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Prime Minister Narendra Modi to Flag Off K.R. Puram-Whitefield Namma Metro Line

20/03/2023

BENGALURU(Metro Rail News): The inauguration of the highly anticipated K.R. Puram-Whitefield Namma Metro line is set to take place on March 25, with Prime Minister Narendra Modi flagging off the first train. The line is an extension of the purple line from Baiyappanahalli to Whitefield, constructed as part of Phase II of the Namma Metro project, with a total length of 15 km.

Initially, only the K.R. Puram to Whitefield section, covering a distance of around 13 km, will be operational. The remaining stretch from K.R. Puram to Baiyappanahalli, approximately 2 km, is expected to open mid-year after the completion of the open web girder construction and other work over a railway track near Benniganahalli.

The BMRCL has spent nearly ₹4,500 crore on constructing the K.R. Puram to Whitefield line. Under Phase II, the BMRCL has invested around ₹5,000 crore in extending the metro line from Baiyappanahalli to Whitefield, with the 13-km line costing almost ₹4,500 crore for civil construction, land acquisition, traction, signalling, and other expenses.

The BMRCL expects the line opening to benefit between 2.5 lakh to 3 lakh passengers daily. The frequency of the five-train sets deployed by the BMRCL will be approximately 10 minutes, with a 23-minute travel time between the two destinations.

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RVNL Emerges as Successful Bidder for Rs.1088 Cr contract of HORC Project

Staff Reporter

20/03/2023

Indian Railways — Representational Image

Gurugram (Metro Rail News): Rail Vikas Nigam Ltd. has been announced as the successful bidder to construct Package C-4 of the Haryana Orbital Rail Corridor (HORC) project. The 4.7 km tunnel section will be part of Haryana’s first semi-high-speed rail line, built by the Haryana Rail Infrastructure Development Corporation Ltd (HRIDC). It will consist of twin tunnels through the Aravalis, from chainage km 24.880 to km 29.580 near Sohna’s Roz-Ka-Meo Industrial Area. The construction of this tunnel will be carried out using the New Austrian Tunneling Method (NATM) and cut & cover method, with additional work including the installation of ballastless track, commissioning of electrical services, and construction of minor bridges.

HRIDC invited tenders for this section’s construction in November 2022 with a completion deadline of 971 days (2.66 years). Six bidders submitted technical bids, with Rail Vikas Nigam Ltd. emerging as the lowest bidder with bid of 1088.49 cr. The other bidders include IRCON International Ltd., Gawar Construction Ltd., Dilip Buildcon Ltd., ITD Cementation India Ltd., and APCO Infratech Ltd.

The scope of the contract includes the design and construction of the twin tunnel, installation of ballastless track, commissioning of electrical services, and construction of embankment, bridges, and other miscellaneous works.

KEC Buildcon Private Limited had been awarded the first civil contract (Package C1) for the construction of 5.9 Km priority section (Manesar-Patli station) HORC project in May 2022. The foundation stone of Haryana Orbital Rail Corridor was laid by Union Home minister Amit Shah in October 2022.

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Electric Trains Now Operating in Meghalaya for the First Time

Staff Reporter

18/03/2023

MEGHALAYA (Metro Rail News): The Indian Railway aims to become a net zero carbon emitter by 2030 and is progressing at full throttle towards complete electrification. With this, another milestone is achieved as the first electric train is now operational in Meghalaya. The Indian Railways has completed electrification work on key sections between Abhayapuri and Pancharatna, as well as Dudhnai and Mendipathar, marking a significant milestone in the complete electrification of the railway system. The Central Organization for Railway Electrification (CORE) was responsible for the electrification work on these sections. The Northeast Frontier Railway has achieved milestone by commissioning a 22.823-kilometer single-line section between Dudhnai and Mendipathar, as well as a 34.59-kilometer double line section between Abhayapuri and Pancharatna on March 15, 2023.

Mendipathar has been the only operational railway station in Meghalaya since 2014. With the commissioning of electric traction, trains pulled by electric locomotives can now operate directly from Mendipathar, resulting in an increase in their average speed. Electric locomotives hauling parcel and freight-carrying trains from other states will also be able to reach Meghalaya directly.

The electrification of these key railway sections will bring a significant improvement in the mobility of trains in Northeast India, while reducing pollution and increasing the efficiency of the railway system in the region. This will facilitate seamless traffic and save time for trains moving to and from northeastern states, as well as save precious foreign exchange.

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Afcons celebrates final breakthrough of TBM S90 at Begumpul RRTS Station

Staff Reporter

18/03/2023

Team Afcons celebrating TBM S90's final breakthrough/Photo by Himanshu

MEERUT (Metro Rail News): Afcons Infrastructure celebrated the final breakthrough of tunnel boring machine (TBM) S90 at Begumpul RRTS Station’s North Shaft, marking the fourth of six planned tunnel breakthroughs for Package 8 of the Delhi-Meerut RRTS project. The project includes constructing six twin tunnels from Brahampuri DN Ramp to Begumpul UP Ramp with three underground stations at Meerut Central, Bhaisali, and Begumpul by cut & cover method.

The TBM, nicknamed Sudarshan 8.3, recorded its first breakthrough in October 2022 after tunnelling approximately 750 meters from Begumpul UP Ramp for the down-line tunnel. The machine was then brought back to the ramp’s site in Meerut Cantonment’s Gandhi Bagh and relaunched in December 2022 to build the parallel up-line tunnel towards Begumpul Station. The National Capital Region Transport Corporation (NCRTC) had awarded Afcons Infrastructure with Package 8’s contract for Rs. 1529.10 crore in November 2020 with a 1310-day deadline.

In February, Afcons poured first-stage invert concrete inside the down-line tunnel between Begumpul UP Ramp and Begumpal Station to facilitate track-laying work by Larsen & Toubro. Afcons now has two more breakthroughs pending, with TBM S88 recommissioned from Bhaisali Station to Begumpul Station in February 2023, and parts of TBM S89 lowered this month to build the parallel tunnel. With the project’s completion, TBM S90 will be stored away and is likely to see action again in the 106 km Delhi-SNB RRTS project, pending approval.

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Coimbatore Metro Rail Project Stalled as Tamil Nadu Government Delays Approval for DPR

Staff Reporter

18/03/2023

COIMBATORE(Metro Rail News): The DPR (Detailed Project Report) for Phase 1 of the Coimbatore Metro Rail Project has not yet been approved by the Tamil Nadu government, according to the Chennai Metro Rail Limited (CMRL), the project executing agency. The CMRL has not begun any work, including land acquisition, as the DPR submitted by consultants has not been approved.

The feasibility study for Coimbatore Mass Rapid Transit System (144 km) was conducted by Systra and Rites Ltd, with the DPR for Phase 1 of the project, worth Rs 9,424 crore, submitted last year. In response to an RTI query filed by a city-based social activist, the CMRL stated that it is waiting for government approval before proceeding. The activist expressed concerns about the uncertainty surrounding the project’s start date, land acquisition, compensation, and other issues affecting those living and trading on Avinashi Road. However, the CMRL did not provide any answers to the nine topics raised by the activist.

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Shri Prashant Kumar Mishra Takes Charge as New GM of Modern Coach Factory, Rae Bareli

Staff Reporter

18/03/2023

P K Mishra, Newly Appointed GM of MCF, Rae Bareli/ Image by MCF, Indian Railways

RAI BARELI (Metro Rail News ): On March 17, 2023, Shri Prashant Kumar Mishra was appointed as the new General Manager of Modern Coach Factory, Rae Bareli.

Shri Prashant Kumar Mishra is a 1986 batch Indian Railway Mechanical Engineering Service officer. He has worked for the Indian Railways for more than three decades. Before assuming the charge of General Manager of ARADICA, Shri Mishra has served as DRM of Asansol, Malda and Alipurduar divisions and AGM in South Western Railway.

Asansol Division was awarded the Best Division Award for record loading, earnings and overall improvement for two consecutive times under his leadership.

During his tenure, Shri Mishra has focused on the development of the environment, railway heritage, and cultural aspects, leading to unprecedented progress in Malda Division and Asansol Division, which has resulted in the establishment of a new identity in the areas of environment and heritage.

Having conducted comprehensive research on railway heritage, Shri Mishra has written multiple articles on technical subjects like railway heritage, leadership management, and diesel loco maintenance. Additionally, he is the author of many books on Indian Railway heritage, including History of South Maratha Railway, History of West Portuguese Guarantee Railway of India, Consulting Engineer, Rail and Coal, Santhal Kranti, and EIR.

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Adarsh Station Scheme: Over 1253 Stations Identified for Upgrading

Staff Reporter

17/03/2023

NEW DELHI (Metro Rail News): Modernizing and upgradation of railway stations is an ongoing process under the Adarsh Station Scheme, which began in 2009-10. Based on the category of the station, 1253 railway stations were identified for upgradation, out of which 1218 stations have been upgraded as of now, and the remaining stations are expected to be finished by the end of the financial year 2023-24. The Adarsh Station Scheme has identified 40 stations in Rajasthan, 45 stations in Madhya Pradesh,16 stations in Haryana, and 32 stations in Gujarat for upgradation. All identified stations in Rajasthan, Haryana, and Gujarat have been developed, and 42 stations in Madhya Pradesh have been developed. The remaining three stations, including Howbagh, are targeted for completion in the financial year 2023-24.

The Adarsh Station Scheme provides improvement, upgradation, and modernisation of passenger amenities at railway stations, including the facade of the station building, retiring room, separate waiting room for ladies, waiting room, landscaping of circulating area, signages, earmarked parking, Foot Over Bridge, Pay & Use toilets, ramps at entry to the station, and other facilities. The selection of railway stations under the Adarsh Station Scheme is based on the specified need for the upgradation of amenities as per the requests and demands raised by public representatives and recommendations from Zonal Railways. However, the enhancement of passenger facilities at railway stations is an ongoing process that depends on the availability of funds, passenger traffic volume, and the prioritization of works.

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Indian Railways to Speed Up Vande Bharat Train Production: Reveals Plan for 102 Racks

Staff Reporter

17/03/2023

Vande Bharat Express - Indian Railways — Vande Bharat Express

NEW DELHI (Metro Rail News): The Indian Railways is on a mission to revolutionize transport infrastructure and the Launch of Vande Bharat is one of the most significant steps towards achieving the same. Currently, Indian Railways operates 10 pairs of Vande Bharat Express trains. The production plan for Vande Bharat Rakes has been announced, with a target of 102 rakes in total. This includes 35 rakes to be produced in 2022-23 and 67 in 2023-24, to be manufactured in Indian Railways production units. 75 rakes are planned as Chair Car version and the remaining as Sleeper version.

Additionally, Indian Railways has floated tenders to select technology partners for manufacturing 400 Vande Bharat trains (Sleeper version) of three different technologies within its production units with its manpower. The proposed budget for this is Rs 19479 crore in the Revised Estimate of Financial Year 2022-2023, and an additional 8000 Vande Bharat Coaches have also been proposed under Budget 2023-24.

Indian Railways has introduced “Kavach” across its network, and it has been implemented on 1455 route km on South Central Railway. Contracts have been awarded for Kavach work on approximately 3000 route kms of Delhi-Mumbai and Delhi-Howrah sections, and work is in progress. Furthermore, a new Gati Shakti Multi-Modal Cargo Terminal (GCT) policy has been introduced to boost investment from the industry in developing additional terminals for handling rail cargo.

The aim is to commission 100 Gati Shakti Cargo Terminals (GCTs) in three financial years, i.e., 2022-23, 2023-24, and 2024-25, out of which 30 GCTs have already been commissioned. 145 requests have been submitted for establishing Cargo Terminals under the GCT policy, and 103 in-principle approvals have been issued.

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Ministry of Railways Allocated ₹ 2.4 Lakh Crore for Capital Expenditure in 2023-24

Staff Reporter

17/03/2023

NEW DELHI (Metro Rail News): The Ministry of Railways has been allocated a Gross Budget Support (GBS) of ₹ 2,40,000 crore for Capital Expenditure during the financial year 2023-24. The GBS comprises ₹ 1,85,000 crore under Capital, ₹ 45,000 crore under Railway Safety Fund, and ₹ 10,000 crore as a contribution towards Rashtriya Rail Sanraksha Kosh.

Out of the Gross Budgetary Support, a sum of ₹ 31,850 crore has been allocated to the Plan head “New Lines” for the financial year 2023-24. The Zone-wise fund allocation for new line projects is provided in the table below. The highest amount of ₹ 11,617.30 crore has been allocated to the Northern Railways for new line projects.

Table: Gross Budgetary Support 2023-24 for New Line Projects

Railways	Gross Budgetary Support 2023-24 for New Line Projects (in crores)
Central	1234.95
Eastern	432.95
Northern	11617.30
North Eastern	792.00
Northeast Frontier	6591.00
Southern	1158.15
South Central	819.50
South Eastern	14.90
Western	1011.70
East Central	1518.02
East Coast	1984.00
North Central	2.13
North Western	861.65
South East Central	389.00
South Western	1408.35
West Central	2014.40
Total	31850.00

The Ministry has also made a provision of ₹ 13,150 crore out of the Gross Budgetary Support for the Plan head “Customer Amenities” for the financial year 2023-24. As part of this, the development of 35 hydrogen fuel cell-based trains for various heritage/hill routes at a cost of ₹ 2800 crore has been included in the budget. The budget also includes the setting up of Hydrogen Infrastructure for heritage routes at a cost of ₹ 600 crores.

The Minister of Railways, Communications and Electronic & Information Technology, Shri Ashwini Vaishnaw, provided this information in a written reply to a question in Lok Sabha.

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Uttarakhand announces special allocation for Dehradun Metro in Budget 2023

Staff Reporter

17/03/2023

Metro-Neo/Representational image: Image from UKMRC

UTTARAKHAND (Metro Rail News): Uttarakhand government announces special allocation for Dehradun Metro The Uttarakhand government has announced a special allocation of Rs 101 crore for the Dehradun Metro project in its Budget 2023.

The Dehradun Metro project will be a Metro Neo service with two corridors: the North South corridor from Inter-State Bus Terminal to Gandhi Park and the East-West corridor from Forest Research Institute to Raipur. The ISBT-Gandhi Park corridor will have 10 elevated stations passing through important areas, and the FRI-Raipur corridor will have 15 stations passing through areas like Ballupur Chowk, IMA Blood Bank, and Doon School. Officials from the Uttarakhand Metro Rail Corporation have said that the project has already been approved by the state government and is awaiting approval from the central government.

Proposed Metro Neo in Dehradun/Image from UKMRC

MetroNeo as an alternative to conventional metro rail Metro projects are capital-intensive,
and MetroLite and MetroNeo have emerged as alternatives to conventional metro rail. MetroNeo is an electric coach that runs on rubber tires and is powered by an overhead traction system, with an exclusive right of way on a road slab. In November 2020, a standard specification was issued for the MetroNeo system, which offers a comparable experience in terms of comfort, convenience, safety, punctuality, reliability, and environmental friendliness to that of a conventional metro system. This system is particularly suited for tier-two cities and can be developed at a cost that is approximately 25 percent of a conventional metro system’s cost. Its low capital cost is attributed to a much lighter civil structure, lesser axle load, absence of track and signalling, open and simple station structure, and requirement of low power rated electrical equipment among other factors.

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