DB and SYSTRA Submit Bid for MAHSR Ticketing Consultant Contract

-

20/04/2024

Knorr-Bremse AG Expands Rail Portfolio with Acquisition of Alstom Signaling North America’s Conventional Rail Signalling Business

MUNICH (Metro Rail News): Knorr-Bremse AG, a manufacturer of braking systems and a leading provider of other rail and commercial vehicle systems announces its acquisition of Alstom Signaling North America’s conventional rail signalling technology business on April 19, 2024. The acquisition marks Knorr-Bremse’s entry into the control, command, and signalling (CCS) segment, a strategic move to drive profitable growth and expand its technological competence in the rail industry.

Knorr-Bremse AG Entered into the Highly Attractive CCS Segment

Knorr-Bremse’s acquisition of Alstom Signaling North America’s business positions the company as one of the US market leaders in the CCS segment. This move aligns with Knorr-Bremse’s ‘BOOST 2026’ strategy program to enhance its market presence and drive innovation.

Marc Llistosella, Chief Executive Officer of Knorr-Bremse AG, commented on the acquisition: “This acquisition is good for Knorr-Bremse and will drive our profitable growth further. With it, we are not just building on our highly profitable rail business. Rather, we will also become one of the US market leaders in North America in the rail control, command, and signalling segment, or CCS for short.”

A Strategic Fit for Knorr-Bremse

The acquisition marks a significant milestone in Knorr-Bremse’s evolution from a supplier of vehicle systems to a provider of comprehensive rail ecosystem solutions.

Dr. Nicolas Lange, member of the Knorr-Bremse AG Executive Board, emphasised the importance of the acquisition, stating, “For Knorr-Bremse, the acquisition of Alstom Signaling North America means a successful entry into the CCS segment. The CCS market is of approximately €20 billion globally, making it a highly attractive rail segment.”

Key Details of the Acquisition

– Purchase Price: The acquisition was finalised at approximately €630 million, comprising a mid-double-digit million EUR amount for additional anticipated and highly profitable project ventures.

– Financial Performance: Alstom Signaling North America reported revenues of about €300 million and an EBIT margin of approximately 16% in the past fiscal year.

– Expected Closure: The transaction is expected to close during the summer of 2024, subject to customary conditions, including regulatory approval.

Future Prospects and Synergies

The acquisition enables Knorr-Bremse to offer a comprehensive CCS technology platform to operators and system providers in North America. Moreover, it enhances the company’s standing in the digitalisation sector by granting access to a vast amount of infrastructure data that can be provided as a data service or through “software as a service” offerings.

Alstom’s Response

Alstom, a global leader in smart and sustainable mobility, sees this transaction as an important step in implementing its deleveraging plan.

Henri Poupart-Lafarge, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Alstom, stated, “We are pleased to sign this agreement, which marks an important step in the implementation of our action plan.”

Discover the endless possibilities of our city’s Metro at InnoMetro, our flagship Expo and Conference. Be an active participant in shaping its future towards a more sustainable tomorrow. Stay informed and join us to take a step towards a brighter future.

Advertisement1

Enia Wins Package DDC-03 Under Nagpur Metro Phase 2

By

-

20/04/2024

NAGPUR (Metro Rail News): Enia Design Pvt. Ltd., a joint venture between L&T and KPMG, has secured the Detailed Design Consultant Package DDC-03 for Phase 2 of the Nagpur Metro. The technical bidding for the Contract, valued at ₹5.20 crore, was opened in December 2023. Enia Design Pvt. Ltd. will provide detailed design consultancy services for eight elevated stations along the Orange Line’s southern extension, spanning from Jamtha to Butibori.

Bidders and their Bids for DDC-03

Companies	Bid Value (Rs. Crore)
Enia Design Pvt. Ltd.	3.08
Composites Combine Technocrats Pvt. Ltd.	3.50
STUP Consultants Pvt. Ltd.	3.96
Ayesa India Pvt. Ltd.	4.40
TYPSA India Pvt. Ltd.	10.64

Scope of the Contract

The scope of the contract encompasses the design of the following elevated stations: Ashokvan, Dongargaon, Mohgaon, Meghdoot MIDC, Butibori Police Station, MHADA Colony, MIDC KEC, and MIDC ESR.

Enia Design Pvt. Ltd. will be responsible for producing and proposing alternate designs for all civil, architectural, building services, electrical, and mechanical works at these stations.

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

More About the Project

This contract was part of the larger Phase 2 project of the Nagpur Metro, covering a distance of 43.8 km. Six design and engineering firms submitted bids for the DDC-03 contract, which was tendered by Maharashtra Metro Rail Corporation Ltd. (Maha-Metro) in November 2023. The estimated duration of the consultancy is three years.

Nagpur Metro Phase 2, a 43.8 km project costing ₹6,708 crore, aims to extend existing lines to Kanhan, Butibori MIDC, Transport Nagar, and Hingna, providing better rural connectivity. The corridors include Automotive Square to Kanhan (13 km, 12 stations), MIHAN to Butibori MIDC ESR (18.7 km, 10 stations), Prajapati Nagar to Transport Nagar (5.5 km, 3 stations), and Lokmanya Nagar to Hingna (6.6 km, 7 stations).

The project, expected to cost ₹6,717 crore, will take four years after government sanction. Phase 1 progress is on schedule, and once Phase 2 is complete, Nagpur will have a total metro network of about 84 km with 70 stations.

Discover the endless possibilities of our city’s Metro at InnoMetro, our flagship Expo and Conference. Be an active participant in shaping its future towards a more sustainable tomorrow. Stay informed and join us to take a step towards a brighter future.

Advertisement1

Kochi Water Metro Ltd (KWML) Set to Launch Ferry Service to Fort Kochi

By

-

20/04/2024

Kochi_Water_Metro_Boat_at_High_Court_Boat_Jetty

KOCHI (Metro Rail News): Kochi Water Metro Ltd (KWML) is all set to inaugurate its ferry service to Fort Kochi this Sunday, coinciding with the one-year anniversary of its operations. This eagerly anticipated launch follows the successful completion of trials for the new ferry, provided by Cochin Shipyard Limited (CSL), along with the readiness of the terminal’s construction and ticketing system.

Ferry Service to Fort Kochi

The new service aims to facilitate smoother connections between West Kochi and the city center, potentially easing traffic congestion on the Ernakulam-West Kochi route. Designed with a focus on the cultural significance of the heritage-rich area, the Fort Kochi Water Metro Terminal boasts several unique features. Notably, the pontoons at the terminal are adapted to its proximity to the sea and shipping channel, using six one-meter diameter piles for enhanced stability, compared to the typical two-pile setup at other terminals.

This route is not only a boon for daily commuters but also enhances the accessibility for the influx of both domestic and international tourists to Fort Kochi, known for its picturesque Chinese fishing nets and colonial architecture. Multilingual signage in Malayalam, Hindi, English, Spanish, German, and French caters to the diverse visitor demographics, ensuring a welcoming experience for all.

The launch of the KWML ferry service to Fort Kochi is set to transform local and tourist travel dynamics in the region. By providing a direct, scenic route to one of Kerala’s premier historical sites, KWML supports the city’s broader goals of boosting tourism and reducing urban traffic, marking a significant step forward in Kochi’s transportation infrastructure.

Advertisement1

Five Firms Bids to Prepare DPR for Chennai Metro Line-4’s Extension to Parandur Airport

By

-

18/04/2024

CHENNAI (Metro Rail News): Chennai Metro Rail Ltd. (CMRL) has received bids from five consulting firms to prepare a Detailed Project Report (DPR) for the extension of Chennai Metro’s Line-4 from Poonamallee Bypass to Parandur Airport, covering approximately 40 km distance.

Bidders for the DPR consultant contract are:

Aarvee Associates Architects Engineers & Consultants Pvt. Ltd.
AECOM India Pvt. Ltd.
Balaji Railroad Systems Pvt. Ltd. (BASRYL)
SYSTRA MVA Consulting (India) Pvt. Ltd.
Urban Mass Transit Company Ltd. (UMTC)

The tender for the DPR consultant contract was invited in February 2024. The deadline was 180 days, and the estimate was unknown.

What Does DPR Entail

The DPR will thoroughly outline the length of the line, its route composition (including underground, elevated, and at-grade sections), the number and locations of stations, depot, coach requirements, ridership projections, operational plans, total costs, and other essential details. This document will serve as a foundation for the project, ensuring a clear understanding of its scope and requirements.

The technical bid evaluation is currently underway and is expected to take a couple of months to complete. Once the technical bid evaluation is completed, the financial bids of the technically qualified bidders will be opened to reveal the lowest bidder and the appointed consultant. If everything goes according to the tender notice’s prescribed schedule, CMRL should be able to appoint a consultant in late Q2 (June) and potentially see a glimpse of the DPR’s first draft, in Q1 2025 (January – March).

Chennai Metro Phase 2, Line-4

The extension of Line-4 is part of the 116.1 km Chennai Metro Phase 2 project, with the state government deciding to extend the line to Chennai’s new greenfield airport in Parandur, involving land acquisition and master plan design works.

Discover the endless possibilities of our city’s Metro at InnoMetro, our flagship Expo and Conference. Be an active participant in shaping its future towards a more sustainable tomorrow. Stay informed and join us to take a step towards a brighter future.

Advertisement1

Ramkrishna Forgings Wins Rs 270 Cr Contract for Vande Bharat Sleeper Trains

By

-

18/04/2024

KOLKATA METRO (Metro Rail News): Ramkrishna Forgings Limited, a prominent Kolkata-based manufacturer, has secured Rs 270 crore order from a consortium led by Bharat Heavy Electricals Limited (BHEL) to produce bogie frames for the sleeper version of the Vande Bharat train sets. Announced on April 15, this significant contract highlights the company’s expanding influence in the Indian rail sector and its commitment to supporting the national ‘Make in India’ campaign.

The contract involves the development and validation of bogie frames for 32 train sets, each consisting of 16 coaches, totaling a production of 1,024 frames. This project not only represents a critical step forward in modernizing India’s railway infrastructure but also underscores Ramkrishna Forgings’ capabilities in high-quality manufacturing.

Previously, in June 2023, a consortium including Titagarh Rail Systems Limited (TRSL) and BHEL signed a comprehensive contract to manufacture and maintain 80 Vande Bharat sleeper train sets by 2029. Lalit Kumar Khetan, Whole Time Director and CFO of Ramkrishna Forgings, expressed pride in the company’s role in this prestigious project, emphasizing their “relentless pursuit of excellence and innovative approach.”

Founded in 1981, Ramkrishna Forgings has expanded its global footprint, maintaining offices and facilities in strategic locations across the US, Mexico, Turkey, and Belgium, alongside its state-of-the-art manufacturing capabilities in Jamshedpur.

The recent order from BHEL not only strengthens Ramkrishna Forgings’ position in the heavy engineering sector but also supports the broader ‘Make in India’ initiative, enhancing the country’s self-reliance in critical infrastructure development. As the company continues to participate in significant national projects, its role in advancing India’s rail transport capabilities is set to grow, marking an encouraging trend towards innovation and quality in domestic manufacturing.

Advertisement1

NCLT Dismisses Insolvency Proceedings Against Mumbai Metro One

By

-

17/04/2024

MUMBAI (Metro Rail News): The National Company Law Tribunal (NCLT) Mumbai bench has dismissed the bankruptcy petitions filed by State Bank of India (SBI) and IDBI Bank against Mumbai Metro One Pvt Ltd (MMOPL). This development was revealed in a stock exchange filing on April 15, following a conclusive one-time settlement among the lenders.

SBI and IDBI initiated the insolvency proceedings last year to recover their dues of ₹416 crore and ₹133 crore, respectively, as part of a consortium loan amounting to ₹1,711 crore for the Mumbai Metro project. The settlement ends the financial disputes clouding MMOPL, where Reliance Infrastructure holds a 74% stake and the Mumbai Metropolitan Regional Development Authority (MMRDA) holds 26%.

MMOPL operates the 11.4-kilometer Mumbai Metro One line connecting Versova, Andheri, and Ghatkopar—Mumbai’s oldest and busiest metro line with a daily ridership exceeding 450,000 commuters. The Maharashtra cabinet recently approved a plan to buy out Reliance Infrastructure’s 74% stake in MMOPL, valuing the stake at ₹4,000 crore based on a valuation by a committee led by former state chief secretary Johny Joseph.

This tribunal decision comes shortly after a Supreme Court ruling that reversed its previous order requiring Delhi Metro Rail Corporation (DMRC) to pay an ₹8,000 crore arbitration award to another Reliance Infrastructure subsidiary, Delhi Airport Metro Express Pvt Ltd (DAMEPL). The Court also mandated DAMEPL to repay any received funds, clarifying that Reliance Infrastructure incurs no liabilities from this decision.

The NCLT’s dismissal of the insolvency proceedings against MMOPL paves the way for the Maharashtra government to proceed with its acquisition of Reliance Infrastructure’s stake in the metro project. This move is expected to stabilize the operations and financial management of Mumbai’s critical metro service, ensuring continued transport connectivity for the city’s millions of commuters. The decision also signifies a step towards resolving prolonged financial disputes and strategic realignment for Reliance Infrastructure as it divests from non-core businesses.

Advertisement1

Mumbai Metro Contractors Clash with BMC Over Taxes!

By

-

17/04/2024

MUMBAI (Metro Rail News): The Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) and metro rail contractors are currently entangled in a conflict over property tax, with the BMC issuing a one-week notice to the contractors to pay their outstanding dues. The dispute originated from the Central Board of Direct Taxes (CBDT) Order dated 25/10/2016, which stated that no income tax would be levied or deducted from compensation paid in respect of award. This order was implemented to ensure that contractors were not burdened with additional taxes during the construction and operation of metro rail lines.

However, the BMC has taken a different stance, insisting that contractors must pay property taxes for the properties used during the construction and operation of metro rail lines. The BMC has maintained that these properties are subject to property tax under the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation Act, 1988.

Argument between the BMC and Metro Rail Contractors

The BMC’s one-week notice to the contractors has escalated the conflict, with the contractors arguing that they are exempt from paying property tax under the CBDT Order dated 25/10/2016. The contractors have also argued that the properties used during the construction and operation of metro rail lines are not subject to property tax under the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation Act, 1988.

The BMC, on the other hand, has maintained that the properties are subject to property tax and that the contractors must pay their outstanding dues. The BMC has stated that it will take legal action against the contractors if they fail to pay their dues within the one-week notice period.

Conflict and Way Forward

The conflict between the BMC and metro rail contractors over property tax is a complex issue, with both sides presenting valid arguments. The BMC’s insistence on property tax payments is based on the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation Act, 1988, while the contractors’ argument is based on the CBDT Order dated 25/10/2016.

The conflict highlights the need for a clear and concise policy regarding property tax payments for properties used during the construction and operation of metro rail lines.

The BMC and metro rail contractors are at a crossroads, with the outcome of the conflict set to have far-reaching implications for the construction and operation of metro rail lines in Mumbai.

Discover the endless possibilities of our city’s Metro at InnoMetro, our flagship Expo and Conference. Be an active participant in shaping its future towards a more sustainable tomorrow. Stay informed and join us to take a step towards a brighter future.

Advertisement1

First OWG Bridge launched for Mumbai-Ahmedabad Bullet Train Project

By

-

16/04/2024

VADODARA (Metro Rail News): M. G. Contractors Pvt. Ltd. (MGCPL) accomplished a major achievement in the construction of the Mumbai-Ahmedabad High-Speed Rail (MAHSR) project. They completed the installation of the first open web girder (OWG) truss bridge for Package P1(C) last week. This key infrastructure piece spans the Indian Railways’ main-line track between Kanjari Boriyavi and Uttarsanda stations in the Vadodara division, Gujarat.

The bridge, identified as GAD-31, stretches 99.6 meters in length and was meticulously positioned using a major traffic and power block. Weighing approximately 1486 metric tons, the bridge was engineered with precision to align at a 62-degree skew relative to the crucial railway line linking Delhi and Mumbai. The structure, which stands 14 meters high and extends 14.3 meters wide, was manufactured by the Goodluck India group in Gujarat.

Awarded the bridge package P-1(C) contract by India’s National High Speed Rail Corporation (NHSRCL) in August 2021 for Rs. 261.24 crore, MGCPL’s task includes the construction of one prestressed concrete (PSC) and four steel truss bridges as part of the 87.569 km Package C6, which runs from Vadodara to Ahmedabad and is being constructed by Larsen & Toubro.

The bridge’s assembly was supported by a trestle erection that began in April 2023, marking a full year of meticulous preparation and construction efforts leading up to this landmark achievement.

In total, an estimated 70,865 metric tons of steel will be used to fabricate the 28 steel bridges along the line. The installation of the first OWG at MAHSR’s chainage 254.585 over NH-53 near Surat, completed in October 2023 by MG Contractors, paved the way for this subsequent success.

For ongoing updates and more information on the High-Speed Rail project, be sure to visit the dedicated section on our website. Readers can also sign up for free email notifications for new posts and gain early access to updates by supporting the site.

Advertisement1

Steel Span Erected in the ramp area linking Priority Section to Balance Section of Kanpur Metro Corridor-1

By

-

16/04/2024