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.
Kolkata (Metro Rail News): The West Bengal government has taken a major step by suspending the 150-year-old tram services in Kolkata on all routes except for one route from Esplanade to Maidan.
Transport Minister Snehasis Chakraborty mentioned that commuters’ demand for faster modes of transport has been increasing lately. Furthermore, he stated that trams often cause congestion on roads due to their slow speed.
Image Credit: Sweata Chakraborty
Udit Ranjan Gupta of the Calcutta Tram Users’ Association (CUTA) expressed his grief by stating that trams have played a major role in Kolkata’s heritage and the suspension of their services would be a major setback. He mentioned “The trams will tell the story of a mode of primary transport that is the oldest companion of our city to have survived,”
About Kolkata Trams:
The British government introduced the Trams in Kolkata on 24 February 1873. Later the trams operated in many more cities like Patna, Chennai, Nasik, and Mumbai but were phased out.
Kolkata’s trams lasted 150 years. In 1882, steam engines were introduced, which resulted in the evolution of trams in Kolkata. In 1900, the first electricity-powered tram became operational. Furthermore, AC Trams were introduced in 2013.
Pune (Metro Rail News): Finally the wait is over. PM Narendra Modi inaugurated the underground section of Pune Metro’s Purple Line from the civil court to Swargate, which spans 3.3 km, on 29 September. This section includes three underground stations: Kasbhapeth (earlier Budhwar Peth), Mandai and Swargate.
Furthermore, he also laid the foundation stone for Pune Metro Phase 1A, which comprises the Purple Line’s extension from Swargate to Katraj, spanning 5.46km.
आज, रविवार, दिनांक 29 सप्टेंबर 2024 रोजी मा. पंतप्रधान श्री नरेंद्र मोदी यांच्या हस्ते जिल्हा न्यायालय ते स्वारगेट भूमिगत मेट्रो मार्गाचे उद्घाटन व स्वारगेट ते कात्रज (टप्पा-1) विस्ताराच्या भूमिपूजनाचा कार्यक्रम संपन्न झाला.
With this development, the entire Pune Metro Phase 1 has come to an end, and finally, the operations have begun on the Purple Line from Civil Court to Swargate. Now, the operational length of the Purple Line is 16.59 km from PCMC to Swargate.
Pune Metro Phase 1
Pune Metro Phase 1 consists of two corridors (Line 1& Line 2) spanning 31.254 km with 29 stations in total.
Line 1 (Purple Line): Line 1 spans 16.59 km, providing seamless connectivity between Pimpri Chinchwad Municipal Corporation (PCMC) and Swargate through 12 stations.
Phase 1A: Phase 1A consists of an extension of the Purple Line from Swargate to Katraj, spanning 5.464 km with three stations. Prime Minister Narendra Modi has laid the foundation stone for the same.
Line 2 (Aqua Line): Line 2 provides connectivity from Vanaz to Ramwadi, spanning 14.665 km via 16 stations.
Till date, Pune Metro has become the 9th largest metro system with a 31.25km long network beating the Noida Metro system.
At the UIC Sustainability Impact Awards 2024 held in Berlin, the National Capital Region Transport Corporation (NCRTC) earned two prestigious accolades: the Overall Winner Award and the Best Transit Award for Seamless Connectivity. NCRTC was recognised for its environmentally sustainable initiatives and innovative transportation solutions, aligning with global sustainability goals.
Award received at InnoTrans 2024 (Berlin)
At InnoTrans 2024, Shri Shalabh Goel, MD of NCRTC, acknowledged the International Union of Railways (UIC) prizes in collaboration with the Sustainable Development Foundation. The Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) of the UN and UIC’s 2030 vision, “Design a Better Future,” are the awards’ central elements.
Other Firms in the event
Major rail operators like Korea Railroad Corporation, East Japan Railway Company, DB Cargo Group, and others were among the 17 finalist projects from 15 countries that were showcased at the awards event. The competition highlights the need for sustainable rail transportation and the world’s dedication to environmental stewardship.
NCRTC Managing Director’s Statement
Shri Shalabh Goel, MD, NCRTC, stated, “These awards are a testament to NCRTC’s innovative approach to extensive multimodal integration, connecting RRTS stations with existing public transport modes such as MRTS, buses, and railway stations, along with various first- and last-mile connectivity options. It also highlights our sustained focus on commuter-centricity through the adoption of advanced technological solutions, including the world’s first-ever deployment of the European Train Control System (ETCS) Level 2 Hybrid Level 3 signalling over LTE, which enables seamless interoperability across upcoming RRTS corridors. The recognition further serves as a tribute to the valuable contributions of various stakeholders, particularly the Government of India, which has developed transformative ecosystems that have facilitated the rapid implementation of such mobility solutions.”
Green Energy and Sustainable Urban Development
The RRTS project contributes to nine Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), including gender equality, sustainable energy, and combating climate change. The Delhi-Ghaziabad-Meerut corridor specifically aligns with goals for health, well-being, and clean energy by reducing vehicle emissions by 250,000 tons annually.
Through renewable energy initiatives, NCRTC supports the Affordable and Clean Energy goal as part of India’s National Solar Mission. The aim is to generate 11 MW of solar power on rooftops over the next five years, significantly cutting greenhouse gas emissions.
Promoting “Make In India”
The “Made in India” initiative gave rise to RRTS technology, advancing regional business and elevating global project standards. The Delhi-Meerut RRTS would improve connectivity and mobility throughout the National Capital Region by connecting to upcoming routes like Delhi-Alwar and Delhi-Panipat.
Mumbai (Metro Rail News): As per the press release by (National High-Speed Rail Corporation Limited) NHSRCL, “Latest update from the 21 km long tunnel excavation work in Mumbai! After the completion of the 394 metre long ADIT tunnel leading to two additional faces for excavation, about 700 metres of Heading of tunnel excavation from these two faces through ADIT access has been completed”.
Latest update from the 21km long tunnel excavation work in Mumbai! After the completion of the 394 meter long ADIT tunnel leading to two additional faces for excavation, about 700 meters of Heading of tunnel excavation from these two faces through ADIT access has been completed . pic.twitter.com/aZSiQ0IEgD
Mumbai Ahmedabad High Speed Corridor (MAHSR) is an under-construction high-speed rail line spanning 508 km providing seamless connectivity between Mumbai and Ahmedabad through 12 stations.
Stations covered:
Mumbai
Thane
Virar
Boisar
Vapi
Bilimora
Surat
Bharuch
Vadodara
Anand/Nadiad
Ahmedabad
Sabarmati
Recent Updates :
Recently, a major milestone was witnessed by The MAHSR project by the casting of 5,169 girders. Furthermore, two key casting yards, located in Vadodara and Vapi respectively, have each produced 1,000 Full Span Box Girders (FSBG).
Delhi (Metro Rail News): RITES – R2P Asia-Pacific – ACT Fiberglass JV was declared as the lowest bidder on 26 September for the refurbishment and modernisation of 22 train sets from Delhi Metro’s RS-1 rolling stock fleet for the Blue Line (Lines 3 & 4) spanning 65.35 km.
The Delhi Metro Rail Corporation (DMRC) has scheduled a comprehensive overhaul for 22 trains.
The major refurbishment will include:
Renovations of the saloon and cab interiors.
Updates to electrical panels.
Installation of modern amenities, including:
CCTV cameras.
LCD-based digital route maps.
Fire detection systems.
Mobile charging facilities.
This initiative aims to:
Enhance passenger safety and comfort.
Extend the operational life of the metro trains.
Delhi Metro/ Representational image only.
Upgrade Contract Details
Coaches Included: The upgrade contract encompasses all coaches currently stationed at the Blue Line’s Najafgarh Depot.
Original Design and Supply: These coaches were initially designed, constructed, and supplied as 4-coach train sets in 2002 by the MRM Consortium, which includes Mitsubishi Corporation, Hyundai Rotem Company, and Mitsubishi Electric Corporation.
Additional Coaches: Over the years, BEML has supplied intermediate coaches through two contracts (RS-6 and RS-13) to expand the original 4-coach train sets into 6 and 8-coach configurations.
Bidding Process:
DMRC floated tenders for this contract with an estimated budget of Rs. 102.06 crores in October 2023 with a 3 year deadline. Furthermore the Technical bids for the same contract were opened in February 2024 to reveal the 4 bidders.
Company
Bid (Rs.Crore)
RITES – R2P Asia-Pacific – ACT Fiberglass JV
87.57
Escorts Kubota – Railway Equipment Division JV
90.62
Lalbaba Industrial Corporation – DTI India Holdings JV
98.19
Autometers Alliance – DTL Group JV
134.98
RITES – R2P Asia-Pacific – ACT Fiberglass JV’s bid of Rs. 87.57 crore was well below DMRC’s estimate of Rs. 102.60 crore, so a contract should be awarded in the coming weeks without a long financial bid evaluation period.
Other Rolling Stock Contracts
Escorts – Naledi Rail Engineering JV grabbed a Rs. 46.62 crore contract in September 2022 for 10 train-sets from the same RS-1 fleet based at Shastri Park Depot, Najafgarh Depot and Yamuna Bank Depot.
Pune (Metro Rail News): PM Modi was scheduled to inaugurate Phase 1 of the Pune Metro, connecting Civil Court to Swargate, on Thursday, 26th September. However, due to heavy rainfall, his visit to Pune was cancelled.
Union Minister Murlidhar Mohol announced that PM Modi will now virtually inaugurate the 3.3 km long stretch of Phase 1 on Sunday, 29th September.
Pune Metro’s Extension
According to the Minister of State for Civil Aviation and Cooperation, on Sunday, September 29, 2024, PM Modi would also lay the groundwork for the Swargate-Katraj Metro segment.
Swargate to Katraj is a 5.4 km long stretch line with 3 stations.
Rail Vikas Nigam Limited (RVNL) has announced the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Engineers India Limited (EIL) to explore global business opportunities.
The partnership will identify the projects worldwide that complement each other’s expertise, thereby enhancing their collective capability to bid for and execute infrastructure and other mutually beneficial projects.
Both companies will collaborate by sharing relevant information to assess market needs, aligning them with their combined capabilities to pursue projects of mutual interest. This strategic collaboration is expected to strengthen their global footprint and expand their project portfolio.
As per the release by RVNL, the Main objectives of the MoU are:
Explore business avenues to identify projects across the globe complementing each other in partnership resulting in increased capability for bidding and carrying out Infrastructure and other Projects of mutual interests.
Share relevant information to identify market needs and dovetail it with the capabilities of Parties.
Establish a working relationship with each other targeting specific industry needs.
Bangalore Metro (Metro Rail News): In the very first week of October, CMRS is likely to conduct a statutory inspection of Namma Metro’s 3.14-km Green Line extension.
Bangalore Metro Rail Corporation Limited (BMRCL) requested CMRS regarding the statutory inspection of Namma Metro’s 3.14-km Green Line extension on 7 August. The CMRS had sought some clarifications and documentation, which were duly provided by the BMRCL, a senior official said.
The inspection will be under the control of the Commissioner of Metro Railway Safety (CMRS) and his team. The motive of the inspection is to investigate whether the line is fit for public carriage of passenger traffic,
Namma Metro applied for safety clearance for the Green Line extension
On September 26, the CMRS wrote back to the BMRCL, stating that the inspection would be conducted on October 3 and 4.
A senior BMRCL official confirmed the development and added that the line is expected to open by mid-October, following the clearance from CMRS. The approval process usually takes 8-10 days.
Kochi(Metro Rail News): Kochi Metro Rail ( KMRL) has recently proposed to the state transport department suggesting that Thiruvananthapuram Metro should be constructed from Kazhakkoottam Junction to Putharikandam ground spanning 14.9 Km.
The initial plan to launch metro services at Technocity in Pallippuram was scrapped following a government directive to explore a new alignment. This change came after it was understood that the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) might not approve road excavation for metro pillar construction due to concerns over the ‘defect liability’ period.
The new proposal will likely navigate through these places:
Technopark
Kariavattom university campus
Ulloor
Murinjapalam
Pattom
PMG
legislative assembly
Palayam
Bakery Junction
Thampanoor
Putharikandam ground
Furthermore, KMRL is also planning to add three more alignments by including LuLu Mall, other prominent colleges, and spots in the proposal.
KMRL MD Loknath Behera mentioned “We submitted a technical report incorporating the recommendations of various stakeholders. A Metro starting at Kazhakkoottam Junction will have many advantages and we can start work quickly by avoiding procedural delays. We can even think of Pallippuram at a later stage. We do have three to four alternatives that cannot be disclosed until the govt takes a final decision in this matter,”
The new proposal suggests that the Metro could be extended to Pallippuram in Technocity during Phase II. KMRL also indicated that potential extensions to Kudappanakunnu and Neyyattinkara could be considered in Phase-II.
According to the detailed project report previously submitted by Kerala Rapid Transit Corp Ltd (KRTL), Phase-I of the Light Metro project, spanning 21.8 km from Pallippuram to Karamana, was estimated to cost ₹4,673 crores.
Surat (Metro Rail News): The Surat Metro project advances as TBM Tapi completes its final drive. Gulermak – Sam India Builtwell JV celebrated the final breakthrough of TBM Tapi ( TBM S94) at Surat Railway Station of Line 1, which spans 22,77 km, providing connectivity between Sarthana and Dream City.
For its final assignment, TBM Tapi started its drive from Central Warehouse Station and achieved a breakthrough at Surat Railway Station after constructing a 389m tunnel.
Deniz BUYUKGOKMEN
TBM Tapi Journey
Deniz BUYUKGOKMEN
This was TBM Tapi’s third and final breakthrough and overall 6th breakthrough for package CS2/ UG1.
Labheshwar Chowk station – Central Warehouse station
July 2024
Current assignment
Central Warehouse station -Surat railway station
September 2024
Package CS2 / UG1
Gulermak – Sam India JV was awarded a Rs. 1073.31 crore Package CS2 / UG1 from Gujarat Metro Rail Corporation (GMRC) with a 40-month deadline.
Under this contract, Gulermak – Sam India JV is responsible for designing, constructing, and completing underground stations and tunnels, including finishes, from the Kapodra Ramp to Surat Railway Station, spanning chainage 3700m to 7160.6m. The scope also includes the construction of three underground stations: Kapodra, Labheshwar Chowk, and Central Warehouse.
Deniz BUYUKGOKMEN
TBM Narmada, deployed for the downline work of the same section, also completed its final drive in August 2024.
