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NHPC Inks MoU with RITES for Construction of Railway Siding in Arunachal Pradesh

22/08/2023

NEW DELHI (Metro Rail News): India’s top hydropower company, NHPC Limited, has entered into a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with RITES, a Central Public Sector Undertaking under the Ministry of Railways. The collaboration aims to construct a railway siding in Pasighat, Arunachal Pradesh, for NHPC’s ambitious 2,880 MW Dibang Multi Purpose Project.

The partnership between NHPC and RITES is a smart match, as both organizations bring their unique skills to the table. RITES, acting as a Project Management Consultant, will utilize its core strengths to offer effective solutions for building railway infrastructure not only for NHPC’s Dibang project but also for upcoming ventures in Arunachal Pradesh.

The formal agreement was signed on August 21, 2023, at NHPC’s Corporate Office in Faridabad. The signing ceremony included key figures like General Manager (Civil) of Dibang and the Executive Director from RITES, along with NHPC’s Director (Projects) Shri Biswajit Basu, Executive Director (Dibang), NHPC and the relevant Executive Director from the Corporate Office.

NHPC Limited is India’s foremost Hydropower Company. NHPC’s total installed capacity is 7,097.2 Megawatt of renewable energy (including Solar and Wind), through its 25 power stations including 1,520 Megawatt through subsidiaries.

Meanwhile, RITES Limited holds the position of a prominent player in India’s transport consultancy and engineering sector. As a Miniratna (Category–I) Schedule ‘A’ Public Sector Enterprise, it delivers a variety of services across different sectors and covers a broad geographical scope.

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Delhi Metro and NBCC Collaborate to Revolutionize Infrastructure Development

Staff Reporter

22/08/2023

DMRC and NBCC (India) Sign MoU to to work together in the field of Infrastructure development

NEW DELHI (Metro Rail News): The Delhi Metro Rail Corporation (DMRC) and NBCC (a public sector undertaking) are teaming up to enhance the Delhi Metro infrastructure. This exciting collaboration was announced on Monday, August 21.

Officials have shared that DMRC and NBCC are collaborating to improve infrastructure not only in India but also internationally. DMRC announced this partnership on its official social media account on X (previously known as Twitter).

“A Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was signed today between DMRC and NBCC (India) Limited to work together in the field of Infrastructure development in India and abroad” the DMRC posted on X.

Dr. P.K. Garg, who is the Director of Business Development at DMRC, along with Shri Saleem Ahmad, who serves as the Director of Projects at NBCC, signed the MoU. Moreover, Dr. Vikas Kumar, the Managing Director of DMRC, and Shri P.K. Gupta, who holds the positions of Chairman and Managing Director at NBCC (India) Ltd., were also present during the signing ceremony.

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Ahmedabad Suburban Railway: Existing assets to be upgraded as RRS

Narendra Shah

22/08/2023

Overview

The suburban rail system for the city has been proposed in order to allow people to live in satellite towns and travel comfortably, reducing the strain on urban infrastructure. The Delhi Metro Board conceived of the scheme in 2003. The Delhi Metro Rail Corporation presented the Detailed Project Review to the Gujarat Infrastructure Development Board (GIDB) in October 2005. GIDB forwarded it to RITES for verification. The project was approved in 2009 but could not be implemented. MoU had been signed with Rail Vikas Nigam Ltd for a suburban railway system in Ahmedabad during the Vibrant Gujarat Global Investors Summit 2015. It was later announced in the 2016 Union Rail Budget that the project shall leverage the existing Right of Way of Indian Railways, travelling through Ahmedabad, by modernising and integrating existing facilities. Two corridors have been planned for Ahmedabad Suburban Railway: Corridor 1 with proposed stoppages at Barejadi-Ahmedabad Junction-Kalol (43.49 km) with stops at Geratpur, Vatva, Maninagar, Sabarmati, Chandkheda, Khodiyar, and Saij Sertha Road and Corridor 2 with stoppages at Ahmedabad Junction-Naroda (9.47 km) with stops at Asarva, Ahmedabad Airport, Saijpur and Sardargram.

As a result of the IPTS (Integrated Public Transport System) study for Ahmedabad City initiated by the Gujarat Infrastructure Development Board (GIDB) to identify solutions for the city’s Urban Transport problem, the GIDB initiated the preparation of a Detailed Project Report (DPR) for Regional Rail System for Ahmedabad through Delhi Metro Rail Corporation (DMRC) and RITES in 2003. The goal is to encourage people to stay in Ahmedabad’s satellite townships by ensuring that they can get to work through a suburban rail-based transportation system. The project plans to use the existing railway facilities to create separate tracks and suburban train stations at 1.5-2 kms with an operating frequency of one train every 10 minutes during peak hours. The following railway assets are intended to be upgraded as part of the Regional Rail System:

Corridor 1: Barejadi – Ahmedabad Jn – Kalol Jn (43.49 Km)

Corridor 2: Ahmedabad Jn – Naroda (9.47 Km)

Summary

DMRC submitted the DPR in October 2005. Following the detailed project report, the Ministry of Railways initiated the discussions for the project’s realisation through public-private partnerships (PPP). The DPR was revalidated and submitted by RITES in 2009, as per the Railway Board’s recommendation. Pursuant to the government’s decision, the viability of connecting more small towns to the Regional Rail System is being investigated and under study. The following are the extended corridors with a total length of 288 kilometres:

Kalol – Kadi (20 Kms)
Kadi – Katosan Road (18 Kms)
Katosan Road – Viramgam (38 Kms)
Ahmedabad Jn. – Sanand (29 Kms)
Sanand – Viramgam (36 Kms)
Kalol – Mehsana (42 Kms)
Naroda – Prantij (57 Kms)
Barejadi – Mehmedabad (12 Kms)
Mehmedabad – Anand (36 Kms)

Current Status

A discussion with the Ministry of Railways for the formation of SPV is under process.

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IR Considers PLI Scheme to Promote Local Production of Train Components

Staff Reporter

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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