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.
HYDERABAD (Metro Rail News): The Hyderabad Airport Metro Rail project has attracted the interest of two prominent firms, Larsen & Toubro and NCC Ltd (formerly Nagarjuna Construction Company), who are now in competition to secure the project. Both companies have submitted their bids for the 5,688 crore tender.
On Thursday, the engineering, procurement, and construction (EPC) contract for the Raidurg-Airport stretch was opened by Hyderabad Airport Metro Ltd (HAML). The project invited global tenders for the Airport Metro project, and a pre-bid meeting was held on 14th June. Although representatives from 13 national and global firms, including Alstom, Siemens, Tata Projects, IRCON, RVNL, BEML, PANDROL Rahee Technologies, and L&T, displayed their interest, only Larsen & Toubro and NCC Ltd participated in the bidding process.
Larsen & Toubro, a company with experience in developing Metro rail through public-private partnerships and that sought government aid to overcome losses, took part in the bidding. It is important to note that the Hyderabad Airport Metro project is fully funded by the Telangana government. Recently, the state government has also entrusted Larsen & Toubro with the responsibility of completing the remaining Metro connectivity between MGBS and Falaknuma.
Both Larsen & Toubro and NCC Ltd have submitted the required documents, including their project execution experience, technical and financial strengths, audited financial statements, and a security deposit of 29 crore each in bank guarantees.
According to NVS Reddy, the Managing Director of HAML, the bid documents will undergo a thorough evaluation by experts from GC (Systra-led General Consultants) and senior technical officers from HAML. This evaluation process will take approximately 10 days, after which the recommendations will be presented to the government.
NEW DELHI (Metro Rail News): The Delhi Metro Rail Corporation (DMRC) is planning to extend the proposed Rithala-Narela corridor of the Delhi Metro up to Kundli in Haryana to enhance connectivity to the neighbouring state. If approved, it will be the fourth expansion of Delhi Metro into Haryana, after the Yellow Line (Gurugram), Green Line (Bahadurgarh), and Violet Line (Faridabad) expansions.
The proposed extension involves extending the operational Shaheed Sthal-Rithala Red Line corridor. This corridor may become the first-ever connection between Haryana and Uttar Pradesh through Delhi within the Delhi Metro network. Initially, the plan included smaller stations designed to accommodate four coach trains, with the flexibility for future expansion to accommodate eight coach trains as the traffic demand grows.
Index plan of Rithala-Narela-Nathupur (Kundli ) corridor /Image by DMRC
Post approval, the total length of the corridor would be 27.31 kilometres, comprising 22 stations. The majority of the corridor, approximately 26.339 kilometres, will be elevated, with only about 0.89 kilometres at ground level. Of the 22 stations, 21 will be elevated, and one will be at grade (ground level).
The stations on this proposed corridor include Rithala, Rohini Sector 25, Rohini Sector 26, Rohini Sector 31, Rohini Sector 32, Rohini Sector 36, Barwala, Rohini Sector 35, Rohini Sector 34, Bawana Industrial Area – 1 Sector 3, 4, Bawana Industrial Area – 1 Sector 1, 2, Bawana JJ Colony, New Sanoth, Sanoth, Depot Station, Bhorgarh Village, Narela DDA Sports Complex, Anaj Mandi Narela, Narela, Narela Sector 5, Kundli, and Nathpur.
A press release states, “The route alignment and station planning for all stations have been revised. Currently, the topographical survey, traffic survey, and environment impact assessment study are underway for the extended section between Narela and Kundli, covering a distance of 5 kilometres. The DPR for the Rithala-Narela-Kundli corridor is expected to be submitted by the end of this month. Once finalized, the DPR will be presented to the government for consideration and approval.
The proposed extension will provide enhanced connectivity to Narela and other areas, benefiting residents of the new residential colonies. The extension will also link this region to the currently operational Red Line, which extends up to Ghaziabad and covers important locations in central and east Delhi.
BHUBANESWAR (Metro Rail News): The Delhi Metro Rail Corporation (DMRC) has initiated soil testing for the Bhubaneswar metro rail project in Odisha. The purpose of this investigation is to gather information about the physical properties of the soil to determine its suitability and strength for supporting the metro rail structure.
Soil sampling is underway by DMRC between Trisulia to Nandankanan. Additionally, samples will be collected between Nandankanan and the city airport. Once the soil testing is complete, the Delhi Metro Rail Corporation will prepare a detailed project report based on the findings.
The Detailed project report will play a crucial role in deciding the routes, alignment, and other related aspects of the metro rail project. The announcement of the metro rail project was made by Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik on Utkal Diwas. The first phase of the metro will cover a distance of approximately 30 km, connecting Trisulia in Cuttack to Biju Patnaik International Airport. It will also include connections to Jatni and Khurda, with a future extension planned to Puri.
The Government of India has set a target of 33% reduction in emissions intensity as part of its Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs), with transport being one of the main sectors with significant mitigation potential. One of the most important transport emissions mitigation plans agreed to by the Government of India has been to raise Indian Railways’ share of freight traffic from 35-36% to 45% by 2030. The Railways plays a significant role in contributing to India’s NDC to address climate change through a variety of approaches, including:
To increase the railways’ share of total land-based freight movement and transportation from thirty-six per cent at present to nearly forty five per cent by 2030. Dedicated Freight Corridors (DFCs) are currently being developed across India by Indian Railways. The first phase of the project alone is expected to reduce emissions by 457 million tonnes of CO2 over a 30-year tie period.
Increase the proportion of renewable energy in the country’s energy mix. Railways to increase and enhance the energy efficiency for both diesel and electric propulsion, allowing the country to reduce GHG emissions.
The PAT scheme has been planned to be implemented in the railway sector. Use of 5% biofuel blend in traction diesel fuel. Increase water efficiency by 20% by 2030 and planting trees to boost carbon sink. Pollution control and waste management.
Adopting best practices for green buildings, industrial units, and other establishments for resource and infrastructure management in order to promote environmental sustainability in the growth of IR. Participation in the ‘Swachh Bharat Mission’ IR has established a goal of becoming a ‘Net Zero’ organisation by 2030 through the electrification of all railway tracks.
Indian Railways has taken a number of initiatives to streamline its environmental management operations, with prominent programmes including Energy Efficiency Management, Renewable and Alternative Energy Sources, Water Conservation, Afforestation, Water Management, and Green Certifications.
Some of the major steps taken can be broadly categorised in the following areas:
Net-Zero Carbon Emission: IR has plans to gradually reduce its carbon footprint and achieve Net Zero Carbon Emissions by 2030. IR will try to lower its carbon footprint primarily by procuring its energy needs from renewable sources. The projected requirement for renewable capacity installation by 2029-30 is around 30 GW. IR has installed 142 MW of rooftop solar capacity and 103.4 MW of wind energy capacity till August 2022.
Other efforts for becoming a Net Zero emitter include electrification of its lines, switching from diesel to electric traction, promotion of energy conservation, construction and development of Dedicated Freight Corridors, green certification of railway establishments and so on.
IR electrified 851 Route Kilometres (RKMs) during the fiscal year 2022-23 compared to 562 RKMs during the equivalent period of FY 2021-22. It is 51.4% higher than the previous year’s outcomes for the same period. According to the Ministry of Railways, the electrification target for the current financial year is 6500 RKMs.
It is worth noting that the Indian Railways accomplished a record electrification of 6,366 RKMs during 2021-22. Previously, the highest level of electrification was 6,015 RKM (during 2020-21). As of 30 September 2022, 53,098 BG RKM of the IR BG network (including KRCL) had been electrified, accounting for 81.51% of the total BG network.
Issuance of Water Policy 2017 for effective water management: Water Policy 2017 has been disseminated to all Zonal Railways and Production Units for implementation in Railway Stations, Trains, and Railway Colonies, among other places. This is part of the Government of India’s broader aim to reduce water consumption by approx twenty per cent by 2020 as part of its Nationally Determined Contribution. The main goal of this strategy is to promote water use efficiency through better demand and supply management, the installation of water-efficient devices, and the establishment of Water Recycling Plants on railway territory and land.
Creation of Additional Carbon Sinks by Afforestation: Railways, through its various departments, carries out and performs the afforestation work on vacant and unoccupied railway land and between sections. As part of the railways’ commitment to environmental betterment and sustainable development, state forest departments are involved in the plantation of the trees, their maintenance, and disposal. Since 2017, IR has been planting approximately 1 crore trees every year. During the years 2021-22, 72 lakh seedlings had been planted.
Waste Management: Waste to energy/compost/biogas plants/material recovery facilities have been installed at more than two-hundred fifty stations as waste management centres for managing waste. Separate containers for dry and wet waste have been installed for waste categorisation at the sources.
Green certification/Consent: Around 700 railway stations have been accredited for ISO:14001 environmental management system implementation. Over 545 stations have received consent to operate (CTO) from their respective State Pollution Control Boards. Green accreditation has been granted to 31 railway buildings (including offices, training institutes, hospitals, and schools), 32 stations, and 55 workshops/PUs.
Allocating cost for executing environment-related works: To reduce the environmental impact of activities and to protect the environment, a policy has been announced in May 2016 that provided for a 1% cost allocation in all sanctioned Works for executing environment-related activity.
Cleanliness of Trains & Railway Stations: Cleanliness of trains and railway stations has gained prominence in the last few years, as the number of mechanised cleaning contracts at stations and coaches in trains, rag picking and garbage disposal contracts at stations, and On Board Housekeeping Service (OBHS) contracts has increased substantially.
Environment-friendly Bio–Toilets for Passenger Coaches: Indian Railways (IR), along with the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO), collaborated to create environment-friendly bio-toilets for passenger trains. The job of installing bio-toilets in all passenger-carrying coaches on Indian Railways has been finished with the installation of 2,58,990 bio-toilets in about 73,110 coaches up to March 2021. In accordance with the ‘Swachh Bharat Mission,’ direct disposal of human waste from trains has thus been eliminated.
Bio Toilet Tank
Third-party Audit/Survey including Passenger feedback on Cleanliness: Third-party audit cum survey on major station cleanliness began in 2016 and was repeated in 2017, 2018, and 2019. In 2018, the first-ever third-party audit cum survey on the hygiene of major trains was conducted. Such surveys enable independent evaluation while also instilling an encouraging sense of competition in improving cleanliness in passenger interaction areas.
Standard Bid Document for Housekeeping of Stations and Trains: To increase the effectiveness of housekeeping/cleaning contracts, the Standard Bid Document (SBD) (Aug 2017) and General Conditions of Contract for Services (GCCS) (Feb 2018) have been developed, with a special focus on passenger contact areas.
Conclusion
In the next seven years, Indian Railways, the world’s fourth-largest railway network, intends to become a net zero carbon emitter. The Railways plans to attain this ambitious objective in two stages: Complete transition to electric trains by December 2023, with trains and stations powered mostly by non-renewable sources by that time.
If successful, the move shall assist the country in meeting its nationally determined contribution of cutting carbon emissions by thirty-three per cent by 2030, with transport being an important sector with significant mitigation potential. Simply put, net zero implies reducing greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions to as close to zero as possible. Most firms attempting to achieve this rely on carbon offsets, in which they compensate for their emissions by engaging in green initiatives such as reforestation or land restoration drives.
The Indian Railways, on the other hand, is primarily concerned with lowering its emissions. The Union Ministry of Railways announced its ambition to go green in July 2020 and has subsequently iterated and restated the objective multiple times. The most recent announcement was made in September last year, which stated that the goal will be met through an ‘integrated approach’. On the one hand, it is expected to increase railways’ share in freight movement to 45 per cent by 2030, up from 35 per cent now. While on the other hand, it is envisioned to help the railways in expanding their renewable energy generating capabilities.
The agency is also implementing novel ideas, such as investing in battery and EV projects to assure continuous renewable supply and placing solar panels along rail tracks for long-term generation of power.
HYDERABAD (Metro Rail News):K Chandrasekhar Rao, Chief Minister of Telangana, has directed the municipal administration department to move forward with the Metro project in the Old City. The decision was announced by MAUD Minister KT Rama Rao in a tweet. The Old City stretch of the Metro, known as MGBS-Falaknuma on Corridor-II (Green Line), had faced a roadblock due to incomplete property acquisition. However, the Hyderabad Metro Rail Limited had already completed the underground utilities survey and mapping by December 2022.
The delay in the project’s progress raised questions, considering the completion of the preliminary survey. In this year’s budget, the state government had allocated 500 crore specifically for the Old City Metro project.
“CM KCR also spoke to the Chairman of L&T which is the agency executing the Metro Rail Project to expeditiously take up the project and promised all needed support”, said KT Rama Rao in a tweet.
The Metro stretch joining MGBS to Falaknuma will cover a distance of 5.5 km and have five stations along the way, including Salarjung Museum, Charminar, Shahalibanda, Shamshergunj, and finally, terminating at Falaknuma. The aim is to bring convenient and efficient Metro connectivity to the Old City region of Hyderabad, benefiting residents and enhancing transportation options in the area.
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.
