Namma Metro Pink Line Tunnel Project: Nearing Completion

By

-

12/04/2024

BENGALURU (Metro Rail News): The Namma Metro Pink Line tunnel project, spanning from Kalena Agrahara to Nagavara, is reaching its final stages and is expected to be concluded by August this year. This vital transportation endeavour has progressed through three drilling phases, with two phases already completed and the third phase currently underway, boasting a remarkable 94% completion rate.

Tunnel Drilling Progress

In the ongoing third phase, the Tunga and Bhadra Tunnel Boring Machines (TBMs) are drilling a 935-meter tunnel from KG Halli to Nagavara. On February 2, the Tunga TBM initiated southward drilling, whereas the Bhadra TBM started northward drilling on April 2. Forecasts indicate the completion of these TBMs by July 31 and August 31, respectively.

The initial segment of the tunnel project, spanning from Shadimahal to Venkateswarapuram (1066.80 m), and the subsequent phase, extending from Venkateswarapuram to KG Halli (1185.80 m), have both been completed, according to sources.

While tunnelling nears its conclusion, track installation, civil construction, station building, and track alignment efforts remain in progress.

Project Scope and Timeline

The Pink Line Phase-II project encompasses 18 stations and will span 21.26 km from Kalena Agrahara to Nagawara. This extensive line comprises a 7.5-km elevated portion and a 13.76-km underground segment.

This includes a 12-station tunnel section from Dairy Circle to Nagawara and a 7.50 km elevated line featuring six stops from Kalena Agrahara to Swagat Road.

The underground section involves the construction of twin tunnels spanning 20.992 km. Nearly six of the 18 stations are elevated, while the remaining 12 underground stations are nearing completion.

TBM Operations

The Bangalore Metro Rail Corporation Limited (BMRCL) has deployed nine Tunnel Boring Machines (TBMs) to facilitate tunnel construction. Seven TBMs—Varada, Rudra, Lavi, Vindhya, Avni, and Urja—have successfully completed their tasks.

On February 2, the eighth TBM, Tunga, commenced its final drive from KG Halli to Nagawara, covering a distance of 935 meters. The ninth TBM, Bhadra, began its operations shortly after on April 7, 2024, with the aim of drilling a 939-meter tunnel northward from KG Halli to Nagavara. While initial estimates suggested completion by August, recent reports hint at a more realistic timeline extending to December for the project’s culmination, despite BMRCL’s initial projections.

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

NCRTC Proposed Feeder Bus Services for RRTS-Cum-Metro Corridor

By

Staff Reporter

-

12/04/2024

0

NOIDA (Metro Rail News): The NCR Transport Corporation (NCRTC) has proposed feeder bus services to complement the 72km RRTS-cum-metro corridor stretching from Ghaziabad station to Noida airport. Six bus routes have been suggested for the initial rapid rail segment from Ghaziabad station to Ecotech VI, while three routes have been outlined for the extension from Ecotech VI to the airport in Jewar.

Feeder Bus Routes

The proposed feeder bus network encompasses nine routes, aligning with the 22 stations planned along the corridor.

Ghaziabad Station to Ecotech VI:

Ghaziabad South Station – Dasna
Greater Noida Sector 2 Metro station – Aqua Line Sector 76 metro station
Malakpur station – Sector 93 on Noida Expressway via Dadri main road
Proposed Knowledge Park 3 Metro station – UPSIDC site 4 and Zeta 1
GNIDA sectors Pi-I and II – Ecotech VI station

Ecotech VI to Jewar Airport:

Sikandrabad and Buddh International Circuit – Dankaur station
YEIDA Sector 18 – BIC
Gaur Yamuna City on the YXP – YEIDA Sector 21 Metro station

Purpose and Scope

The first section of the corridor, covering a 39-km alignment with 7 rapid rail and 11 metro stations, primarily serves the high-density developed areas of Ghaziabad and Greater Noida West. The objective of the feeder bus service is to enhance connectivity between the envisaged rapid rail stations and residential and employment hubs.

The second section, spanning a 32.9km stretch with 4 Rapid Rail Transit System (RRTS) stations up to Jewar, presently comprises rural areas interspersed with a few group housing societies. The proposed bus routes intend to link key locations such as Sikandrabad, Buddh International Circuit, and YEIDA Sector 18 to enhance accessibility to the rapid rail stations.

Development Prospects

The areas along the corridor are eagerly waiting for significant development. Anticipating the airport’s project completion by year-end and the emergence of manufacturing, residential, and data centre hubs in the region, the NCRTC’s project report underscores the importance of continuous feeder system planning.

Integrating various transportation modes, including feeder buses, auto-rickshaws, e-rickshaws, taxis, cars, and two-wheeler rentals, will ensure comprehensive first—and last-mile connectivity and cater to diverse commuter preferences.

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

Pune Metro Sets June Deadline For Civil Court-Swargate Metro Services

By

Staff Reporter

-

12/04/2024

0

PUNE (Metro Rail News): The Pune Metro is gearing up to start underground service on both lines from Civil Court to Swargate by June this year. Following the successful trial runs on both routes, the underground metro service will likely begin by the end of June. Reports suggest that the Pune Metro completed the trial run on the second line of the underground metro rail service earlier.

According to official sources, the underground metro rail service linking Civil Court to Swargate will likely be up and running by June 15, after the end of the Model Code of Conduct for the election.

Meanwhile, the work on the underground metro station is being carried out at full pace to ensure the commencement of the underground metro service as planned. The metro rail service from Civil Court to Swargate was initially scheduled to begin this year by the end of March. However, a delay in work prevented the commencement, and it was postponed following the imposition of the Model Code of Conduct across the country.

Completion of Phase I Project

The launch of the underground metro rail service will complete phase one of the project, comprising the routes from Pimpri-Chinchwad Municipal Corporation (PCMC) to Swargate and from Vanaz to Ramwadi.

Currently, the Vanaz to Ramwadi route is fully operational, whereas the PCMC to Civil Court route is partially functional, except for the underground segment extending to Swargate.

Future Plans and Expansion

The central government has greenlit the extension of the metro route from PCMC to Nigdi, marking a significant milestone in Phase I of the project. However, approval for the extension from Swargate to Katraj remains pending.

The proposal for the second phase of the Pune Metro rail has been presented to the Maharashtra government for review. Subsequently, it will be forwarded to the central government for further consideration.

Meanwhile, the Pune Metro is enhancing its feeder service from metro stations to nearby areas, aiming to bolster last-mile connectivity for commuters. An official reported positive feedback regarding the feeder service to Pune airport from the Metro station, indicating its effectiveness. Additionally, the authorities are actively exploring and testing more routes to improve the connectivity options further.

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

Bullet Train: Construction begins in Palghar & Thane Districts

By

Staff Reporter

-

11/04/2024

0

Railway Bullet Train — Bullet train (For representation only )

MUMBAI (Metro Rail News): The Bullet Train project by National High Speed Rail Corporation Limited (NHRCL) has initiated construction activities in Palghar and Thane districts under Package C-3. On 19.07.23, NHRCL awarded Larsen & Toubro a Rs. 15,697 crore contract for the construction work of 135.45 km Package C-3. This milestone signifies a new era of high-speed rail connectivity, promising enhanced regional mobility.

Progress Update

Package C-3, encompassing a total length of 135.45 kilometres from Shilphata to Zaroli village on the Maharashtra-Gujarat border, features a combination of infrastructure elements:

– Infrastructure: The package comprises 124.027 kilometres of viaducts and bridges alongside 5.361 kilometres of earth structures.

– Structural Highlights: It includes 36 bridges and crossings, with 12 steel bridges and three elevated stations at Thane, Virar, and Boisar.

– Tunneling Efforts: Six mountain tunnels and one cut-and-cover tunnel are underway to facilitate seamless connectivity.

Current Work Status

Geotechnical Surveys: Rapid progress has been made in surveying key locations, including the Vaitarna River, Virar, and Boisar bullet train stations.
Tunnel Construction: Commencing work on two mountain tunnels signifies a significant milestone in the project’s timeline.
Foundation Activities: Pier foundation work is in progress at multiple locations, ensuring the stability and longevity of the viaducts.
Casting Yard Development: To support bridge construction, establishing casting yards for full span and segment casting of girders is underway.

Implications and Significance

The initiation of construction activities in the Palghar and Thane districts will likely contribute to regional development. Once operational, the bullet train corridor promises to revolutionise travel between major urban centres, fostering economic growth and societal advancement.

As Package C-3 progresses towards completion, momentum builds towards realising the ambitious goals of the Bullet Train project.

Complemented by metro lines and other mass transit systems, the high-speed rail network will offer commuters a seamless, efficient, and sustainable mode of travel, further enhancing connectivity and accessibility across the country.

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

DBL Erects Final Precast Segments for Package IN-02A/01

By

Staff Reporter

-

11/04/2024

0

INDORE (Metro Rail News): Dilip Buildcon Ltd. (DBL) launched the last set of precast segments for Package IN-02A/01 on April 10th. The final 1871 precast segment placement brings the metro construction closer to completion. The viaduct, consisting of 179 spans, is constructed using precast segments, each 8.5 meters wide. These segments are cast at DBL’s casting yard along the Super Corridor.

This package is a part of the Indore Metro Phase 1, Line 3 (Yellow line) project. It covers a 6.29 km stretch and connects key city areas, including ISBT Metro Station and Mumtaj Bag Colony Station.

indore metro amitS — Picture Credit- AMIT KUMAR YADAV

This is the first civil contract awarded by MPMRCL for the Indore Metro project, with a budget of Rs. 228.96 crore. It was originally supposed to be completed in 27 months but is now 66 months behind schedule. Package IN-02A involves the construction of a 5.29 km viaduct, essentially an elevated track between ISBT/MR10 Flyover and Mumtaj Bag Colony.

Despite the progress, the project has faced challenges, leading to significant delays. The reasons for these delays are unclear but may include issues like land acquisition and coordination among various agencies involved.

AMIT KUMAR 2WE — Picture Credit- AMIT KUMAR YADAV

Stations Under Construction

URC Constructions is building eight stations within this section. These stations are crucial nodes for commuters and are located at ISBT, Chandragupta Square, Hira Nagar, Bapat Square, Meghdoot Garden, Vijay Nagar Square, Radisson Square, and Mumtaj Bag Colony.

In addition to the precast segments, the metro project has seen other significant developments. For instance, in March, the DBL launched four 36-meter-long steel composite girders over the Western Railways’ tracks in the MR-10 neighbourhood.

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

Supreme Court Overturns Ruling, Relieves DMRC of Rs 8000 Crore Liability

By

Staff Reporter

-

10/04/2024

0

NEW DELHI (Metro Rail News): The Supreme Court made a significant decision on Wednesday, April 10, overturning its 2021 ruling that upheld an arbitral award favouring Delhi Airport Metro Express Private Limited (DAMEPL), a subsidiary of Reliance Infrastructure, against Delhi Metro Rail Corporation (DMRC). This ruling relieves DMRC of a substantial liability, approximately Rs 8000 crores.

The legal dispute between Delhi Airport Metro Express Private Limited (DAMEPL) and Delhi Metro Rail Corporation (DMRC) revolves around a concession agreement initiated in 2008 for the construction of the Delhi Airport Express project on a Build–operate–transfer (BOT) basis. DAMEPL terminated the agreement in 2012, citing unresolved structural defects in the metro line, despite their notification to DMRC.

Following the termination, DMRC invoked arbitration, disputing the legality of DAMEPL’s termination notice issued on October 8, 2012. The arbitral tribunal, formed under the concession agreement, examined this matter. In 2017, the tribunal ruled in favour of DAMEPL, awarding damages totalling ₹2800 crore plus interest to the company.

Twists and Turns in Legal Battle

The legal battle persisted into 2018 as the dispute moved through the corridors of the judiciary. Initially, a single-judge bench of the Delhi High Court upheld the arbitral award, affirming the tribunal’s decision favouring DAMEPL. However, the legal landscape shifted when the case proceeded to appeal.

On appeal, a Division Bench overturned the previous ruling, casting doubt on the validity of the arbitral award. This reversal added layers of complexity to the case, prompting further legal shuffle from both parties involved. Subsequently, the matter reached the Supreme Court, where a decisive judgment was awaited to bring clarity and resolution to the protracted legal battle.

Legal Front

Despite the dismissal of a review petition, the legal battle persisted. Senior Advocates Mukul Rohatgi, Harish Salve, Kapil Sibal, JJ Bhatt, and Prateek Seksaria, alongside a team of advocates, represented DAMEPL.

Conversely, with their team of advocates, Attorney General R Venkataramani, Senior Advocates KK Venugopal, Parag Tripathi, and Maninder Singh appeared for DMRC.

The intricate and consequential nature of the case underscores the complexities of infrastructure agreements and the arbitration process.

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

DBL Wins Package C-5 of the Haryana Orbital Rail Corridor

By

Staff Reporter

-

10/04/2024

0

HARYANA (Metro Rail News): Dilip Buildcon Limited (DBL) has been named the lowest bidder by the tendering authority, Haryana Rail Infrastructure Development Corporation Ltd (HRIDC), for Package C-5 of the Haryana Orbital Rail Corridor (HORC) project. On April 8, DBL was declared the lowest bidder for this section, covering 21.14 km of the overall 121.7 km corridor, with a bid of Rs. 1092.45 crores. HRIDC, serving as the implementing agency on behalf of HORCL, oversees the development of this significant infrastructure project.

Bid Value and Bidders

In February 2024, technical bids underwent evaluation, revealing a total of 10 bidders. Except for H.G. Infra Engineering Ltd. (HGIEL), all participating companies successfully met the technical criteria and advanced to the subsequent stage of the bidding process.

Companies	Bid Value (Rs. Crore)
Dilip Buildcon Ltd.	1092
Patel Infrastructure Ltd.	1148
APCO Infratech Pvt. Ltd.	1118
Shivalaya Construction Co. Pvt. Ltd.	1207
Rail Vikas Nigam Ltd. (RVNL)	1264
PNC Infratech Ltd.	1297
Larsen and Toubro Ltd. (L&T)	1385
Ashoka Buildcon Ltd.	1385
Kalpataru Projects International Ltd. (KPIL)	1470

Contract Package C-5

The Composite Contract package in connection with the New (Broad Guage) BG Double Railway Line of the Haryana Orbital Rail Corridor (HORC) project between stations Prithla and Dhulawat entails:

Design and Construction of Civil Works comprising Earthwork, Bridges, Stations and Retaining Walls.
Design & Construction of viaduct.
Design & Construction of Ballastless track.
Design, Supply, Installation, Testing, and Commissioning of General Electrical Services.

Haryana Orbital Rail Corridor (HORC) project

The Haryana Orbital Rail Corridor (HORC) project is a significant initiative by the Haryana Rail Infrastructure Development Corporation Ltd (HRIDC) to introduce a semi-high-speed rail line in the state. The Haryana Orbital Rail Corridor (HORC), linking Palwal to Sonipat through Sohna, Manesar, and Kharkhouda, is a broad-gauge double railway line designed to accommodate passenger and freight transportation. This corridor aims to facilitate uninterrupted connectivity to the Dedicated Freight Corridors (DFC) at Prithala station and various Indian Railways stations, including Palwal, Patli, Sultanpur, Asaudha, and Harsana Kalan.

Package C-5 is a crucial segment of this project, covering a 21.14 km stretch, including a 3.9 km viaduct adjacent to the Aravalis, an at-grade section, and the construction of three stations: IMT Sohna Station, Silani Station, and New Pirthala Station.

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

Shri Kuldip Narayan Assumes Additional Charge as MD of NCRTC

By

Narendra Shah

-

10/04/2024

0

DELHI (Metro Rail News): Shri Kuldip Narayan, IAS, Joint Secretary of the Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs (MoHUA), Government of India, has assumed additional charge as Managing Director of the National Capital Region Transport Corporation (NCRTC). Shri Narayan has been associated with NCRTC as a Government Nominee Director since December 2022.

At MoHUA, he oversees its flagship program, Housing for All / Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana (Urban). He also serves as a nominee official director at the National Housing Bank (NHB) and Housing & Urban Development Corporation (HUDCO). Previously, he served as the District Magistrate of Gopalganj, Chhapra, Munger, and Madhubani districts in Bihar. Shri Narayan also held the position of Chairman of the Bihar State Bridge Corporation, MD of the Bihar State Milk Co-Operative Federation Ltd, MD of the Bihar State Water Board, and Patna Municipal Commissioner.

Shri Narayan is a 2005 batch IAS officer from the Bihar cadre who holds a degree in Mechanical Engineering from IIT Kanpur. In 2015, IIT Kanpur conferred the Satyendra Dubey Memorial Award upon him for his efforts to promote probity and transparency in public service and for his exemplary dedication to maintaining the highest professional integrity in upholding human values.

NCRTC

NCRTC – a joint venture company of the Government 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, is mandated to implement the Regional Rapid Transit System (RRTS) project across the National Capital Region, ensuring balanced and sustainable urban development through better connectivity and access.

Presently, a 34-km section between Sahibabad and Modi Nagar North, which has eight stations of India’s first RRTS corridor between Delhi-Ghaziabad-Meerut, is operational. Construction is advancing swiftly on the remaining sections, and the entire 82-km long corridor is scheduled to be operational by June 2025.

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

Mumbai Metro: Rubal Agarwal Appointed as MD of MMMOCL

By

Staff Reporter

-

10/04/2024

0

IAS officer Rubal Agarwal taking charge as MD of Maha Mumbai Metro.

MUMBAI (Metro Rail News): The Maha Mumbai Metro Operation Corporation Ltd. (MMMOCL) announced in a tweet that the Hon’ble Mrs. Rubal Prakhar Agarwal, IAS, will be the new Managing Director on April 8. Previously, the senior bureaucrat Rubal Agarwal served as the Additional Municipal Commissioner in the Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) from January 1, 2019. During her tenure at PMC, Agarwal played a crucial role in various initiatives, notably in managing the COVID-19 crisis in Pune, garnering acclaim for her efforts.

Responsibilities as MD

As the Managing Director of MCL, Mrs Agarwal will oversee the operation and maintenance (O&M) of all metro lines within the Mumbai Metropolitan Region. Her leadership is expected to steer MMMOCL through its ongoing expansion efforts and infrastructure projects, ensuring efficient and reliable metro services for passengers.

MMMOCL’s Expectations from the New MD

Agarwal’s appointment comes at a crucial phase for MMMOCL, which is working hard to enhance its services and infrastructure to meet the growing demands of Mumbai’s population. Under her leadership, the corporation is assured and aims to achieve new heights in its mission to provide sustainable and accessible transportation solutions for the city.

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

Chennai Metro’s TBM ‘Kaveri’ Nears Adyar Junction Milestone

By

Staff Reporter

-

08/04/2024

0

CHENNAI (Metro Rail News): Three months after the deployment of the Tunnel Boring Machine (TBM) ‘Kaveri’, employed by the Chennai Metro Rail Limited (CMRL) for tunnelling beneath the Adyar River. It has successfully crossed the riverbed and is very close to arriving at the Adyar Junction Metro station. TBM ‘Kaveri’ started its journey from Greenways Road and is slated to drill a distance of 1.2 km to reach the Adyar junction.

In the coming years, this tunnel will serve as a vital link for commuters travelling between Adyar and various other parts of the city via the Metro Rail system. As an integral part of corridor 3 of the Phase II Project, spanning from Madhavaram to SIPCOT, the tunnel represents a significant pace towards enhancing connectivity in Chennai.

The CMRL Phase II Project spans 116 kilometres and features stops at over 100 locations across the city. ‘Kaveri’ spearheads the initiative as the pioneering TBM to tunnel beneath a river. Nevertheless, this achievement isn’t unprecedented for CMRL, which has previously laid tunnels under the Cooum between Government Estate and Chennai Central Metro stations in the Phase I Project.

CMRL officials have emphasised the formidable challenges encountered during the tunnelling process, particularly beneath the Adyar River. The TBMs navigated through a combination of sandy and clayey soil conditions, showcasing the intricacies of the engineering efforts. In the stretch between Greenways Road and Adyar junction, CMRL intends to lay the track at a depth of approximately 18 meters, ensuring the structural integrity and safety of the infrastructure.

Simultaneously, the Adyar Junction Metro station’s construction activities are underway and expected to be completed within the next two years, facilitating seamless integration with the metro network.

Chennai Metro’s Phase II Corridor-3

The Chennai Metro’s Phase II Corridor-3 spans 45.4 km, connecting Madhavaram to SIPCOT. It comprises two sections: an underground line from Madhavaram to Taramani and an elevated stretch to SIPCOT. Construction progresses swiftly with 49 stations, including 20 elevated and 29 underground.

The 20 km stretch from Nehru Nagar to SIPCOT in Siruseri will likely be operational by 2027, easing commuting challenges and enhancing Chennai’s transport network.

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