New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi has flagged-off the Delhi-Faridabad Metro Line that would allow hassle free travel for around two lakh daily commuters between the national capital and the industrial hub in Haryana.
The extension of the Delhi Metro connects Badarpur to Escorts Mujesar in Faridabad.
The total cost of the project from Badarpur to Escorts Mujesar is nearly Rs. 2,500 crore. Out of this, Rs. 1,557 crore was borne by the Haryana Government, the Centre contributed Rs. 537 crore, while the Delhi Metro provided Rs. 400 crore.
All these are elevated and located on either side of the Delhi-Mathura Road (NH-2).
“The nine-station metro corridor which was 95 per cent indigenously built will provide people a safe, affordable, quick, comfortable, reliable, environment-friendly and sustainable transport facility,” a Haryana government spokesperson said.
Haryana Chief Minister ML Khattar, addressing a press conference on Saturday, had thanked the Prime Minister for “gifting” the Metro service which would take the city to “another level of progress” with better connectivity with other NCR towns.
He had also said that the Prime Minister would be announcing the go-ahead for connecting Gurgaon with Faridabad by Metro.
BENGALURU (Metro Rail News ): BMRCL (Bangalore Metro Rail Corporation Limited) has set a deadline of March 2025 for the commencement of commercial operations on the Pink Line, which spans from Kalena Agrahara to Nagawara, covering a distance of 21.3km. The BMRCL is also constructing a 13.8km tunnel network from Dairy Circle to Nagawara as part of the Pink Line project.
Mr. Anjum Parwez, Managing Director of BMRCL, said that 80% of the tunnel construction had already been finished. To construct the twin tunnels and stations, the agency undertook underground Metro work in four packages. Nine tunnel-boring machines were deployed; four are still working, and five have finished their assignment.
The tunnelling work for a stretch of over 4.5km from Vellara Junction to Pottery Town is nearing completion. Additionally, 80% of the work from Dairy Circle to Vellara Junction and 54% of the work between Tannery Road and Nagawara has been finished. BMRCL MD, Anjum Parwez, stated that the remaining works are progressing well, and their goal is to open the entire Pink Line at once.
Deputy Chief Minister D K Shivakumar recently inspected the tunnel works at MG Road and Lakkasandra and expressed satisfaction with the progress. Trial runs for the missing links of the Purple Line, from KR Puram to Byappanahalli and Kengeri to Challaghatta, will commence on July 22.
NEW DELHI (Metro Rail News): Indian Railways plans to acquire Kavach automatic train protection (ATP) systems at a cost of ₹5,000 crore, two individuals familiar with the matter revealed. This decision comes in the wake of a tragic triple-train crash in Balasore, Odisha, resulting in the loss of almost 300 lives. The Kavach system aims to prevent head-on collisions by automatically applying brakes if the train pilot fails to see and respond to signals.
According to sources, two tenders for Kavach with a total of 12,000 kilometres (km) will be launched within a year against a tender for 3,000 km that was issued in the year 2021. The Kavach ATP system, developed by the RDSO (Research Design and Standards Organization) in collaboration with the Indian industry, underwent testing by South Central Railway ( SCR).
‘It is suggested to start a DPR (detailed project report) soon so that bids may be requested by January of the following year for the commissioning of Kavach on the 6,000 kilometres of the railway network. Subsequently, another DPR for an additional 6,000 kilometers will be commissioned and implemented. The goal is to issue tenders for a total of 12,000 kilometers of Kavach coverage in phases next year,’ one of the two sources referenced earlier claimed.
While efforts are being made to expedite the installation of Kavach through efficient planning and execution, it is too early to provide a specific timeline for its complete installation, according to a railway ministry statement.
The development of India’s own ATP system began in 2012, with the final product, Kavach, being developed between 2016 and 2019. The railways issued a tender worth approximately ₹1,000 crores in 2021, covering 3,000 kilometres. Currently, about 1,445 kilometres of the railway network is equipped with Kavach. The aim is to add 7,000-8,000 kilometres of railway network under Kavach each year, aiming to cover the entire 70,000 kilometres of the railway network within a decade.
The Kavach system is best suited for heavily congested routes with frequent train intervals, where the gap between two trains is often minimal. Automatic block signalling will automatically halt trains if the driver fails to observe a signal.
KANPUR (Metro Rail News): Today, the ‘Nana’ Tunnel Boring Machine was launched from the New Market underground station in the first corridor of the Kanpur Metro Rail Project (from IIT Kanpur to Naubasta). This machine will construct a 516-meter upline tunnel from New Market Station to Bada Chauraha. The project is progressing swiftly with the support of the team and residents of Kanpur.
Two tunnel boring machines, ‘Nana’ and ‘Tatya’, have already completed tunnel construction between Bada Chauraha and Naya Ganj (approximately 1005 meters) and between Chunniganj and New Market (approximately 750 meters) on the 4 km-long Chunniganj- Naya Ganj underground section. ‘Nana’ TBM achieved its first breakthrough on December 6 when it reached Naya Ganj while constructing the tunnel from Bada Chauraha. After retrieval from the retrieval shaft, it was re-launched from the launching shaft in Chunniganj. On June 14, it achieved its second breakthrough when it reached New Market. Instead of relaunching it, a dragging system was used to transport the machine from one end to another within the 215-meter-long New Market Station, saving time. From here, the machine will continue tunnel construction towards Bada Chauraha.
On the other hand, the ‘Tatya’ Tunnel Boring Machine recently arrived at New Market underground Station on July 10. Similar to ‘Nana’, it will be transported from one end to another within the station using a dragging system and positioned at the designated location. Afterwards, it will be launched for tunnel construction from New Market to Bada Chauraha.
During this occasion, Mr. Sushil Kumar, Managing Director of UPMRC, congratulated the team for their diligent efforts and the support of Kanpur residents, emphasizing the rapid progress of metro construction in the city. With the launch of the tunnel construction from New Market to Bada Chauraha, he expressed confidence in completing future corridors within the stipulated timeframe.
The tunnel boring machines used in the construction of the underground tunnels in Kanpur Metro’s mentioned underground sections are named after notable revolutionaries who played a crucial role in India’s struggle for independence and have a special connection to Kanpur—Nana Rao Peshwa and Tatya Tope.
Currently, the construction work is progressing rapidly on the Chunniganj-Naya Ganj underground section, as well as on the Kanpur Central-Transport Nagar underground section and the Baradevi-Naubasta elevated section under the first corridor of the Kanpur Metro Rail Project.
TAMIL NADU (Metro Rail News): The Tamil Nadu state of India has witnessed a remarkable transformation in its rail infrastructure by the Indian Railways. The Madurai-Tuticorin Doubling Project, stretching 160 km, has been completed with the inspection of the Commissioner Railway Safety (CRS). The project was accomplished with a total cost of ₹1890 Crore.
The successful completion of this project will result in improved line capacity and shorter travel times between Chennai and Tuticorin, Tirunelveli, and other towns in South Tamil Nadu.
Tamil Nadu falls under the jurisdiction of the Southern Railway (SR), which is headquartered in Chennai and is one of the 19 zones of Indian Railways. Established in 1951 by merging three state railways, the Southern Railway has grown to become the fourth-largest zone. Notably, the trains operated by the Southern Railway are recognized for their cleanliness. The Southern Railway zone consists of six divisions: Chennai, Palghat, Madurai, Trichy, Trivandrum, and Salem.
CHENNAI (Metro Rail News): Chennai Metro Rail Ltd. (CMRL) will purchase an additional 70 three-coach driverless trains for its Phase II project. The project, valued at ₹61,843 crore, will span 116 km across three corridors: Madhavaram to SIPCOT (corridor 3), Light House to Poonamallee (corridor 4), and Madhavaram to Sholinganallur (corridor 5). Total of 138 driverless trains will be procured by CMRL for this phase 2 project.
CMRL officials have invited bids for the 70 trains, and the contract is expected to be awarded within the next 4-6 months. The funding for this procurement is part of a loan from the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA). Therefore, the chosen contractor must source 30.069% of the goods and services from Japanese companies or manufacturers.
The first train from this contract is anticipated to be delivered to CMRL after a two-year timeframe. Additionally, CMRL previously awarded a contract for 26 trains that will run on the Poonamallee-Power House stretch of corridor 3. Discussions are currently underway with the contractor to finalize the designs, with the first train expected to arrive in the city by mid-2024, an official said.
Furthermore, an additional 42 trains will be required for the Phase II project. CMRL had initially considered leasing the trains but later decided to issue tenders for their purchase. Tenders for the remaining 42 trains will be floated soon.
Overall, this procurement of driverless trains is a significant step in the development of Chennai’s metro rail network, aiming to enhance connectivity and provide efficient transportation for residents and commuters.
CMRL MD, M.A Siddique submits DPR for the Madurai and Coimbatore Metro Project to Ramesh Chand Meena, the Additional Chief Secretary of Govt. of TN.
MADURAI (Metro Rail News): The managing director of Chennai Metro Rail Limited (CMRL), M.A. Siddique, along with Madurai metro project director T. Archunan and other senior officials, submitted the detailed project reports (DPRs) for the Madurai and Coimbatore metro projects to Ramesh Chand Meena, the additional chief secretary of special initiatives, Government of Tamil Nadu.
The final detailed project reports for the Madurai metro have outlined plans for 27 metro stations along a 32 km rail track that will connect Thirumangalam and Othakadai.
The event was attended by Thiru T. Archunan, Director (Projects), Thiru. T. Livingstone Eliazer, Chief General Manager (PP&D), Tmt. Rekha Prakash, CGM (PD), and senior officials of CMRL.
EIB Vice President, Mr. Kris Peeters, along with delegation visits Agra Metro Project
AGRA (Metro Rail News): Mr. Kris Peeters, Vice-President, European Investment Bank (EIB), along with 4 team members, visited the Agra Metro Project on 14 July 2023 to inspect and assess Agra Metro Rail Project. The project is being executed under the leadership of Mr. Sushil Kumar, Managing Director, UPMRCL.
Mr. Kris Peeters meets with Shri Sushil Kumar, MD, UPMRC
Last year, a team of investment officers from the EIB also visited the ongoing Metro projects of UPMRC, where they were immensely impressed with the pace of the Agra Metro Project work and the way it is moving ahead with a strict timeline.
Mr. Kris Peeters, along with team members, visited and inspected the Taj East Gate Metro Station, Agra Metro Depot and Agra Fort Metro Station (Underground).
Vice President European Investment Bank, Kris Peeters, said, “The European Investment Bank (EIB), as the Bank of the European Union, is proud of its contribution to this project because it will improve the quality of life for the citizens and visitors of the historic city of Agra, and will help India in achieving its climate goals.
UPMRC will always have our cooperation; always ready to partner on other metro projects”, said Vice President Peeters.
EIB VP along with UPMRC MD on Agra Metro
“Once completed, the EIB-backed Agra metro rail will facilitate travel by more than 2 million people living in the city of Agra. This sustainable transport investment that will be supported by a total €450 million loan enables more accessible and affordable access to workplaces, healthcare, education and markets while protecting the environment and improving the quality of air in the city.
This is a good example of how international cooperation and local know-how can make tangible improvements for people and businesses alike and, at the same time, contribute to climate action and the protection of the environment. I am very proud to see cooperation between Europe and India growing through projects like this,” said Vice President Peeters.
Speaking on the same, Managing Director UP Metro Shri Sushil Kumar said, “I am very happy and thankful to European Investment bank for their continued support to the development of Metro rail projects being implemented in the state of Uttar Pradesh. After funding the Lucknow & Kanpur Metro projects, EIB is providing full support for Agra Metro project also. “
“A timely disbursement of funds from EIB accelerates the speed of work and helps in re-emergence of the local economy,” he added.
“EIB our most trusted financial partner; committed to give Agra world class metro by March 2024”, said MD, UPMRC Shri Sushil Kumar.
Advantages of a metro system in Agra city :
Metro projects provide an effective, efficient and quality transport that improves the overall health of the city.
Metro services are accessible to groups such as women and those with reduced mobility.
Metro projects shorten travel time, create an affordable and accessible transport for all.
Metro projects improve the quality of life and reduce greenhouse gas emissions in the city.
Agra is the sixth urban metro rail project that EIB supports in India. It brings EIB’s total approved commitments to the sector to over 3 billion euros, of which over 2 billion euros have been signed. These investments translate the India-EU Connectivity Partnership into tangible improvements for India’s people and accelerate green, sustainable and inclusive growth.
The European Investment Bank (EIB) shall be funding EURO 450 Million for the Agra Metro Project, which is made available to UPMRC through gross budgetary resources in the form of Pass-Through Assistance (PTA) from the Government of India.
Broader context — other metro projects in India (6 in total including Agra, the last one)
In Uttar Pradesh the EIB is financing 3 metro projects in Agra, Kanpur and Lucknow, with Uttar Pradesh Metro Rail Corporation Limited (UPMRCL) as promoter.
– The EIB is financing 3 other metro projects in other states:
Bhopal: 400m (state of Madhya Pradesh)
Bangalore: 500m (state of Karnataka)
Pune: 600m (state of Maharastra)
India is the largest beneficiary of EIB transport financing outside Europe.
Figures about metro projects in India
The total amount approved by the Board for metro projects in India is EUR 3,050m
– Lucknow: 450m – project completed one year ahead of schedule
Contract signed between officials of CMRL and DINESHCHANDRA-SOMA Joint Venture for construction of Metro Stations in Corridor 3 of CMRL Phase-II Project
CHENNAI (Metro Rail News): Chennai Metro Rail Limited (CMRL) has signed a contract agreement for the construction of metro stations in Corridor 3 of the CMRL Phase-II Project. The contract, labeled as Contract No. C3-CP01-UG-01, was signed with M/s DINESHCHANDRA-SOMA Joint Venture on July 13, 2023. This contract is part of Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) funding for Phase-II of the Chennai Metro.
On June 2, 2023, the Letter of Acceptance (LOA) for Tender No. CMRL/CON/PHASE-II/CORR-3/CP01/UG01-RT01/2021 was issued to the joint venture of M/s DINESHCHANDRA-SOMA. The total value of the contract amounts to INR 1063.37 Cr, which includes Provisional Sum and GST.
The scope of work under this contract involves the construction of four underground stations at Moolakadai, Perambur Market, Sembiyam, and Perambur Metro Crossover at Sembiyam. Additionally, it includes works other than the diaphragm wall for two underground stations at Madhavaram Milk Colony and Murari Hospital (Madhavaram High Road Metro) in Corridor-03 of the CMRL Phase-II Project.
The signing ceremony took place in the presence of Thiru. M.A. Siddique I.A.S., Managing Director of CMRL. The contract was signed by Thiru. T. Archunan, Director (Projects) of CMRL, and Thiru. Pranav Kumar, Vice President (Technical) of DINESHCHANDRA-SOMA Joint Venture. Several officials from CMRL, GC, and the contracting company were present during the occasion, including Thiru. T. Livingstone Eliazer, Chief General Manager (PP&D), Thiru. D. Gurunath Reddy, Additional General Manager (CP), and Thiru. Reepu Daman Dube, Joint General Manager (UG).
The signing of the contract agreement is a step forward in the development of Chennai’s metro infrastructure. The construction of these metro stations will contribute to the expansion and enhancement of public transportation in the city, providing efficient and convenient connectivity to residents and commuters.
AGRA (Metro Rail News): On Tuesday, Agra witnessed a significant milestone as the Agra Metro project successfully conducted its first trial run from the Ramp Area of Agra Metro Depot to Taj East Gate Station. This came as a pleasant surprise to the residents who witnessed the maiden test run. This trial took place on a ballastless track spanning approximately 3 km. Previously, trials were conducted on the ballasted track in the metro depot.
One unique feature of the Agra Metro trains is that they won’t have any overhead equipment for movement. Instead, they will be powered by a charged third rail running parallel to the track.
Agra Metro
Shri Sushil Kumar, MD, UPMRC, expressed his excitement and labeled this run as a victory for Agra Metro officials. He stated that all train systems and equipment were tested successfully during the 3 km long viaduct run. Mr. Kumar also assured that the officials are committed to commencing metro operations in Agra very soon.
The Agra Metro project aims to ensure timely commissioning, and Mr. Kumar emphasized their determination to achieve this goal. It is indeed a historic day for the people of Agra, bringing them one step closer to experiencing the benefits of metro transportation.
GURGAON (Metro Rail News): The Ministry of Railways has given the green light to the 129km South Haryana Economic Rail Corridor, linking Haryana with four ports in Gujarat via Rajasthan. The ministry will conduct a survey for the semi-high-speed rail corridor. Once constructed, trains on the corridor will run at speeds of 130-160kmph.
The project received approval from the Haryana government in 2022 and is estimated to cost Rs 1,225 crore. The aim of the project is to reduce travel time and improve connectivity to industrial hubs.
The proposed rail corridor will stretch from Farrukhnagar in Gurgaon to Loharu in Bhiwani, passing through Jhajjar and Charkhi Dadri. The corridor will eventually connect with Bahadurgarh and Sonipat through the under-construction Orbital Rail Corridor. This project will be executed by the Haryana Rail Infrastructure Development Corporation (HRIDC), a joint venture between the Indian Railways and the Haryana government.
According to officials, upon its completion, the project will significantly reduce the travel distance between Delhi-NCR and Gujarat, making the route to Gujarat shorter and more convenient for commuters.
The implementation of this project will result in reduced travel time between Delhi and various cities in Rajasthan, including Sikar, Jhunjhunu, Bikaner, Jaisalmer, Jodhpur, Barmer, Hanumangarh, and Sri Ganganagar. Additionally, it will also shorten the travel duration between Delhi and destinations in Gujarat, such as Gandhidham, Bhuj, and Dwarka. Currently, trains from Delhi follow a route via Rewari to reach Rajasthan.
At present, HRIDC is working on the Haryana Orbital Rail Corridor (HORC), which will connect Palwal to Sonipat, through Sohna, Manesar and Kharkhoda, benefiting both passenger and goods transportation. The railway ministry has also approved a survey for a double line between Gadi Harsuru and Loharu via Sultanpur Farrukhnagar, Jhajjar, and Charkhi Dadri. Once completed, the project will significantly reduce travel time between Delhi and various destinations in Rajasthan and Gujarat.
