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Indian Railways and Wabtec ties up to export locomotives to Africa 

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Staff Reporter
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Indian Railway
Indian Railways (Representational Image)

Metro Rail News: According to the release by the Ministry of Railway, India is set to Become a Global Locomotive Manufacturing Hub with its First-Ever Exports from Bihar’s Marhowra Plant.

Indian Railways and Wabtec have entered this strategic partnership to expand the plant’s capacity, which will ultimately facilitate the export of locomotives to Africa. The factory will produce locomotives for export to a foreign market for the first time.

By 2025, the locomotives produced at the Marhowra facility will be exported. The plant will provide locomotives from the Evolution Series ES43ACmi to clients abroad. With a 4,500 HP Evolution Series engine, the locomotive ES43ACmi provides the best fuel efficiency and a track record of performance in high-temperature conditions.

Indian Railways
Photo Copyrighted: Indian Railways

Empowering “Make In India” 

This project holds significant strategic value as it establishes India as a worldwide hub for locomotive production and fits in with the Honourable Prime Minister’s “Atmanirbhar Bharat” vision, which is in line with the “Make in India” and “Make for the World” objectives.

It would also make it possible for the Marhowra facility to export standard-gauge locomotives around the world, which will boost the Indian economy by increasing the number of local suppliers and promoting the development of long-term jobs.

Indian Railways
Representational Image

The Benefits from Indian Railways – Wabtec JV

The Ministry of Railways and Wabtec’s successful public-private collaboration has established the Marhowra factory as a premier global manufacturing location, utilising a large local supplier base from all over India. About 650 locomotives have been produced to date and introduced to the fleet of Indian Railways. To improve the plant’s capacity and competitiveness and set it up for long-term, sustainable export manufacturing operations, Wabtec and the Ministry of Railways will continue to work together.

Marhowra plant (Bihar) 

The Marhowra plant was created in 2018 to produce 1,000 modern locomotives for Indian Railways domestically. It is located on 70 acres in Marhowra, Bihar. About 600 people are employed at the company, which has been supplying Indian Railways with 100 locomotives a year on a steady basis. Additionally, it has greatly increased the state’s industrial activity.

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Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw Inspects Kavach System 4.0 

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Staff Reporter
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(Metro Rail News): A trial of an Automatic Train Protection System called KAVACH was reviewed by Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw on 24 September between Sawai Madhopur and Indargarh stations in the west central railway zone. 

The trial was conducted for about half an hour and the Railway Minister Vaishnaw mentioned that the latest version of KAVACH will be installed all over the rail network in the country in the next five to six years and it has been approved by RDSO. 

As per Ashwini Vaishnaw , the KAVACH 4.0 will be capable of conquering all kinds of communication challenges in all geographical conditions such as hilly terrain, forest coastal and desert areas. 

A Railway official said, “The train was running at 130 kmph and the moment it entered a section where there was a permanent speed restriction of 120 kmph, the Kavach brought down its speed to 120 and then after crossing, it regained the 130 kmph speed.” 

 In another test case, as the train approached the loop line with a mandated speed limit

of 30 km, the Kavah system effectively managed the deceleration process by gradually decreasing the train’s speed from 130 kmph to 30 kmph before entering the loop line.

KAVACH System 

The Kavach system, also known as an (Automatic Train Protection) ATP System, has been developed by the Indian Railway through Research Designs and Standards Organisation (RDSO), the system is capable of applying brakes automatically in case of emergency to avoid train collisions. 

An official from the Railway Ministry said “Kavach has so far been deployed on 1,465 Route km and 139 locomotives (including Electric Multiple Unit rakes) on South Central Railway,”.

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Trial Run Conducted On Mumbai Metro Line 3 (Aarey- BKC)

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Staff Reporter
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Mumbai Metro 3
Representational image only

Mumbai (Metro Rail News): The Mumbai Metro Rail Corporation (MMRC) has successfully carried out trial run on Line 3, Aqua line between the Bandra Kurla Complex (BKC) and Arrey station spanning 12 km covering 10 stations. MMRC also revealed the coach of Line 3. 

mumbai metro
Image Credit: Amar

Mumbai Metro’s Line 3 

aqua line
Image Credit: Amar

Mumbai metro line 3 also referred to as Aqua line, a 33.5 km stretch providing connectivity between Aarey colony and the Cuffe Parade via 27 stations. 

Initially , the operations are expected to begin from Aarey colony and the BKC Stations through 10 stations. 

Stations covered : 

  • Aarey Colony
  • SEEPZ 
  • MIDC
  • Marol Naka
  • CSIA Terminal 2 
  • Sahar Road
  • CSIA Terminal 1 
  • Santa Cruz Vidyanagri
  • Bandra Kurla Complex 

PM Modi is likely to inaugurate the Mumbai Metro Line 3 on 26 September and operations are expected to begin from the first week of October. 

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Union Ministry Approves Station Renaming for Mumbai Metro Line 3

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Staff Reporter
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Mumbai Metro
Mumbai Metro/Representational Image

Mumbai ( Metro Rail News): In response to the request from the state government, The Union Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs has announced renaming various stations on the Metro 3 (Aqua Line) to make the Mumbai Metro more representative of local monuments and communities.

Mumbai Metro Line 3 map
Mumbai Metro Line 3 map

Mr Ashwini Bhide, Managing Director of the Mumbai Metro Rail Corporation Ltd (MMRCL),  said, “These are minor changes to better reflect the actual locations”. For comparable suburban train stations, the Maharashtra government has already made similar modifications. 

Renamed stations:

Previous name Renamed 
Domestic Airport Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport T1 (CSMIA T1) 
International Airport Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport T2 (CSMIA T2) 
Mumbai Central Metro Jagannath Shankar Sheth Metro 
Bandra Metro Station Bandra -Kurla- Complex (BKC) 

Mumbai Metro Line 3 (Aqua)

Mumbai Metro Line 3 (Aqua) is Mumbai’s first fully underground metro line. It covers a total length of about 33.5 km, featuring 26 underground stations and 1 at-grade station. Initially, the commercial operations will likely commence on the 4th of October from Aarey Colony to BKC. This stretch is 12.5 km long and has ten stations.

Mumbai metro line 3 (Representational image)
Mumbai metro line 3 (Representational image)

The start of operations for Phase 1 of the metro services, which will be operating between Aarey Colony-JVLR and Bandra Kurla Complex, is dependent upon final clearances from the Indian government after the CMRS inspection.

Plans are well underway to commence the services; the rolling stock inspection has already been finished.

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CMRL To Hire Consultant For Construction Of Barrier Free Stations For Phase 2

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Staff Reporter
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Chennai Metro
Representational Image only | Image by CMRL

Chennai (Metro Rail News): Another development in the Chennai Metro project is that Chennai Metro Rail is planning to hire consultants to supervise the station designs for Phase 2. This initiative aims to ensure that the new stations are constructed to be barrier-free and disabled-friendly, adhering to universal accessibility standards. 

According to officials the bids have been invited for the same work and the consultant is expected to be onboard by next 2-3 months.

As per an official statement “Of over 100 stations that we have, we have chosen 15 stations as samples, each having a specific type of design. The consultant will review the design, recommend changes in accordance with the guidelines and it will be replicated for all the stations,”. 

Chennai Metro Phase 2 Map
Chennai Metro Phase 2 Map

Stations Identified: 

  • Nandanam
  • Thousand Lights
  • Perambur
  • Alandur
  •  Kodambakkam 
  • Kattupakkam
  • Valasaravakkam 
  • Pattalam
  • Thirumayilai
  • Porur Bypass
  •  Mugalivakkam 
  • Adambakkam
  • Koyambedu 
  • Sholinganallur 

According to officials of Chennai Metro Rail Limited (CMRL), the appointed consultant will ensure that the stations are constructed in compliance with the Harmonised Guidelines and Space Standards for Universal Accessibility in India, issued in 2021. This will guarantee that the infrastructure meets the required standards for accessibility, making public transport more inclusive for people with disabilities 

Vaishnavi Jayakumar of Disability Rights Alliance (DRA) said “At a time when we are investing on manufacturing driverless trains, the station infrastructure too, must be designed in such a way that disabled persons don’t have to depend on a staff to enter the station, board a train or exit the station,” as reported by The Hindu. 

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T.N government will bear the entire cost for Chennai Metro Phase 2

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Staff Reporter
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Union Minister -Nirmala Sitharaman

Chennai ( Metro Rail News): The Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharam stated that the Tamil Nadu government decided to build the Chennai Metro Rail Phase 2 as a State-run project, which means the State will pay all expenses for the project. 

Chennai Metro Phase 2 Map
Chennai Metro Phase 2 Map

State Sector Scheme  (Phase 2) 

Sitharaman mentioned that the Public Investment Board had proposed Rs. 7,425 crore for the Chennai Metro project—which the Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs had not approved. The amount that the Center would contribute in equity would be approximately Rs 7,400 crores.  

She added, “The State government made the deliberate decision in 2018 to execute Phase II as a State sector scheme, which means the State will pay the full project cost.”

At present, the project is being carried out under the state sector. 

Chennai-Metro
Chennai-Metro/Representational Image

Funds for the Chennai Metro Phase 2 

Additionally, the Finance Minister stated that the Center would offer some financial support at a lower level. With Rs 32,000 crores already set aside for the project, the Department of Economic Affairs is actively assisting the State in obtaining foreign loans. However, Sitharaman said the State administration hasn’t even used Rs 6,000 crores.

The state has also applied for loans from bilateral or multilateral organisations to strengthen the project’s financial base. 

Chennai Metro Phase 2 

Chennai metro phase 2, spanning 116.1 kilometres (km), is currently under construction and features 118 stations. The total cost of the project is Rs.61,843 crore. The second phase consists of three corridors: 

  • Corridor 3 – Madhavaram to SIPCOT (45.4 km)
  •  Corridor 4 – Lighthouse to Poonamalle Bypass (26.1 km)
  • Corridor 5 –  Madhavaram to Sholinganallur (44.6 km). 

Moreover, the first section of Chennai Metro Phase 2 is expected to be completed by 2026 and the entire project is estimated to be done by 2030.


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Track Work Begins At Majiwada Station of Mumbai Metro Line 4

By
Staff Reporter
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Mumbai Metro
Mumbai Metro One

Mumbai (Metro Rail News): Mumbai Metro advances as Apurvakriti Infrastructure has begun the track plinth casting work on 21 September at Majiwada station of  Mumbai Metro’s Line 4 & Line 4A ( Green Line).  

Line 4 spans 32.32km connecting Bhakti Park (Wadala) – Kasaravadavali through 32 stations, while Line 4A stretches 2.88 km between Kasaravadavali and Gaimukh via 2 stations. 

Mumbai Metropolitan Railway Schematic Map.svg

Package CA-161 

 This development comes under Package CA-161, a Rs. 21.88 crore contract which was awarded to Apurvakriti infrastructure by Mumbai Metropolitan Region Development Authority (MMRDA) in September 2023 with a 2 year track installation deadline.

Under this package, Apurvakriti is responsible for installing ballastless tracks at Line 4 & 4A’s section between Mulund Fire Station and Gaimukh spanning 15.77 km and also includes the siding track at Gaimukh Station.

Other Contracts For Mumbai Metro’s Line 4 

Bidding is underway for package CA-168, another track contract whose scope includes installing ballastless tracks between Bhakti Park (Wadala) and Mulund Fire Station at Line 4 of Mumbai Metro. Technical bids for the same contract are expected to open on September 25.

Rolling Stock Contract For Line 4 

In February 2024, MMRDA re-invited the bids for Package CA, a 234-coach rolling stock & signalling contract. The opening of technical bids for the contract is scheduled to take place on October 1. 

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Alstom Delivers First Trainset For Delhi Metro Phase 4 

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Staff Reporter
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Delhi Metro Phase 4

New Delhi (Metro Rail News): Delhi Metro Phase 4 witnessed another milestone as Alstom Transport finally unveiled the first of 52 Metropolis trains on 23 September at their facility in Sri City, Andhra Pradesh in the presence of Delhi Metro Rail Corporation (DMRC) officials. 

alstom delhi metro 1

Train Specification

Ankita Bajpai 1 1
Image Credit: Ankita Bajpai

The six coach trains will be deployed across three Lines, respectively. 

Pink Line (Line 7) Extension Mukundpur – Maujpur12.558 km15 trains 
Magenta Line ( Line 8) Extension Janakpuri West – RK Ashram28.92 km 24 trains
Golden line ( Line 10) Aerocity – Tughlakabad23.622 km13 trains 
RS17 2
Image Credit: Ankita Bajpai

The trains are designed with a maximum speed of up to 95 kmph and operational speed of up to 85 kmph and will be capable of GOA4 grade of automation.

The Delhi’s new lightweight train-sets will be operated in formations of DMC + TC + TC + TC + TC + DMC where DMC = Driving Motor Car and TC = Trailer Car.

1727158462455
Image Credit: Ankita Bajpai

Package RS-17

Alstom was awarded with Package RS-17, a 2631.36 crore contract in October 2022 to manufacture and supply 312 new coaches for Delhi Metro Phase 4’s with a 4.5 years deadline.  

Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) has been financing Package RS-17, a rolling stock contract through a Rs. 8,390 crore loan. 

Alstom officially began the manufacturing of trainsets in February 2024.

After the completion of the order by Alstom, the Delhi Metro network fleet will reach 2606 coaches.

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GR Infraprojects Bags Package C-02 of Nagpur Metro Phase 2 

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Staff Reporter
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Nagpur Metro
Maharashtra Metro Rail Corporation Limited (Maha Metro) invites tender for the construction of an Elevated Viaduct of length 4.856 Km and three Elevated Metro Stations for the 5.5 km long Reach-4A from Prajapati Square to Transport Nagar under Phase-2 of Nagpur Metro Rail Project.

Nagpur ( Metro Rail News): Nagpur Metro Phase 2 witnessed another consecutive progress! Maharashtra Metro Rail Corporation Limited (MMRCL or Maha-Metro) revealed GR Infraprojects Ltd.(GRIL) as the lowest bidder for Package-C-02 under 43.8km long Nagpur Metro Phase 2. 

Nagpur Metro's Phase II Map
Nagpur Metro’s Phase II Map

PACKAGE C-02 (Nagpur Metro Phase 2) 

Package C-02 includes the construction of a 17.624 km viaduct within the Nagpur Metro Orange line’s Reach 1A, which spans an 18.7 km long route and connects Khapri to Butibori MIDC ESR.

Maha-metro issued the detailed work scope for the same package, which involves the construction of an elevated metro viaduct of length 17.624 km and a 6-lane double-decker portion with a vehicular underpass for the remaining  1.14km of Reach-1A of Nagpur Metro Phase 2.

The construction of 8  elevated stations on the viaduct of package C-02 between Jamtha and Butibori will be carried out under package C-09. The stations are: 

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

Reach 1A’s viaduct provides connectivity with NH-44 and includes two special spans over the Indian Railways lines, measuring 79 meters and 100 meters in length. It also features a 1.14 km long, 6-lane double-decker section designed to accommodate both vehicular traffic and CRRC metro trains.

Nagpur Metro

Bidding process 

In March 2024, MahaMetro invited bids for Package C-02 for Nagpur Metro Phase 2’s construction with a total cost of Rs. 945 crore and a 2.5-year construction deadline.

In June 2024, technical bids were opened, and six firms submitted bids for the project. Rail Vikas Nigam Ltd. (RVNL) was found technically non-compliant with the tender’s conditions and disqualified. Five of the selected bidders are: 

Bidders Bid value 
GR Infraprojects Ltd.(GRIL) Rs.903.53 crore
Kalpataru Projects International Ltd.( KPIL)Rs. 958.50 crore
Dilip Buildcon Ltd. (DBL)Rs.978.03 crore 
NCC Ltd.Rs. 1114.91 crore
Tata Projects Ltd. (TPL)Rs. 1146.69 crore

GRIL won the package with a total bid of Rs. 904 crore, 4.39% less than Maha-Metro’s estimate of Rs. 945 crore.

The Asian Development Bank (ADB) will provide $200 mn for this contract, a loan approved in July 2024.

Moreover, Nagpur Metro Phase 2 is expected to be completed by 2026. Construction is proceeding progressively. For more details, kindly visit our website to learn more about the Nagpur metro projects.

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Rajeev Jain, Former DG PIB, Joins Editorial Advisory Board of Metro Rail News

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Staff Reporter
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Rajeev Jain

New Delhi ( Metro Rail News): We are pleased to inform the appointment of Mr. Rajeev Jain, a distinguished Indian Information Service (IIS) officer from the 1991 batch and former Director General of the Press Information Bureau (PIB), to the Editorial Advisory Board of Metro Rail News.

Mr. Jain, who retired from service in June 2024, has had an illustrious career. He has held key positions across various ministries and played a pivotal role in public communication and media management. As Director General of PIB, he oversaw the dissemination of crucial information on government policies and initiatives, significantly shaping public perception and communication strategies.

Career Highlights in Media-Related Roles:

  • 2017-2024: Held the position of DG Media/Addl DG at the Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs (MoHUA), except for a brief period (August 2021 to August 2022) during which he was with the Railways, rejoining MoHUA in September 2022.
  • 2014-2016: Director and Head of News for Doordarshan, Madhya Pradesh.
  • 2011-2014: Director, Directorate of Advertising and Visual Publicity (DAVP), leading creative strategies and implementation for 18 Central Ministries.
  • 2007-2011: Director, Media Wing at the Ministry of Commerce and Industry.
  • 1998-2024: Managed media and communications for several high-profile ministries, including Finance, Defence, Railways, Telecom, Ayush, and Health.

Key Initiatives in MoHUA (2017-2024):

  • Managed media coverage for routine programs and major events of MoHUA and its missions, including the Urban Transport-Urban Mobility Conferences, 3Rs conferences for the Swachh Bharat Mission (SBM), and anniversary celebrations.
  • Provided extensive media coverage for Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana (PMAY) lighthouse projects and organised press tours for MoHUA missions.
  • Facilitated the PM Selfie Points project in around 200 locations and integrated new media strategies to enhance outreach for Smart Cities Mission.
  • Played a key role in G20-related media coverage, particularly for the Mayors Conference in Ahmedabad.
  • Streamlined MoHUA’s media operations by panelling creative agencies and appointing a social media agency to enhance communication.

Media Achievements in Other Ministries:

  • Managed media operations for high-profile events, including India Energy Week (IEW) 2023 in Bangalore and IEW 2024 in Goa.
  • Led media management for the WTO Seattle Round (1999), World Economic Forum (WEF) 2008-2010 in Davos, and multiple WTO rounds in Geneva.

Mr. Jain’s vast experience in managing government communication at the highest levels and his expertise in crafting integrated media strategies will significantly enrich our editorial board, strengthening our focus on delivering insightful content.

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