rail asset management and ongoing infrastructure investments, the future of freight rail in India may position it as a key player in national and global trade.
Gujrat ( Metro Rail News): National High-Speed Rail Corporation Limited successfully launched another steel bridge for the Mumbai- Ahmedabad Bullet Train Project on October 22, 2024. The 60-meter-long steel bridge was launched on the Bajva-Chhayapuri chord line of the Western Railway in Vadodara, Gujarat.
Steel bridge (Bullet Train Project)
This 12.5-meter-tall, 14.7-meter-wide steel bridge, weighing 645 MT, was constructed in a workshop in Bhachau, Gujarat, and then delivered to the installation location.
About 25659 Tor-Shear Type High Strength (TTHS) bolts with C5 system coating and elastomeric bearings were used in the bridge assembly; these bolts are all intended to survive for 100 years. The temporary structure was used to erect the steel bridge at a height of 23.5 meters above the ground. Two semi-automatic jacks with a 250-ton capacity each were used to pull the bridge utilising mac-alloy bars. This location’s piers are 21 meters high.
Promoting “Make In India”
While upholding the highest standards of safety and engineering quality, the project is being carried out with great care. India is progressively using its own technological and material resources to develop infrastructure under the “Make in India” initiative, using Japanese expertise. The Bullet Train Project’s steel bridge is a prime illustration of the project.
Out of the 28 steel bridges intended for the MAHSR corridor, this is the fifth to be finished.
To enhance passenger convenience, Noida Metro Rail Corporation (NMRC) launched a Power Bank facility across all stations of the Noida Metro network. The service, available from 23rd October 2024 aims to provide commuters with an easy and efficient solution to charge their electronic devices while on the go.
The facility was officially inaugurated by Dr. Lokesh M., Managing Director of NMRC, in a ceremony held at Sector-51 Metro Station.
This facility will be provided by A3 Charge, a Delhi NCR based company that provides on-the-go charge service. Commuters can charge their phones on the move through portable power banks. This aims to provide flexible & accessible Power Bank rental services.
The A3 Charge services are available at a very reasonable subscription fee starting from Rs.50/-. The available plans are:
2 days validity with 1 swaps plan amount Rs. 50/-.
Weekly plan – 7 days validity with 5 swaps plan amount Rs. 99/-.
Monthly plan – 30 days validity with 30 swaps plan amount Rs.199/-.
Pro plan – 1 year validity with 900 swaps plan amount Rs.999 /-.
Passengers have to simply download the app, scan the QR code at the A3 charge machines, choose the plan and they are ready to use the Power Banks Services. A3 Charge along with Noida Metro has installed the 03 (Three) A3 charge machines at all 21 Metro stations of NMRC to achieve the aim of providing convenience to the general public.
Kolkata metro ( Metro Rail News): The Kolkata metro advances with new connectivity to the airport with the completion of the 4km track from Dum Dum Cantonment to the NSCBI Airport. The 16 km-long Yellow Line connecting Neopara to Barasat will be the first line to connect with the airport.
This corridor would help commuters by integrating with other metro lines:
Blue Line (New Garia – Dakshineshwar)
Green Line ( Howrah Maiden – Esplanade)
Orange Line (Ruby Hospital – New Garia on EM bypass to Airport)
Additionally, On 21st October, Shri P Uday Kumar Reddy inspected the 4 km long track in the maiden trolly from Dum Dum Cantonment – airport. The metro station at the airport ( Jai Hind) is under construction.
The GM also examined the 3 km Noapara-Dum Dum stretch on the Yellow Line checking out the further progress on going at Jessore Road station. The official also mentioned that they have removed the biggest hurdles of roadblocks at Jessore Road leading to the airport.
Metro Railway Authority is more focused towards the 4 km long track going to the airport rather than connecting it with the orange line ( 29 km, New Garia to the airport), which consists of a lot of challenges. Especially, the Orange Line corridor’s last portion of 3.5 km from City Centre II to the airport. For instance, Afcon infrastructure with a contract of Rs.533 crore is facing a lot of challenges in building and constructing there including the construction of the Chinar Park Metro Station.
Connectivity to the airport ( Kolkata metro)
A metro official stated that the yellow line is the first line to connect to the airport. Once it is operational the commuters can travel from various ways to access the airport, interchanging at Noapara.
New Garia to the airport.
From bypass to the new Garia and switch to the Blue Line to Noapara, on the airport.
Travellers from Howrah can take the Green Line’s Howrah Maidan- Esplanade section to reach the airport via Noapara.
Bhopal (Metro Rail News): Bhopal Metro Project progressed as four construction firms have qualified for the civil construction contract BH-05 for Phase 1’s Blue Line spanning 12.915 km from Bhadbhada Chauraha to Ratnagiri Tiraha via 14 elevated stations.
MPMRCL invited bids for the Package BH-05 of Blue Line in June 2023 with a Rs. 1121.63 crore estimate and 3 year deadline. Furthermore, the technical bids were opened in October 2023 and recently the bid evaluation was completed to reveal the name of qualified bidders.
Qualified Bidders
Afcons Infrastructure Ltd.
Kalpataru – Gulermak JV
Larsen & Toubro Ltd. (L&T)
Tata Projects Ltd. (TPL)
Disqualified Bidders
Dineshchandra R Agrawal Infracon – YFC Projects JV
J Kumar Infraprojects Ltd. (JKIL)
Rail Vikas Nigam Ltd. (RVNL)
Scope of Work
The scope of work under the package BH-05 includes the construction of entire Blue Lines viaduct with the 13 stations between Bhadbhada Chauraha and Ratnagiri Tiraha excluding the Bogda Pul (interchange) station which is a part of package BH -03 and a ramp to Subhash Nagar Depot.
Lucknow ( Metro Rail News): The Uttar Pradesh Metro Rail Corporation (UPMRC) revealed that Epitome Geotechnical Services as the lowest bidder to do a comprehensive topographical study for the 11.165 km Lucknow Metro Line-2 (Phase 1B) project. Line 2 (Phase 1B) features 12 stations ( 5 elevated and 7 underground).
Package LKTS-01 ( Lucknow Metro)
Lucknow metro route map
Package LKTS-01 is the initial contract to develop Lucknow Metro’s east-west Line-2, which would pass through old Lucknow and connect Charbagh Railway Station and Vasant Kunj via 12 stations.
Work scope (LKTS-01)
The UPMRC describes the scope of work for Package LKTS-01, including the alignment design of the main line and depot entry-exit line for the Lucknow Metro Rail Project Phase 1B and a detailed topographical survey of the East-West Corridor (Charbagh to Vasantkunj), including the depot at Hardoi Road.
For Package LKTS-01, UPMRC invited bids at the end of July. The estimated cost was Rs. 24.32 lakh, and the completion period was three months. After the technical bids were opened at the end of August, 14 bidders were revealed. Nine firms were excluded from the contract because their proposals did not comply with the tender’s requirements. Here’s the list of bidders:
Bidders
Bid value
Epitome Geotechnical Services
Rs.12.87 Lakhs
Mapage Infrastructure
Rs.16.46 Lakhs
KK surveyors and Infratech
Rs.17.46 Lakhs
SS Solution
Rs .19.39 Lakhs
Drego Drones
Rs. 19.49 Lakhs
After a brief financial bid evaluation period, a contract would go to Epitome, as their bid of Rs. 12.87 lakh was around half of UPMRC’s estimate.
Lucknow metro’s Line 2 (Phase 1B)
Lucknow Metro Line-2 (Phase 1B) is under construction, spans 11.165km, and features 12 stations connecting Charbagh to Vasant Kunj.
The Detailed Project Report (DPR) for Phase 1B states that Line-2 will be roughly 4.286 km in length, with 5 stations (elevated) between Vasant Kunj and Thakurganj, and 6.879 km in length, with 7 stations ( underground) between Charbagh and Niwazganj.
Line 2 in progress
The UPMRC received 11 bids, earlier this month for the geotechnical contract for Line-2, and the technical bid review process is presently under progress. The final reports from both research projects will be part of the civil construction tender documents, which will help bidders make better-informed calculations and submit bids, as well as ensure that the right equipment, techniques, and technology are used throughout construction.
