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.
Shri Alok Katiyar Assumes Role of Director, Electrical & System at NHSRCL
The First Trainset Arrives for Bhopal-Indore Metro Rail Project
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.
CMRL Submits Feasibility Report For MRTS in Tirunelveli, Trichy, and Salem
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.
Smt. Jaya Varma Sinha Becomes the First Woman Chairperson & 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.
Kolkata Metro Railway to Substitute Steel Third Rail with Composite Aluminium 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.
GMRC Awards 350 Cr. Contract to Titagarh Rail Systems for Ahmedabad Metro Phase II Project
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.
Shri Anjum Pervez Assumes Role of Director, Projects at 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.
Chennai Metro Rail Adopts Pillar Advertisements to Enhance Non-Fare Revenue
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.
Patna Metro: The Akashvani UG Metro Station to be Located at Frazer Road, the Heart of the City
PATNA (Metro Rail News): The Aksahvani underground Metro station of the Patna Metro Rail Project will be located at Frazer Road, the heart and center of the city. The length of this station will be 235 meters, and the depth of the track from ground level will be 16 meters below. In this underground metro station of Corridor-II, pedestrians of Frazer Road area will be able to move easily from one side of the road to the other side of the proposed subway without entering the paid area of the metro.
The Akashvani underground metro station is proposed for seamless movement of people from areas like Frazer Road, S. P. Verma Road, Exhibition Road, Gandhi Maidan, Dak Bungalow, Patna Station, Station Road, Maurya Lok etc.
It will also connect several important offices, commercial establishments/buildings, malls etc. in the vicinity of Frazer Road like LIC Building, BSEB Office, Hindi Bhawan, DM Office, All India Radio Station, Patna Central Mall, Fazal Imam Complex, Bhartiya Nritya Kala Mandir etc.
The nearest stations to Akashvani metro station will be Patna station and Gandhi Maidan metro station.
The Akashvani station will have two levels:
The building is planned to have two levels. At minus one (-1) will be the concourse, and below that at minus two (-2) will be the platform.
Facilities for passengers:
Passenger-centric facilities like ticket counters, public conveniences (toilets), security checks, etc. will be available at the concourse level. Since this metro station is a multi-modal integration point, there will also be additional facilities for passengers such as air-conditioned metro coaches and stations. The station will have five escalators, four elevators, and four staircases for the use of passengers.
There will be three entry/exit gates at the station:
Entry/Exit Gate 1: Near LIC Building
Entry/Exit Gate 2: Near the entrance of All India Radio Station and Bharatiya Nritya Kala Mandir
Entry/Exit Gate3: Near Patna Central Mall and in front of Fazal Imam Complex
Facility of Subway for Pedestrians:
This station is located in the Frazer Road and Dak Bungalows area, which is one of the busiest commercial/non-commercial centers in the city. Therefore, a pedestrian subway is proposed to facilitate the movement of pedestrians allowing them to easily traverse from one side of Frazer Road to the other side through this station.
For this purpose, the entry/exit gates of the station, Entry Gate 1 and Entry Gate 3, will be interconnected.
Emergency Arrangements:
Adequate arrangements will be in place to safely evacuate passengers from the platform in case of an emergency. In the event of such an emergency, five fire escapes are proposed to ensure the safe exit of passengers and firefighters.
Exclusive Interview with Mr. Rishi Aggarwal, MD, JCBL Group
Metro Rail News team conducted an exclusive interview with Mr. Rishi Aggarwal, MD, JCBL Group.
Mr. Rishi Aggarwal, a distinguished entrepreneur and visionary leader, is the Managing Director of JCBL Group, a prominent business conglomerate in India. With an MBA in Finance from FORE School of Management and a Harvard Business School fellowship, he exhibits exemplary leadership and business acumen. Joining the family business at 23 in 1996, he drove JCBL’s remarkable growth, achieving over 20% average growth rate and global expansion, transforming countless lives with innovative solutions.
The interview discusses Mobility Solutions Limited (MSL), part of JCBL Group, and its customized solutions for the metro and rail sector in India. It highlights MSL’s major projects, overseas ventures, and efforts towards carbon mitigation and EV developments.
Here are the excerpts from the interview:
1. What are the major customized solutions offered by Mobility Solutions Limited, of the JCBL Group for the metro and rail sector in India?
At MSL, we specialize in producing a diverse range of railway parts and components, including FRP/GRP composite solutions, sheet metal products, and interior solutions. Our expertise lies in crafting high-quality FRP/GRP composites, such as Nose cone/Front-end components, Interior panelling, and toilet modules. Additionally, we excel in manufacturing sheet metal products like Front Mask/Nose, Front and Rear-end components, Under Frame structures, Bogie Frames, Side Walls, Roofs, and Doors. To ensure efficiency and precision, we leverage advanced production and mass manufacturing technologies. Our commitment to delivering exceptional quality drives our position as a trusted provider in the industry.
2. Kindly specify the significant projects being undertaken with important orders on the book.
MSL works extensively with Indian Railways as well as for Metro Projects, nationally and internationally. Some of the projects we have contributed to are Vande Bharat Express, Chennai Metro, Delhi Metro, Mumbai Metro, etc. We continue to supply for the next phases of these projects presently. Apart from this, our collaboration with Indian Railways had been a massive success in the past, where we have worked with various Rail Coach Factories of Indian Railways. These Rail Coach Factories include ICF Chennai, MCF Raebareli, and RCF Kapurthala, where MSL manufactured many significant parts and components for the Indian Railways.
Please give a brief detail of your overseas ventures. How is the company performing in that segment? What have been the major business tie-ups and significant accomplishments w.r.t. high-end customized mobility solutions, especially for railways?
We have a very strong and enduring relationship with global companies, and we are doing very well on the global front. We have collaborations with global companies like Alstom and GE Transportation. With Alstom and its acquired company Bombardier, we have provided components and parts for various global projects that includes Sydney Metro, Mexican Metro, and more. Also, for GE Transportation, MSL has supplied FRP Parts for their locomotive business in the USA. The quality of our parts and components fulfil the requirements of international clients, which showcases the MSL’s worldwide success.
4. Indian Railways is going through a transformation spree and plans to aggressively boost its capacity in the next 5-10 years. How do you see the opportunity and enormous market ahead? Is there any specific plan by the company in this segment?
As the Indian Railways and the rail networks transform in terms of capacity and become more and more modernized, the need to supply optimum quality components made with the best quality material and technology will also increase. We are in talks with partners internationally to guide us when it comes to such niche areas of technological advancements. For example, high-speed trains require components different from the current components used. As far as specific plans are concerned, we are always aiming to improve processes and capabilities to cater to the ever-changing and ever-developing markets and demands.
5. Despite serious efforts by the government to augment rail networks and strengthen rail capacity for both passenger & freight transportation, there continues to be congestion in both trains and on roads. What, in your opinion, can be a customized solution to this? Do you think BRTS and LRT can be sustainable transport options for India?
India is an expansive country with a very high population. We cannot rely on any one single mode of transport to fulfil our requirements. Whether it is the LRT or BRTS, or metro lines or highways, we need to constantly expand reach and connectivity. The government is taking great measures when it comes to funding or infrastructure development. So, there is also no single answer to solve the congestion problem we face. The situation is slowly being eased as we develop more routes and means of transport.
6. JCBL Limited, a part of the JCBL Group, provides customized solutions in the luxury fleet. How is it placed amongst players like Eicher, Tata Motors, Ashok Leyland, etc? What have been the growth figures for the organization? Is there any significant development by the company in terms of luxury and customized rolling stock manufacture?
At JCBL Limited, we take pride in being a leading and preferred manufacturer of highly customized mobility solutions in the country. Our expertise spans across Passenger Transportation, Health Care Vehicles, and Special Application Vehicles, catering to diverse customer needs. With a strong focus on customer satisfaction, we provide end-to-end solutions, from selecting the right chassis from OEMs to designing, developing, and manufacturing the product after taking necessary approvals for Govt. compliance, homologation/CMVR and delivering the finished product that ensures customer satisfaction, and lastly followed by a Pan India service support. Our commitment to quality and innovation allows us to deliver around 50 highly customized mobility solutions each year, contributing to an approximate turnover of 25 crores per annum. We are grateful for the strong demand and business visibility in this segment, and we continue to strive for excellence in meeting our customers’ unique requirements.
7. What are your efforts towards carbon mitigation? Kindly specify the major developments in the EV segment. In what ways, with your R&D and innovation, are you helping reduce global carbon emissions in the coming years?
As a responsible corporate citizen, we are actively working on carbon mitigation and sustainability efforts. Our major developments in the EV segment are in progress, and though we can’t share specific details yet, we are committed to introducing environmentally friendly vehicles. Our R&D focuses on creating cleaner and more efficient technologies to reduce emissions throughout the vehicle lifecycle, from production to recycling. We are dedicated to achieving our carbon reduction goals through thoughtful strategies and milestones.