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Agra Metro Achieves Another Milestone as TBM Relaunched for Taj Mahal Station

22/05/2023

AGRA (Metro Rail News): Agra Metro Rail Project has reached another significant milestone as the Tunnel Boring Machine (TBM) Yamuna has been relaunched from Agra Fort Metro Station. This comes after the TBM successfully broke through at the station on April 25th, 2023.
The TBM, now back in action, will be heading towards the Taj Mahal station to continue its tunnelling work.

The construction of the underground section for the priority corridor of the Agra Metro Rail Project is progressing rapidly, keeping pace with the set deadline.

In addition to TBM Yamuna, another TBM named Ganga is simultaneously executing tunnelling work for a different line. Ganga has already completed over 100 meters of the tunnel, showcasing the project’s efficiency.

The civil works for the underground stations are also advancing smoothly and have reached an advanced stage. In addition, the construction of the mid shaft at Shahjahan Garden is planned to expedite the tunnel construction process.

With its latest achievement, the Agra Metro Rail Project continues to make remarkable progress, promising improved connectivity and transportation options for the residents and tourists visiting the city.

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Chennai Metro Soon to Begin Tunnelling Work at Light House Station

Staff Reporter

20/05/2023

CHENNAI (Metro Rail News): Preparations are underway to commence tunnel construction in the coming months following the barricading of Marina Beach for Chennai Metro Rail Ltd.’s phase II project. The Light House station, under corridor 4 of the phase II project, spans a distance of 26.1 km from Light House to Poonamallee. Approximately half of this distance, from Light House to Kodambakkam, will be constructed underground, whereas the remaining portion will be elevated up to Poonamallee.

Furthermore, two other corridors, namely Madhavaram to SIPCOT (corridor 3) and Madhavaram to Sholinganallur (corridor 5), are also being developed as part of the 116 km phase II project.

To facilitate the tunnel construction, a tunnel boring machine (TBM) will be deployed at the Light House station in August. By the end of 2025, the TBM is expected to complete the tunneling process up to Boat Club. Another TBM will be utilized later this year to create twin tunnels over the same distance, ensuring the operation of trains within the underground network within two years.

Flamingo, the TBM, boasts impressive specifications, including a diameter of 6.670 meters, a length of 110 meters, and a weight of nearly 700 tonnes. Having recently undergone the Factory Acceptance Test at Alinjivakkam village in Tiruvallur, the machine will now be disassembled and transported to the Light House station site in several stages over the coming weeks.

Currently, construction is underway for the TBM launching shaft at the Light House station, with assembly expected to be completed by August. Once operational, the TBM will excavate tunnels at a depth of 29 meters below the ground.

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Railway Board Directs MRVC to Procure 238 Vande Metro AC Rakes for Suburban Network

Staff Reporter

20/05/2023

Mumbai Suburban rail — Representational image only

MUMBAI (Metro Rail News): The Mumbai Railway Vikas Corporation (MRVC) has been directed by the Railway Board to procure 238 Vande Metro AC rakes for the suburban network as part of the Mumbai Urban Transport Project (MUTP). These trains will come with strict maintenance equipment for 35 years.

The railway ministry has chosen for the first time to refer to the upcoming air-conditioned trains produced under MUTP as Vande Metro. On May 15, it was decided to purchase these trains under MUTP and 3A, and on May 19, the official letter to MRVC was sent.

In the letter, Tej Pratap Narayan, OSD Electrical Engineering for the Railway Board, stated that “MRVC shall consult Western Railway and Central Railway for requirements of rakes with 12/15 car formation. The technology partner will build up the two depots in Bhivpuri and Vangaon, which have previously received approval under MUT and 3A.

The technology partner will produce these trains in-house in accordance with Make in India standards.

Although new paths will be created that will allow us to run more trains after quadrupling and 5th and 6th lines are laid on, the majority of these services will be introduced by replacing existing non-AC services. Both CR and WR MRVC are expected to prepare “migration strategy” before it plans to introduce additional AC services once new rakes get added to the existing fleet under MUTP.

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Dr Shivraj Manaspure Assumes Role as Chief Public Relations Officer at Central Railway

Staff Reporter

19/05/2023

MUMBAI (Metro Rail News): Dr Shivraj Manaspure, MBBS, MD (Physiology), a member of the Indian Railway Traffic Service 2011 Batch, has been appointed Chief Public Relations Officer (CPRO) at Central Railway. He succeeds Shivaji Sutar, who has transitioned to the Railway Board as Director of Information & Publicity.

Dr. Shivraj Manaspure previously held the Senior Divisional Commercial Manager position for Central Railway’s Bhusaval Division.

He has held various positions with Central Railway, including Senior Divisional Operation Manager for the Mumbai Division and Divisional Operation Manager for the Solapur Division. He was also the Deputy Chief Operation Manager for the Mumbai Construction Department.

Dr. Shivraj Manaspure was honoured with the General Manager’s Zonal Award in 2016 for his outstanding performance in train operations. In recognition of his remarkable administration of local suburban trains and mail express trains in the Mumbai Division, he was also awarded the Best Punctuality Zonal Shield for 2019–20.

His achievements have significantly improved Mumbai Division’s infrastructure and effectiveness, enabling the efficient operation of suburban services and mail/express trains. In addition, he significantly contributed to rationalising the suburban timetable and expanding suburban services.

Furthermore, he supervised the development and execution of the Thane-Diva new 5th and 6th lines, organising different maintenance blocks during the construction phase while maintaining continuous suburban train services for nearly 180 days.

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MMRCL Welcomes Shri Rajeev Tyagi as Director (Project) for Nagpur Metro Rail Project

Staff Reporter

19/05/2023

Shri Rajeev Tyagi, Director (Project) — Shri Rajeev Tyagi as the new Director (Project) for the Nagpur Metro Rail Project

NAGPUR (Metro Rail News): Maharashtra Metro Rail Corporation Limited (Maha Metro) has welcomed Shri Rajeev Tyagi as the new Director (Project) for the Nagpur Metro Rail Project. Shri Tyagi, who took over as leader on May 10th, brings a wealth of experience and a strong dedication to advancing the development of this important transit project.

Shri Rajeev Tyagi, an Indian Railway Service of Engineers (IRSE) official from the 1989 batch, began his career as an Assistant Engineer in Katni (East), Madhya Pradesh. Throughout his tenure, he focused on track modernization and played a pivotal role in the Mumbai suburban system of Central Railway. Notably, Shri Tyagi introduced various track machines and implemented effective maintenance practices.

The esteemed officer has also served as the Chief General Manager for the Dedicated Freight Corridor Corporation of India Limited (DFCCIL) in Mumbai. In this capacity, Shri Tyagi supervised the critical JN Port-Vaitarna Section of the Western Dedicated Freight Corridor (WDFC), DFCCIL.

Shri Rajeev Tyagi previously held the important position of Chief Engineer (Track Procurement) at South Central Railway (SCR), which led to his current appointment. He was in charge of organising and acquiring the walkway supplies for the entire SCR. He received the General Manager’s Award twice, in 1998 and 2006, as well as the esteemed Minister of Railways Award in 2008 for his outstanding efforts.

Shri Tyagi has undergone advanced management training in Singapore, track monitoring programs in Italy, urban train infrastructure systems in Germany and Denmark, and received insights into heavy haul systems in the USA.

Beyond his professional achievements, Shri Rajeev Tyagi is an enthusiastic sports lover with a special passion for cricket. As he assumes his role as Director (Project) for the Nagpur Metro Rail Project, he brings his well-rounded expertise and a spirit of sportsmanship to drive the project’s success.

The appointment of Shri Rajeev Tyagi as Director (Project) marks an important milestone for the Nagpur Metro Rail Project. With his extensive experience and dedication, it is expected that he will play a vital role in accelerating the development and ensuring the project’s timely completion.

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Wabtec Signs Modernization Deal with MTR

Staff Reporter

18/05/2023

PITTSBURGH (Metro Rail News): Wabtec Corporation (NYSE: WAB) signed a deal to modernize 25 Mk3 Battery-Electric Locomotives for Hong Kong-based MTR Corporation. The order, valued at approximately £12 million, will extend the service life of the fleet, and improve performance, and reliability.

“This order is a result of an extensive collaboration with MTR to define a project that will maximize the capital investment in the fleet,” said Garry Mowbray, Group Managing Director and Regional Vice President of UK, Wabtec.

“The tailored approach is designed to install the latest technologies where necessary to provide the greatest benefit to MTR’s fleet. This project provides an innovative and lasting transportation solution unlocking the potential of one of our strategic customer’s assets.”

MTR’s modernizations come as the company looks to meet the growing demands on its transit network by maximizing and extending the capabilities of the locomotive fleet. The project strives to extend the service life of the locomotives by more than 15 years.

“With Wabtec’s extensive knowledge of this particular locomotive, I am confident that the project will be delivered on time and enhance the operational efficiency and performance of MTR locomotives,” said Mr. Kim-Hung Lee, Acting Chief of Operations Engineering Maintenance, MTR Corporation

Wabtec built the original locomotives for MTR in 1996 and 1997. Following a detailed feasibility study of modernizing these locomotives, the project focuses on three key areas. Wabtec will upgrade the locomotive’s existing control electronics and the motor alternator control units, as well as replace the battery charger units.

The control electronics upgrade also will include a data logger, which provides comprehensive diagnostic capabilities. Additionally, Wabtec will design and build new automatic test equipment to ensure the newly refurbished electronic racks meet different modes of operation.

Teams from Wabtec’s United Kingdom and Hong Kong offices are leading the project in collaboration with MTR. Wabtec is currently in the design phase and plans the first delivery in 2024.

About Wabtec

Wabtec Corporation (NYSE: WAB) is revolutionizing the way the world moves for future generations. The company is a leading global provider of equipment, systems, digital solutions, and value-added services for the freight and transit rail industries, as well as the mining, marine, and industrial markets.

Wabtec has been a leader in the rail industry for over 150 years and has a vision to achieve a zero-emission rail system in the U.S. and worldwide. Visit Wabtec’s website at www.wabteccorp.com.

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Kochi Metro Considers Extension to GIFT City for Enhanced Connectivity

Staff Reporter

17/05/2023

KOCHI (Metro Rail News): Kochi Metro Rail Ltd (KMRL) is planning an extension of the proposed Metro line from Aluva to Cochin International Airport Ltd (Cial) further northeast to provide connectivity to the upcoming GIFT City at Ayyampuzha.

The decision comes as part of the comprehensive mobility plan (CMP) that aims to identify suitable models for various Metro line proposals in the city. KMRL will proceed with the GIFT City extension based on the recommendations outlined in the CMP.

Emphasizing the importance of Metro and road connectivity in attracting investors, P Rajeeve stated that the government is actively considering the extension of Kochi Metro to the GIFT City site.

P. Rajeeve further explained that once the land acquisition procedures for GIFT City are completed, the Centre and the state government will form a joint venture company to implement the project. Following this, a detailed proposal regarding the Metro extension will be submitted to the Centre.

Loknath Behera, MD of KMRL, highlighted that the project’s specifics could only be determined after the finalization of the CMP. GIFT City, a significant component of the Kochi-Bengaluru Industrial Corridor project under the National Industrial Corridor Development and Implementation Trust, is set to be developed on 360 acres of land in the Ayyampuzha panchayat near Angamaly, approximately 15 km away from Cial.

However, as the compensation amount has been revised to Rs 850 crore, the project approval from the Kerala Infrastructure Investment Fund Board (KIIFB) and various departments. The minister projected that the acquisition process would be completed by September this year, with the Kerala Industrial Infrastructure Development Corporation (Kinfra) already preparing the detailed project report (DPR) for the GIFT City project.

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Hyderabad Airport Metro Project Invites Global Tenders for EPC Contractor Selection

Staff Reporter

17/05/2023

Hyderabad Metro / Representational Image

HYDERABAD (Metro Rail News): Global tenders have been invited by Hyderabad Airport Metro Limited (HAML), to select an engineering, procurement, and construction (EPC) contractor for the ambitious Hyderabad Airport Metro project. The project, with an estimated cost of ₹5,688 crore, aims to enhance connectivity and facilitate efficient transportation in the region.

Aiming to cover a comprehensive range of works, the tender has an estimated contract value of ₹5,688 crore for the design and construction of the project.

The development of civil constructions such as elevated viaducts, underground structures, stations, rail construction, and electrical and mechanical works are all included in the scope. The contract also includes automatic fare collecting (AFC) gates, electric traction and power supply, signalling, telecommunications, and train control systems, as well as the procurement and commissioning of rolling equipment.

N.V.S. Reddy, the Managing Director of HAML, highlighted the progress made in preliminary works such as land survey, peg marking, and alignment fixation. The ongoing soil testing is also being conducted in full swing. As per the updated survey and alignment fixation, the 31-km corridor between Raidurg metro station and GMR International Airport terminal station will consist of an elevated portion spanning 29.3 km and an underground portion spanning 1.7 km.

The metro project is designed to include nine stations, including an underground metro station adjacent to the airport terminal. Moreover, provisions have been made for incorporating four additional stations.

This strategic decision considers the extensive development of commercial and residential skyscrapers along the airport metro line alignment.

Furthermore, it aligns with Chief Minister K. Chandrasekhar Rao’s vision of facilitating cost-effective accommodation on the outskirts and enabling reverse commutes to workplaces in the city through the Airport Metro line.

The last date for bid submission is set for July 5, and the detailed tender documents will be available for potential bidders on the Telangana government’s e-portal.

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Ghaziabad Metro Extension Projects Funding Plan Reconsidered

Staff Reporter

17/05/2023

GHAZIABAD (Metro Rail News): Following the Uttar Pradesh (UP) government’s rejection of the Ghaziabad Development Authority’s (GDA) planned allocation, the financing scheme for the forthcoming metro extension projects in Ghaziabad, namely Vaishali to Mohan Nagar and Noida Sector 62 to Sahibabad, is being reevaluated.

In response to a request from the principal secretary, the GDA submitted a proposal to the state government outlining the funding patterns for the projects, which have an estimated cost of Rs 3,686 crore. The GDA proposed a 50:20:30 cost-sharing arrangement between the state, the centre, and additional organisations including the Housing Board and UPSIDC.

However, the UP government dismissed the GDA’s proposal to have the state bear 50% of the cost. As a result, the GDA has been instructed to devise a fresh funding plan. A GDA official explained, “When funding the Dilshad Garden to Shaheed Nagar New Bus Adda metro corridor, the GDA had to contribute a significant portion of its own funds. This is a key reason why the GDA’s finances have become depleted.

Currently, the GDA is unable to finance any other major project following the previous funding pattern.

After considering alternative modes of transportation, such as a ropeway and a new metro line, the GDA decided to revert to the original plan of extending the existing metro lines. The Vaishali to Mohan Nagar extension project is estimated to cost Rs 1,808 crore, while the Noida Sector 62 to Sahibabad extension project is expected to cost Rs 1,517 crore.

During the conference, we proposed that the two metro extension projects should be funded similarly to those in Lucknow and Agra, where the state and federal governments each pay 25% of the project expenditures, with the remaining funds coming from loans and bonds. But we were told that the state could not cover 50% of the project’s expenses. As a result, we will now need to develop a new finance strategy, the official said.

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RAPIDX Introduces Dedicated Women’s Coach for Safe and Comfortable Regional Commute

Staff Reporter

17/05/2023

India's first regional rail system, RAPIDX , Women Coach

NEW DELHI (Metro Rail News): India’s first regional rail system, RAPIDX, will have a special coach for women on every train. In addition, women are entitled to exclusive use of the second coach heading from Delhi to Meerut to provide secure and comfortable regional travel.

• The women’s coach will be located in the trainset’s second carriage or immediately following the premium coach as it moves from Delhi to Meerut. While travelling from Meerut to Delhi, it would be the second-to-last coach of the train, right before the first-class coach.

• At platform level and train door openings, appropriate signage is used to identify these ladies’ coaches. There will be 72 seats available on this reserved coach. In addition, ten additional seats in other train cars are also set aside for female passengers.

• The NCRTC has been working constantly to make RAPIDX more accessible and guarantee women safe and comfortable travel. A step in this direction is selecting a dedicated women’s coach. In addition to this, the train’s other coaches have also been equipped with reserved seating.

• To make it more convenient for commuters travelling with young children, diaper-changing stations have also been added at each station connected with other public transportation options.

• A Train Attendant will be assigned to every RAPIDX train, and they will play a crucial role in acquainting passengers with the facilities provided there and ensuring their safe and secure trip.

• The NCRTC seeks to promote an atmosphere where women feel safe using public transport, whether travelling alone or with a companion. Security staff have been assigned to monitor various movements to improve safety, while CCTV cameras are being put in and around the station’s premises for 24/7 surveillance.

• The NCRTC has taken several steps to ensure commuters’ safety and comfort, including installing Platform Screen Doors (PSD) at every station, dedicating a space in the train for wheelchairs and stretchers, and installing lifts at every station that can also hold stretchers. Further facilitating universal access at the stations will include well-lit pedestrian-friendly pathways, lifts/escalators, seating places, and other commuter-centric facilities.

• To ensure the safety and dependability of commuters’ end-to-end trips, the stations have designated, well-lit pick-up and drop-off zones. Additionally, the NCRTC has partnered with independent First/Last service providers to make it simple for commuters to get from point A to point B.

• For the residents of this section of the NCR, safety has influenced the majority of decisions. Despite being a nearby urban node to the National Capital, the inhabitants have been deprived of chances and services due to impaired mobility. This has been extremely hard for women. The opening of these facilities geared towards women will result in essential developments and opportunities that will empower women in many ways.

• The RAPIDX is made to meet the various requirements of different societal groups, including those of women. When they travel, the two main concerns for women are convenience and safety.
For women, it will change the game since it will give them better access to jobs, education, healthcare, economic opportunities, and smooth and quick connectivity.

• By 2025, NCRTC hopes to open the entire 82-kilometre Delhi-Ghaziabad-Meerut route to the general public. Before that, a 17-km Priority Section with five stations between Sahibabad and Duhai Depot would be operationalized very soon.

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