Home Blog Page 187

Chennai Metro Launches First TBM “Flamingo” For Corridor 4, UG 01 at Light House Station

02/09/2023

CHENNAI (Metro Rail News): Chennai Metro Rail Limited has initiated the expansion of the city’s metro rail network, embarking on Phase 2 following the successful completion of Phase 1 and Phase 1 Extension Corridors in multiple stages since June 2015. This expansion comes in response to the increasing ridership observed in Corridors 1 and 2. CMRL is now undertaking an extensive infrastructure development endeavor in the city, encompassing the addition of three more metro rail corridors. These new corridors will extend over a combined length of 116.1 kilometers and will incorporate a total of 119 metro stations.

Phase II Corridor 4 of Chennai Metro, with a length of 26.1 kilometers, runs in an east-west alignment, connecting the beachfront from Light House station to Poonamallee Depot. It comprises nine underground stations and 18 elevated stations, with the underground section extending over 10 kilometers. This underground portion traverses through diverse areas, from the historic precincts of Mylapore and Kutchery Road to the new and upmarket areas like Alwarpet, Bharatidasan, Boat Club, Panagal Park, and Kodambakkam.

The ambitious Corridor 4 project will employ a total of four TBMs for its construction. ITD Cementation India Limited secured the underground projects, C4-UG 01 and C4-UG 02, which involve the construction of metro stations and tunnels. At Light House Station, two TBMs, Flamingo (S1352A) and Eagle (S1073B), will be launched, while at Panagal Park, two more TBMs, Peacock (S1074B) and Pelican (S1075B), will be launched for excavation.

The commencement of the first tunnel construction in Corridor 4, covering a total length of 1.96 kilometers, took place today (01.09.2023). The work is progressing from Light House to Thirumayilai Metro, with the TBM Flamingo deployed in the south shaft’s down line.

The launch event was graced by Thiru. T. Archunan, Director Projects at CMRL, who initiated the first TBM, Flamingo, in the presence of senior officials from CMRL, General Consultants from M/s AEON Consortium, and ITD Cementation.
TBM Flamingo has been launched in the down line of Corridor 4, and will tunnel at a maximum depth of 30 meters below ground, beginning its route from Light House Station towards Kutchery Road. It is anticipated to reach Thirumayilai Station in approximately one year and is expected to conclude its journey at the retrieval shaft of Boat Club Station in May 2026.

Advertisement1

Track Works Begin for Mumbai-Ahmedabad High-Speed Rail Corridor

Staff Reporter

01/09/2023

SURAT (Metro Rail News): On 31 August, the construction of the first reinforced concrete (RC) track bed of the Mumbai-Ahmedabad bullet train project began in Surat.

The track system, which matches Japan’s Shinkansen bullet train, is introduced for the first time in India using the J-slab ballastless track system, as stated by an official document.

The track system is composed of a pre-cast track slab over which fastening devices and rails are affixed. This slab rests on the RC track bed, which has a thickness of approx 300mm and is constructed on-site for each individual UP and Down track line situated atop the viaduct. The width of the RC track bed measures 2420 mm.

To ensure the stability and functionality of the track slab, RC anchors are strategically placed to prevent any longitudinal and lateral movements. The RC anchor has a diameter of 520 mm and stands at a height of 260 mm. These are built at approx. 5 m centre to centre.

Image for representation only/ Image credit: NHSRCL

Within the RC anchors, reference pins are installed to attain the desired alignment, both horizontally and vertically, which is essential for train operations at speeds of up to 320 kmph.

Contracts for the track works in the entire Gujarat region have been awarded, and the procurement of materials for track construction is currently in an advanced stage. Over 14,000 metric tons of JIS rails and 50 molds for casting track slabs have already been imported from Japan.

Manufacturing of the track slabs will take place in specialized factories, with two such facilities already established. These factories are equipped with cutting-edge technology and infrastructure to ensure the precise production of slabs for the High-Speed Rail (HSR) track construction.

The construction process will involve the use of special machinery, including rail feeder cars, slab laying cars, and CAM (Cement Asphalt Mortar) laying cars.

To ensure that the Indian contractors are well-prepared for the task at hand, an extensive training and certification program is being organized in collaboration with Japan Railway Technical Services (JARTS) as the Training & Certification agency. This initiative aims to familiarize the personnel with the execution methodology related to track laying for this groundbreaking project.

Advertisement1

Shri Alok Katiyar Assumes Role of Director, Electrical & System at NHSRCL

Staff Reporter

01/09/2023

Shri Alok Katiyar assumes charge as Director (Electrical & System)/NHSRCL

NEW DELHI (Metro Rail News): Mr. Alok Katiyar has been appointed as the new Director (Electrical & System) at the National High-Speed Rail Corporation Limited (NHSRCL). Before his appointment to this position, Mr. Katiyar served as the Principal Executive Director (Signalling & Telecom) at NHSRCL and has been involved with this project since its inception.

With over three decades of experience in the field, Mr. Katiyar possesses extensive knowledge of High-Speed Railways, Metro systems, and mainline signalling systems, including Communication-Based Train Control (CBTC). His career has encompassed various aspects, from contracts to the design, installation, and commissioning of advanced signalling systems. He is well-versed in system planning and ensuring the timely implementation of critical systems for both metro and mainline railways.

He has worked both as a team leader and as part of a team, consistently achieving project targets. His expertise extends to contract management and implementation.

Additionally, Mr. Katiyar has served as Director/Signal at the Research Designs and Standards Organisation (RDSO) and possesses specialized knowledge in Metro Signalling Systems, High-Speed Trains, Electronic Interlocking, Data Acquisition Systems, Electromagnetic Interference/Electromagnetic Compatibility (EMI/EMC), and Software Embedded Critical Safety Systems.

Advertisement1

The First Trainset Arrives for Bhopal-Indore Metro Rail Project

Staff Reporter

01/09/2023

The first trainset for Bhopal–Indore metro projects built by Alstom being unloaded at the Indore Depot

INDORE (Metro Rail News): Alstom has successfully delivered the first trainset for the Bhopal–Indore metro project to Madhya Pradesh Metro Rail Corporation Limited (MPMRCL) today. Built in record time of fourteen and a half months from its Notice To Proceed (NTP), this trainset will be deployed to Indore, which is set to be operational from April 2024. The mock-up car was unveiled at Smart City Park, Bhopal on 26 August 2023, by Hon’ble Chief Minister of Madhya Pradesh in the presence of MPMRCL, the General Consultant and Alstom.

The second trainset, expected to be delivered by 20th September 2023, will be deployed to Bhopal. These ultramodern, light-weight trains will operate at a top speed of 80 km/h, across the 31 km line in Bhopal with 30 stations and the 31.5 km line in Indore with 29 stations. 27 of the 3 car configuration trainsets, will be for Bhopal, while 25 trainsets will be for Indore. The trains have a 50-passenger seating & 300 standing capacity.

Commenting on the delivery update, Oliver Loison, Managing Director, Alstom India, said, “It is a proud moment for us to deliver the first trainset for the Bhopal-Indore metro project in advance. Bhopal and Indore has been recognised as a smart city in India, and the addition of metro will modernise the city infrastructure notably. These trains will ensure a safe, reliable, efficient, and affordable mass transport system while also promoting economic activity. Alstom is India’s long-standing partner in the journey towards sustainable mobility, and we are looking forward to further strengthening this partnership by redefining the mass transportation needs of Madhya Pradesh.”

Under the ‘Make in India’ campaign, the Bhopal-Indore Metro trainsets are being manufactured 100% indigenously at Alstom’s state-of-the-art rolling stock manufacturing facility at Savli, Gujarat. As a part of the contract awarded in July 2022,

Alstom is responsible for the design, manufacturing, supply, installation, test, and commissioning of 52 standard gauge Movia metro passenger trainsets of 3-car configuration each, with 15 years of comprehensive maintenance.
Valued at €387 million (over INR 3200 crores), this order includes the installation of the latest generation of Communications Based Train Control (CBTC) signalling system as well as train control and telecommunication systems; each with seven years of comprehensive maintenance.
This is the second such combined order in India for Alstom, after the Agra-Kanpur metro projects.

The Movia metro family offers the latest technology combined with proven and reliable components, and have been operational in numerous global cities, including London, Delhi, Stockholm, and Singapore. These air-conditioned cars are developed with a strong emphasis on eco-friendly design to eliminate hazardous substances, providing a safer environment for passengers. The trains are powered with modern energy-efficient propulsion systems with regenerative braking, making them a sustainable alternative to other modes of transport, thus reducing energy consumption. Features such as ambient lighting and smart light solutions further help in energy saving. Train Control and Management System (TCMS) has been adopted with an automatic track inspection system embedded to ensure error-free and high-speed data transmission. The highest standards of safety and security have been ensured with continuous CCTV surveillance and a direct communication channel with the train operator and the control centre in case of distress. The intelligent CCTV features also include unattended object identification and empty train detection (passenger counting in Emergency evacuation). The trains also have dedicated wheelchair space for specially-abled persons.

Alstom India has a rich legacy of successfully delivering world-class metro trains for major cities, including Delhi, Chennai, Mumbai, Lucknow, Kochi in India, as well Sydney, Queensland, and Montreal. The company is currently manufacturing metro trains for Agra-Kanpur, and Mumbai Metro Line 3, and modern trainsets for India’s first semi high-speed Delhi-Meerut RRTS project.

Advertisement1

CMRL Submits Feasibility Report For MRTS in Tirunelveli, Trichy, and Salem

Staff Reporter

01/09/2023

Thiru. M.A.Siddique, I.A.S., Managing Director, CMRL submits DFR to Thiru. Ramesh Chand Meena, I.A.S., Additional Chief Secretary, Special Initiatives, Government of Tamil Nadu

CHENNAI (Metro Rail News): On Thursday, Chennai Metro Rail Ltd (CMRL) submitted a detailed feasibility report to the Government of Tamil Nadu to introduce Mass Rapid Transport Systems (MRTS) in Tirunelveli, Trichy and Salem.

Thiru. M.A. Siddique, I.A.S., Principal Secretary to the Government and Managing Director of CMRL, officially submitted the Detailed Feasibility Reports (DFR) to Thiru. Ramesh Chand Meena, I.A.S., Additional Chief Secretary, Special Initiatives, Government of Tamil Nadu, in the presence of Thiru. T. Archunan, Director (Projects), Thiru. T. Livingstone Eliazer, Chief General Manager (PP & D), Tmt. Rekha Prakash, CGM (PD), and other Senior Officials of CMRL.

The key highlights of the Detailed Feasibility Reports (DFR) for the implementation of Mass Rapid Transport Systems (MRTS) in Tiruchirappalli, Tirunelveli, and Salem are outlined as follows:

Tiruchirappalli (Trichy): The proposed MRTS for Tiruchirappalli spans a total of 45 kilometers and comprises two corridors. Corridor 1 stretches over 19 kilometers from Samayapuram To Vayaloor, encompassing 19 proposed stations. Corridor 2 covers 26 kilometers from Thuvakudi To Panjapur, featuring 26 planned stations. The final number of stations for each route will be determined during further study at the Detailed Project Report (DPR) stage.

Tirunelveli: Tirunelveli‘s MRTS proposal extends across 39.07 kilometers and encompasses three distinct corridors. Corridor 1 spans 12.39 kilometers from Pettai To Sankanapuram, incorporating 13 proposed stations. Corridor 2 covers 12.03 kilometers from Palayamkottai To Ponnakudi, including 12 planned stations. Lastly, Corridor 3 encompasses 14.65 kilometers from Sankarnagar To Vasanthnagar, featuring 15 proposed stations. The exact count of stations for each route will be finalized in subsequent alignment studies during the DPR stage.

Salem: In Salem, the proposed MRTS covers a total of 35.19 kilometers and comprises two corridors. Corridor 1 extends over 17.16 kilometers from Karapuranathar Temple To Ayodhyapattanam Railway Station Via Ammapet, including 19 stations. Corridor 2 spans 18.03 kilometers from Karuppur To Nallikalalpatty Via Salem Jn. Railway Station, featuring 19 planned stations. The precise number of stations for each route will be established following extensive alignment assessments during the DPR stage.

These endeavors are poised to significantly improve mobility and convenience for residents and commuters within Tirunelveli, Trichy, and Salem, ultimately enhancing the urban transportation landscape of these cities.

Advertisement1

Smt. Jaya Varma Sinha Becomes the First Woman Chairperson & CEO of Railway Board

Staff Reporter

01/09/2023

Smt. Jaya Verma Sinha Appointed as a new Chairperson and CEO of Railway Board.

NEW DELHI (Metro Rail News): Smt. Jaya Verma Sinha has been chosen by the government to be the first woman Chairperson & CEO of the Railway Board. This board is the top decision-making group for the Ministry of Railways. This is a significant milestone as she’s the first woman to lead the board in its 118-year history. She will officially start her new role on or after September 1. She was previously the Member (Operations and Business Development) and was notably involved in managing the aftermath of a tragic accident in Balasore where 291 people lost their lives.

An official document released by the Ministry stated, “The Appointments Committee of the Cabinet (ACC) has approved the appointment of Smt. Jaya Verma Sinha, Indian Railway Management Services (IRMS), Member (Operations and Business Development), Railway Board to the post of Chairman and Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Railway Board in the Apex scale for a period w.e.f. the date of assumption of charge on or after 01.09.2023, till the date of her superannuation and her re-employment on the post w.e.f. 01.10.2023 till 31.08.2024 on usual terms and conditions, or until further orders, whichever is earlier.”

Ms. Sinha graduated from Allahabad University. She became a part of the Indian Railway Traffic Service in 1988 and gained experience in various railway divisions including Northern Railway, South Eastern Railway, and Eastern Railway. Additionally, she has contributed to the Centre for Railway Electrification (CORE). She has also served as the Railway Advisor in the Indian High Commission in Dhaka, Bangladesh. Notably, during her time there, the Maitree Express connecting Kolkata and Dhaka was inaugurated. She has also worked as the Divisional Railway Manager for the Eastern Railway’s Sealdah Division.

Advertisement1

Kolkata Metro Railway to Substitute Steel Third Rail with Composite Aluminium Third Rail

Staff Reporter

30/08/2023

Kolkata Metro Railway decides to shift to composite Aluminium Third Rail for all upcoming corridors and retrofit existing corridors still equipped with steel Third Rail.

KOLKATA (Metro Rail News): Kolkata Metro Railway, India’s first metro system established by Indian Railways on October 24, 1984, has been a vital lifeline for Kolkata, the “City of Joy,” for almost four decades.

The power to Metro Rake is supplied to rolling stock at 750V DC through steel Third Rail. This Third Rail Current Collector (TRCC), composed of steel and affixed to the metro rake, gathers current from the Third Rail. Remarkably, Kolkata Metro Railway has employed the steel Third Rail for the past 40 years. However, the metro authority has now decided to embrace a shift to composite Aluminium Third Rail for all upcoming corridors and retrofit existing corridors still equipped with steel Third Rail. This transition will make Kolkata Metro Railway a member of the elite club of London, Moscow, Berlin, Munich, and Istanbul, which have already adopted Aluminium Third Rails.

To facilitate this change, Metro Railway Kolkata has initiated a tender process for the replacement of the current Third Rail. The first phase will encompass the section between Dumdum and Shyambazar. Subsequently, in the second phase, the work would be executed from Shyambazar to Central and J D Park to Tollygunge. The third phase will address the section from Mahanayak Uttam Kumar (Tollygunge) to Kavi Subhash (New Garia). Consequently, a total of 35 RKm of mainline steel Third Rail will be gradually replaced.

The evident advantages of the composite Aluminium Third Rail over the steel variant are as follows:

A reduction in resistive current loss and enhancement of Traction voltage levels, as the resistance of steel Third Rail is approximately six times higher than that of the composite Aluminium Third Rail.
On average, a 10 km corridor utilizing Aluminium composite Third Rail would necessitate 01 no. less Traction Substation in comparison to steel Third Rail. This translates to a direct cost reduction of around ₹210 Crores in terms of capital investment for a 35 km Metro corridor.
The decrease in voltage drop will enable quicker acceleration with the same rake available within the Kolkata Metro Railway.
Diminished maintenance and life cycle costs. The need for repainting the Third Rail every five years may become unnecessary. Moreover, the necessity for frequent measurements of Third Rail dimensions may significantly decrease, while risks of damage due to rust may be eliminated.
Augmented operational efficiency.
Notable enhancements in Energy Efficiency and reduction in carbon footprint.
An estimated energy conservation of approximately 6.7 million units annually through the utilization of composite Aluminium Third Rail.
Enhanced train headway.

In essence, Kolkata Metro Railway’s decision to transition from steel Third Rail to composite Aluminium Third Rail marks a significant step towards improved operational efficiency, cost-effectiveness, and sustainability.

Advertisement1

GMRC Awards 350 Cr. Contract to Titagarh Rail Systems for Ahmedabad Metro Phase II Project

Staff Reporter

30/08/2023

AHMEDABAD (Metro Rail News): Titagarh Rail Systems Ltd (TRL) has secured a Rs 350 crore contract from the Gujarat Metro Rail Corporation (GMRC). TRL announced on Wednesday that it received the letter of acceptance from GMRC for this significant contract. The contract is for the Ahmedabad Metro Rail Phase-II project and involves designing, manufacturing, supplying, testing, commissioning and training 30 standard gauge cars.

These cars are a vital part of the Ahmedabad Metro Rail Phase-II project, which aims to add 28.2 km of Metro lines to the city’s current network. The GMRC is implementing the project with a budget of Rs 13,500 crore.

Under the contract, TRL is required to deliver a prototype Metro car within 70 weeks starting from the receipt of the letter of acceptance (LoA). The complete contract has to be delivered in 94 weeks. The production will take place at TRL’s Uttarpara plant in the Hooghly district.

It will be a total of ten trains, each consisting of three cars.

Earlier in June, a Letter of Acceptance (LOA) for the design and production of 72 standard gauge cars for Surat Metro Rail was also given to Titagarh by the Gujarat Metro Rail Corporation (GMRC) Limited. The order was worth around Rs 857 crore.

Aside from these projects, TRL is actively involved in various other Metro rail initiatives across the country. This accomplishment highlights the company’s expertise and solidifies its role in advancing India’s metro rail infrastructure.

Advertisement1

Shri Anjum Pervez Assumes Role of Director, Projects at NHSRCL

Staff Reporter

30/08/2023

Mr. Anjum Pervez, New Director (Projects) NHSRCL

NEW DELHI (Metro Rail News): Shri Anjum Pervez has officially taken up the position of Director (Projects) at the National High-Speed Rail Corporation Limited (NHSRCL). Prior to this role, he served as the Principal Executive Director (Planning & Development) at NHSRCL. Notably, Shri Pervez has played a pivotal role in shaping India’s first high-speed rail project.

With a wealth of experience garnered through various capacities within the Indian Railways, Shri Anjum Pervez has showcased his expertise in multiple facets. His responsibilities have ranged from the maintenance and modernization of railway tracks to the meticulous planning, execution, and successful commissioning of new railway projects.

Advertisement1

Chennai Metro Rail Adopts Pillar Advertisements to Enhance Non-Fare Revenue

Staff Reporter

30/08/2023

CMRL to display advertisements on its metro pillars to boost non fare revenue/ image by Stalin SP

CHENNAI (Metro Rail News): Chennai Metro Rail Ltd. (CMRL) is exploring new avenues for revenue generation by allowing advertisements on the pillars of its elevated stretches. The organization has initiated the bidding process, and a contractor is expected to be chosen within the coming months. These advertisements will be designed to reflect the cultural essence of the city and promote State tourism.

According to CMRL officials, the pillars along the Thirumangalam-CMBT, CMBT-Ashok Nagar, Ashok Nagar-Ekkatuthangal, Ekkatuthangal-Alandur, Saidapet-Guindy, and Guindy-Alandur stretches will be utilized for displaying these thematic advertisements. This strategic initiative aims to bolster non-fare box revenue.

While ticket sales contribute to revenue, CMRL acknowledges the need for diversification due to increasing operational costs. The growing ridership, with approximately 2.6 lakh daily commuters, leads to escalated expenditures. Therefore, generating substantial non-fare box revenue has become imperative. This will be achieved by leasing spaces within stations to commercial enterprises, allowing companies to prefix their names to station names, utilizing pillar space for advertisements, and implementing similar strategies, as stated by an official.

The inauguration of CMRL’s first elevated stretch from Koyambedu to Alandur took place in 2015. Subsequently, Phase I and its extension projects were successfully completed, resulting in the establishment of a functional 54-km network.

Advertisement1

1...186187188...905 Page 187 of 905