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.
In recent years, the railways have accelerated the phase-out of diesel coaches and the electrification of broad-gauge railway tracks. It plans to electrify its train network by December 2023 completely. The Railways’ diesel use was 26,41,142 kilolitres in 2018-2019, which dropped by 10.44% in 2019-2020 and further declined by 50.29 per cent to 11,75,901 kilolitres in 2020-21. Apart from being environmentally friendly, the phase-out of diesel coaches also makes economic sense, as the country imports most of its fuel. Indian Railways (IR) added another feather to its cap by electrifying 81.51% of the nation’s total Broad Gauge (BG) network. This brings the country closer to conducting the Net Zero Carbon Emissions target by 2030. With the launch of an ambitious initiative to electrify its entire Broad-Gauge network by IR, it would not only result in better fuel energy usage, increased throughput, and lower fuel cost, but it would also result in valuable foreign exchange savings.
With an increase in the average speed of trains due to electrification and increased throughput with enhanced productivity due to lower travel time and saving of person-hours, the development of industries, agro-based businesses and progress of villagers and farmers along the electrified routes is generally witnessed. Today, less than twenty per cent of the railway’s broad-gauge tracks are still non-electrified. The railway ministry is confident of completing the remaining electrification work by year-end. Once completed, the transition shall significantly increase the railway’s electricity consumption. IR consumed 21 billion units of power in 2019-20; the electricity consumption is expected a threefold growth to 72 billion units by 2029-30. Given that if the hired agencies can switch to renewables by 2030, it can help in saving 60 million tonnes of CO2 compared to a business-as-usual scenario.
The Indian Railways has a solar power potential of 20 GW and plans to use its idle parcels of land to build land-based solar energy plants to meet its traction power needs. Railways intend to initially build 3 GW of solar plants on underutilised unoccupied land in three phases. The Railways is also setting up a solar-plus-storage hybrid trial project at Dahod, Gujarat, to ensure continuous power supply to the traction network.
It has also agreed to collaborate with the Solar Energy Corporation of India on a similar round-the-clock supply project in Rajnandgaon, Chhattisgarh. The railways plan to replicate the approach across the country. It is also aiming to make its stations and facilities more energy efficient. Since 2016-17, the Railways has been manufacturing three-phase locomotives that generate power while braking (known as regenerative braking). The IR has also planted trees on vacant railway land and between sections. Since 2017, the Railways has planted ten million trees annually in collaboration with state forest departments.
While the railways are gaining benefits from efficiency programmes, the transition from coal-based power to renewables needs to be prioritised. According to a recent study & research by the Delhi-based consultancy firm Climate Trends, the phase-out of diesel engines is expected to raise carbon dioxide emissions by 32% due to the country’s reliance on coal to generate energy. Hence, it is high time that the possibility for non-renewable sources of energy is direly looked upon for resolving the quest for energy sources renewable in nature as amidst mass electrification, the total energy requirement of railways is expected to rise to 8,200 MW or 8.2 GW by 2030. The government, therefore, is making significant strides towards it, and the outcome is expected in the coming years.
The third edition of InnoMetro was organised at Hotel Vivanta Dwarka New Delhi on the 24th and 25th of May. Our annual tech event on the metro and rail industry has been an extraordinary experience yet again. With more than 600 delegates, including participants, speakers, sponsors, exhibitors and experts from industries, media persons, senior officials from government departments, and top-most professionals from coveted sectors, global conglomerates and country units has been a joyous and unforgettable moment to acknowledge. We are sincerely thankful to everyone who helped make this event a grand success, which gave us the required encouragement to continue the information and development work. The post-event details are comprehensively dealt with in the month’s issue with other regular columns, insightful updates, news/events, articles, etc., and exclusive interviews of noted industry personalities.
In an unfortunate incident on June 2nd at Balasore, Orissa, the nation witnessed one of the worst train mishaps of the country in which nearly three hundred passengers lost their lives with more than a thousand injured. The incident is grieving and painful and requires thorough investigation to help railways keep a safe, reliable, superior train operation. We express our deepest condolences to the deceased and the ones who are the victims of this horrible train accident. May the departed souls rest in peace.
HYDERABAD (Metro Rail News): The Hyderabad Airport Metro Limited (HAML) has decided to give prospective bidders more time to evaluate and submit their bids for the Airport Metro project. The bids, originally scheduled to be opened on July 5, will now be opened on July 12. HAML Managing Director N.V.S. Reddy explained that the project’s complexity prompted the extension.
Once the bid documents are submitted, technical and financial evaluations will be done, and it may take approx 10 days to finalize the winning firm or consortia. The tender value bids for the project were lower than the total project cost, as certain items were not included in the estimated tender value. HAML specified that the project includes the construction of elevated viaducts, underground structures, stations, track works, electrical and mechanical works, rolling stock, and various systems and facilities.
The Airport Metro, which will connect the proposed new joint Raidurg metro station (located approximately 800 meters ahead of the existing Raidurg Metro station) to the Rajiv Gandhi International Airport in Shamshabad, will consist of an elevated section spanning 29.3 km and an underground section spanning 1.7 km.
The Airport Metro project will comprise a total of nine stations, with one of them being an underground station located near the airport terminal. Additionally, provisions have been made for the inclusion of four more stations in the future. HAML has already conducted land surveys, peg marking, and alignment fixation as part of the project’s initial stages. A general consultant has also been appointed to oversee the project. The plan is to commence groundwork in September, aiming to complete the entire project within a three-year timeframe.
Surat, India’s textile and diamond centre, is on its way to become the second city in Gujarat to be connected to a metro system. The metro system, scheduled to span over a distance of 41-kilometer aims to improve transportation infrastructure by connecting important regions and major commercial hubs. The Phase-I of the project is expected to be completed by December 2027.
The Surat Metro project was approved by the central government in March 2019. It is a joint venture between the Central and State governments, and it is managed by the Gujarat Metro Rail Corporation (GMRC). Surat Metro has been envisioned as a Transit-Oriented Development project to stimulate real estate expansion in the city through an integrated town and land use plan. The Delhi Metro Rail Corporation (DMRC) was given the responsibility for preparing the Detailed Project Report (DPR) for the first phase of the project in January 2016. However, in response to the Central Government’s new 2017 Metro Policy, the DPR was updated to include the most recent regulations.
Work on the redesigned Surat Metro rail project began in January 2021, with a segment anticipated to be completed in December 2024. Phase I is projected to be completed around December 2027. The project’s Phase-I investment is estimated to be over Rs 12,000 crore. It will consist of two corridors, the Red Line and the Green Line, totaling 41 km in length.
Line, Route & Corridor
Surat Metro includes 38 stations spread across two corridors. It consists of 32 elevated stations and six underground stations. The first corridor, the Red Line, is projected to be 21 kilometres long, with a 15-kilometre elevated part and a 6.5-kilometre underground section. It will connect Sarthana to Dream City, while the second corridor, the Green Line, will connect Bhestan to Saroli. Dream City and Bhestan will each have two maintenance depots, one for each route and corridor.
Surat Metro Rail Project: Route Map
The Red Line will connect Sarthana, Nature Park, Kapodra, Labheshwar Chowk, Central Warehouse, Surat Railway Station, Maskati Hospital, Gandhi Baug, Majura Gate, Roopali Canal, and Dream City via twenty metro stations. There will be eighteen elevated stations along the second corridor. Bhestan, Ugat Vaarigruh, Palanpur Road, LP Savani School, Adajan Gam, Aquarium, Majuragate, Kamela Darwaza, Magob, and Saroli will be connected. The interchange station for the two corridors will be Majura Gate. Along the planned corridors, the metro is expected to be integrated with other modes of travel, such as feeder buses, intermediate transport (IPT), and non-motorised transport (NMT).
Infrastructure
Surat Metro will have a 1,435 mm standard gauge track for both corridors, with a top speed of 80km/h and a designed and approximate speed of 90km/h. The ticketing system will include an autonomous fare collection system, which will consist of a computerized contactless smart token for a single travel and contactless smart cards for multiple trips along the route.
It will include a fibre optic cable, train radio, supervisory control and data acquisition (SCADA), and a public address system as part of an integrated telecommunication system. The signalling system will include cab signalling and an automatic train operation system, as well as continuous automatic train control. To improve operating safety, automatic train supervision equipment will be deployed.
Rolling stock & maintenance facilities
According to the DPR, trainsets with stainless steel car bodies are being considered for the metro project. The preferred layout is three-car trains, with each train carrying around 764 passengers, 136 seated and 628 standing. Train-based monitor and control systems, such as train control and management systems or train-integrated management systems, will be deployed on the trains. The trains will have a maximum and top operating speed of 80km/h. In the first phase, two maintenance depots have been planned to be built, one in each corridor at Dream City and Bhesan. Solar energy will be harnessed through the installation of solar equipment at the depots.
Financing
The project has been designed to be funded primarily by 50:50 equity contributions by the central and state governments. A portion of the funding will be acquired through loans from bilateral and international institutions. For the project, the federal government signed a credit agreement of $500.13 million with Kreditanstalt für Wiederaufbau Development Bank in December 2021. A funding agreement totalling $303.16 million was signed in January 2021 between the Indian government and the French Development Agency, Agence Française de Développement, for the metro project.
Major Contractors involved
Under a Rs 6.73 billion contract awarded in April 2023, Rail Vikas Nigam, a special purpose vehicle involved in development projects, would deliver and commission a power supply receiving and distribution system for phase one of the project in collaboration with technology company Siemens.
HFCL, a manufacturer of optical fibre and optical cables, was given a Rs 2.82 billion contract in March 2023 for the design, supply & procurement, installation, and commissioning of telecommunication systems for phase one of the project. In January 2023, GMRC signed a letter of acceptance with the Rail Vikas Nigam – ISC Projects JV for the design, delivery, installation, and commissioning of ballastless track from Sarthana to Dream City under a Rs1.66 billion deal. For corridor one, the JV will also provide ballasted/ballastless/embedded standard gauge track.
Dilip Buildcon, a construction company, was granted a contract for the project’s package CS-06 in July 2022. The plan involves the building of an 8.702 km elevated bridge and seven stations between Majura Gate and Saroli. Dilip Buildcon, in collaboration with Ranjit Buildcon, was also granted the contract for Package CS-05, which entails the building of a 10.559 km elevated viaduct and corridor.
In 2020, Ardanuy Ingenieria and engineering consultancy Rail India Technical and Economic Service (RITES) were appointed to provide detailed design consultation services for the power supply and distribution system, 750V DC third rail traction electrification, and SCADA system. Again in 2020, a consortium of RITES and Rina Consulting, a provider of engineering and consultancy services, was hired to provide consulting services for the creation of a multi-modal integration plan for both corridors. RITES also developed the environmental impact assessment and social effect assessment documentation for Surat Metro Phase One.
Rina Consulting was also granted the contract in 2021 to deliver detailed-design consultancy services for environment simulation studies and tunnel ventilation system of phase one’s underground portion. In August 2021, consulting and engineering firm SYSTRA was awarded a contract to conduct a DPR review and design review, as well as procurement support and construction supervision for civil and system works in collaboration with joint venture (JV) partners EGIS Rail, a consulting and construction engineering services provider, and consulting firm AECOM.
The contract also includes system integration, project management, and other services such as safety and quality inspection, testing, and commissioning. The JV’s lead partner is SYSTRA, and J Kumar Infraprojects, a civil engineering firm, was awarded the package for the building of the underground portion between the Surat railway station and the Chowk Bazar ramp. The contractual scope covers the design, building, and completion of underground stations and tunnels. A twin-bore underground tunnel is being built, as there are three underground stations: Chowk Bazar, Maskati Hospital, and Surat Railway Station.
Sadbhav Engineering and SP Singla Constructions’ joint venture was given a contract to build an 11.6 km-long elevated viaduct between Kadarsha Ni Nal and Dream City, including a ramp for depot access near Dream City and 10 stations. Gulermak-SAM India Builtwell JV was awarded the contract for the design, building, and completion of underground stations and tunnels between the Kapodra ramp and the Surat railway station.
A tender for the development and construction of the Dream City depot, Metro Bhavan building, and operations control centre in June 2021 was given to ITD Cementation India, a construction company. TERRATEC, a tunnel boring machine (TBM) designer and manufacturer based in Australia, was contracted to deliver earth pressure balance TBMs for phase one of the Surat Metro rail project. The orders for all four Earth Pressure Balance Tunnel Boring Machines (EPB TBMs) for the rail project have been acquired. EPB TBMs, both new and refurbished, are expected to be deployed for the project.
Key Specifications & Details
Operational : 0 Km
Under Construction: 41.93 Km
Approved : 0 Km
Estimated Cost: Rs. 12,020.32 crore
Estimated Daily Ridership: 2.20 Lakh/Day (2027)
Top Speed: 80 Kmph
Average Speed: 34 Kmph
Track Gauge: Standard Gauge (1435mm)
Electrification: 750 V DC Third Rail
Signalling: Communication-based train control (CBTC)
Latest Update
Surat Metro is being built across 2,000 acres of land near Khajod to improve accessibility and make the area more appealing for commercial development. According to the latest reports, the Gujarat Metro Rail Corporation (GMRC) has awarded HCFL a Rs 282 crore contract for the design, manufacture, supply, installation, testing, and commissioning of telecommunication equipment for the Surat Metro Rail Project Phase-I. This North-South road will link Varachha, where the majority of diamond workshops are located, to the Dream City area. It will also connect to the Surat International Airport. Surat Metro’s fare structure, travel time, and other operational features, on the other hand, remain to be disclosed. The integrated mass public transportation system is projected to reduce accidents, traffic congestion, and delays on important travel corridors, as well as pollution and energy consumption. It has also been predicted to minimise and offset 40,000 tonnes of CO2 emissions.
The GoI approved the under-construction mass rapid transit system in Gujarat in March 2019. Gujarat Metro Rail Corporation (GMRC), a special-purpose vehicle jointly controlled by the governments of India and Gujarat, is in charge of project implementation. In January 2016, the Delhi Metro Rail Corporation was awarded the contract to develop the detailed project report (DPR) for the first phase of the Surat Metro. DMRC later reviewed and modified the DPR to include additional provisions in accordance with the new Metro Rail policy – 2017 by the central government. The foundation stone for the project was laid in January 2021, with projected completion of the works by 2027. The project is expected to cost around Rs 120.2bn. 40.35 kilometres long first phase of Surat Metro has been planned to include thirty-eight stations spread across two routes. The plan features thirty-two elevated and six underground stations. The first corridor is projected to be 21.61 kilometres long, with a 15.14-kilometre elevated segment and a 6.47-kilometre underground section. It will connect Sarthana and Dream City, while the 18.74-kilometre-long, completely elevated second corridor will connect Bhesan and Saroli. The corridors will link the most congested, significant, and densely populated parts of the city.
NEW DELHI (Metro Rail News): Shri VK Saxena, Lieutenant Governor of Delhi has given the green light for the transfer of land from the Irrigation and Flood Control (I&FC) department to the National Capital Regional Transport Corporation (NCRTC). This is for the implementation of the Delhi-Meerut Regional Rapid Transport System (RRTS) project.
The land transfer, which includes areas in Anand Vihar and Patparganj, will facilitate multimodal integration, the construction of RRTS stations, traffic circulation, and the building of a ventilation shaft at these locations, according to officials from the LG office.
The request for land was made by NCRTC on June 10 for the Delhi-Meerut RRTS RapidX corridor and the construction of a ventilation shaft in Patparganj. The I&FC department finally submitted the file to the LG for approval after a three-year wait.
The NCRTC requires temporary access to a land area measuring 2,297 square meters at Anand Vihar, on the Trunk Drain-II bank, for construction purposes. In addition, a permanent land area of 8,129 square meters is required for the RRTS station, traffic circulation, and MMI. Furthermore, NCRTC has identified the need for an additional 340 square meters of land on a permanent basis to accommodate a ventilation shaft, as well as 953 square meters of temporary land in Patparganj along the Ghazipur drain for construction activities. The overall land parcel of 11,719 square meters has received approval from LG Saxena.
The I&FC department has assessed the transfer rates for the land parcels. It has quoted a cost of ₹14,82,80,757 for the transfer of land on a permanent basis and ₹1,13,80,623 for a temporary basis.
The priority section of the RapidX corridor in Ghaziabad, spanning 17 kilometers, is expected to be launched later this month, bringing significant improvements to the transportation network.
NEW DELHI (Metro Rail News): The Indian Railways recently announced a fare reduction of up to 25% for AC Chair Car and Executive Classes, including Vande Bharat trains. This discount scheme aims to make travel more affordable for passengers. The new fares will be implemented on an immediate basis.
Discount Scheme for AC Sitting Accommodation
The discount scheme is applicable to all trains with AC sitting accommodation, including Vistadome and Anubhuti coaches. Passengers traveling in AC Chair Car and Executive Classes will enjoy reduced fares. However, it’s important to note that other charges will still apply separately.
According to a spokesperson the discount scheme does not apply to special trains introduced for holidays and festivals.
Optimizing Accommodation and Occupancy
To maximize accommodation utilization, the Ministry of Railways has delegated the authority to the Zonal Railways to introduce discounted fare schemes. Trains with less than 50% occupancy, either end to end or in specific legs/sections over the last 30 days, will be considered for the discount scheme.
VIP Tickets and Flexi Fare Scheme
Tickets for VIPs such as MLAs, ex-MLAs, MPs, ex-MPs, and freedom fighters will be booked at the original class-wise fare, not the discounted fare. In cases where the flexi fare scheme applies and occupancy is poor, the flexi fare scheme may be initially withdrawn to increase occupancy. Only if the occupancy does not improve, the discount scheme will be implemented for those trains/classes.
CHENNAI (Metro Rail News): Railway Minister Shri Ashwini Vaishnaw announced that the Vande Bharat Express will be painted in saffron color, taking inspiration from the Indian national flag. This decision was made during a review meeting of the Integral Coach Factory (ICF) in Chennai. The new color will be applied to the 28th rake of the Vande Bharat Express, which is currently being manufactured at the ICF.
The New Saffron Vande Bharat Express
The saffron-colored Vande Bharat Express is currently stationed at the ICF and is undergoing trials. It is expected to start operating in the coming months. Presently, there are 25 operational rakes of Vande Bharat Express on different routes, including New Delhi-Varanasi, New Delhi-Katra, and Mumbai-Ahmedabad. Additionally, two rakes are being kept for future use. Railway officials mentioned that the color change for the 28th rake is being tested on a trial basis. Improvements and Make in India Concept
According to Railway Minister Shri Ashwini Vaishnaw, 25 improvements have been made in the Vande Bharat trains. These trains are a result of the Make in India concept, where they are designed by Indian engineers and technicians. The feedback received from the field units regarding aspects such as air conditioning and toilets during the operation of Vande Bharat has been used to make design changes, ensuring continuous improvement.
Introduction of Anti-Climbing Devices
During the progress review of Vande Bharat Express, Minister Vaishnaw discussed the implementation of a new safety feature known as “anti-climbers” or anti-climbing devices. The purpose of these devices is to ensure safety by preventing trains from climbing on top of each other in the event of a collision, as the anti-climber device will absorb the maximum impact. These devices will become standard in all Vande Bharat and other trains.
The Vande Bharat Express, a domestically manufactured semi high-speed train, is now available for service in all electrified railway states nationwide. With 50 operational services, this train has brought about a revolutionary change in rail travel by offering advanced amenities and significantly reducing travel time for passengers.
Metro Rail News Conducted an Exclusive interview with Shri Sushil Kumar, Managing Director, UPMRC
Metro Rail News team conducted an exclusive email interview with Shri Sushil Kumar, Managing Director, Uttar Pradesh Metro Rail Corporation. Shri Sushil Kumar is a highly experienced and accomplished professional in the field of metro rail operations. He joined the Uttar Pradesh Metro Rail Corporation (UPMRC) in 2015 and has made significant contributions to the growth and development of the Lucknow and Kanpur metro rail networks. He is a graduate in electrical engineering from the University of Roorkee(now IIT Roorkee) and has a master’s degree from IIT Delhi. He is also an officer of the Indian Railway Electrical Engineering Service (1991 batch).
Previously, Mr. Kumar had worked as General Manager (Operations) in theUttar Pradesh Metro Rail Corporation (formerly Lucknow Metro Rail Corporation) and later took over as Director (Operations) in 2018. He has also held the position of Additional General Manager in the Delhi Metro Rail Corporation. The interview mainly discusses the ongoing and upcoming metro projects in Uttar Pradesh, including Gorakhpur, Prayagraj, Varanasi, Jhansi, Bareilly, and Meerut. Here are some excerpts from the interview. What is the extension plan for Gorakhpur, Prayagraj, Varanasi, Jhansi, Bareilly and Meerut Metro? What is the status of the Agra Metro Project? Are you meeting the deadline of the projects?
Uttar Pradesh is fast emerging as a ‘metro’ state with a maximum number of ongoing metro projects which are operational as well as in the execution stage. Uttar Pradesh Metro Rail Corporation, after executing Lucknow and Kanpur Metro Projects, is now executing Agra Metro Rail Project at a fast pace. Lucknow and Kanpur Metro Projects became operational in a record time before their set deadline, and Agra Metro Project is also being executed along the same lines.
Right now, 5 cities of UP have metro projects which include Lucknow, Kanpur, Noida, G.Noida, and Ghaziabad. There is a plan to get the metro operational in cities like Gorakhpur, Prayagraj, Varanasi, Jhansi, Bareilly, and Meerut. The DPR of Gorakhpur for 15.14 km long corridor is approved by the UP govt and PIB. In the rest of the cities, the feasibility study has been done, and the preparation of DPR is under consideration.
Status of Agra Metro Rail Project:
Agra Metro
Agra Metro Rail Project, inaugurated by the Hon’ble Prime Minister of India on 7th December 2020 in the presence of Chief Minister of Uttar Pradesh Yogi Adityanath, is being executed at a very fast pace by the dedicated team of UPMRC. On the 6 km long priority corridor running from Taj East Gate to Jama Masjid, the civil works on the 3 km long elevated section are complete, with finishing works in an advanced stage. The underground section is also being executed at a fast pace, and TBM ‘Ganga’ and ‘Yamuna’ are constructing the tunnel from Ramlila Maidan till Taj Mahal Metro Station. Raja Ki Mandi metro station work is being carried out in a phased manner so as to provide minimum inconvenience to people going to Rajaki Mandi Railway Station. The third rail work, systems and utility works are also in place, and the trial of the metro train on the 700-metre-long test track in the world-class metro depot has also begun.
Special features of the project:
There will be 28 metro trains with 3 cars each for Agra Metro Rail Project. The Rolling Stocks
(Metro Coaches) for the Project are being manufactured in Savli, Gujrat, in line with the initiatives of ‘Make in India’ and ‘Aatmanirbhar Bharat’ that have been promoted by the Government of India.
Trains will have dedicated space for wheelchairs and will have priority sittings for senior citizens, differently able, and women.
Trains will be equipped with LED lights to reduce energy consumption with USB charging ports for charging mobile phones.
Energy-efficient HVAC (Heating, Ventilation and Air-conditioning) units will also be installed for passenger comfort, apart from Digital Route Maps for route and station identification. Separate LCD screens will be installed in order to display advertisements and special/emergency messages.
All the cars will be under CCTV surveillance, and passengers can also talk directly to the train operator in case of any emergency. Each car will be equipped with fire extinguishers for passenger safety.
Shedding some more light on the architecture of metro stations, Managing Director UP Metro Shri Sushil Kumar said, “The city of Agra bears an ancient, illustrious heritage and even today the city continues to hold a powerful impact on the culture of Uttar Pradesh. Keeping in mind the rich, traditional culture of this city which is gradually intermingling with modern times, we have conceptualised and created a world-class metro system which will truly resonate with the soul of this beautiful city.”
Speaking about Gorakhpur Metro Project, which will likely operate as a metro-lite system, the DPR consists of two corridors from Shyam Nagar to MMM Engineering College and BRD Medical College to Nausad Chauraha. The Revised DPR was submitted to the Government of Uttar Pradesh. Subsequently, the DPR approved by State Govt was submitted to the Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs, Government of India. The PIB granted approval for Gorakhpur Metrolite System on 29.11.2021, and cabinet approval is awaited.
Similarly, for Meerut Metro Rail Project, DPR Prepared for Meerut Metro identified two corridors to be implemented, namely: Corridor-1 from Partapur to Modipuram (18 km), which has now been merged with RRTS being implemented by National Capital Region Transport Corporation (NCRTC).
Corridor-1 from Partapur to Modipuram (18 km) of Meerut Metro coinciding with the RRTS corridor in Meerut City has been merged with RRTS being implemented by National Capital Region Transport Corporation (NCRTC).
Corridor -2- Shradhapuri Ph-2 to Jagriti Vihar Extension (15 km)
CMP of Meerut is being prepared by UMTC, and AAR and DPR of Meerut Metrolite Project are being prepared by Meerut Development Authority through M/s RITES Ltd. as per instructions of GoUP.
For Varanasi Metro Rail Project, in order to explore alternate possibilities of Public Transport, RITES has been engaged by Varanasi Development Authority to explore Rope-way System along with Integrated Multi-Modal Public Transport for Varanasi city.
In the Comprehensive Mobility Report, RITES has suggested the implementation of MRTS corridors in two phases.
Phase-1:
Corridor-1: BHU to BHEL- 16 km
Phase-2:
Corridor-1: Kashi MMH to Sarnath- 7 km
Corridor-2: Kashi MMH to Mughal Sarai- 11 km
Corridor-3: BHU to Ramnagar- 6.5 km
Prayagraj Metro Rail Project:- Draft DPR for Metro/Metro-lite has been prepared and is under consideration by Prayagraj Development Authority.
Two Corridors with a total length of 42.4 km have been considered in the DPR.
Corridor-1 is from Bamrauli to City Lake Forest of length 22.30 Km with 16 elevated and 2 underground stations.
Corridor-2 is from Shantipuram to Cheoki of length 20.11 km with 16 elevated stations.
GoUP has instructed for the preparation of AAR, DPR and CMP of the Prayagraj Metrolite Project.
M/s RITES Ltd. has submitted the final AAR of Prayagraj Metrolite to Prayagraj Development Authority, and Final CMP was prepared and submitted by UMTC.
DPR is yet to be prepared as LOA to be issued by PDA for preparation of DPR.
Similarly, the DPR for Bareilly and Jhansi Metro System is also in the preparation stage and will soon be sent for approval.
U.P. is heading for the highest number of metro projects in the country. What is the plan and strategy to complete the projects in time? Are you also planning HSR, S-HSR, and BRTS projects in the state?
Uttar Pradesh has emerged as a state with the highest number of metro projects, with maximum cities either having operational or under execution metro projects. Uttar Pradesh Metro Rail Corporation, the organisation which is constituted to execute the metro project in Uttar Pradesh, is setting new benchmarks with every project and is striving hard to give the people of Uttar Pradesh a world-class metro rail system.
UPMRC has a record of completing and commissioning metro projects ahead of its schedule. Lucknow and Kanpur Metro Projects were also commissioned way ahead of their schedule.
After creating history by successfully commencing the operations of Lucknow Metro in a very short span of time – precisely speaking, 36 days before its schedule, Uttar Pradesh Metro Rail Corporation broke its own record by commencing the revenue operations of Kanpur Metro in just 2 years and 2 months and achieved an illustrious milestone in the area of infrastructure development.
Team UPMRC is consistent and devoted towards its goal of commissioning the Agra Metro Rail Project before the proposed timeline of August 2024 and give the people of Agra a world-class metro rail system.
As per recent developments, the Government is planning on connecting the entire proposed UPSCR through metros and expressways.
With the highest number of citizens, UP is also one of the most densely populated states. What is the urban plan envisaged for densely inhabited & congested regions across the state?
UPMRC strives to work in close coordination with other departments involved in urban planning and ensures multi-faceted development of the city in all respects and not just public transport. The governing body of UPMRC is the Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs, Govt. of India, and Govt. of Uttar Pradesh and analysis pertaining to tackling the problem of population influx in cities is done on the basis of geological and demographic segmentation.
In Uttar Pradesh, the Metro system is operational in cities where the pressure of population is increasing day by day, and these cities have many densely inhabited and congested areas. For instance, Lucknow, being the capital of Uttar Pradesh, is facing massive urbanisation and migration due to better livelihood and career opportunities. In the present as well as proposed corridors, all major transport terminals, universities, schools, parks, market areas, and medical colleges are connected through the metro.
Kanpur is a densely populated industrial city in Uttar Pradesh. With the population of over 35 lacs, it is going to benefit the residential areas, schools, hospitals, colleges, universities, and businesses operating in an array of segments. Kanpur metro will decongest the areas witnessing traffic congestion. It will save time and money for the commuters.
Agra being the fourth most populated city of Uttar Pradesh, will soon have a metro system that will not only help in the decongestion of traffic and reduce pollution caused by vehicles but will also help in multi-modal integration and make urban transit hassle-free.
All metro systems have been designed in such a way that they blend seamlessly with the aesthetic of the city and are an unobtrusive means of transport.
What is the work-out plan for intermodal and last-mile connectivity to commuters amidst infrastructure being developed in the state, especially expressways and metros?
Well, UPMRC has taken a holistic approach in this regard by integrating various modes of urban transportation so that first and last-mile connectivity can be significantly improved in the long run. Various tie-ups and collaborations with mobility partners like Rapido, Ola, and Uber are playing a vital role in enhancing smart mobility to the doorstep. Integration with the city bus transport services in the respective cities (Lucknow & Kanpur, where the metro is operational) is also changing the current scenario when it comes to providing last-mile connectivity.
In fact, Lucknow Metro recently received the National Award from the Government of India for the Best Multi-Modal Integration.
For instance, the CCS Airport is just 92 meters from the CCS Airport Metro Station, and passengers coming from the airport can conveniently take their luggage trolleys to the Airport Metro station and leave them there.
The Charbagh Railway Station is directly connected from the metro station gate through a Foot-over bridge and lifts.
The Lucknow Junction railway station is connected with the Durgapuri Metro station internally in such a way that a passenger lands directly at the platform of Lucknow Junction from the Metro station concourse through the escalator and FOB.
Similarly, Badshahnagar railway station is also within 120 metres from Badshahnagar Metro Station gate.
Alambagh Bus Terminal, the largest bus terminal of Lucknow, is just 22 meters from the gate of Alambagh Bus Stand metro station and is connected through a FOB.
The under-construction Kanpur Central Metro Station will be the game changer with direct connectivity to the city’s biggest railway station, the Kanpur Central Railway Station and the bus stand.
The inter-modal integration with existing modes have been planned at all metro stations of UPMRC for efficient passenger movement. Major interchange stations have been planned with other existing bus/rail terminals, which serve as complementary/ feeder for the passengers from their respective origins to destinations and vice-versa. For interchange station planning, many factors, such as nature of the station, its catchment, availability of access/dispersal modes, interchange with other public transport modes, distance from the station, trip length and destinations etc., have been considered. It provides a convenient and economical connection of various modes to make a complete journey from origin to destination.
Besides, parking provisions have also been made at almost all the metro stations of Lucknow & Kanpur metro services. Dedicated parking provision for metro commuters is one of the key factors determining the success of the metro system. Parking provisions, along with a priority to pedestrians through foot over bridges and feeder bus services, would encourage more commuters to use the metro system. Passengers can safely park their vehicles at the nearest station, walk to the station or rely on feeder connectivity.
Right from the planning stage of any metro project, UPMRC aims at intermodal integration, which enhances the usefulness and viability of the project. Intermodal integration refers to the connectivity between important transport hubs and modes of transport so that commuters can seamlessly travel within and between cities.
UPMRC has adopted many initiatives to boost last-mile connectivity, which includes tie-up and signing of MoUs with taxi services like Uber, Ola and Rapido Bike Service. These services provide pick-and-drop services easily to commuters willing to take the metro.
With an infrastructure boost in the state of Uttar Pradesh in the form of expressways and highways, inter-city connectivity has also increased, and people can easily travel from one city to another in just a couple of hours. As soon as they enter the city, they may park their vehicle at the metro station parking and explore the city via metro, which connects almost all-important points. Such integrated movement will help in optimising resources and providing a premium travel experience to tourists as well as locals.
The state being a land of holy rivers, epics, ancient cities, and pilgrimage, what can be the plan for the development of metro and rail circuits connecting these important sites? Has there been any important development in this regard?
Yes, Uttar Pradesh is a state which is culturally rich and diverse. It has several life-source rivers, historical monuments, ancient cities and several pilgrimage sites, which not only hold historic significance but are also great tourist attractions.
The operational Lucknow Metro already seamlessly connects the Gomti River, ancient temples, and century-old markets that hold a strong historical and religious significance.
Similarly, the Famous Taj Mahal in Agra will now be connected with the Metro and even have its own dedicated Metro station, i.e. the Taj East Gate. Visitors from all around the globe can witness the grandeur and beauty of the famous monument much more easily by taking the metro to the nearest station.
The Kanpur Metro stations like Bada Chauraha, Naveen Market and Chunniganj connect the centuries-old Bada Chauraha market, the holy Ganga river, which is just 1 km away from the metro station and major places of business and historic significance.
Moreover, Varanasi, which is one of the oldest living cities in the world, bears an illustrious heritage and is a very important pilgrim site. A metro system in Varanasi will be extremely beneficial for the city as the pilgrims will be able to visit most of the temples and monuments easily through one means of transport.
Similarly, metro routes proposed in Gorakhpur, Ayodhya, Meerut etc., will also have seamless connectivity with all major places of interest, including heritage sites, rivers, temples, medical institutions etc.
The state government is planning to introduce ITMS in seven more cities apart from ten others where the system is already operational. In what ways the system would be unique compared to other cities? What are the plans to integrate metros and urban rail transit with ITMS?
As we all know, recent years have seen ‘Intelligent Traffic Systems’ becoming popular day by day due to their endless possibilities, which range from managing traffic congestion, information & control in traffic management to efficient infrastructure usage and road safety.
The concept of Intelligent Traffic Management Systems (ITMS) in India can be perceived as a multidisciplinary field of work, prompting several organisations worldwide to develop advanced solutions to ease traffic congestion and control. ITMS are becoming indispensable components of traffic management, saving time for commuters while ensuring smooth vehicle flow along with safety and comfort.
Through a comprehensive network of metro, buses, rope-ways, water metro and other eco-friendly vehicles for short distances, the load on roads and dependency on only one kind of mode of transport may be considerably reduced. Information technology may be effectively utilised to cater to the problem of traffic management.
Uttar Pradesh Metro Rail Corporation uses the state-of-the-art ‘Communication Based Train Control System’ (CBTC) in all its metro trains with Automatic Train Protection (ATP) for automatic braking to prevent any collision and Automatic Train Supervision (ATS) system to ensure automatic management of train movement.
Kindly share the details of the metro and rail transit plan for the state envisaged for the next 10-15 years. What is the vision to develop the system in a sustainable way?
The GoI has the vision of having metro rail in 100 cities of India by 2047. UP being the most populous state of India and 4th largest in terms of land area, will also see expansion in its metro rail metro with cities including Gorakhpur, Lucknow, Kanpur, Agra, Meerut, Prayagraj, Bareilly, Jhansi, Ayodhya, Varanasi, etc.
As an organisation, we aim to bring metro rail systems to the maximum number of cities in the state of Uttar Pradesh in the coming future.
All metro projects of UPMRC are sustainable and adopt multiple Green Initiatives like:
Harnessing Solar Energy: A 1.28 MW capacity solar plant has been installed at the Administrative Building premises along with a 1.1 MW capacity solar plant at Transport Nagar Metro Depot. It has generated 30 lakhs units of electricity till date and has resulted in a lower carbon footprint.
Regenerative energy in trains & lifts: Rolling Stock of Lucknow Metro has an efficiency of 40% due to regenerative braking technology. The lifts of Lucknow Metro also regenerate 37% of the energy consumed.
Rainwater harvesting: In a 23 km long stretch of North-South, more than 300 rainwater harvesting pits have been created with a capacity to harvest 20 lakhs litres of water.
Lucknow Metro became the First Metro in India to have 100% LED lighting in trains and stations.
Water efficient fixtures: UPMRC has installed efficient fixtures at Lucknow Metro stations to save lakhs of water.
Wastewater treatment: To minimise water wastage, a sewage treatment plant has been installed at various metro stations and metro depots. The wastewater is being recycled for horticulture purpose. The metro depot is also functioning as a ‘Zero Discharge Facility’.
Green median along North-South corridor: A green median has been developed with green plantation along the corridor to minimise the effects of vehicular pollution. It is built and executed in a very sustainable manner, right from the design to material sourcing and, ultimately, the operations. Energy and cost optimisation are always given topmost priority while executing a metro project.
All future projects will be designed and executed on similar sustainable lines.
What are the ongoing efforts toward achieving net zero carbon emissions? Kindly state the action plans being adopted with significant accomplishments till date?
Uttar Pradesh Metro Rail Corporation (UPMRC) has always manifested its commitment towards environmental protection and has also ensured the various provisions of its metro projects for environment and energy conservation. The factor of environmental protection is the key aspect in the development of metro projects. Metro Projects are environment friendly as compared to other modes of public transport as the metro system operates with zero carbon emissions. UPMRC has further reinforced this factor through various innovations under Kanpur and Agra Metro projects. The use of regenerative braking technology in metro trains and lifts to generate and conserve energy through braking, the use of an HVAC system to control the air conditioning system in metro trains and 100% LED lighting in the entire metro system, etc., are excellent examples of UPMRC’s commitment towards environmental protection.
Taking another positive initiative in this direction and moving towards the goal of energy conservation and energy efficiency, UPMRC is going to install a solar plant under the Kanpur Metro project in line with the Lucknow Metro Project. The work of installing a solar plant in the Kanpur Metro Depot of Corridor-1 (IIT to Naubasta) has started, and it is likely to be completed by August this year. About 12 lakh units of electricity can be produced from this 1 MW plant in a year. UPMRC has already installed a total capacity of 1.28 MW rooftop solar plant at its premises in Lucknow Metro. Following are the various measures taken by UPMRC for environment protection:
Embracing Solar Energy
UPMRC has installed a total capacity of 1.28 MW rooftop solar plant at its premises. A 1.1MW capacity solar plant is installed at Transport Nagar Metro Depot. More than 30 lac units of electricity have been generated through these solar plants till date in Lucknow alone. In Lucknow additional 2MW solar plant establishment is in the process; this is in the Resco model and will provide ample green energy to charge auxiliaries for operations as well as cost saving would be there.
In Kanpur, also 1MW solar plant establishment is under process. It is expected to generate electricity in a couple of months. UPMRCL is also planning to install a rooftop solar plant in the ongoing Kanpur and Agra Metro projects. The work of installation of a 1 MW solar plant has started in the Kanpur Metro depot of Corridor-1 under the Kanpur Metro project. There are various benefits of solar energy ranging from being cost-effective in comparison to electricity procured from the grid. It costs almost 30% less than the electricity procured from the grid. Also, harnessing solar energy results in a lower carbon footprint for the organisation.
Regenerative Energy in Trains and Lifts
The rolling stock of the Kanpur and Agra Metro Project has an efficiency of 45 per cent through regenerative braking technology. Similarly, Rolling stocks used in Lucknow Metro Project have an efficiency of around 40% due to Regenerative Braking Technology. It means out of 1000 units being used in running Trains, almost 400 units are generated through Regenerative Braking Technology.
Besides rolling stocks, Regenerative Braking is also used in lifts of all UPMRCL Projects. The lifts in various Uttar Pradesh Metro premises recorded almost 37% energy efficiency. Along with this, the Kanpur Metro trains have a carbon-dioxide sensor-based air-conditioning system, which operates according to the number of passengers present in the train and saves energy.
Relocation and Transplantation of Trees
In Lucknow Metro Project, more than 400 trees were transplanted with the survival rate of more than 95%. A similar model has been followed in Kanpur, where till date, more than 100 big trees have been transplanted under the priority section of the Kanpur metro project. In Agra Metro Project, UPMRCL is working with the forest department to plant 10 trees in lieu of every single tree being cut during the Project execution. UPMRCL has identified the land parcel for compensatory afforestation in Agra in close co-ordination with the forest department to ensure the afforestation activity shall happen in a timely manner. UPMRCL has a strong commitment to safeguard every possible tree coming in the Metro alignment and to keep the number of trees to be cut down as minimum as possible.
Rain Water Harvesting
In the Lucknow Metro Project, comprising of 23km long alignment, more than 300 rainwater harvesting pits have been created to capture the rainwater for harvesting. With this, we have created a capacity to harvest almost 20Lac litre of water during the rainy season.
A similar arrangement has been planned in Kanpur and Agra Metro. It is expected that upon completion of the Projects, they will create an additional 15lac – 20lac litre rainwater harvesting capacity in the city of Kanpur and Agra.
Water-Efficient Water Fixtures
It was always emphasised to have efficient water fixtures in the Metro rail stations of UPMRCL. Be it Lucknow or now Kanpur and Agra, it is followed with great commitment. Water fixtures used at UPMRCL Metro stations are 30-40 % more efficient than conventional water fixtures. By this, it is expected that Metro stations of UPMRCL will save lacs of a litre of water every year.
Wastewater Treatment
UPMRCL is taking care of every drop of water by minimising its wastage. A sewage Treatment Plant has been installed at various Metro stations and Depot premises. UPMRCL is cleaning the wastewater and reusing it for horticulture in Depot and Viaduct section. Metro Train Depot is functioning as a “Zero Discharge Facility”, as no wastewater is discharged from its premises.
LED Lighting
Lucknow Metro became the first Metro in India to have 100% LED lighting in trains and stations. A similar approach has been followed for both Kanpur and Agra Metro Projects. Besides, translucent sheets have been used in the construction of the roofs of Metro stations with the aim of making full use of the natural light of the sun.
Development of Green Median
The green median has been developed with green plantation along the corridor to minimise the effects of vehicular pollution. Saplings have been planted in the middle of the elevated corridor of both Lucknow and Kanpur Metro, and UPMRC is also taking regular care of them. Saplings have been planted at every possible place in the Metro premises.
UPMRC has been lauded by Indian Green Building Council (CII-IGBC) for leading the green building movement by promoting a cleaner and greener environment while executing a huge infrastructure project of public transport in our cities. All 21 stations of the Lucknow Metro Rail Project and 09 stations of the Priority corridor (IIT-Motijheel) of the Kanpur Metro Project achieved the highest green building rating, “Platinum certification”, even before the commencement of commercial operations. Green Building Certification is given to building having provisions for minimising energy consumption, water consumption, proper waste management arrangements, having wastewater treatment facilities and many other environment-friendly features. Now, Agra Metro Rail Project is also incorporating these features to achieve Green Building Certificates of the highest standard.
Besides, UPMRCL achieved its ISO certification of ISO 14001 (Environment Management Systems) Project for its construction activities for the entire 23 km of the Lucknow Metro Project as well as for Kanpur Metro Rail. ISO certifications are awarded to organisations displaying commitment to the standard requirements. Having ISO 14001 certification showcases our commitment to safeguarding the Environment by adopting environment-friendly practices in an organised manner. Similar arrangements to achieve ISO certification for the balance section of Kanpur Metro and for the Agra Metro Rail Project are already in progress; it will be achieved in due course of time.
Any message for our readers?
This is an advent of a new era for Uttar Pradesh as it is the only state of India with a maximum number of operational and under-construction metro projects. I feel extremely happy and proud that the people of Uttar Pradesh have been gifted with a ‘Green Mobility System’ that would surely provide relief from traffic congestion and reduce carbon footprint. Along with saving time and money, this smart mobility system will ensure the safety and security of the passengers.
UPMRC, with a strong conviction to provide a one-stop mobility solution, it is committed to balanced and sustainable development, delivering world-class metro services. UPMRC delivered Lucknow and Kanpur metro projects ahead of schedule with efficient processes and customer-focused service. The construction work on the 6 KMs long priority corridor of Agra Metro, starting from Taj East Gate to Jama Masjid, commenced on 7th December 2020 and is going on in full swing. Gorakhpur Metro Lite Rail Phase 1 (15.14 KMs )- Shyam Nagar to Madan Mohan Malviya College has been approved by the GoI. Gorakhpur is the most important city in Eastern Uttar Pradesh with moderate demographics; the Govt. of India has considered Metro Rail Lite as a suitable mobility solution for commutation. With overall ownership of managing 4 Metro Rail Projects, UPMRC in future will operate 100 KMs of the metro network.
We are proud to turn these visionary projects into reality in Uttar Pradesh.
GORAKHPUR (Metro Rail News): On 07th July 2023, Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated two Vande Bharat Express trains in Uttar Pradesh and Rajasthan, marking a special day for the residents. The Gorakhpur-Lucknow Vande Bharat Express became UP’s second train, while the Jodhpur-Sabarmati Vande Bharat Express became the second train for Rajasthan.
Prominent personalities such as the Governor of Uttar Pradesh, Anandiben Patel, Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, Gorakhpur MP Ravi Kishan Shukla, public representatives, and special guests graced the event with their presence.
The second Vande Bharat Express in Uttar Pradesh will operate from Gorakhpur to Lucknow, making stops at Basti and Ayodhya along the way. This new train will improve connectivity between Gorakhpur, Lucknow, religious sites, and tourist destinations, contributing to the overall development of the region.
The Jodhpur-Sabarmati Vande Bharat train will link the cities of Pali, Abu Road, Palanpur, and Mehsana, connecting Jodhpur in Rajasthan to Sabarmati in Gujarat. This will be Gujarat’s second semi-high-speed train, alongside the existing Mumbai-Gandhinagar Vande Bharat Express. The introduction of this train will enable convenient and speedy travel, playing a vital role in connecting cultural, tourism, and pilgrimage sites in these areas.
The Vande Bharat Express is now present in all rail-electrified states across India. It operates on 23 routes with 46 services, making it the fastest-running train in the Indian Railways. With the introduction of these two trains, the operational services of the Vande Bharat Express will reach a significant milestone of 50 services on 25 routes.
The first Vande Bharat Express was launched on February 15, 2019, between New Delhi and Varanasi. These trains, manufactured at the Integral Coach Factory (ICF) in Chennai, embody India’s ‘Make-In-India‘ initiative and demonstrate the country’s engineering prowess.
Kerala Rapid Transit Corporation Ltd. (KRTL), a special-purpose corporation set up by the Kerala Government, has proposed to construct a light metro system in Kozhikode, Kerala, alternatively referred to as the Kozhikode Metro. Kozhikode, India’s picture-perfect Malabar Coast, is a lovely city that offers a wonderful blend of nature and development. It is the second-largest city in Kerala, with a population of over two million people. It is also considered one of the nicest places to reside in Kerala. This city is said to have everything for everyone, from new skyscrapers to peaceful parks and lakes. Furthermore, Kozhikode is home to a number of institutes and universities identified and known for providing world-class education.
In Kozhikode, there are numerous sites to visit. The amazing Lokanarkavu Temple is well-known for its one-of-a-kind celebration. Furthermore, the Pooram festival is observed in its entirety here. Visitors can also admire the pearly-white Aripara Falls as it cascades down the rock faces. Kozhikode also offers a number of beautiful beaches that are great for relaxing. People can also take a romantic stroll along the gorgeous Kozhikode Beach, where they can watch the crashing waves, or they can relax at Parappalli Beach and go surfing. There’s a lot to do with our loved ones, and then visit Beypore Beach, which also has a promenade area. The projected Kozhikode metro routes would connect various regions of the city. Furthermore, the Kozhikode Metro route would allow the traveller to see all of these tourist attractions and more in Kozhikode without breaking the bank.
Project Details
The Kozhikode Metro is a proposed LRT (Light Rail Transit) system for the city of Kozhikode (Calicut). The State government assessed the feasibility of constructing a metro rail system for Kozhikode and its surrounding areas in 2010. The plan was envisaged for the construction of a corridor through the city centre that would connect Meenchanda to the Kozhikode Medical College Hospital. Wilber Smith, a Bangalore-based consultant, submitted an initial report on the thorough feasibility study of implementing the Mass Rapid Transit System (MRTS) and Light Rail Transit System (LRTS) in the city. The project, however, was cancelled and has been proposed to be replaced by the Kozhikode Monorail project. The State Cabinet then agreed to establish a special purpose vehicle (SPV) to carry out implementation works of monorail projects in Kozhikode and Thiruvananthapuram, which received administrative approval in October 2012. On November 26, 2012, the state government approved rules handing the Thiruvananthapuram Monorail project to the KMCL. Prior to that, the government had handed and passed over the Kozhikode Monorail project to the KMCL. On June 12, 2013, the State Cabinet approved the signing of an agreement between KMCL and DMRC, making the latter the general consultant for the monorail projects in Kozhikode and Thiruvananthapuram. 3.25% of the Rs. 55.81 billion (Rs. 35.90 billion for Thiruvananthapuram and Rs. 19.91 billion for Kozhikode) has been proposed to be paid to DMRC as a consultation fee. On June 19, 2013, the deal was signed. However, due to cost overruns and lack of bidder interest, the project was put on hold. The project’s sole bidder was Bombardier Transportation. The proposal was later abandoned, and a Light metro system was planned in its place.
The plan is for the construction of a 14.2-kilometre light metro line with fifteen stations between Meenchantha and Medical College. The Delhi Metro Rail Corporation Limited (DMRC), which has been engaged as a general consultant, shall provide the complete project report and details. The automotive depot has been constructed on 5.20 hectares (12.8 acres) of government-owned uninhabited and vacant land around 500 metres (1,600 feet) east of the Medical College Hostel station. The monorail is expected to be built in two stages. The first is between Medical College and Mananchira, and the second is between Mananchira and Meenchantha. The project would necessitate around 10.65 ha (26.3 acres) of land, 80 per cent of which would be controlled by the government.
The proposed Light Metro shall be developed as a government endeavour, with financing provided by both the state and the central governments to bridge the viability gap. The State Government shall contribute Rs 2,187 crores over a five-year period, including land expenditures. The remaining funds have been proposed to be obtained both internally and outside from competent agencies.
Timeline & History
Following the success of the Delhi Metro, the Union Urban Development Ministry decided to consider the proposal for a Metro in Kozhikode and signed an agreement with Delhi Metro Rail Corporation to draw the detailed project report (DPR) of the Rs.27.71 billion Kozhikode metro transport project as a feasibility study for the introduction of suburban services in Kozhikode city. The Ministry opted to shoulder half of the expense of preparing the DPR for the city that falls inside the population cut-off range. In December 2008, the National Transportation Planning and Research Centre (NATPAC) conducted a preliminary feasibility assessment in collaboration with the Kerala Road Fund Board. The Board commissioned Wilber Smith to perform the study in June 2009 based on this feasibility report. NATPAC had already proposed a metro rail project spanning 32.6 km from Karipur to the Calicut Medical College. The project was predicted to cost Rs. 27.71 billion and was supposed to be completed in five years. The monorail project, which replaced the metro rail project, has been expected to cost Rs 1,991 crore, but the lone bidder, Bombardier Consortium, submitted a bid that was nearly double the estimate. The proposal, therefore, was cancelled, and the Light Metro was approved.
Routes & Funding
Pursuant to the Metro proposal, the plan envisages the metro to run from Karipur Airport to Ramanattukara, Meenchanda, Mini-Bypass, Arayadathupalam, and conclude at the Medical College. By 2031, nearly 2.1 million individuals are expected to be benefitted from the upgraded transport system. The project, which is estimated to be completed in parts in three years, is both fiscally and technically feasible. However, according to the full project report published by Delhi Metro Rail Corporation, the Kozhikode Monorail line shall be retained for the Light Metro project. The Union government supported implementing the project with private participation, overlooking its own financial engagements. The Ministry of Urban Development and the Planning Commission were also opposed to government participation in the project and refused to recognise it as a project similar in capacity and in line with the Delhi Metro and Chennai Metro.
The political rivalry between Kerala’s former left-front government and the UPA government at the Centre had been one of the principal reasons for such developments and the project’s slowdown. The change in government in Kerala helped in bringing a change in those conditions, making the Kozhikode Metro one of the UDF government’s top priorities. However, Kerala’s cabinet, led by Chief Minister Oommen Chandy, chose to give approval only to the Kozhikode Monorail Project, which would replace the metro rail project keeping Kochi Metro Rail Project unaffected.
Proposals & Future Extensions
The project was proposed to span a distance of 14.2 kilometres with fifteen stations from Medical College Hostel to Meenchanda. The car depot was scheduled to be located around 500 metres (1,600 feet) east of the Medical College Hostel station on 5.20 hectares (12.8 acres) of government-owned unoccupied land. The monorail has been planned to be built in two stages. The first stretch from Medical College to Mananchirae and the second one from Mananchira to Meenchantha. The project required nearly twenty-seven acres of land, of which more than eighty per cent of the area required to be owned by the government. Further, the government intended to expand the monorail all the way to Civil Station and West Hill. The six-kilometre line between Malaparamba and Civil Station would have cost nearly Rs.600 crore.
Key Specifications
Operational: 0 km
Under Construction: 0 km
Approved: 13.13 km
Estimated Cost: Rs. 2,773 crore
Metro Phase 1 Route
Line 1 – Meenchanda to Kozhikode Medical College
Length: 13.3 km
Type: Elevated
Depot: Medical College
Number of Stations: 14
Stations: Meenchanda, Vattakkinar, Panniyankara, Kallayi, Pushpa, Kozhikode Railway Station, Palayam, Mananchira, KSRTC, New Bus Stand, Kottuli, Thondayad, Chevayur and Medical College
Latest Update
Kochi Metro Rail Limited is still working on the metro rail model for Kozhikode Metro. The concerned authorities had to complete the metro model by the end of March 2023. KMRL awarded the contract for CMR development to an urban transport consultant, Urban Mass Transit Company Limited, which was supposed to be completed by March 31, 2023, but the agency failed to meet the deadline. The KMRL officials have stated that the study on the plan and work on the Comprehensive Mobility Report (CMR) for Kozhikode Metro is still ongoing. They have confirmed, however, that the inception reports required for the development of CMR, such as transportation requirements and patterns reports, have been completed. Urban Mass Transit Company Limited was also assigned with the responsibility of developing a Comprehensive Mobility Report for Thiruvananthapuram Metro in collaboration with Kozhikode Metro. This report’s preparation is also underway.
As per senior government official, the Thiruvananthapuram and Kozhikode metro rail projects may not be completed soon enough due to the state government’s reluctance to advance them forward. The Urban Mass Transit Co (UMTC) Ltd is yet to finish and submit to Kochi Metro Rail Ltd (KMRL) its study on selecting appropriate models for two cities. The original report submission deadline was March 31, 2023. The officials further added that the government feels the proposed projects would not be financially sustainable for the two cities, given Kochi Metro’s deficit. Despite a prior study, the Kochi Metro Rail Limited (KMRL) is conducting another study to examine the feasibility of a metro train in the city.
As per a few media reports too, it is expected that the other transportation options shall also be reviewed for the two cities. The metro project’s delay has also impacted the projected flyover in Sreekaryam, Thiruvananthapuram. The tendering process and the destruction of stores for road widening have been halted. In the midst of the Kochi Metro’s lack of profitability, officials also claim that building a metro in Thiruvananthapuram and Kozhikode would be unnecessary and expensive due to existing public transportation options.
Furthermore, the government is having financial challenges. Despite criticism, ‘Metro Man’ E Sreedharan, responsible for Kochi Metro, believes that metro rail projects are important for these cities. According to Sreedharan, this would be a waste of resources because no metro rail project in the world is viable. He further points out that Kochi Metro’s losses cannot be used as an excuse because the Kerala State Road Transport Corporation (KSRTC) is also incurring losses. Following the Centre’s request for a single company to manage all metro projects in the state, KMRL prepared for project implementation.
Instead of a light metro, the Union government offered a metro-lite model, but the state government remained sceptical. This was due to metro-lite’s experimental nature, as it had not yet been implemented anywhere in the country. Loknath Behera, managing director of KMRL, also approached district collectors and mayors of the cities for assistance in completing the project, requesting their support and cooperation. Following the completion of the report, the complete project report (DPR) shall be developed and forwarded to the central and state governments for approval. Thiruvananthapuram’s concept also includes underground portions. According to a KMRL official, UMTC has submitted an interim report, and a high-level meeting has been planned to be organised soon in Thiruvananthapuram to finalise the activities. The projects for Thiruvananthapuram and Kozhikode are expected to be completed concurrently with the start of the tender process for the Sreekaryam flyover.
GHAZIABAD (Metro Rail News): Shri Vinay Kumar Singh, Managing Director, NCRTC, inaugurated a state-of-the-art Solar Power Plant installed at the RRTS Depot in Duhai today, on Saturday, 08 July 2023. This marks an important moment in the organization’s commitment to embracing renewable energy and sustainable practices.
Shri Vinay Kumar Singh, Managing Director, NCRTC inaugurating the Solar Plant at Duhai Depot
The Solar Power Plant has an installed capacity of 585 kWp, where the solar panels have been installed at various depot buildings, including workshops. During its estimated lifespan of 25 years, this solar plant is projected to generate approximately 6,66,000 units of solar energy per year. The plant is expected to reduce CO2 emissions by 615 tonnes annually, contributing to a remarkable reduction of 15,375 tonnes over its lifetime.
The solar energy produced through this Solar Plant will be monitored and optimized by a cutting-edge cloud-based application which will track the output on a regular basis. This advanced technology ensures transparency, efficiency, and seamless management of the solar energy infrastructure.
Shri Vinay Kumar Singh, MD, NCRTC at the inaugural ceremony of Solar plant at Duhai Depot
The solar power generated by this plant will not only meet the energy requirements of the Depot in its entirety but will have a surplus to use in other RRTS operations. It positions the Duhai Depot as a ‘Green Depot, ‘ solidifying NCRTC’s commitment to sustainability. This achievement of Duhai Depot translates into going beyond ‘Net Zero Carbon Emission’ for auxiliary loads.
As part of its commitment to the National Solar Mission and the promotion of clean and sustainable energy sources, NCRTC adopted a solar policy in March 2021. As per this policy, it will increase the share of renewable energy by generating about 11 MW peak in-house solar power on the rooftop of stations, depots and other buildings for non-traction purposes in the next five years. Apart from this, it will optimize the energy mix to increase the share of renewable energy for traction purposes as well. It will also strive to put in place an appropriate investment climate that would leverage the Clean Development Mechanism (CDM) and Renewable Energy Certificate (REC).
RRTS is a long-term strategic intervention by the Government of India and four state governments, Delhi, Haryana, Uttar Pradesh and Rajasthan, for decongestion of the National Capital, reduce vehicular congestion and air pollution, and enable the balanced and sustainable development of the region. Once operational, it will act as a transportation backbone for the entire NCR. The first RRTS corridor alone is expected to reduce vehicular congestion, with more than one lakh vehicles going off the roads and will help reduce air pollution with more than 2.5 lakh tonnes of carbon dioxide in vehicular emissions coming down.
