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Shri Shalabh Goel Appointed as the Managing Director of NCRTC

02/07/2024

New Delhi (Metro Rail News): On 2nd July 2024, Shri Shalabh Goel (IRSEE) assumed the role of Managing Director (MD) of the National Capital Region Transport Corporation (NCRTC). He brings with him a wealth of experience and a distinguished career in Indian Railways, having served in various key positions.

Shri Shalabh Goel’s Educational Background

Shri Goel is a 1989 batch officer of the Indian Railway Service of Electrical Engineers (IRSEE). A graduate in Electrical Engineering from IIT Roorkee, he completed post-graduation in Energy Studies from IIT Delhi.

Experience & Previous Roles

Shri Goel has joined NCRTC at a very crucial juncture, when the organization is poised to operationalize the entire 82-km long Delhi-Ghaziabad-Meerut RRTS corridor, a very complex and challenging project, within the scheduled timelines.

In his illustrious career spanning over three decades, Shri Goel has held several challenging assignments such as Executive Director, Ministry of Railways; Divisional Railway Manager (DRM), Mumbai Division of Central Railway; Chief Electrical Locomotive Engineer, Central Railway; and SDGM/CVO (Western Railway). During his tenure as DRM, he played a pivotal role in managing train operations amidst the peak of the COVID-19 pandemic, ensuring the continuity of essential services and the safety of passengers and staff.

Just before joining NCRTC, Shri Goel served as Senior Deputy General Manager cum CVO of Western Railway. He has a rich background in railway operations, electrification, electrical locomotive maintenance, energy management and general administration. His extensive experience includes postings over Central Railway, Northern Railway, Western Railway, Ministry of Railways, & Delhi Metro Rail Corporation (DMRC). Shri Goel’s exemplary service has been recognized with numerous accolades, including the prestigious Minister of Railways and General Manager awards.

About NCRTC

NCRTC is a joint venture company of Govt of India and the States of NCT of Delhi, Haryana, Rajasthan, and Uttar Pradesh, under the administrative control of the Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs, GOI. NCRTC is implementing the country’s first 82 km long Delhi-Ghaziabad-Meerut RRTS corridor in the National Capital Region, ensuring balanced and sustainable urban development through better connectivity and access.

Delhi Metro: MIA Construction Bags Construction Contract Of Smart Parking at Karkadooma Metro Station

Staff Reporter

02/07/2024

Delhi Metro: MIA Construction Bags Construction Contract Of Smart Parking at Karkadooma Metro Station

On June 26, the Delhi Metro Rail Corporation (DMRC) issued a Letter of Acceptance to MIA Construction Pvt Ltd. for the civil construction of an underground multi-storey smart parking facility at Karkardooma Metro Station under Package CC-146. The estimated cost of the project is Rs. 31.27 crore.

Scope of work

The scope of work includes the design, construction, and commissioning of an underground multi-storey smart parking facility at Karkardooma Metro Station. This project is a crucial part of the Multi-Modal Integration (MMI) Plan, which aims to enhance connectivity and convenience for commuters.

Bidding Process

In December 2023, the Delhi Metro Rail Corporation (DMRC) initiated the bidding process for Package CC-146, which involved the civil construction of an underground multi-storey smart parking facility at Karkardooma Metro Station. The project was estimated to cost INR 41.47 crore and had a completion deadline of 24 months.

MIA Construction Pvt Ltd. secured the contract by placing a bid of INR 31.27 crore. Following this, DMRC issued a Letter of Acceptance (LOA) to MIA Construction on June 26, 2024. According to the terms outlined in the tender, MIA Construction will be responsible for executing the work within a 24-month period, starting from July 25, 2024.

Delhi Metro’s Karkadooma Metro Station

Karkardooma Metro Station, which became operational on January 6, 2010, serves as a key interchange between the Pink Line (Majlis Park—Shiv Vihar) and the Blue Line (Vaishali—Yamuna Bank). This strategic connection facilitates a smooth transition for commuters travelling on both lines.

The Delhi Metro Rail Corporation (DMRC) initially constructed Karkardooma Station for the Blue Line as part of the Phase 2 project. Later, under Phase 3, the station was connected to the Pink Line, further integrating the metro system and improving accessibility for passengers.

Delhi Metro Phase 4: All Three Priority Corridors likely to be Operational by 2026

Staff Reporter

02/07/2024

Delhi Metro Phase 4: All Three Priority Corridors likely to be Operational by 2026

New Delhi (Metro Rail News): The Delhi Metro Rail Corporation (DMRC) is progressing rapidly with its Phase 4 expansion work with the target of opening all three priority corridors comprising 65 kilometres of new lines by 2026. Though work on the fourth phase of expansion started in December 2019, immediately after the finalization of tenders, progress of work was significantly impacted from 2020 to 2022 for almost three years due to the Covid pandemic and delays in getting tree-cutting permissions.

DMRC has been working continuously on the Phase 4 project practically since the last one and a half – two years only, which gives the organisation just about four years’ time to complete the entire work by the year 2026.

Progress in Delhi Metro’s Phase IV

At present, over 50 percent progress has already been achieved on all three corridors. On the Majlis Park – Maujpur section, about 80 percent of civil work has already been completed. Tunneling works are in progress on various stretches on the Aerocity – Tughlakabad (Golden Line) and the Janakpuri West – RK Ashram Marg (Magenta Line) corridors.

Despite the adverse situation of COVID-19 and the delay in various permissions, the Phase 4 section from Janakpuri West to Krishna Park Extension is now almost complete and is likely to be opened by August 2024. The Majlis Park – Maujpur corridor is also likely to be opened during the next year. The rest of the sections of the priority corridors are expected to be opened in a phased manner by 2026. However, certain permissions for tree cutting and the acquisition of land pockets at isolated locations are still awaiting approval.

The project is being monitored at various levels on a day-to-day basis. Site visits are also taken up at the highest level to expedite the work. Tree-cutting permissions are being pursued at appropriate levels.

The Addition of 2 New Corridors

Two more corridors under Phase 4, Inderlok – Indraprastha and Saket G Block – Lajpat Nagar have also received approval recently. DMRC at present is processing for statutory clearances including land acquisition from the concerned authorities. Forest clearances and tree-cutting permissions are also being taken up at the appropriate levels. Further processes regarding the planning and tendering for civil works are in progress.

Chennai Metro: HCC-KEC JV Concludes Casting Work For Corridor 4

Staff Reporter

01/07/2024

Chennai Metro: HCC-KEC JV Concludes Casting Work For Corridor 4

Chennai (Metro Rail News): On 27 June, the Chennai Metro Phase 2 project reached another milestone as the joint venture between Hindustan Construction Company (HCC) and KEC International concluded the casting of all precast elements within Package C4-ECV02 of Line 4.

Package C4-ECV02 covers a total distance of 7.945 km through 9 stations. It connects Poonamallee Bypass and Porur. Additionally, this was the first civil package to be issued by CMRL for the 116.1km long Phase 2 project.

According to CMRL’s press release, HCC-KEC JV cast a total of 2,885 precast elements of 18 types, including prestressed (pre-tensioned and post-tensioned) components like U-girders, pier arms, portal beams, and pier caps, at their casting facility located in Kolappancheri.

Package C4-ECV02

Cost: In May 2021, HCC – KEC Joint Venture secured Package C4-ECV02 from Chennai Metro Rail Ltd. (CMRL) at Rs. 1007.95 crore.

Deadline: This package has a completion deadline of a 36-month (3 years).

Scope of work: This package includes the construction of a 7.945 km viaduct for the main line, primarily consisting of U-girders, as well as a viaduct extending to the Poonamallee Depot.

Line 4 of Chennai Metro Phase 2

Chennai Metro Phase 2 stretches about 116.1 km, featuring 3 new Lines ( Purple Line, Orange Line and Red Line). Line 4 (Orange Line) runs 26.09 km, connecting Light House with Poonamallee Bus Depot through 28 stations(18 elevated & 10 underground).

In February 2024, Alstom initiated the production of the rolling stock that will be deployed on Line 4. The delivery of the first trainset is expected by August 2024.

Nagpur Metro: 5 Firms Submit Proposal for Phase2’s OHE Contract

Staff Reporter

01/07/2024

Nagpur Metro: 5 Firms Submit Proposal for Phase2’s OHE Contract

Nagpur (Metro Rail News): On June 26, Maharashtra Metro Rail Corporation Ltd. (Maha-Metro) opened the technical bids for package TR-02. Five firms have submitted proposals to undertake the overhead equipment (OHE) electrification work for the 43.8 km Phase 2 of Nagpur Metro.

The Asian Development Bank (ADB) and the European Investment Bank (EIB) will fund Package TR-02 through a proposed loan.

Scope of work:

Package TR-02 involves a comprehensive scope of work, including the design, supply, installation, testing, and commissioning of a 25kV flexible overhead equipment (OHE) system and sectioning posts for Phase 2 of the Nagpur Metro Rail Project. This infrastructure is crucial for ensuring efficient and reliable electrical distribution along the metro network’s at-grade and elevated sections.

Bidding Process

In December 2023, Maha Metro issued a call for bids for Package TR-02. The tender was released with an undisclosed budget and a completion deadline of 180 weeks (3.45 years).

The firms that have submitted proposals for Package TR-02 include:

Siemens Ltd. – Rail Vikas Nigam Ltd. (RVNL) JV
Kalpataru Projects International Ltd. (KPIL)
Texmaco Rail and Engineering Ltd.
KEC International Ltd.
Konkan Railway Corporation Ltd

The bids will now undergo a comprehensive technical evaluation process, which probably will take a few months to complete. Following this evaluation, Maha Metro will reveal the financial bids of the technically qualified bidders to identify the L1 (Lowest Bidder) for package TR-02.

Nagpur Metro Phase 2 Project

In January 2019, the Maharashtra government approved the Detailed Project Report (DPR) of the 43.8 km long Nagpur Metro Phase 2 project at Rs. 5,976 crore. However, in 2023, the state cabinet revised the estimated project cost to Rs. 6,708 crore.

Phase II will cover a total distance of 43.8 km through extensions of the existing two corridors. It will incorporate a total of 35 stations. Upon completion, Phase 2 will expand the Nagpur Metro Network to 82 km.

Bangalore Metro: TBM Tunga Halts Operations on Pink Line Due to Sinkhole Formation

Staff Reporter

29/06/2024

Bangalore Metro: TBM Tunga Halts Operations on Pink Line Due to Sinkhole Formation

Bangalore (Metro Rail News): On 27 June, Bangalore Metro’s Pink Line encountered a major setback when authorities halted the operations of Tunnel Boring Machine (TBM) Tunga due to the appearance of a sinkhole on the road in KG Halli, located in northeastern Bengaluru.

As per a senior BMRCL official, the sinkhole measures roughly between 2.5 to 3 meters in width and 3 meters in depth and is likely to have appeared due to either an air pocket or loose soil conditions.

SInkhole formed on pink line — The sinkhole formed on the road

Since 2023, there have been 3 sinkholes identified along the Pink Line: one on Brigade Road and another in Pottery Town.

According to an official “The repair is underway and will be followed by grouting. Backfilling the sinkhole again will need four more days. The TBM will not operate during this time. We will then proceed slowly,” reported Deccan Herald.

ITD Cementation Ltd deployed the TBM (S-839), nicknamed TBM Tunga at KG Halli for its 935-metre-long tunnel drive towards Nagavara In the first week of February.

This is TBM Tunga’s final assignment for the 21.26-km long Pink Line, which will connect Kalena Agrahara to Nagavara through MG Road and Tannery Road. The Pink Line features a 13.76 km underground section and a 7.5 km elevated section.

TBM Tunga’s Journey on the Pink Line:

1. First Drive

– Route: Venkateshpura to Tannery Road

– Distance: 834.4 meters

– Duration: July 23, 2021 – August 24, 2022

2. Second Drive

– Route: Venkateshpura to KG Halli

– Distance: 1,184.4 meters

– Duration: October 31, 2022 – December 6, 2023

3. Third Drive

– Route: KG Halli to Nagavara

– Distance: 935 meters

– Start Date: February 1, 2024 (ongoing)

TBM Tunga is likely to achieve its final breakthrough at Nagavara Station of Pink Line on 30 October.

Kolkata Metro: D-Wall’s Construction Work at Victoria Metro Station is Advancing Swiftly

Staff Reporter

29/06/2024

Kolkata Metro: D-Wall’s Construction Work at Victoria Metro Station is Advancing Swiftly

Kolkata (Metro Rail News): The Construction work of Victoria Metro station of the Purple Line of Kolkata Metro has been going on smoothly. Joka -Majerhat stretch of this Purple Line has already been operational and efforts are now on to extend it further in order to reach the heart of the city. Construction work of Mominpur (Excl.) to the Esplanade stretch of this Corridor has been going on in that direction. A work order for the construction of this stretch has already been issued to M/s. Larsen & Toubro in last July.

1719315660529 25 1 — Image Credit: Kolkata Metro

Out of the four stations on this stretch (Khidderpore, Victoria, Park Street and Esplanade) construction work of the underground Victoria station has been taken up by the executing agency Rail Vikas Nigam Limited (RVNL). This station will be 325 meters long and its platform level will be at a depth of 14.7 meters from the surface.

1719315637452 25 3 — Image Credit: Kolkata Metro

Barricading work of the area required for the construction of this underground station and other preparatory works are now complete. At first, diaphragm walls (D-walls) are being constructed and then the station slabs will be constructed following the Cut and Cover Top-Down Method. Already construction of 115 metres of diaphragm walls has been completed. At Victoria Station, a total of 709 metres of diaphragm walls will be constructed.

1719315645636 25 2 — Image Credit: Kolkata Metro

Some encroaching trees at the station site were infringing the construction work of this station. It was decided to transplant those trees following all stipulated norms to a nearby area. Hon’ble Calcutta High Court has already dismissed a plea challenging the transplantation of these trees on 20.06.2024. In order to construct this station, already 22 trees have been transplanted to Kamardanga Railway land. This has cleared the infringements towards the construction of this station.

During the construction of the station, special care has also been taken to assess the vibration level generated and also for the nearby Victoria Memorial Hall.

For the tunnelling work of the stretch from the Khidderpore to Park Street stretch of this Corridor, two Tunnel Boring Machines (TBM) will be deployed from the Khidderpore launching shaft. At present, construction of this launching shaft inside the St. Thomas School premises at Khidderpore is in progress.

Mumbai Metro: 3 Firms Submit Proposals to Construct Dongri Depot on Red Line

Staff Reporter

29/06/2024

Mumbai Metro: 3 Firms Submit Proposals to Construct Dongri Depot on Red Line

Mumba (Metro Rail News): On June 25, 2024, the Mumbai Metropolitan Region Development Authority (MMRDA) opened technical bids for Package CA-207. This package involves the construction of the Dongri Depot on the Red Line of the Mumbai Metro. Three firms have submitted proposals to carry out the work for this package.

The Dongri Depot and Workshop, under Package CA-207, is planned to be built on 41.36 hectares of land in northwest Mumbai. This facility will be designed to accommodate and maintain BEML trains serving the entire Red Line, which includes Line-9, Line-7, and Line-7A. These lines connect Dongri, Mira Bhayandar, Dahisar East, Gundavali, and CSIA Terminal 2.

Additionally, the Dongri Depot will feature an Operations Control Centre (OCC), a 690-meter-long test track with platforms, a stabling shed (SBL), a workshop shed (WSL), an inspection shed (IBL), a receiving substation (RSS), and two auxiliary substations (ASS).

Bidding Process

In February 2024, MMRDA called for bids for the package CA-207, estimating the project at Rs. 626.69 crore. The project has a completion timeline of 52 months.

Firms

Three firms who have submitted the proposal to construct Package CA-207 are the following:

KPC Projects Ltd.
Ritwik Projects Pvt. Ltd
NCC Ltd.

Scope of work

The work under Package CA-207 includes the development of the depot land and the construction of essential infrastructure for the Depot at Dongri, part of Metro Line-9 of the Mumbai Metro Rail Project by MMRDA. This includes:

Stabling Yard
Operations Control Centre
Depot Control Centre
Administrative Building
Maintenance and Inspection Buildings
Auxiliary Substation
Roads
Underground Utility Ducts
Drainage System
Rainwater Harvesting Facilities

Additionally, the project involves architectural finishing, plumbing, and pre-engineered building (PEB) works.

The bids submitted by the three firms will now undergo a comprehensive technical evaluation process which can take a few months to complete. Once this evaluation is done, MMRDA will proceed to open the financial bids of the technically qualified bidders to identify the L1 (Lowest bidder) for Package CA-207.

A 4.9 km extension of Line 9 will provide access to the Dongri Depot. This extension originating from Subhash Chandra Bose Ground Station will run along Uttan Road.

Mumbai Metro 3: RDSO Conducts Trials of Rolling Stock on Aqua Line

Staff Reporter

28/06/2024

Mumbai Metro 3: RDSO Conducts Trials of Rolling Stock on Aqua Line

Mumbai (Metro Rail News): The work is advancing swiftly on the Aqua Line (Line 3) of the Mumbai Metro. In a recent development, the Research Design and Standards Organisation (RDSO) has wrapped up the testing phase for the rolling stock designed for the Mumbai Metro’s Line 3, which runs underground between Aarey and Seepz via BKC. Currently, trials are underway in Phase 1, which extends from Aarey to Bandra-Kurla Complex (BKC).

On 24 June 2024, an update on the official X account of the Mumbai Metro 3 project announced the completion of oscillation trials for the Metro rakes. The Research Design and Standards Organisation (RDSO) will now submit the trial report to the Railway Board and the Commissioner of Metro Rail Safety.

Meanwhile, other electrical system tests and integrated testing of the rolling stock with signalling are ongoing. Once these tests are completed, the Commissioner of Metro Rail Safety (CMRS) will be called for the final inspection before commencing the public operations in Phase 1.

Commencing on June 8, the trials were executed at a maximum speed of 95 km/h using both empty and loaded rakes. These oscillation trials are essential as they assess how well the train performs dynamically and maintains stability at different speeds.

A thorough assessment of the dynamic stability of rolling stock, especially at high speeds and on curves, is crucial to minimise the risk of derailments. Additionally, testing includes a detailed analysis of how the rolling stock interacts with the track, specifically evaluating the forces applied on the rails. Through these tests, RDSO ensures compliance with safety standards to prevent accidents and ensure passenger safety.

Mumbai Metro Line 3

Mumbai Metro’s Aqua Line (Line-3), spans 33.5 kilometres and serves as a crucial north-south corridor, designed to streamline connectivity throughout Mumbai. It will link six commercial suburbs, 30 office areas, 12 educational institutions, 11 major hospitals, and 10 transport hubs, including both of Mumbai’s airports. Once operational, this corridor is expected to alleviate congestion on roads. The operations for Phase I of the Mumbai Metro Line 3 are anticipated to commence by the end of 2024.

Nagpur Metro Phase 2: 6 Firms Submit Bids for Package C-02

Staff Reporter

28/06/2024

Nagpur Metro Phase 2: 6 Firms Submit Bids for Package C-02

Nagpur (Metro Rail News): On 20 June 2024, Maharashtra Metro Rail Corporation Limited (MAHA METRO) opened technical bids for Package C2 of the 43.8 km Nagpur Metro Phase 2 project. 6 civil engineering firms have submitted their proposals to carry out the work of Package C2.

Scope of work

The work under Package C-02 entails the construction of a 17.624 km viaduct within Nagpur Metro Orange Line’s 18.7 km Reach 1A, which connects Khapri to Butibori MIDC ESR.

The viaduct will run alongside the National Highway (NH-4) and will include two special spans over the Indian Railways lines, measuring 79 meters and 100 meters respectively. Additionally, it will include a 1.14 km long double-decker section with six lanes, accommodating vehicles on the lower level (level 1) and metro trains on the upper level (level 2).

Cost and Deadline

In March 2024, MahaMetro initiated the bidding process for Package C2, estimating the project cost at Rs. 945 crore. The package has a completion deadline of 912 days.

Bidders

The six firms who have submitted bids for Package C2 are the following:

Dilip Buildcon Ltd. (DBL)
Kalpataru Projects International Ltd. (KPIL)
Rail Vikas Nigam Ltd. (RVNL)
Tata Projects Ltd. (TPL)
G R Infraprojects Ltd. (GRIL)
NCC Ltd.

The bids will now undergo technical evaluation, which is expected to take a few months to complete. After this process, Maha Metro will open the financial bids of technically qualified bidders to identify the L1 (Lowest bidder) for Package C2.

Reach 1 A of Nagpur Metro Phase 2

The 18.7 km long Reach 1A links Khapri to Butibori MIDC ESR, featuring a total of 10 stations. The construction of 8 metro stations—Ashokvan, Dongargaon, Mohgaon, Meghdoot MIDC, Butibori Police Station, MHADA Colony, MIDC KEC, and MIDC ESR—will be executed under Package C-09, which is currently in the bidding phase.

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