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RITES Invites Bids for 25 KV OHE System in Maheshpur Colliery Railway Siding

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JHARKHAND (Metro Rail News): On 29 June 2023, the General Manager of RITES Ltd, acting as the Project Unit Head, issued an invitation on behalf of Bharat Coking Coal Ltd. (BCCL) for online percentage rate bids. For a significant project, bids are being requested on a two-packet system.

The project involves the design, drawing, supply, erection, testing, and commissioning of a 25 KV OHE (Overhead Equipment) system for the Maheshpur Colliery Railway siding.

The Tender number No. 04/OT/RITES/PU-RNC/BCCL/Maheshpur is open at an estimated cost of Rs. 11,40,70,139.

For the 10-month completion duration, bidders are required to make an earnest money deposit of Rs. 22,82,000.

Additionally, the system will incorporate a rapid loading system near Sonardih station on the Dhanbad Division of the East Central Railway.

The deadline for bid submission is 21 July 2023 Upto 14:30 hrs.

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UP Cabinet Approves Proposal to Charge ‘Metro and RRTS Cess’ on Developers in Ghaziabad & Meerut

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GHAZIABAD (Metro Rail News): On Wednesday, the Uttar Pradesh (UP) cabinet approved a proposal that will require developers in cities with upcoming metro and Rapid Rail Transit System (RRTS) services to pay a ‘metro and RRTS cess’. Initially, this charge is expected to be implemented in Ghaziabad and Meerut, where the construction of the RRTS corridor, known as the RapidX corridor, is underway.

The cess is expected to be implemented in Ghaziabad within a 1.5 km radius of the RapidX or metro track. Former chief town planner Asheesh Shivpuri commented, “Nothing has been finalized yet, including the exact area where the cess will be implemented and the rate at which developers will be required to pay.

The Ghaziabad Development Authority (GDA) will likely consider a 1.5km area along the two corridors to impose the cess.”Developers stand to immediately benefit from these projects, he continued. A system should be in place to put the cess into effect. Once a rule is established, the specifics will become more obvious.

In 2014-15, the development authority had previously announced a metro and Hindon elevated road cess of Rs 750/sqm to be imposed on builders. However, 27 builders challenged this move in the Allahabad High Court.

In 2021, the high court ruled in favour of the developers, instructing the GDA to refund approximately Rs 50 crore it had collected until then while approving building layouts.

Gaurav Gupta, the secretary at Credai’s NCR chapter, recalled how the GDA had previously imposed a cess on areas along the Hindon elevated road and the Delhi Metro’s Red Line, asserting that builders in localities such as Raj Nagar Extension would benefit directly from these projects.

“However, the decision was unexpected, which prompted us to move the high court. Nevertheless, the cabinet has now approved the proposal, indicating that it is a policy decision that will likely be implemented in other districts as well. It is not solely the concern of the GDA,” Gupta explained.

He said they haven’t decided whether to return to court yet. “At this time, we are not certain about our choice. Even the possibility of contesting such a judgement is debatable. We will therefore wait for the formal notice,” Gupta said.

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Madurai Metro Rail: 27 Stations Planned for the Project, DPR to be Submitted by 15 July

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Chennai Metro
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MADURAI (Metro Rail News): The Madurai Metro Rail Project, connecting Tirumangalam with Othakadai, is set to have a total of 27 metro stations. Chennai Metro Rail Managing Director M.A. Siddique provided details about the project during a press conference after a meeting with various officials at the Madurai Collectorate. The proposed plan suggests one metro station for every kilometre on the elevated structure and one for every 1.5 kilometres in the underground structure.

During the meeting, Mr. Siddique assured the media that the detailed project report (DPR) would be prepared soon and submitted to the government on July 15, along with the DPR for the Coimbatore metro project. According to his statement, three out of the total 27 proposed metro stations in Madurai will be located underground. These underground stations are planned to be situated near Madurai railway junction/Periyar bus stand, Meenakshi Sundareswarar Temple, and Goripalayam. The station close to the temple is expected to be constructed either beneath North Masi Street or North Avani Moola Street, and further evaluation is currently underway.

Mr Siddique also addressed concerns about the impact of the metro line and station on the heritage buildings and temple car processions. He assured that necessary measures would be taken to ensure minimal disruption to these cultural aspects.

Once the DPR is submitted, approved by the government, and funds are allocated, the construction of the Madurai Metro Rail Project will commence. The elevated structure, spanning 27 kilometres, is estimated to take approximately 3.6 years to complete, while the underground structure, covering 5 kilometres, will take around 4.6 years. Government officials.

The field study of multiple places in the city for the project implementation has also been done by the officials. The meeting was attended by Collector M.S. Sangeetha, Chennai Metro Rail Director (Projects) T. Archunan, Corporation Commissioner K.J. Praveen Kumar, District Revenue Officer R. Sakthivel, and others.

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Techno Feasibility Study Commences for Ballabhgarh-Palwal Metro Rail

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CHANDIGARH (Metro Rail News): On Tuesday, a team of experts from Haryana Mass Rapid Transit Corporation (HMRTC) and Rail India Technical and Economic Services (RITES) commenced a techno feasibility study for the Ballabhgarh-Palwal metro rail.The study was directed by Chief Minister ML Khattar on June 26.

The proposed Ballabhgarh-Palwal corridor will be approximately 24 km long and will have 10 stations. It aims to provide connectivity to the industrial areas of Sector 58-59, Sikri, Prithla, Alhapur, Baghola, Softa, and Palwal.

During the study, alternative options for the metro rail system will be explored. The alignment of the corridor will be determined through discussions with NHAI and other stakeholders. There are plans to integrate Ballabhgarh railway station, Raja Nahar Singh metro station, Ballabhgarh bus stand, and Palwal bus stand.

The techno-feasibility study, conducted by RITES Limited, is expected to be completed in the next few days. In addition, preparations are underway to develop a comprehensive mobility plan for Palwal.

According to the spokesperson, “The metro rail corridor is planned to be elevated and is estimated to cost around ₹180 crore per kilometer. The entire project is expected to cost approximately ₹4,320 crore.”

Chief Minister Khattar announced on Sunday that government had given the green light for a metro link between Ballabgarh and Palwal. He emphasized that this development would enhance connectivity and accelerate the area’s progress.

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Indian Railways’ “Hydrogen for Heritage”: 35 Hydrogen Trains for a Greener Future

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Hydrogen Train
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NEW DELHI (Metro Rail News): Under the ‘Hydrogen for  Heritage’ project, the Indian Railways have unveiled their ambitious plan to operate 35 hydrogen trains, marking a significant step towards reducing carbon emissions in the transportation sector.

With the introduction of these innovative trains, the railway network in India is set to make substantial progress in creating a more sustainable and eco-friendly future.

By using hydrogen fuel cells instead of conventional diesel engines, the Hydrogen for a Heritage initiative hopes to revolutionize the railway sector.

The project aims to minimize harmful pollutants by embracing clean energy sources and setting an example for sustainable transportation practices.

In response to a question posed in the Rajya Sabha, Union Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw confirmed the project’s development and revealed that the prototype train would undergo field trials on the Jind-Sonipat section of the Northern Railways.

For the necessary ground infrastructure, the project’s initial phase will cost an estimated Rs. 80 crores for each train and Rs. 70 crores per route.

In a remarkable move, the Indian Railways has already awarded a pilot project worth Rs. 111.80 crores for retrofitting a hydrogen fuel cell on an existing Diesel Electric Multiple Unit (DEMU) rakes, along with the associated ground infrastructure.

The trials for these revolutionary trains are scheduled to commence in March 2024, as announced by Shobhan Chaudhry, the General Manager of Northern Railway. With full momentum behind the initiative, the Indian Railways is on track to test and validate the feasibility and efficacy of hydrogen-powered trains.

These trains hold immense potential to significantly reduce carbon emissions, marking a monumental step towards a greener and more environmentally friendly future for India’s railway network.

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PM Modi Flags Off 5 Vande Bharat Express Trains, Boosting Connectivity Across States

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PM Modi Flagging off Vande Bharat Express
PM Modi Flagging off Vande Bharat Express

BHOPAL (Metro Rail News): Honorable Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi flagged off five Vande Bharat Express trains from Rani Kamlapati Railway Station in Bhopal on 27 June. These trains will improve connectivity in Madhya Pradesh, Karnataka, Maharashtra, Goa, Jharkhand, and Bihar.
The five Vande Bharat Express trains flagged off by PM Modi are Rani Kamalapati (Bhopal)-Jabalpur Vande Bharat Express, Khajuraho-Bhopal-Indore Vande Bharat Express, Dharwad-Bengaluru Vande Bharat Express, Madgaon (Goa)-Mumbai Vande Bharat Express , and Hatia-Patna Vande Bharat Express.

Prime Minister Modi inaugurated the Goa (Madgaon)-Mumbai, Ranchi-Patna, and Dharwad-Bengaluru train routes through a virtual ceremony. Subsequently, he inaugurated the Bhopal-Indore and Bhopal-Jabalpur Vande Bharat trains, which departed simultaneously from Rani Kamlapati Station after the inauguration.

The Khajuraho-Bhopal-Indore Vande Bharat Express will run faster by two hours and thirty minutes compared to the fastest existing train on this route, connecting the Malwa Region (Indore) and Bundelkhand Region (Khajuraho) to the Central Region (Bhopal).

The Vande Bharat Express running between Madgaon (Goa) and Mumbai’s Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus (CSMT) is the first Vande Bharat Express in Goa, connecting the two stations.

The Dharwad-Bengaluru Vande Bharat Express will connect important cities in Karnataka, such as Dharwad, Hubballi, and Davangere, with the state capital, Bengaluru. It will be faster by approximately thirty minutes compared to the fastest train on the route.

Also, the introduction of the Vande Bharat Express on the Hatia-Patna route will mark the inaugural Vande Bharat service for the states of Jharkhand and Bihar.
This route will reduce journey time by about one hour and twenty-five minutes.

According to railway officials, the introduction of these indigenous Vande Bharat trains will enhance connectivity between state capitals and other cities, resulting in reduced travel time and improved passenger comfort during the journey.

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RailTel Wins Rs 294.37 Crore Order from TASMAC for Integrated Solution Project

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TAMILNADU (Metro Rail News): RailTel, a leading telecom infrastructure and ICT solutions provider, has secured an important order worth Rs 294.37 crores (including taxes) from TAMILNADU STATE MARKETING CORPORATION LIMITED (TASMAC).

In accordance with the order, an Integrated Solution project will be implemented, enabling complete computerization and connection of TASMAC’s core and support services. The project, set to span 5 years, cements RailTel’s position in the domestic ICT space.

The scope of work includes providing end-to-end computerization of TASMAC’s operations, focusing on designing, developing, and deploying the application.

Excise and TASMAC Integrated Supply Chain Management System (ETISCMS), Depot, Track & Trace (Supplier and Retail Vending Shop), HRMS (Human Resource Management System), and Financial & Accounting Module are some of the application’s most important modules.

Furthermore, RailTel will establish the necessary infrastructure, including a Data Centre and Data Recovery Centre, with clustering for 2-way disaster recovery operations in conjunction with the State data centre (TNSDC).

The company will also provide IT infrastructure and services for the TASMAC system at various locations, such as the Head Office, Senior Regional Manager Office, District Manager Office, Depots, and Retail Vending Shops spread across Tamil Nadu State.

The project additionally involves data digitization, master data creation, migration of historical data, and internet connectivity at various locations.

 RailTel will also be responsible for deploying a Help Desk and providing necessary workforce support. Lastly, RailTel will operate, maintain, and manage the entire hardware and software system for 5 years.

A Milestone in Digital Transformation and Revenue Assurance

Commenting on this significant achievement, Sh. Sanjai Kumar, Chairman & Managing Director of RailTel, emphasized the importance of this work order for providing comprehensive ICT solutions to TASMAC. He stated that the project is essential to TASMAC’s digital transformation, transparency, and revenue assurance.

Mr. Kumar confirmed RailTel’s commitment to providing high-quality services and being at the forefront of their client’s digital journeys.

About RailTel

One of India’s largest independent ICT solutions and services providers, RailTel is a “Mini Ratna (Category-I)” Central Public Sector Enterprise under the Ministry of Railways. The company also manages two Tier-III MeitY empanelled Data Centres. RailTel actively contributes to creating a knowledge society and the execution of mission-mode telecom projects for the Government of India by utilizing its high-capacity network.

MPLS VPN, Telepresence, Lease Line, Tower Co-location, and Data Centre services are among the offerings from RailTel. With the help of RailTel’s RailWire WiFi service, the firm has teamed with the Indian Railways to turn more than 6108 railway stations nationwide into digital centres.

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Titagarh Rail systems Receives LOA for Rs 857 Crore Order from GMRC

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Surat Metro
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SURAT (Metro Rail News): On Tuesday, Titagarh Rail Systems stated that Gujarat Metro Rail Corporation (GMRC) Limited provided a Letter of Acceptance (LOA) to Titagarh Rail Systems for the ambitious Surat Metro Rail project worth Rs 857 crore.

According to the contract terms, the execution will begin 76 weeks after the contract signing, followed by a completion timeline of 132 weeks. Titagarh Railsystems expressed its dedication to delivering high-quality, technologically advanced standard gauge cars within the agreed timeframe.

Titagarh Rail system’s successful bid to design and manufacture 72 standard gauge cars for the Surat Metro Rail highlights the company’s expertise and capabilities in the rail engineering sector.

The Surat Metro Rail project is a massive undertaking, encompassing two corridors spanning 40.45 kilometres and incorporating a network of 38 stations, with an estimated cost of Rs 12,020 crore.

The Surat Metro Rail project holds immense significance for the economic and social growth of the city. It is expected to ease traffic congestion, reduce carbon emissions, and enhance Surat’s residents’ overall quality of life.

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Afcons Achieves Another Breakthrough with TBM Sudarshan 8.1 at Begumpul RRTS Station

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Team Afcons celebrating breakthrough of TBM Sudarshan 8.1
Team Afcons celebrating breakthrough of TBM Sudarshan 8.1

MEERUT (Metro Rail News): Afcons Infrastructure achieved another milestone with the second tunnel breakthrough of the tunnel boring machine S88 at the South Shaft of the Begumpul RRTS Station. 

Afcons achieved its fifth tunnel breakthrough out of the six planned breakthroughs on Package 8 of the semi-high-speed rail project, with S88 marking the final breakthrough on the 5.68 km underground section.

The Terratec Earth Pressure Balance (EPB) machine, nicknamed Sudarshan 8.1, achieved its first breakthrough at Meerut Central Station in December 2022 after successfully tunnelling a distance of 1823 meters from Bhaisali Station. 

Following this accomplishment, the machine was transported back to Bhaisali Station and recommissioned in February 2023 to construct an approximately 1 km long tunnel towards Begumpul Station.

Afcons Infrastructure secured the contract worth Rs. 1529.10 crores for Package 8 from the National Capital Region Transport Corporation (NCRTC) in November 2020, with a 1310 days (3.6 years) deadline. 

The cut and cover method will be used to build three underground stations at Meerut Central, Bhaisali, and Begumpul, as well as six twin tunnels running from Brahampuri DN Ramp to Begumpul UP Ramp.

With the successful completion of S88’s tunnelling assignments, the machine becomes the fifth out of seven to accomplish its designated tasks, joining the ranks of STEC’s TBMs Sudarshan 4.1, 4.2, and 4.3 on Package 4, as well as Afcons’ 8.3 (S90). 

Only one more breakthrough remains for Afcons, which will be achieved by TBM S89 (Sudarshan 8.2). The parts of S89 were lowered in March 2023 at Bhaisali, aiming to construct a parallel 1 km tunnel towards Begumpul.

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Jaipur Metro Expands: Bids Invited for Jaipur Metro Phases 1C and 1D

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Jaipur Metro
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JAIPUR (Metro Rail News): The Jaipur Metro Rail Corporation has released a tender for the building of an elevated ramp, elevated viaduct, and an elevated station for each of Jaipur Metro Phases 1C and 1D in Jaipur, Rajasthan. The estimated cost for the contract is Rs 260.58 crore, and its completion period is 28 months.

In Phase 1C, the metro line will cover a distance of  2.85 km from Badi Chaupar to Transport Nagar. At Transport Nagar, there will be one elevated station, while at Ramganj Chaupar, there will be one underground station.

In Phase 1D, the metro line will span 1.35 kilometres from Mansarovar to Ajmer Road, including an elevated station at Ajmer Road Chauraha.

It also involves designing and building twin tunnels utilising the Shield TBM (Tunnel Boring Machine).

The 11.64-kilometre East-West Corridor, with its 11 stops, was opened in two stages. On June 3, 2015, Phase 1A, spanning 9.63 km from Mansarovar to Chandpole, was successfully launched. On September 23, 2020, Phase 1B, spanning 2.01 km from Chandpole to Badi Chaupar, was successfully inaugurated.

The State government had previously announced the expansion of the Jaipur Metro under Phase 1C and 1D in the fiscal year 2022–2023 budget.

In January 2023, the Jaipur Metro Railway Corporation (JMRC) appointed the Delhi Metro Rail Corporation (DMRC) as the general consultant for Line 1C and Line 1D, marking the second time the DMRC has been entrusted with constructing metro lines in the Pink City. The DMRC previously served as a consultant for the development of Phase 1A from Mansarovar to Chandpole.

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