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IR Considers PLI Scheme to Promote Local Production of Train Components

22/08/2023

NEW DELHI (Metro Rail News): Indian Railways is planning to introduce a productions-linked incentive (PLI) scheme to encourage local production of important train components like wheels, brakes, and transmission systems for Vande Bharat train and Linke Hofmann Busch (LHB) sets. Currently, a lot of these parts are bought from other countries. The plan is to make more of these parts in India itself.

Before the COVID-19 pandemic, Indian Railways had looked into ways to make more of these parts in India. But because of the COVID pandemic, those plans were put on hold. The Railway Board is now seeking a more detailed study to reduce imports, with the goal of implementing the findings by the end of 2023-24. This new study will not only help in reducing the need for imports but also attract private companies to invest in this area.

According to officials, the expected budget for this scheme is around Rs 800-1,200 crore spread over three years. It will mainly be used to boost the manufacturing of wheels, axles, braking systems, locomotives, and track machines. Indian Railways has already taken steps in the past few years to reduce imports. For example, around 85 percent of the required signaling systems are now made in India.

Indian Railways will soon invite companies to discuss the details of this scheme. The government will provide output-linked incentives to companies for making products that are usually imported.

In the past, Indian Railways used to buy forged wheels and axles from other countries like China and Europe. But now, it is working on making these parts in India. Railways has given an order to a consortium of Ramakrishna Forgings– Titagarh Wagons to make 1.54 milllion forged wheels.

The Ministry official noted that they are exploring various countries, including Russia, Japan, France, and East European nations, to meet demands until domestic production reaches adequate levels.

“In 2020, Indian Railways procured components including axles from CRRC Datong Co, wheels from Taizhong Hong Kong International (worth $4.47 million and $26.7 million respectively), and axles worth $3 million from CRRC Yangtze Tongling. Additionally, axles worth $10.84 million were imported from CRRC Datong.”

Notably, a portion of these imports also comprised specialized components required for locomotives, coaches, and signalling telecom equipment. These components were imported due to limited availability and quality concerns within India, as detailed in the national transporter’s annual report.

Overall, Indian Railways is actively pursuing strategies to bolster the domestic production of essential train components. The goal is to ensure the self-reliance of the railway sector in India.

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HAML Invites Bids for Preparing Project Reports for 12 Metro Corridors in Hyderabad

Staff Reporter

21/08/2023

Hyderabad Metro/Representational image only

HYDERABAD (Metro Rail News): Hyderabad Airport Metro Rail (HAML) is seeking bids from consultants to create Preliminary Project Reports (PPRs) and Detailed Project Reports (DPRs) for the recently approved Phase-III metro rail expansion corridors by the Telangana government.

According to N.V.S. Reddy, the managing director of HAML, there are a total of 12 corridors spanning 278 km. These corridors consist of eight extension corridors and four corridors along the Outer Ring Road (ORR). These are grouped into four packages, with each consultancy firm eligible for a maximum of two packages.

The deadline for submitting bids is August 28. The selected consultants will be announced early next month. Their first task is to create Preliminary Project Reports (PPRs) within two months. This involves conducting surveys, estimating demand, analyzing the impact on the environment, and suggesting suitable public transport modes.

After that, the consultants have three months to prepare Detailed Project Reports (DPRs). These detailed reports will cover everything from the design of metro structures and stations to integrating different modes of transport. They will also include plans for power supply, signalling, train operation, cost estimates, and financial analysis.

Chief Minister K. Chandrasekhar Rao emphasized that these reports should be prepared by renowned consultancy addressing the city’s transportation needs for the next 40-50 years. To ensure a comprehensive approach, various departments like GHMC, HMDA, and R&B will collaborate under the guidance of the Minister for Municipal Administration & Urban Development K.T. Rama Rao.

HAML’s general manager M. Vishnuvardhan Reddy informed that the corridors in the first package include BHEL, Patancheru, and ORR and Isnapur, covering 13 km. Also, it includes routes like L.B. Nagar, Hayatnagar and Pedda Amberpet spanning 13 Km and ORR, Patacheru interchange at NH-65, Kokapet, Narsingi interchange covering 22 km.

In Package II, there will be metro connections like Shamshabad Junction metro station, Kothur, and Shadnagar covering a distance of 28 km. Additionally, there’s a route involving Shamshabad Airport metro station, Tukkuguda, Maheshwaram crossroads, and Pharma City, with a length of 26 km. Another route of 40 km involves ORR Interchange at Shamshabad NH 44, Tukkuguda, Bongulur, and Pedda Amberpet interchange at NH65.

Package III will include routes like Uppal Crossroads, ORR, Ghatkesar, and Bibinagar, spanning 25 km. It also includes Tarnaka crossroads and ECIL crossroads. Another route of 45 km includes ORR Pedda Amberpet interchange at NH 65, Ghatkesar, Shamirpet, and Medchal interchange at NH44.

In Package IV, there are plans for a double elevated flyover or metro route from JBS metro rail station to Tumukunta, covering 17 km. Additionally, there’s a 12 km route involving a double elevated flyover or metro from Paradise crossroads to Kandlakoya. Lastly, there’s a 29 km route covering ORR Medchal interchange at NH 44, Dundigal, and Patancheru interchange at NH65.

The timeline for the process is as follows: Technical proposals will be opened on August 28, and shortlisted firms will be announced on August 30. Also, the Financial proposals will be opened on the same day. Contracts will be awarded on September 9, and the signing of the proposals is scheduled for September 15.

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Gaining Momentum: Central Railway’s Drive Towards ‘Zero Scrap’ Mission

Staff Reporter

21/08/2023

MUMBAI (Metro Rail News): Central Railway is making impressive strides in its “Zero Scrap” initiative. The railway is determined to identify and properly dispose of various types of scrap, like outdated locomotives, non-operational rail lines, and overaged or accidental locos/coaches. This effort has paid off, with Central Railway achieving a remarkable increase of 20.41% in scrap sales compared to the Railway Board’s target until August 2023. In the current financial year (from April 1, 2023, to August 15, 2023), it has achieved scrap sales worth Rs. 132.47 Crores.

The accomplishment includes selling:

5669 metric tons of rails/P. Ways, 09 Locomotives
133 coaches
53 wagons

(Including 06 KM Jamner-Pachora Section Narrow Gauge Line in Bhusawal division)

Different divisions and depots have contributed significantly to this success as listed below:

Railway Division	Value of Scrap Sold
Mumbai Division	Rs. 24.36 Crores
Bhusawal Division	Rs. 17.99 Crores
Solapur Division	Rs. 8.09 Crores
Nagpur Division	Rs. 9.66 Crores
Pune Division	Rs. 14.33 Crores

Additionally, Matunga Depot sold scrap worth Rs. 23.56 Crores and Electric Loco Shed Depot of Bhusaval sold scrap worth Rs. 13.50 Crores.

Central Railway is resolutely dedicated to attaining a scrap-free status for all Divisions and Depots as part of the Zero Scrap Mission, while also exceeding the Railway Board‘s target of Rs. 300 Crores for the year 2023-24.

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Indian Railways Plans to Lease Out 84 Surplus Plots Worth ₹7,500 Crore

Staff Reporter

21/08/2023

Indian Railways is likely to lease out 84 surplus plots worth more than ₹7,500 crore to private companies over the next 18 months. — Representational image only

DELHI (Metro Rail News): Indian Railways is likely to lease out 84 surplus plots worth more than ₹7,500 crore to private companies over the next 18 months. This move is part of the Rail Land Development Authority’s (RLDA) efforts to utilize surplus land for commercial purposes. The RLDA is responsible for redeveloping and commercially exploiting such land. The authority has been given 119 commercial plots to develop, 35 of which have already had their bids accepted for a total lease value of 2,835 crore.

The plan is to expedite the leasing of the remaining plots, some of which are located in prime areas within cities and near tourist attractions. This aims to complete the process by FY25. Leasing these lands for commercial use will allow the railways to generate lease rent annually over the lease period, which could range from 45 to 99 years. This approach offers a quicker way to monetize railway assets compared to other methods.

In previous fiscal years, Indian Railways monetized assets worth ₹133 crore in FY21, ₹655 crore in FY22, and ₹3,000 crore in FY23. Developing prime land parcels for commercial use is favoured by private developers and is an efficient way for the railways to monetize assets. This approach is especially crucial since the railways have been slower in monetizing assets compared to other infrastructure sector ministries.

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Vibrant Debut: ICF Launches New Orange Color Vande Bharat Express

Staff Reporter

19/08/2023

CHENNAI (Metro Rail News): The Integral Coach Factory (ICF) in Chennai has launched a fresh Vande Bharat Express with a unique orange-gray color theme. This marks the 31st Vande Bharat Express produced by ICF, a significant milestone.

Recently, Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw had visited the factory to inspect the under-construction orange-themed train.

Interestingly, ICF is stepping into new territory with this venture, experimenting with a unique orange-gray color theme. This debut will see the manufacturing of a single rake of the orange-gray Vande Bharat Express.

Though the exterior is undergoing a color transformation, the interiors of the Vande Bharat Express remain unaltered. Notably, the orange-gray train incorporates the 25 improvements introduced in the latest batch of Vande Bharat Express trains.

The 8-coach AC chair car train boasts upgraded safety features and passenger amenities, shaped by passenger feedback. Enhancements include a more comfortable reclining angle for seats, optimized cushion hardness, extended footrests for Executive Chair Car seats, and soothing blue color seats. Not to mention, practical adjustments like deeper washbasins in toilets to prevent water splashing and improved accessibility to under-seat mobile charging points.

Currently, Indian Railways operates 50 Vande Bharat Express train services on 25 routes, taking into account journeys in both directions. Excitingly, ICF is in the process of finalizing the interior design for a sleeper variant of the Vande Bharat Express, anticipated to outshine even the Rajdhani Express trains. This new and improved train is expected to be ready within this financial year, adding more dynamism to the railway network.

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Patna Metro: Rajendra Nagar Metro Station as an Interchange Hub for Rajendra Nagar Rail Commuters

Staff Reporter

19/08/2023

PATNA (Metro Rail News): Rajendra Nagar Underground Metro Station would be a typical metro station in corridor-II of Patna metro rail project where people will have access to railway terminal. It is an underground station proposed partially below the Kankarbagh main road and partially below the parking area of Rajendra Nagar Railway Station.
The proposed Metro station of corridor- II will be a level underground metro station after Patna Junction Metro station with rail level at a depth of approx. 21m from the ground level.

Vital mode of transport for the railway commuter

As this metro station shall provide a vital mode of transport for the railway commuter, hence this metro station is planned and designed in coordination with East Central Railway (ECR). Also, the station has been integrated with the redevelopment proposal of Rajendra Nagar Terminal Railway Station, which is an upcoming development project of East Central Railway (ECR).

This station will provide a seamless commuting facility for commuters residing in Kankarbagh, Doctors Colony, Kanti factory road, Kumhrar, etc., to reach Rajendra Nagar Terminal Railway Station.
Rajendra Nagar Metro Station proposals have been formulated for facilitating efficient pedestrian dispersal and traffic movement.

Facilities for passengers
· The station will have two entry/exit gates along with one Fire Escape Staircase.
· One Entry/Exit – is inside the Railway Premise
· Other Entry/Exit- towards the College of Commerce, Art & Science, i.e. on the other side of the railway Station.
· Thus, the Entry/Exit shall also serve the purpose of the safe pedestrian crossing of the road.

Arrangements for emergency situations

· One Fire Escape Staircase is planned along the Kankarbagh main road for dealing with all emergency cases.
It is to be noted that the planning of this station has been done in consultation with the Railway authority for the development of Rajendra Nagar railway station. Construction of the metro station is being done in phases considering the commuter inconvenience.

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Afcons Emerges As the Lowest Bidder for Jaipur Metro Phase 1C Civil Work Contract

Staff Reporter

19/08/2023

JAIPUR (Metro Rail News): Afcons Infrastructure emerged as the lowest bidder for the civil construction contract (Package UG-03) of a new phase of Jaipur Metro. This new phase, known as Phase 1C, will extend the existing Pink Line by 3.41 km, connecting Badi Chaupar to Transport Nagar.

In this expansion, 2.65 km of the route will be constructed underground through the old city using twin tunnels, and there will be a new station at Ramganj Chaupar. Additionally, 0.76 km of the route will be elevated with another new station at Transport Nagar.

The scope of JMRC’s project includes “Design and Construction of Twin Tunnel using Shield TBM, Underground Station (Ramganj Chaupar), Cut and Cover Tunnel Box and Underground Ramp from Badi Chaupar dead end Ch:10387.860 to Underground ramp end Ch:13040 of Jaipur Metro Phase-1C including Architectural finishing, Entry-Exit Structures, water supply, Sanitary Installations and Drainage Works at Jaipur, Rajasthan.”

The Jaipur Metro Rail Corporation (JMRC) had sought bids for the underground section’s construction in June 2023. The technical bids from different companies were opened last week, revealing four bidders.

Here are the financial bid values from the competing firms:

• Afcons Infrastructure: Rs. 630.45 crore
• Sam India Builtwell: Rs. 651.22 crore
• ITD Cementation: Rs. 735.18 crore
• J Kumar Infraprojects: Rs. 750.45 crore

Afcons Infrastructure’s bid was notably lower than JMRC‘s estimated cost of Rs. 717.23 crore, indicating the potential for a contract to be awarded in the coming months without prolonged financial bid evaluation.

The Detailed Project Report (DPR) for Jaipur Metro Phase 1C was prepared by the Delhi Metro Rail Corporation (DMRC) in June 2020. DMRC, serving as the General Consultant for the project, had previously suggested that the existing 10 4-car BEML train-sets would suffice for this extension, eliminating the need for additional rolling stock.

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Railways to Upgrade Tracks with High-Strength Rail to Boost Train Speeds

Staff Reporter

19/08/2023

Railway Track — Representational image only

NEW DELHI (Metro Rail News): Indian Railways is gearing up to upgrade its tracks using high-strength rails known as R-350. This move is crucial for the operation of high-speed trains. Alongside track upgrades, the railway ministry is implementing various measures to enhance train technology and safety. These include the installation of an anti-collision system called Kavach and the fencing of tracks.

The railway ministry recently issued guidelines for the adoption of R350HT grade rails on its network. These rails have a proven track record globally, eliminating the need for field trials. Although they will be produced by Indian companies and used for the first time by Indian Railways, they will be closely monitored for a specific duration to detect any unusual behaviour.

According to sources, the Steel Authority of India Ltd (SAIL) is gearing up to initiate the production of these rails in the next few months. The railways will soon invite tenders to procure these rails, which will ultimately help in overcoming current speed limitations caused by infrastructure challenges.

To address safety concerns, the Kavach system is being expanded, and tracks are being fenced to prevent accidents involving cattle and other animals on the tracks.

Additionally, work is being done to make the next-gen Vande Bharat trains with sleeper coaches go even faster, up to 220 kmph. Work is also in progress to enhance the Delhi-Mumbai and Delhi-Howrah lines, allowing trains to run at 160 kmph. All these steps collectively aim to modernize the Indian Railways network and provide better travel experiences for passengers.

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DMRC Invites E-Tender for INR 426.88 Crore Subway Construction Between Museums in Patna

Staff Reporter

18/08/2023

Heritage tunnel — Image for representation only

DELHI (Metro Rail News): The Delhi Metro Rail Corporation (DMRC) Ltd. has invited an open e-tender for Tunnel (subway) construction between Bihar and Patna Museum with an estimated cost of INR 426.88 Crores, inclusive of GST at 18%.

The scope of work for the contract PC-08R includes “Design and Construction of Single Tunnel (SUBWAY) between Bihar Museum and Patna Museum by Shield TBM, Fire Escapes, Ancillary building, Entry/Exits building including Architectural Finishing, Water Supply, Sanitary Installation & Drainage works at Patna.”

The required security amount for the tender is INR 1 Crore. Bidders should take note that the payment of the tender security should be made from the bidder’s own account. In the case of a Joint Venture (JV) or Consortium, the tender security can be paid from the JV/Consortium account or one of the constituent member’s account.

The completion period for this extensive project is set at 30 months.

A pre-bid meeting is scheduled for September 1, 2023. The meeting will be conducted virtually through software apps like Cisco Webex. Prospective bidders must provide the details of the participating individuals (up to two persons) for the virtual meeting by August 31, 2023.

Tender submissions will start from September 19, 2023 and will continue until September 26, 2023.

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Metro Railway’s GM Inspects Battery Energy Storage System at Masterda Surya Sen Metro Station

Staff Reporter

18/08/2023

GM P Uday Kumar Reddy — Shri P Uday Kumar Reddy, General Manager, Metro inspected the soon-to-be-introduced Battery Energy Storage System (BESS) at Masterda Surya Sen Metro station

KOLKATA (Metro Rail News): Metro Railway’s General Manager, Shri P Uday Kumar Reddy, recently inspected the North-South Metro stretch, specifically from Jatin Das Park to Kavi Subhash stations, on August 16, 2023. He paid special attention to the upcoming Battery Energy Storage System (BESS) at Masterda Surya Sen Metro station. This innovative system combines inverters and Advance Chemistry Cell (ACC) Batteries, serving as a reliable backup during power cuts or grid failures. The BESS system can even move stalled trains in tunnels or on the viaduct to the nearest Metro station during sudden power cuts. Shri Reddy also assessed the existing power backup system in use at the Metro stations.

Beginning his inspection journey from Jatin Das Park Metro station after commercial hours, the General Manager moved towards Masterda Surya Sen station. Here, he examined the newly installed anti-door opening system in a Medha rake (MR-416). This safety feature prevents doors from opening between stations and on the non-platform side. Shri Ashim Majumder, Principal Chief Electrical Engineer, explained the system’s working to Shri Reddy during this inspection, alongside other senior officers.

Shri Reddy conveyed his contentment with the system’s performance and expressed hopes for it to significantly enhance passenger safety.

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