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Haryana’s Contribution Pending for Tricity Metro Project’s DPR

09/09/2023

Haryana yet to contribute its share for Tricity Metro Project's DPR — Representational image only

CHANDIGARH (Metro Rail News): The Chandigarh administration has been waiting for Haryana to provide the necessary financial support for the development of the Detailed Project Report (DPR) for the Tricity Metro project. The Rail India Technical and Economic Service (RITES), which has already prepared a comprehensive mobility plan for the Tricity Metro, has requested written approval from the administration to proceed with the preparation of the DPR.

Punjab has promptly fulfilled its share of ₹1.37 crore for the Tricity Metro project, while Haryana’s contribution is still outstanding. The agency responsible for preparing the detailed project report, RITES, is in a holding pattern until they receive the necessary consent from the UT administration. The project’s first phase has recently seen an expansion from 66 km to 77 km and is projected to commence in 2027, with the second phase scheduled for development after 2037.

The overall estimated cost of the Metro project stands at approximately ₹10,570 crore, with the states contributing 20%, the central government 20%, and the remaining 60% being covered by a lending agency.

A senior official from Haryana involved in the project has mentioned that they are still finalizing whether to provide the funds through Haryana Shahari Vikas Pradhikaran (HSVP) or establish a new head.

On the other hand, a senior officer of the UT administration has indicated that once they receive the funds from Haryana, they will promptly grant consent to RITES to proceed with the preparation of the DPR.

In a significant decision made in July, the Chandigarh administration committed to involving all stakeholders, including Haryana and Punjab, in the development of the AAR and DPR for the Metro Rail project, in line with the central government’s guidelines.

The Unified Metro Transportation Authority (UMTA), consisting of 23 members, met on July 18 and approved the Tricity Metro Project. It also extended the scope of the first phase from 66 km to 77 km. The first phase will now commence from Parol in New Chandigarh (Mohali) and conclude at Panchkula Extension in Sector 20.

The first phase will encompass three proposed routes: Parol, Sarangpur, ISBT Panchkula to Panchkula Extension (29 km); Rock Garden to ISBT Zirakpur via Industrial Area and Chandigarh Airport (35 kilometre); and from Grain Market Chowk, Sector 39, to Transport Chowk, Sector 26 (13 Kilometer).

In the second phase, slated for development after 2037, the Metro will be extended from Airport Chowk to Manakpur Kallar (5 km) and ISBT Zirakpur to Pinjore (20 km), with most tracks running overground. RITES has been tasked with preparing the AAR and DPR for the project, with an estimated cost of ₹6.54 crore, and both reports are expected to be ready by March 2024.

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Chennai Metro Phase II: L&T Deploys Third TBM Siruvani For Tunneling

Staff Reporter

08/09/2023

L&T commissions TBM Siruvani at Chetpet Station’s shaft/ Image from Rohit Bandagale — L&T commissions TBM Siruvani at Chetpet Station’s shaft/ Image by Rohit Bandagale

CHENNAI (Metro Rail News): On Wednesday, Larsen & Toubro (L&T) commissioned tunnel boring machine (TBM) DZ1040, named Siruvani, for the Chennai Metro Phase 2 project. This 6.65-meter earth pressure balance (EPB) machine marks the third of eight TBMs commencing tunneling activities on Line-3’s Package TU-02, connecting Kellys and Taramani Road Junction stations.

WhatsApp Image 2023 09 08 at 17.50.30 — Image by Rohit Bandagale

Manufactured by China Railway Construction Heavy Industry (CRCHI), TBM Siruvani successfully passed factory acceptance tests in the summer of 2022. It is now set to travel southward from Chetpet Station towards Sterling Road, covering an initial distance of approximately 705 meters.

WhatsApp Image 2023 09 08 at 17.50.30 1 — Pooja Ceremony for deploying TBM Siruvani / image by Rohit Bandagale

L&T, the project contractor, will deploy TBM Siruvani and seven other TBMs to construct 12 twin tunnels, (a total of 24 kilometres) between Kellys and Taramani Road Junction stations. The contract for Package TU-02, valued at Rs. 2385 crore, was awarded to L&T by Chennai Metro Rail Ltd. (CMRL) in May 2021, with a 42-month deadline.

WhatsApp Image 2023 09 08 at 17.50.32 — Image by Rohit Bandagale

In addition to tunnel construction, L&T will also be responsible for building diaphragm walls and entry/exit structures at various stations, including Chetpet Station, Royapettah Government Hospital Station, Thiruvanmiyu Station, and part of the diaphragm wall at Greenways Road Station. This encompasses the launching and retrieval shafts at these stations.

In June, L&T initiated the process of lowering the parts of TBM Siruvani into Chetpet Station. So far, the machine has built two temporary rings inside the shaft for its initial drive, with its backup gantry set to be attached later for the primary drive.

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Transforming India’s Railways: The Digital Revolution

Priyanka Sahu

08/09/2023

Digital Transformation in Indian Railways_ (1) — Representational image only

Introduction

India’s railway system is one of the largest in the world, catering to millions of passengers and transporting a significant amount of freight across the country. Rail transport plays a vital role in India’s development, integrating markets and connecting communities. The Indian railway system has played a fundamental role in transporting people and goods throughout its vast territory. Rail passenger traffic in India has increased by almost 200% since 2000 and freight traffic by 150%, yet latent demand for mobility in India remains huge. The Indian Railways is the primary operator of rail operations throughout the country and is the single largest employer in India, employing approximately 1.3 million people. The railway industry in India is projected to account for 40% of the total global share of rail activity by 2050.

According to the Ministry of Railways, Indian Railways carried 808.6 crore (8.086 billion) passengers in 2020 and transported 1418.1 million tonnes of freight in 2022. However, the Indian Railways system is still plagued by several issues that require immediate attention, such as safety, late trains, lack of passenger facilities, including cleanliness at railway stations, lack of security arrangements on the railways, which leads to robbery and dacoities, and political pressure and intervention.

The Need for Digital Transformation in Indian Railways

Indian Railways, one of the world’s largest railway networks, is in need of digital transformation to modernize its operations and provide better services to passengers. Digitalization is essential in developing rail transport in the contemporary economy. The Indian Railways has adopted digitalization across various spheres of its operations, including passenger information systems, train signaling, ticketing, computerized wagon allocation systems, real-time monitoring, traffic management, and more. The fundamental areas determined by the Indian railways for digital transformation include a partnership with technology and logistics partners for technological advancements, passenger-friendly applications, application integration for a cooperative Indian railways platform, freight consumer convenience, data analytics, cashless commerce, dashboards and alerts, and mobile applications.

The Indian Railways has unveiled a National Rail Plan (NRP) for India, with an aim to make a ‘future ready’ railway system by the end of this decade. The new plan is aimed at reforming and making railways more sustainable, efficient, and modern while ensuring cheaper and safer transport, either in the passenger or freight segment. By framing strategies based on both commercial policy initiatives and operational capacities, the NRP also aims to increase the Railways’ modal share in freight to 45%.

Digitalization Initiatives in Indian Railways

To catch up with the rest of the world, Indian Railways has already embarked on a journey of digital transformation. Initiatives such as the Integrated Coaching Management System (ICMS), the e-Ticketing system, and the Railways’ mobile app have revolutionized the passenger experience. These digital platforms have simplified ticket booking, provided real-time information, and enabled passengers to track their trains. Additionally, the Freight Operation Information System (FOIS) has improved the efficiency of freight transportation, reducing transit times and enhancing customer satisfaction.

The Indian Railways is leveraging Industry 4.0 and digital railway concepts to modernize rail transport. The integration of data analytics can play a crucial role in transforming the railway network and addressing the various challenges faced by the Indian Railways.

The Indian Railways has created a Real-Time Train Information System or RTIS, which helps the Indian Railways prepare a computerized chart and the passenger train data. Furthermore, the railways also now employ automated management charting for over 6,500 locomotives, reducing the railway employees’ manual burden.

The Future of Rail Transport in India: A Digital Perspective

The digital future of rail, as conceived by the International Energy Agency, consists of three main components: driverless trains, real-time operations centres, and fully integrated mobility systems.

The Indian Railways is promoting the Digital India initiative to encourage digital transactions, facilitating digital methods of transactions for the purchase of food items through catering units at railway stations. At present, a digital payment facility, for making key purchases, is available at about 8878 static catering units across railway stations for the purchase of food items.

Investment in rail infrastructure is set to rise significantly. Between 2013 and 2017, it was at US$ 58.96 billion, but it’s expected to reach US$ 124.13 billion from 2018 to 2022. Looking further ahead, India plans to invest Rs 50 lakh crore (equivalent to US$ 715.41 billion) by 2030. To make trains more environmentally friendly, India aims to electrify its entire railway network by 2023. This move will result in annual energy savings of about $1.55 billion.

Digital transformation has the potential to revolutionize rail transport in India. By embracing emerging technologies such as the Internet of Things (IoT), Artificial Intelligence (AI), and Big Data analytics, Indian Railways can optimize operations, enhance safety, and improve the overall passenger experience. Countries like Japan and China have successfully implemented digital transformation in their railway systems, resulting in increased efficiency, reduced costs, and improved customer satisfaction. India can learn from these success stories and adapt them to its unique requirements.

Challenges of Digital Transformation in Indian Railways

Implementing digital transformation in Indian Railways comes with its own set of challenges.

Technical challenges: Implementing digitalization in railways requires advanced technical expertise and infrastructure. The railway sector needs to ensure that the digital solutions are compatible with the existing infrastructure and can handle the high volume of data generated by the railway system.

Data quality: The accuracy and reliability of data are critical for the success of digitalization in railways. The railway sector needs to ensure that the data collected is of high quality and can be used for analysis and decision-making.

IoT and Big Data: The railway sector generates a massive amount of data, and managing this data can be a significant challenge. The sector needs to ensure that the data collected is secure and can be analyzed to derive insights that can improve the efficiency and safety of the railway system.

Security and Cybersecurity: The railway sector needs to ensure that the digital solutions implemented are secure and protected from cyber threats. The sector needs to invest in cybersecurity measures to protect the data and infrastructure from cyber-attacks.

Different projects = different requirements: The railway sector needs to ensure that the digital solutions implemented are tailored to the specific needs of the project. Different projects have different requirements, and the sector needs to ensure that the digital solutions implemented meet these requirements.

Digital Transformation in Indian Railways: The Way Forward

To achieve successful digital transformation, Indian Railways needs cross-industry leadership, a well-defined strategy, and decisive action. Collaboration with technology companies, startups, and research institutions can bring innovative solutions to the table. The establishment of dedicated research and development centers can foster innovation and drive the adoption of emerging technologies. Furthermore, the government’s support in terms of policy reforms and increased funding is crucial for the sustained growth of digital transformation in Indian Railways.

Conclusion

Digital transformation is not just an option but a necessity for Indian Railways to overcome its challenges and unlock its true potential. By embracing digital technologies, Indian Railways can enhance operational efficiency, improve passenger experience, and ensure the safety of its vast network. The initiatives already implemented are a testament to the positive impact of digital transformation. However, there is still a long way to go. It is imperative for stakeholders to collaborate, invest in infrastructure, and adopt a forward-thinking approach to drive the digital revolution in Indian Railways. The future of India’s railways lies in the hands of digital transformation, and it is crucial for the country’s economic growth and sustainability.

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Trains Every 12 Minutes: Kolkata’s East-West Metro Under-River Run to Start in December

Staff Reporter

08/09/2023

The East-West Metro project to be India's first under-river Metro/Image for representation

KOLKATA (Metro Rail News): The Kolkata Metro Rail Corporation (KMRC) is making strides in its efforts to launch the East-West Metro’s under-river run by year-end.

According to KMRC MD V K Srivastava, the trains are set to run at every 12 minutes when the East-West Metro begins its under-river run by December 2023. The agency is working toward a December 2023 deadline for the 4.8km Esplanade-Howrah Maidan stretch, with the entire 16km corridor set to begin operations in June 2024.

The nation’s first underwater Metro project has encountered a series of intricate construction challenges, primarily associated with the most significant issue being the subsidence-affected 2.4km Sealdah-Esplanade section. These challenges have caused delays in the corridor’s linear run from Sealldah to Howrah Maidan.

The East-West Metro project, heralded as India’s first under-river Metro, has encountered a series of intricate construction challenges, primarily associated with the most significant issue being the subsidence-affected 2.4km Sealdah-Esplanade section. These challenges have caused delays in the corridor’s linear run from Sealdah to Howrah Maidan.

As per Srivastava, train trials are currently underway in the under-river section, and there are plans to invite the Commissioner of Railway Safety, responsible for safety approvals, for inspection by the end of November. Limited services are anticipated to commence by the end of December due to the complexities faced in the Sealdah-Esplanade section.

Addressing the maintenance aspect, Asim Majumdar, KMRC’s director (rolling stock), has mentioned that when operations begin, two rakes will be transported to the Central Park depot every week for regular upkeep, as the state-of-the-art BEML rakes necessitate regular maintenance.

Due to the lack of a stabling yard at the Howrah Maidan end, the two rakes undergoing trials had to be transported from the Central Park depot in Salt Lake. This involved pulling them with a battery-powered locomotive through the challenging Sealdah-Esplanade section and placing them on temporary tracks through the unfinished gap in the eastbound tunnel before trails commenced on April 13.

To address soil-related challenges, the KMRC has engaged the services of Norway-based GeoFrost to implement ground frosting techniques at Nirmal Chunder Street. This innovative technique involves freezing the ground, including the water table, to create conditions suitable for micro-tunnelling. The objective is to initiate this work before the Pujas festival.

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L&T Commissions Automated Concrete Distribution System At The Casting Yard

Staff Reporter

08/09/2023

Commissioning of automated concrete distribution system at the casting yard by L&T

CHENNAI (Metro Rail News): Chennai Metro Rail Limited (CMRL) is making significant progress in its Phase 2 project, aimed at expanding the city’s Metro network. A crucial development in this endeavor is the commissioning of an automated concrete distribution system at the casting yard by Larsen & Toubro (L&T), the project contractor.

L&T commenced tunneling operations between Kellys and Taramani in Corridor 3 contract TU02 in February 2023. A total of eight Tunnel Boring Machines will be utilized by L&T in TU02. This contract needs a total of 18,000 concrete segment rings, with 17,100 rings measuring 1.4 meters in width, while 900 rings are 1.2 meters wide (for curved sections).

In May 2022, L&T initiated segment manufacturing after commissioning a tunnel segment casting yard in Vanagaram, Chennai. To date, they have produced 4,400 rings. Each segment bears a unique barcode and RFID tag for future traceability.

The highlight of this development is the recent commissioning of an automated concrete distribution system at the casting yard on September 7, 2023. This state-of-the-art system streamlines the delivery of concrete from the batching plant to the segment moulds, significantly enhancing production capacity while reducing the need for manual labour and minimizing carbon emissions. This eco-friendly technology is provided by Elematic OYJ of Finland.

It’s worth noting that Chennai Metro proudly marks its position as the first project in India to adopt this advanced technique, spearheaded by the contractor.

Thiru. T. Archunan, Director, Projects, CMRL along with other officials from L&T and CMRL was present during the inauguration of this system.

The inauguration of this system was led by Thiru. T. Archunan, Director Projects of CMRL, in the presence of senior officials and staff from both CMRL and L&T. This achievement signifies a crucial step forward in Chennai’s expanding Metro network.

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Western Railway Achieves Milestone: 3rd Line Commissioned Between Surat and Udhna

Staff Reporter

08/09/2023

Completed Surat - Udhna 3rdline Project/ Image from Western Railways — Completed Surat - Udhna 3rd line Project/ Image from Western Railways

SURAT (Metro Rail News): In a recent development, Western Railway has successfully achieved infrastructural work of Surat – Udhna 3rd line project and it has been commissioned for passengers as well as good traffic. The project involved adding a 2 km 3rd line, electrification work, and implementing Route Relay Interlocking (RRI) at Surat Yard.

The decision to undertake this project was prompted by persistent congestion and delays on the Surat – Mumbai mainline, particularly affecting trains bound for Jalgaon. The heavy passenger and goods traffic headed towards both Mumbai and Jalgaon had intensified the congestion between Surat and Udhna. The doubling of the Udhna – Jalgaon section had further amplified passenger & and goods traffic. To alleviate these challenges and improve the movement of passengers and goods, the construction of a third line on the east side between Surat and Udhna was initiated.

As part of the Surat – Udhna 3rd Line project, significant work was undertaken to remodel Surat Yard and implement Route Relay Interlocking (RRI). The complex task was executed within a span of approximately 56 hours. A major block was undertaken for carrying out the Non – Interlocking (NI) work at Surat Yard from 09.30 hrs of 26^th August upto 17.30 hrs of 28^th August. The upgraded Surat Yard now boasts a SIEMENS-designed RRI with ABB metal-to-metal relays. 18 routes have been for the 3rd line connection, totaling 154 routes in the RRI system. The Surat – Udhna 3rd Line project promises several benefits, including improved train punctuality, the elimination of congestion in the Surat – Udhna section, separation of Main Line traffic from the Udhna – Jalgaon Line traffic, enhanced safety through electronic interlocking, and the facilitation of direct reception and diversion of UP trains to the Udhna-Jalgaon section without disrupting the flow of trains along the Surat-Mumbai main line. This project is a significant step in enhancing railway infrastructure and streamlining traffic for Western Railway.

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Hon’ble Railway Minister Inspects Nimach – Ratlam – Nagda Section

Staff Reporter

08/09/2023

Railway Minister on the inspection of Nimach – Ratlam - Nagda Section

NIMACH, MP (Metro Rail News): During a recent visit to Madhya Pradesh, the Hon’ble Minister of Railways, Shri Ashwini Vaishnaw, conducted a comprehensive inspection of Nimach station’s passenger amenities and facilities. Accompanying him was Shri Sudheer Gupta, the Hon’ble MP of Mandsour, alongside other senior officials from both Headquarters and Division, including Shri Ashok Kumar Misra, the General Manager of Western Railway, and Shri Rajneesh Kumar, the Divisional Railway Manager of Ratlam Division.

Shri Vaishnaw, during his inspection, also oversaw the progress of various ongoing Western Railway projects. He took a keen interest in the ‘One Station, One Product’ (OSOP) stall at Nimach station, where he assessed the product quality and discussed sales. Encouraging digital payments, he led by example, making digital payments for purchases at the OSOP stall and a catering stall at Nimach. His emphasis on digital transactions aligns with the vision of ‘Digital India.’

Subsequently, Shri Vaishnaw conducted a window trailing inspection of the Nimach-Ratlam section. During this inspection, he evaluated the construction progress of a new Road Over Bridge, which is being built in lieu of Level Crossing (LC) No. 141 near Piplia Mandi station on the Nimach-Ratlam route. The Minister engaged with young railway officers and urged them to play pivotal roles in the railway system’s development. He emphasized the importance of their contributions, which are instrumental in achieving India’s goal of becoming a developed nation by 2047.

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90% Land Acquisition Achieved for Nanded-Wardha Rail Project

Staff Reporter

08/09/2023

Indian Railways — Representational image only

CHHATRAPATI SAMBHAJINAGAR (Metro Rail News): Around 90% of the land required for the Nanded-Wardha rail route has been successfully acquired, a crucial development in bridging the railway gap between Marathwada and Vidarbha regions. The 284.6km rail project, with a financial outlay of Rs 3,445.8 crore, has recently commissioned its first station.

The Nanded-Wardha rail line necessitates a total land acquisition of 2,139 hectares, and a substantial portion, approximately 1,912 hectares, has already been secured. Efforts to acquire the remaining 227 hectares are ongoing, according to the Central Railway (CR) spokesperson.

The completion of this new rail connection is poised to substantially enhance connectivity between Marathwada’s Hingoli and Nanded and Vidarbha’s Wardha, Yavatmal, and Washim districts. Beyond connectivity, it is expected to boost socio-economic development in these regions.

The funding for this project is divided, with the Indian Railways bearing 60% of the cost and the state government covering the remaining 40%. Additionally, the Deoli station, located 15km from Wardha, was inaugurated on August 25.

The CR authorities have reported that the Wardha-Deoli-Bhidi-Kalamb section, covering 38.6km, is nearing completion. To date, 35 major bridges have been successfully constructed along the route, and work on 79 minor bridges and road underbridges is also over.

Highlighting the importance of expediting the Wardha-Nanded rail project, railway activist Gautam Nahata emphasized its potential to stimulate socio-economic development in both the Marathwada and Vidarbha regions, which have been historically considered underdeveloped.

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RVNL-MPCC JV Emerges as the Lowest Bidder for Rs. 174 Crore Railway Project

Staff Reporter

07/09/2023

VADODARA (Metro Rail News): The Joint Venture of Rail Vikas Nigam Limited (RVNL) and MPCC has secured the position of the Lowest Bidder for all civil engineering tasks with gauge conversion between Petlad-Bhadran (22.50 Kilometres) of Vadodara Division of Western Railway.

According to the statement released by the company, the joint venture emerged as lowest bidder (L1) for “All civil engineering works (Earthwork, Blanketing, Retaining Wall /Boundary Wall/ Side Drain, Minor Bridges, Major Bridges, and LHS/RUB, LCs, Construction of Station Buildings, Platform, Subways cover over Platforms, Passenger Amenities, Staff Quarters, Circulating Area, approach roads, Offices, Service Buildings, Sanitation, watering, protection works etc., and supply of 50 mm machine crushed stone ballast, complete track works including linking of track works in connection with gauge conversion work between Petlad – Bhadran (22.50 Kilometers) of Vadodara Division of Western Railway.”

In terms of the partnership, RVNL holds a majority share of 74%, while MPCC holds the remaining 26%.

The timeline for the execution of the order or contract is set at a period of 02 years. The estimated cost of this significant project stands at Rs. 174.27 Crore.

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Pune Metro: Trials on Bund Garden to Ramwadi Strech Expected by Month End

Staff Reporter

06/09/2023

PUNE (Metro Rail News): Maha Metro is preparing to initiate preliminary trials of train rakes on the Bund Garden-Ramwadi elevated stretch in Pune by the end of this month. The viaduct and signaling construction on this section are in their final stages. This stretch is the last segment of the Vanaz to Ramwadi Metro route awaiting commencement for commuters.

“There are plans to finish all the required tasks till Ramwadi by November. We’ve also got feedback from commuters who have requested an extension of Metro services to Nagar Road, connecting important areas like Yerawada and Kalyaninagar with the central parts of the city,” stated a Maha Metro official.

The extended Metro line will serve regions such as Yerawada, Kalyaninagar, and parts of Nagar Road, benefiting those traveling to the eastern parts of the city.

According to an official, “Work on the section has been accelerated, with the viaduct completed from Bund Garden to Ramwadi. Installation of overhead traction and signaling at the stations is currently in progress. Preliminary track testing and rake trials are scheduled to commence by the end of September. These tests will evaluate viaduct alignment, curves, gradients, and other technical aspects.”

“The progress on this section has been expedited. The viaduct is completed from Bund Garden to Ramwadi. Currently, the installation of overhead traction and signaling systems at the stations is in progress. We anticipate commencing track testing and initiating train trials by the end of September. These trials will be conducted in phases. We will ply the train on the stretches where work is completed. The tests and trials would continue In October. These preliminary tests will be conducted to assess the alignment of the viaduct, curves, gradients, and other technical aspects.” an official stated.

Maha Metro had previously extended its services to Ruby Hall Clinic on August 1, with Ruby Hall Clinic experiencing one of the highest passenger footfalls. There are four stations, namely Bund Garden, Yerawada, Kalyaninagar, and Ramwadi, planned on the route ahead of Ruby Hall Clinic, extending all the way to Ramwadi.

Progress on these stations is well underway, with over 75% of the work completed at each station. Initial entry-exit points are being developed for each station. The Ramwadi section, being elevated, has made more significant progress compared to the underground Swargate route, which covers Kasba Peth, Bundhwar Peth, and Mandai. The Civil Court to Swargate Metro section is likely to be ready by December.

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