Second out of 28 Steel Bridge Launches Complete for Mumbai-Ahmedabad High-Speed Rail Corridor

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27/04/2024

GUJARAT (Metro Rail News): A 100-meter steel bridge has been successfully installed for the Mumbai-Ahmedabad High-Speed Rail Corridor over the Vadodara-Ahmedabad main line near Nadiad in Gujarat. This development marks a remarkable leap in the High-Speed Rail project, leveraging Japanese expertise and India’s robust ‘Make-in-India’ initiative.

This marks the completion of the second out of the 28 steel bridges for the corridor. The first steel bridge was constructed across National Highway 53 in Surat, Gujarat.

The bridge, weighing a massive 1486 metric tonnes (MT), was assembled in a workshop located in Bhuj district, Gujarat—approximately 310 km from the installation site. It features a 63-meter launching nose that weighs around 430 MT, designed to ease the installation process over busy railway tracks.

Untitled design 29 1 — Launch process of the steel bridge.

Installation Process for the High-Speed Rail Project

The installation was carried out precisely, requiring a complete traffic and power block on the existing railway lines to ensure safety and accuracy. The bridge was elevated to a height of 15.5 meters using temporary trestles and pulled into place using an automated system comprising two 180 MT capacity jacks.

Quality and Safety Measures

Every steel batch used in the bridge was subjected to rigorous Ultrasonic Testing (UT) at the manufacturer’s premises to ensure structural integrity. The bridge’s construction involved sophisticated procedures, including cutting, drilling, welding, and a unique five-layered painting process compliant with Japan’s C-5 Painting system standards.

This project introduces several firsts in Indian railway construction, such as the use of Tor Shear Type High Strength Bolts (TTHSB) for joining steel members, a technique used for the first time in Indian railway projects. The comprehensive approach ensures a combination of durability and safety, essential for the high-speed demands of the bullet train corridor.

Untitled design 28 1 — The Steel Bridge over Vadodara-Ahmedabad main line near Nadiad in Gujarat

Future Prospects

This steel bridge is the second of the 28 planned for the corridor, highlighting the increasing reliance on steel structures capable of supporting high-speed train operations. India’s capability in steel bridge assembling is set to enhance the construction of the Mumbai-Ahmedabad High-Speed Rail (MAHSR) corridor, which will operate at speeds of up to 320 kmph.

With approximately 70,000 MT of specified steel allocated for these bridges, India is set to redefine its transportation architecture and bolster its global position in high-speed rail technology.

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India-Japan Review Progress of Mumbai-Ahmedabad High-Speed Railway Project in the 17th Joint Committee Meeting

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Staff Reporter

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27/04/2024

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NEW DELHI (Metro Rail News): India and Japan reviewed the progress of the Mumbai-Ahmedabad High-Speed Railway (MAHSR) project in the 17th Joint Committee meeting on April 25. The Railways and IT Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw co-chaired the online meeting with Masafumi Mori, Special Advisor to the Japanese Prime Minister.

Top officials from the Railways, the Ministry of External Affairs, and the National High-Speed Rail Corporation Limited (NHSRCL) attended the meeting from the Indian side. On the Japanese side, executives from relevant ministries and agencies, including the Ministries of Foreign Affairs, Finance, Economy, Trade and Industry, Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism, and the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA), participated in the meeting.

The Japanese Foreign Ministry issued a statement stating, “At this meeting, we confirmed the progress of the Mumbai-Ahmedabad high-speed rail project and held technical discussions to ensure the steady progress of the project going forward.”

It added, “The Japanese government will continue to work closely with the Indian government to realise the introduction of the Shinkansen system on the Mumbai-Ahmedabad high-speed railway.”

Recently, Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw announced substantial progress in India’s inaugural bullet train project, slated to begin operations on the Ahmedabad-Mumbai route by 2026. With over six years of effort, more than 290 km of track, including bridges over 8 rivers and the construction of 12 stations out of the total 508 km, have been completed. Minister Vaishnaw expressed confidence, stating, “The project is nearing completion.”

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Indian Railways Sets Rs 5,400 Cr. Scrap Sale Target for Fiscal 2024-25

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26/04/2024

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NEW DELHI (Metro Rail News): The Indian Railways targets Rs 5,400 crore from scrap sales in fiscal year 2024-25, a 3.8% increase from the previous year’s target of Rs 5,200 crore. A recent order from the Railway Board mandates the development of an action plan to meet the target. The directive emphasises maintaining a zero scrap balance, with no scrap from operations exceeding two months in age.

The Northern Railways, which achieved a record-breaking scrap sale of Rs 514.06 crore in fiscal 2023-24, is expected to contribute significantly to this year’s target with a goal of Rs 530 crore.

Scrap Generation in Railway Operations

Scrap generation is a routine aspect of railway operations, particularly in construction and gauge conversion projects. Materials classified as scrap include old rails, sleepers, fixtures, fastenings, fish plates, and various P-Way items that are no longer suitable for use on tracks.

Indian Railways handles many other scrap materials, including condemned coaches, locomotives, wagons, ferrous scrap, bogies, bogie frames, couplers, metal turnings, miscellaneous metal residues, and sweepings.

The sale also extends to used batteries and electrical components such as fans, tube light fittings, unserviceable compressors, and motor generators.

Contributions to Revenue and Environmental Sustainability

Efforts in scrap sales contribute to the Railways’ revenue and support environmental sustainability by facilitating the recycling of a substantial amount of material.

Indian Railways continues to explore ways to enhance efficiency through various measures, including the strategic sale of scrap materials, aiding in clearing accumulated waste and contributing to the financial strengthening of railway infrastructure across India.

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RailTel Expands International Reach with Strategic MOU in South Africa

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26/04/2024

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RailTel signs MoU with InoviTel (PTY) LTD and Tsiko Africa Energy&Infrastructure

PRETORIA (Metro Rail News): RailTel Corporation of India Ltd. (RailTel), a renowned Central Public Sector Enterprise under the Ministry of Railways, has signed a tripartite Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with South African companies InoviTel (PTY) LTD and Tsiko Africa Energy & Infrastructure. This strategic alliance, signed on April 24, 2024, aims to deploy Indian technology and innovations across various sectors in South Africa, including telecom and railways.

The MOU was formalised in Pretoria in the presence of Sh. Prabhat Kumar, High Commissioner of India to South Africa, and Sh. Mahesh Kumar, Consul General of India in Johannesburg. Representing RailTel, Sh. Parag Kumar Goyal, Principal Executive Director /Enterprise Business, exchanged the MOU documents with Mr. Lavine Singh, CEO of InoviTel, and Mr. Pragasen Naidoo, CEO of Tsiko Africa Energy & Infrastructure.

RailTel and South African companies InoviTel (PTY) LTD and Tsiko Africa Energy & Infrastructure officials.

Scope of the MOU

The scope of the MOU is extensive and includes the activation and commercialisation of dark fibre along railway and high-voltage transmission lines in South Africa. It also encompasses advanced solutions such as railway signal and telecommunication systems, digital twin modelling of railway assets for predictive maintenance, and traffic simulation. Additionally, the partnership will provide Optical Fiber Cable (OFC) based Distributed Acoustic System (DAS) for public and private rail operators, connectivity solutions for SA connect/Railway, and private business fibre network operators.

What is dark fibre?

Dark fibre refers to installed but unused optical fibre cables that aren’t currently transmitting data. It offers businesses and organizations the opportunity to lease and manage their private fibre optic network rather than relying on a service provider. Benefits include scalability, low latency, increased security, and reliability compared to leased services. To utilize dark fibre, a business needs to purchase and install its own transmission equipment to activate the fibre, giving them full control over the network. This solution is favoured by large enterprises, data centres, telecom providers, and organizations requiring high-speed, high-capacity, and dedicated network connectivity. In essence, dark fibre provides the infrastructure for businesses to construct their private, high-performance network.

Expanding RailTel’s International Footprint

This collaboration not only enhances RailTel’s international footprint but also supports the digital transformation of South Africa through IT/ICT solutions. RailTel, leveraging its vast experience and infrastructure, including a 61,000+ RKM (Route kilometre) optic fibre network across India, aims to bring state-of-the-art digital solutions to South Africa.

InoviTel and Tsiko Africa Energy & Infrastructure, South African entities, are integral to the South African Indo-Afro Business Association (SAIBA) NPC (Non-Profit Company).

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Rahee and NMC Bids for Nagpur Metro Phase 2 Track Work Contract Under Package T-01

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Staff Reporter

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26/04/2024

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NAGPUR (Metro Rail News): The Maharashtra Metro Rail Corporation Ltd. (Maha-Metro) opened the technical bid to supply and install ballasted tracks for Nagpur Metro’s Phase 2 project in March 2024 under Package T-01. Rahee Infratech Ltd. and NMC Industries Pvt. Ltd. are the two firms which have submitted their bids for evaluation.

Nagpur Metro: Package T-01

Tender Notice No. N2-034/T-01/2024, also called Package T-01, involves comprehensive track work for a modest 1.746 km at-grade section of the Orange Line’s Reach 1A, which stretches from Khapri to Butibori MIDC ESR.

Under the contract, the winning bidder will be responsible for the Design, Supply, Installation, Testing, and Commissioning of ballasted track in the at-grade section of Reach 1A of the Orange line (Khapri to Butibori MIDC ESR) of NMRP (Nagpur Metro Rail Project) Phase-2

Additionally, the scope encompasses the supply of specialised head-hardened rails designated as 60E1 – 1080 grade HH Rails, track fastenings, and essential 1 in 9 R300 ballasted turnouts for crossovers, facilitating the seamless transition of CRRC trains between tracks. Including other miscellaneous works

This small yet crucial segment connects chainage 19550 to 21296.917 and includes two metro stations: Eco Park Station and Metro City Station.

Project Timelines and Financials

Maha-Metro outlined the project’s specifications and expectations when it opened bids in March 2024. With an estimated budget of Rs. 7.96 crore, the project carries a stringent completion deadline of 150 days, emphasising the urgency and precision required in executing the tasks.

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

The bids are undergoing a detailed technical evaluation, which is expected to span several months. Upon conclusion, the financial bids of technically qualified bidders will be opened and scrutinised to identify the lowest bid and likely award the contract.

This bid invitation is the second systems-related contract for Phase 2, following the earlier electrical and mechanical contract E&M-02.

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RVNL Strikes Rs. 439 Crore Deal to Reconstruct Thiruvananthapuram Central Railway Station

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Staff Reporter

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25/04/2024

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KERALA (Metro Rail News): Rail Vikas Nigam Limited (RVNL) has secured a Rs 439 crore project in a joint venture with Kerala Rail Development Corporation (KRDCL) to transform the Thiruvananthapuram Central Railway Station, further cementing its role in India’s infrastructure growth.

The project, won by the KRDCL-RVNL joint venture, encompasses the engineering, procurement, and construction (EPC) model to upgrade the Thiruvananthapuram Central Railway Station. This comprehensive model ensures quality and efficiency throughout the development process.

Timeframe and Execution: The exchange notification highlighted that the project is slated for completion in 42 months.

RVNL and KRDCL Joint Venture

Ownership Split: RVNL and KRDCL have a strategic ownership arrangement in the joint venture, with RVNL holding 49% and KRDCL being the majority partner at 51%.

RVNL and TUMAS’s Synergy: Earlier in the month, RVNL expanded its horizons by signing a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Turkish Engineering Consulting and Contracting-TUMAS India Pvt. Ltd. This partnership aims to strengthen infrastructure and public transport ventures within India.

Financial Highlights

Financial Performance: The company has reported a slight dip in net profits by 6.2% year-over-year, totalling ₹358.6 Crore for the October–December quarter, down from the ₹382.4 Crore earned during the same period last year.

Share Price Movement: Post-announcement, RVNL’s shares saw an uplift, closing at ₹285.5 per share, which is a 2.94% increase.

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Dadar Metro Station Construction Begins: Traffic Diversions Implemented from April 25

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Staff Reporter

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25/04/2024

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MUMBAI (Metro Rail News): The Mumbai Metro Rail Corporation Ltd (MMRCL) is set to commence construction work on the Dadar underground metro station as part of the Metro Line 3 project. Consequently, significant traffic diversions will come into effect from April 25, impacting crucial spots in Dadar like Steelman Junction, Senapati Bapat Road, and Gokhale Road.

Closure of Northbound Gokhale Road:

The northbound stretch of Gokhale Road, from Gadkari Chowk to Steelman Junction, will be closed to all vehicular traffic. However, the southbound lane will remain open as usual. Both directions will be designated as “no-parking” zones to ensure smooth traffic flow.

One-Way Route on Ranade Road:

Vehicles will be restricted from entering the Senapati Bapat Statue towards Steelman Junction on Ranade Road, as it will be converted into a one-way route.

Diversion Routes:

Vehicles proceeding from Portuguese Church and northbound on Gokhale Road will need to take a left turn at Steelman Junction. They will then proceed along Ranade Road, Dadasaheb Rege Road, and Gadkari Junction to reach their destination.
Vehicles heading towards Dadar TT will turn right at Steelman Junction, then proceed along Ranade Road, Paneri Junction, take a left turn along NC Kelkar Road, and finally reach Kotwal Garden.

Metro Line 3 Overview

The Metro Line 3, also known as Aqua Line by MMRCL, is a 33.5km long underground corridor stretching from Colaba to Bandra to SEEPZ. It comprises 27 key stations, of which 26 are underground and one at grade. The construction of other stations in Dadar will be at Sitladevi Temple in Mahim, Siddhi Vinayak in Dadar, and Worli.

With traffic diversions in place, motorists are likely to face increased congestion on already busy roads. The traffic diversion plan provided by the Mumbai traffic police will remain in effect until September this year. Integrated testing of trains is expected to begin soon on the Aarey Colony-Bandra Kurla Complex (BKC) route, marking progress in the Metro Line 3 project.

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8 Firms submit bid for Feasibility Study of Namma Metro’s Extension to Tumakuru

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Staff Reporter

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25/04/2024

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BANGALORE (Metro Rail News): Eight consultancy firms have entered the race to conduct a feasibility study for the proposed Namma Metro extension from Madavara (Green Line) to Tumakuru. This extension would enhance Bangalore’s connectivity with neighbouring cities.

Following Chief Minister Siddaramaiah’s announcement in the Karnataka budget for 2024-25. BMRCL plans to examine the extension of metro services to Tumakuru and Devanahalli, which are on the go.

Consultancy Firms in the Race

BMRCL officials confirm that well-known names such as RITES Limited, Systra MVA Consulting, and Aarvee Associates are among the eight bidders. The chosen consultant, tasked with preparing the feasibility study report for the 52-km corridor from Madavara to Tumakuru, will be selected after thorough technical and financial evaluations.

If the project is deemed feasible, it will be launched under a PPP model, Using public oversight and private efficiency to deliver on the ambitious plan.

Debates on Namma Metro’s Scope

While forward-thinking, the proposal is not without disagreement. Critics argue that metro systems are intended to serve intra-city needs rather than inter-city connections, leading to discussions about expanding the suburban rail network as an alternative.

Karnataka’s Home Minister, G Parameshwara, has passionately advocated for the extension of the metro to Tumakuru, his hometown. He has emphasized the importance of advancing with the project, even prior to the completion of the feasibility report and exploring alternative evaluations.

Alongside Tumakuru, feasibility studies for a broader network spanning 118 kms are underway. These stretches comprise Challaghatta and Bidadi, Silk Institute and Harohalli, Bommasandra and Attibele, Kalena Agrahara (Gottigere) to Kadugodi via Jigani, Anekal, Sarjapura, Varthur. The names of the bidders are not yet known.

Progress on Sarjapura Road-Hebbal Line

In related news, the Detailed Project Report (DPR) for the Sarjapura Road-Hebbal metro line, which includes 36 stations, is nearing completion. Submission to the state government is anticipated after the election code of conduct concludes.

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Kolkata Orange Line Metro Extension Awaits Safety Clearance; Test Runs to Begin

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Staff Reporter

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25/04/2024

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KOLKATA (Metro Rail News): Metro Railway is ready to commence test runs on the new 4.3 km stretch of the Orange Line’s extension beyond Ruby Crossing, covering four new stations starting this Saturday, despite awaiting a safety nod for the Metropolitan extension.

On March 28 and 29, the section, which is part of the New Garia-Airport Metro corridor, was inspected by Janak Kumar Garg, the Chief Commissioner of Railway Safety (CCRS). The findings led to a report highlighting the necessity for immediate action.

CCRS Inspection Report Demands Action

The media channels disclosed on March 31 that the CCRS was dissatisfied after the inspection. Recommendations included requesting a traffic block at Metropolitan Crossing to complete portal piers and construct a 100-meter stretch of viaduct.

Officials have indicated that the pending approval from the Commissioner of Railway Safety (CRS) stems from the non-fulfilment of certain conditions outlined in CCRS Garg’s report.

Additionally, the CCRS underscored the need for a traffic block to allow the construction of foot overbridges (FOBs) essential for passenger access to the Metropolitan Metro station, also known as the Beliaghata station.

Orange Line Extension Details

The corridor’s 4.3km extension to Metropolitan covers four stations: VIP Bazar, Ritwik Ghatak, Barun Sengupta, and Beliaghata (Metropolitan). The development of this extension is keenly watched as it promises to enhance connectivity for commuters in Kolkata significantly.

As the Metropolitan extension’s trial runs to gear up to start, commuters and officials hope for a swift resolution to the safety concerns to operationalise this crucial metro segment fully.

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RVNL Wins ₹239 Crore Project for Advanced Signal System in Southern Railway

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Staff Reporter

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25/04/2024

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Salem Junction railway station, Headquarters Salem railway division

TAMILNADU (Metro Rail News): Rail Vikas Nigam Ltd. (RVNL) has been declared the lowest bidder for implementing the ABS system in the Southern Railway project, estimated at ₹239 crores. The Automatic Block Signalling (ABS) system, crucial in this project, is designed to manage train traffic by automating stop signals.

The technology enables consecutive trains to travel safely in the same direction, significantly reducing the possibility of collisions.

Project Details

RVNL will implement the ABS system across the Jolarpettai junction to the Erode junction stretch of Southern Railway’s Salem division (Salem division is one of the six divisions of the Southern Railway zone). The project aims for completion within 900 days, ensuring a swift and substantial upgrade to the current signalling mechanisms.

WhatsApp Image 2024 04 25 at 10.25.07 f85b9c8e

In addition to this project, Southern Railway has also selected RVNL’s joint venture with KRDCL for a ₹439 crore initiative. This JV, with RVNL owning 49% and KRDCL the majority at 51%, focuses on the redevelopment of the Thiruvananthapuram Central Railway station through an Engineering, Procurement, and Construction (EPC) model, with a 42-month deadline for execution.

Market Response

Following the announcement, RVNL’s shares saw a noticeable rise, closing at ₹284.45 on the BSE, which is an increase of ₹7.15, or 2.58%.

These projects signify RVNL’s growing influence in the railway infrastructure sector, highlighting its role in modernising India’s rail systems for enhanced passenger safety and more efficient railway operations.

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