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

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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.

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NCLT Dismisses Insolvency Proceedings Against Mumbai Metro One

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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.

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Mumbai Metro Contractors Clash with BMC Over Taxes!

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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.

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First OWG Bridge launched for Mumbai-Ahmedabad Bullet Train Project

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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.

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

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16/04/2024

Steel Span Erected to link priority Section to Balance Section of Kanpur Metro Corridor-1

KANPUR (Metro Rail News): Kanpur Metro marked a significant achievement by successfully installing two 45-meter Steel Box Girders across Sisamau Nala, facilitating a crucial connection between the Priority Section and the Balance Section near Brijendra Swaroop Park. This critical installation helps progress the ramp construction that links the 9 km-long Priority Section with the underground segment from Chunniganj to Nayaganj. Previously, a similar Steel Box Girder was installed at Rawatpur Tiraha during the initial stages of the Priority Section construction (IIT—Moti Jheel).

The Metro viaduct, spanning from IIT to Motijheel, crosses over Sisamau Nala to merge with the ramp leading to the Chunniganj-Nayaganj underground section. The choice to use Steel Box Girders was made due to the considerable 45-meter distance between the pillars on either side of Sisamau Nala, where conventional U-girders or I-girders were unsuitable.

Shri Sushil Kumar, Managing Director of UPMRC, congratulated the Kanpur Metro engineers, stating, “Implementing Steel Box Girders for both the ‘Up-line’ and ‘Down-line’ over such a span was crucial. Their successful erection today marks the completion of the steel span across Sisamau Nala.”

Why Steel Box Girders Were Necessary:

Positioned over one of the city’s largest drains, Sisamau Nala, Steel Box Girders were essential due to their ability to span the required distance without supports in the middle, which is not feasible with shorter U-girders or I-girders.

Challenges Faced by UPMRC:

Each girder, comprising five segments, posed unique challenges due to spatial constraints that prevented assembling all segments at once. Thus, the girders were assembled in two parts on either side of the nala and then connected across the drain.

Key Features of the Steel Box Girders:

These girders are longer but lighter than the U-girders typically used in the corridor. Each Steel Box Girder measures 45 meters and weighs about 120 tonnes, compared to the 27-meter, 147-tonne U-girders.

Steel Box Girders are planned for three critical points in the Corridor-1 construction between IIT and Naubasta in Kanpur. The first was installed at Rawatpur Tiraha, and future installations are planned near Vasant Vihar, addressing challenges posed by heavy traffic and the required span between pillars.

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TBM S115 Achieves Breakthrough at RBS College for Agra Metro Phase 1

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15/04/2024

AGRA (Metro Rail News): Afcons Infrastructure – Sam India Consortium drills further for the Agra Metro Phase 1 project. Tunnel boring machine (TBM) S115 successfully achieved breakthrough at RBS College Station for Line-1 (Sikandra – Taj East Gate). The project, a joint endeavor of Afcons Infrastructure and Sam India, aims to enhance transportation infrastructure in Agra, easing severe road congestion and pollution while serving millions of residents and tourists annually.

1713073932487 — TBM S115 Head after the breakthrough (Picture credit- Gaurav Chauhan)

Breakthrough Achievement: TBM S115

TBM S115, a refurbished Terratec Earth Pressure Balance (EPB) machine, commenced its journey in December 2023 to construct a 2.2 km tunnel for the up-line from RBS College Ramp towards Agra College Interchange Station.

TBM S115 did excavation and construction of a 720-meter tunnel for the up-line from RBS Ramp to RBS College Station. With this breakthrough, the machine will now be pulled through RBS College’s station box, recommissioned, and set on its journey towards Raja Ki Mandi Station, covering approximately 640 meters.

1713073932893 — Picture credit- Gaurav Chauhan

Project Scope and Progress

The Agra Metro Phase 1 project’s AGCC-02 package involves designing and constructing a tunnel from the beginning of the underground ramp near Fatehabad Road Metro station to the end of the ramp after RBS college Metro station. This includes the construction of seven underground metro stations, namely Taj Mahal, Agra Fort, Jama Masjid, S.N. Medical college, Agra college, RBS college, and Raja ki Mandi. The package also includes architectural finishes, E&M, TVS, ECS, etc., along Corridor-1 of the Agra MRTS Project in Agra, Uttar Pradesh, India.

AGCC 02 Available on a hrefhttps etenders.gov .ineprocureapp target blankhttps etenders.gov .ineprocureappa notice of award agcc02 page 0001

Based on Technical and Financial evaluation of offers submitted on CPP Portal and as per terms and conditions of the tender AGCC-02, tender had been awarded to M/s AFCONS-SAM INDIA Consortium on 14.03.2022 at a total cost of INR 1773,27,00,000.00 and EURO 52,54,554 with total equivalent to INR 1819,79,90,757.00 with the approval of competent authority i.e. MD/UPMRCL.

Future Plans and Breakthrough Projections

Following the breakthrough achievement of TBM S115, the project anticipates a total of 10 breakthroughs between RBS College Ramp and Mankameshwar Mandir (Jama Masjid), with nine more breakthroughs yet to be realized. The next breakthrough is expected to be achieved by S-718C (TBM Shivaji), commissioned in January, responsible for constructing the parallel down-line tunnel from RBS Ramp to RBS College Station.
Once operational, the metro system will serve as a lifeline for approximately 2.6 million Agra residents and cater to the needs of six million tourists annually.

Global Impact

The Agra Metro project aligns with various national and international agendas, including India’s National Urban Transport Policy and Agra’s Comprehensive Mobility Plan. Furthermore, the project contributes to achieving Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) such as SDG 13 (climate action), SDG 11 (sustainable cities and communities), and SDG 9 (infrastructure), along with India’s Paris Alignment targets.

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.

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Kolkata Metro: RVNL Starts Construction of Victoria Metro Station

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13/04/2024

KOLKATA (Metro Rail News): Kolkata’s metro system is expanding, and construction has kicked off for the Victoria Metro Station on the Purple Line, linking Joka to Esplanade. Following the recent opening of the Joka-Majerhat stretch, attention has turned to the Mominpur (Excl.) to the Esplanade section. Construction was awarded to M/s. Larsen & Toubro in July 2023, promising smoother commutes from the southwest areas like Taratala, Behala, Thakurpukur, and Joka to Central Kolkata.

Among the four stations planned for this stretch—Khidderpore, Victoria, Park Street, and Esplanade—construction is now in full swing for the underground Victoria station. This station, set to be 325 meters long and situated 14.7 meters underground, will offer easy access to Kolkata’s landmarks, including the revered Victoria Memorial and the Brigade Parade Ground, known as ‘Garer Maath’, ensuring convenient visits for residents and tourists.

Execution and Preparation

Rail Vikas Nigam Limited (RVNL) is overseeing construction at Victoria station. Barricading and other preparatory works are nearing completion. Initial construction involves building diaphragm walls (D-walls), with machinery already deployed onsite.

Green Initiatives by RVNL

Around 29 trees are earmarked for transplantation to Kamardanga near Beliaghata. Clearances for this initiative are underway. Additionally, a Vibration Impact Study has been conducted, and a health survey of the basement of Victoria Memorial Hall was conducted.

Efforts to reduce air and noise pollution during construction are underway, and expert consultations from IIT-Guwahati are being conducted to validate design integrity and environmental strategies.

As Kolkata’s metro expands, the Victoria Metro Station underscores the city’s commitment to modern urban connectivity, promising improved accessibility for all.

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.

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The Coach: India’s First Metro Coach Restaurant Opens in Noida

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13/04/2024

India's First Metro Coach Restaurant at Noida 137 Metro station.

NOIDA (Metro Rail News): The Coach, Culinary Express, and Bar is a unique dining experience that has recently opened in Noida, India. This restaurant is located inside the Noida Sector 137 metro station on the Aqua line and is the first-ever metro coach restaurant in Delhi/NCR. The concept of transforming a metro rail coach into a vibrant restaurant is a first-of-its-kind initiative by the Noida Metro Rail Corporation Ltd. (NMRC), which aims to offer passengers a quirky fine dining experience within a stationary metro train coach.

The restaurant is currently operational on a trial basis, with a soft launch having already taken place. The official inauguration is scheduled for April 20, 2024, after which the restaurant will be open to the public from 11:30 a.m. to 12 AM.

Commercial Activities of NMRC

The NMRC has awarded a nine-year contract to an agency responsible for overseeing its operations and managing the restaurant within the metro network. This is not the first time the NMRC has ventured into commercial activities within the metro network. In the past, the corporation has successfully established small kiosks at metro stations and leased commercial spaces to private companies for business purposes.

Multi-Cuisine Restaurant

The Coach is a multi-cuisine restaurant that offers a wide range of dishes, including a cocktail menu and child-friendly options. The menu has been designed to cater to a variety of tastes and preferences, making it an ideal dining destination for families, friends, and solo diners. According to sources, the restaurant serves delicious Kashmiri kebabs, which have already gained popularity among food enthusiasts.

The restaurant’s unique ambiance is one of its main attractions. The interiors of the metro coach have been transformed into a vibrant and colorful space, reminiscent of a stationary metro train coach. The design elements, including the seating arrangements, lighting, and furnishings, have been carefully curated to create a unique dining experience that is both quirky and latest.

The Coach, Culinary Express, and Bar is not just a restaurant but a destination that offers a unique dining experience. It is a testament to the NMRC’s innovative approach to creating commercial opportunities within the metro network. The restaurant is a perfect example of how a seemingly ordinary space can be transformed into a vibrant and exciting destination that offers a unique dining experience.

The Coach, Culinary Express, and Bar is a must-visit destination for food enthusiasts and those looking for a unique dining experience. The restaurant’s quirky ambience, multi-cuisine menu, and child-friendly options make it an ideal destination for families, friends, and solo diners.

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.

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Rahee Infratech Secures Mumbai Metro Line-9 Track Work Contract

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13/04/2024