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Union Rail Budget (2023-24) at a Glance

28/02/2023

The Indian Railways is known as the country’s transportation lifeline, connecting villages, towns, and cities across the country cost-effectively and efficiently. Every year, the Union Budget is widely anticipated, with all eyes on the railway budget that details the various provisions for railways which connects the nations. The budget sets the tone for future development projects aiming at improving passenger safety and comfort.

Proposals for Railways in Union Budget for FY 2023-24

The Budget highlights for Railways are mentioned below:

The Budget 2023-24 outlays a total of Rs 2.40 lakh crore as capital investment for the Indian Railways. This is around nine times the amount spent in the fiscal year 2013-14.
Over the next few years, capital expenditures shall rise further, and the railway system will mature as a national growth engine.
More private investment will be undertaken in the railway infrastructure sector. The recently established Infrastructure financing secretariat is expected to assist all stakeholders, such as roads, power, trains, and urban infrastructure that rely primarily on government resources.
The Union Budget 2023-24 is predicted to boost the middle-class as railways are unlikely to raise passenger or freight fares.
The Railway Budget 2023 is expected to support the Made in India initiative while emphasising the importance of renewable energy.
The Indian Railways has developed a self-contained railway protection system known as Kavach (Train Collision Avoidance System). This technology has been designed to prevent mishaps caused by human mistakes.
The Indian Railways plans to achieve a Net Zero Carbon Emitter by 2030. It seeks to reduce its carbon footprint and dependency on imported fuel while saving foreign exchange.
Kavach is being phased in by Indian Railways. It has been implemented on the South Central Railway for 1,455 route kilometres with 77 locomotives until December 23, 2022. The Delhi-Mumbai and Delhi-Howrah segments are now being worked on by Kavach (3000 route km).
The doubling of the railway track between Surendranagar and Rajkot is almost complete. According to the Ministry of Railways, 92% of the 116.17 km long doubling project has been completed.
The Udhampur Srinagar Baramulla Rail Link (USBRL), which has been built to construct a broad-gauge railway line over the Himalayas, is presently 90% complete. Kashmir will be linked to the rest of India with this project.
More than half of the Sivok-Rangpo New Broad-Gauge Rail Line Project is currently completed. With the help of this project, Sikkim will be linked to the rail network. From Sivok to Rangpo, the railway route will be 44.96 kilometres long. Sikkim will get a 41.55-kilometre-long railway line.
Vande Bharat Express has resulted in major improvements in terms of speed and convenience. The train may attain a top speed of 160-180 km/h due to its quick acceleration and deceleration. The journey time will be cut by 25% to 45% with these trains.
Four hundred new-generation Vande Bharat Express trains will be built and manufactured over the next three years. Furthermore, additional funds will be earmarked for the new Vande Bharat trains and the sleeper-class Vande Bharat 2.0.

Allocation of funds for Metro & RRTS

The Finance Minister has allotted Rs 19,518 crore for planned metro projects across the country in the Union Budget 2023-24. Furthermore, almost Rs 3,600 crore has been allocated to the National Capital Region Transport Corporation (NCRTC) for the ambitious Regional Rapid Transit System (RRTS) project connecting Delhi to Meerut. The budget has placed a heavy emphasis on infrastructure and the establishment of sustainable cities.

Increase in budgetary outlay for next fiscal: According to authorities, the budget has made a larger provision for the next fiscal year than in past years. For example, the sanctioned amount for FY 2022-23 was Rs 15,628 crore, which has since been raised to Rs 19,518 for the next fiscal year.
Budgetary allocation distribution to metro projects: All metro rail projects in India are funded by the finance ministry. This funding is a combination of loan and equity. For the next fiscal year, money is divided as follows: Rs 1,324 crore in subordinate debt, Rs 13,723 crore in pass-through aid, and Rs 4,471 crore in equity.
Funding for the Regional Rapid Transit System: The National Capital Region Transport Corporation (NCRTC), which is developing India’s first Regional Rapid Transit System (RRTS), has been allocated Rs 3,596 crore by the government. This is 23 percent lesser compared to the previous year’s budget, which included Rs 4710 crore for the project. Several metro projects are active or under construction in Indian cities. An increase in budgetary allocation will accelerate the development of the country’s metro rail networks.

Comparative Analysis

Below outlined are proposals for Union Budget FY (2021-22 & 2020-21) to characterise the developments made in Union Budget for Railways. The trend shows that the development of Railways is the key agenda for GoI. The government is trying for a transformational development of Railways. This is the reason that the resource and fund allocation for railways has increased almost every year. The percentage growth in fund outlay and expenditure allocation has been very high for the last 7-8 years. This highlights the government’s efforts to make a significant change in almost every sector of national transporter in the country.

Proposals for Railways in Union Budget for FY 2021-22

These are the highlights of the proposals for the Indian Railways in the Union Budget (FY 2021-22):

The Indian Railways granted Rs.1.1 lakh crore, of which Rs.1.07 lakh crore to be spent on capital expenditure.
The Indian Railways submitted a National Rail Plan to the government as a framework to ensure that the railways meet the country’s developing needs and changing global standards.
Metro services to be available in two forms, Metro Neo and Metro Lite, in tier II and tier III cities as well as peripheral areas for a more cost-effective experience while keeping the same safety and efficiency standards.
By June 2022, the Eastern Dedicated Freight Corridor (EDFC) and Western Dedicated Freight Corridor (WDFC) to be operational on a Public Private Partnership (PPP) model. This includes 274.3 kilometres of WDFC in the Gomoh-Dankuni segment and 263 kilometres of EDFC in the Sonenagar-Gomoh section.
Several dedicated freight corridor projects to be launched by the Railways, including the East-West Corridor from Bhusawal to Kharagpur to Dankuni, the East Coast Corridor from Kharagpur to Vijaywada, and the North-South Corridor from Itarsi to Vijayawada.
The electrification of broad gauge routes to be completed by December 2023.
Vistadome Linke Hofmann Busch coaches to be installed on tourist routes for improved aesthetic appeal and comfort.
The Kochi Metro Railway Phase 2 project to begin soon at a cost of Rs.1,957.05 crore for a total length of 11.5 kilometres.
The metro rail system to be expanded and improved in cities such as Chennai, Cochin, Nagpur, and Nashik.
The Bangalore Suburban Railway network to be built, which would aid in resolving traffic issues in the IT sector.

Proposals for Railways in Budget (FY 2020-2021) :

Using PPP methods, a redevelopment project to be done to improve four stations. Focus on solar capacity development in Indian Railways. Other projects to be developed to connect various tourist destinations across the country. The Bengaluru Suburban Transportation Project to be inaugurated, with the government investing Rs.18,600 crore.

Below mentioned have been the prominent demand and major expectations for Railways in the Union Budget (FY 2020-2021) ;

Safety: A rise in the frequency of train accidents in India has undoubtedly prompted concerns about the need for better and more modern rail infrastructure. The total number of train accidents increased to an alarming 48 the previous year. As a result of these factors, the railway sector is likely to receive the highest attention among all sectors. The main expectations are for increased preventive measures, enhanced infrastructure at railway stations and inside trains, improved facilities offered by executives serving inside trains, and new and advanced technical systems to signal warning in the event of an emergency.
Comfort: Despite bio-toilets and updated infrastructure, the trains’ condition remains poor and heavily contaminated. In an age where more and more people prefer to travel by air, a clean and dirt-free train experience can go a long way towards ensuring that people in the country continue to use trains as their priority mode of travel.
Convenience: The project ‘golden quadrilateral’ includes the provision to connect all metro cities via a unified train network. The same is expected to receive a significant portion of the fund allocated and to begin this year.
Technology: Railway automation signalling systems are slated to receive significant funding in the year’s budget.

Indian Railways is expected to make a major breakthrough this year with advanced technology and improved infrastructure.

Conclusion

Seeing the budget outlay for railways in the last three years, it may be concluded that the government has greatly prioritised the modernisation of railways. Accordingly, provision for required capital expenditure has been done through allocating sufficient budget for railways in almost every financial year since 2013. Government has been focussing on the redevelopment of stations, electrification of railway lines, improving freight transportation capacity in the country, upgrading passenger transportation at all levels with development in all other sectors.

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Kochi Metro Rail Invites Bids for Consultancy Services for Phase-II Corridor Station Design

Staff Reporter

28/02/2023

KOCHI (Metro Rail News): KMRL has announced an invitation for online bids for consultancy services related to the detailed design of station components for Phase-II corridor of Kochi Metro Rail Project.

The tender reference number is KMRL/PROC/TENDER/2022-23/186, and the EMD (Earnest Money Deposit) required is INR 8.61 Lakh. The period of work is 30 months, and the document download/sale start date is 25th February 2023. The document download/sale end date is 13th March 2023. The pre-bid meeting is scheduled for 2nd March 2023, while the bid submission start date is 6th March 2023, and the bid submission end date is 13th March 2023. The bid opening date is 15th March 2023.

The proposed Phase II corridor of Kochi Metro Rail Project is a fully elevated metro corridor, which is 11.2 km long, and extends from JLN Stadium to Infopark (via Kakkanad) with 11 stations. The newly planned stations in the corridor are Palarivattom Junction, Palarivattom Bypass, Chembumukku, Vazhakkala, Padamughal, Kakkanad Junction, Cochin SEZ, Chittethukara, KINFRA, Infopark I, and Infopark II stations.

As part of the project implementation of Phase II Corridor of Kochi Metro Rail Project from JLN Stadium to Infopark (via Kakkanad), Kochi Metro Rail Ltd. (KMRL) intends to engage a Detailed Design Consultant (DDC) for the detailed design of Civil, Architectural and Building Services (including E&M) components of stations.

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Affordability & Sustainability of Public Transport

Staff Reporter

28/02/2023

Public transport has long been an essential aspect of urban mobility across the globe. It provides a convenient and cost-effective mode of transport for people to move from one place to another in cities, thereby reducing traffic congestion, air pollution, and carbon emissions. However, there are two major issues that often hinder the widespread use of public transport in cities: affordability and sustainability.

Affordability is one of the biggest challenges in public transport. The cost of public transport must be low enough for people to be able to use it regularly. High ticket prices and lack of affordable options can result in a decline in the use of public transport and an increase in private vehicles on the road. For low-income people, public transport can be the only viable option, and as such, it is essential that it remains accessible and affordable to them. Governments and public transport authorities must ensure that the fares remain within reach of everyone, and special concessions and subsidies are provided for those in need.
Another significant challenge in public transport is sustainability. Public transport systems that run on fossil fuels are a significant contributor to greenhouse gas emissions, which has a harmful impact on the environment and public health. To make public transport more sustainable, cities need to move towards low-emission alternatives such as electric buses, hybrid buses, and trams. Many cities around the world have already started implementing such alternatives, resulting in cleaner and greener public transport systems.

Furthermore, in addition to low-emission alternatives, cities must also focus on developing a comprehensive network that provides connectivity to all areas of the city. This means ensuring that public transport is accessible to all, including people with disabilities, senior citizens, and children. The provision of cycle lanes, walkways, and other alternative modes of transport can also play a crucial role in improving the overall sustainability of public transport.

Finally, to encourage the use of public transport, it is crucial to ensure that the system is efficient and reliable. Commuters need to be able to rely on the public transport system to get them to their destination on time. The system should be well-maintained, with regular and predictable schedules, and passengers should have access to real-time information about the routes and schedules. In addition, safety and security measures, such as CCTV cameras and emergency response teams, must be put in place to ensure the safety of commuters.

In conclusion, making public transport affordable and sustainable is vital for the mobility of people in urban areas. To achieve this goal, cities need to ensure that public transport is accessible to all, environmentally friendly, efficient, and reliable. By doing so, public transport can become the preferred mode of transport, resulting in a reduction in traffic congestion, air pollution, and carbon emissions, and ultimately contributing to the creation of healthier, more livable cities.

Urban & Social Mobility In India

Urbanization is rapidly transforming India, with more and more people moving to cities in search of better opportunities and a higher standard of living. The process of urbanization is a complex one, with multiple challenges and opportunities. One key area of focus in this regard is the issue of urban and social mobility.
Urban mobility refers to the ability of people to move freely and easily around cities, while social mobility refers to the ability of people to move up or down the socioeconomic ladder. Both these types of mobility are critical to the success of India’s urbanization process, as they enable people to access jobs, education, healthcare, and other services that are vital for their well-being.

However, the reality is that urban and social mobility in India is far from ideal. The country’s cities are often characterized by congested roads, inadequate public transport, and poor infrastructure, all of which contribute to low levels of urban mobility. In addition, there are significant inequalities in access to services and opportunities, which hinder social mobility for many people, particularly those from disadvantaged backgrounds.
The challenges of urban and social mobility are particularly acute for women, who often face multiple barriers to movement and participation in urban life. These include safety concerns, limited access to public transport, and social norms that restrict their mobility and agency. Addressing these challenges requires a holistic approach that takes into account the unique needs and experiences of different groups in society.

There are many potential solutions to the challenges of urban and social mobility in India. These range from investments in public transport and infrastructure, to policies that promote sustainable urban development and more equitable access to services and opportunities. For example, initiatives such as the Smart Cities Mission and the Atal Mission for Rejuvenation and Urban Transformation (AMRUT) are aimed at improving urban infrastructure and services, while the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana (PMAY) seeks to provide affordable housing for all.

In addition, there is a growing recognition of the importance of sustainable urban development, which prioritizes the needs of people and the environment over short-term economic gains. This approach involves a shift away from car-centric planning and towards more sustainable modes of transport, such as walking, cycling, and public transport. By making cities more livable and accessible, sustainable urban development can help to improve both urban and social mobility in India.

Overall, the issue of urban and social mobility is a complex one that requires a multifaceted response. By investing in public transport, infrastructure, and sustainable development, and by taking into account the unique needs and experiences of different groups in society, India can create more inclusive, equitable, and sustainable cities that enable people to move freely and participate fully in urban life.

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Track-Bed Concreting Work Commences for Delhi-Meerut RRTS Tunnels

Staff Reporter

28/02/2023

DELHI NCR (Metro Rail News): Contractors for the Delhi-Meerut RRTS project’s Package 8 have completed 3 out of 6 tunnels, marking a significant milestone in the semi-high-speed rail project. Afcons Infrastructure has progressed to the subsequent stage of the project to aid system works while the tunnel construction work continues.

Last week, Afcons poured first-stage invert concrete inside the down-line tunnel between Begumpul Ramp and Begumpal Station. This work, which is being done above the tunnels’ precast segment lining, will help Larsen & Toubro with track-laying work under Package 17.
In November 2020, Afcons was awarded the Rs. 1529.10 crore contract for Package 8, with a deadline of 1310 days. They have deployed 3 Terratec Earth Pressure Balance (EPB) machines (S88, S89 & S90) with a diameter of 7.51m each to construct six twin tunnels from Brahampuri DN Ramp to Begumpul UP Ramp. In addition to tunnel construction, they will also be responsible for building three underground stations at Meerut Central, Bhaisali, and Begumpul using the cut & cover method.

While concrete work advances on this particular section, joint tunnel surveys are being conducted by teams from NCRTC, Afcons, and L&T in other areas. The purpose of these surveys is to gather tunnel geometry data using reference points to guarantee accurate track installation.

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Spirit Infrastructure Awarded LoA for Property Development at Badkal Mor Metro Station

Staff Reporter

27/02/2023

DELHI (Metro Rail News): Spirit Infrastructure Pvt. Ltd. has been awarded a Letter of Acceptance (LoA) by the Delhi Metro Rail Corporation Ltd. (DMRC) for the property development at Badkal Mor Metro Station (Line-6 Extension). The DMRC had invited a Request for Proposal (RFP) for the same in November last year under Tender Reference Number CPD-76R1.

The proposed development is situated at the Line-6 Extension of Phase-III of the Delhi MRTS Project, and Badkal Mor is an elevated metro station that lies close to the Delhi-Agra highway (NH-2). The DMRC plans to develop retail and commercial space on the ground and concourse floors of the station for specified purposes as outlined in the RFP document.

The space will be leased out for a period of 15 years, with an upfront fee of INR 2,22,00,000/- and a quoted lease fee of INR 401/- per square metre per month.

The project site’s location in the commercial sector of Faridabad presents excellent potential for it to become an important commercial hub in the area, with separate access available for commercial areas, prominent and spacious frontage, and a captive commuter base, presenting unique opportunities for retailers.

The document outlines the scope of work for the Lessee, who is responsible for financing, constructing, procuring, managing, operating, and maintaining the leased area. The Lessee must follow the activities permitted by the local authority and the Master Plan of Delhi. Various activities and facilities are allowed in the leased space, including shopping complexes, offices, restaurants, and educational institutes. The Lessee must comply with all applicable laws and adhere to building codes and standards while designing and developing the leased area. The Lessee must obtain DMRC‘s written approval before obtaining approval from any other competent authority. The Lessee is responsible for its fire-fighting arrangements, and parking facilities are subject to availability.

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PM Lays Foundation Stone for Shivamogga-Shikaripura-Ranebennur New Line Project

Staff Reporter

27/02/2023

Hon'ble PM Shri Narendra Modi laying the foundation stone for the Shivamogga-Shikaripura-Ranebennur New Line Project and Shivamogga (Koteganguru) Coaching Depot in Karnataka

KARNATAKA (Metro Rail News): The Prime Minister of India, Narendra Modi, laid the foundation stone for two significant railway projects in the district of Shivamogga, Karnataka. The two projects are the Shivamogga – Shikaripura – Ranebennur new Railway line and Shivamogga (Koteganguru) Coaching Depot.

The Shivamogga – Shikaripura – Ranebennur new Railway line will be constructed at a cost of Rs. 990 crore, and it will connect the Malnad region with the Bengaluru-Mumbai mainline. The new railway line will provide enhanced connectivity, boost trade and tourism and will be an important step towards the development of the Malnad region.

The Koteganguru Railway coaching depot, located in Shivamogga city, will be built at the cost of more than Rs. 100 crores. The primary objective of the depot is to decongest maintenance facilities at Bengaluru and Mysuru by starting new trains from Shivamogga. The depot will also improve the facilities for railway passengers, create job opportunities and contribute to the overall development of the region.

The Chief Minister of Karnataka, Basavaraj Bommai, and other ministers also attended the event. The government officials stated that the new railway projects would create employment opportunities and boost the economic development of the Malnad region

The laying of the foundation stone for the two railway projects by the Prime Minister is a significant step towards the development of the Malnad region. These projects will improve connectivity, boost tourism, create job opportunities and contribute to the overall growth and prosperity of the region.

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Alstom Gets Rs. 219.59 Crore Contract for Delhi Metro’s Silver Line

Staff Reporter

27/02/2023

DELHI(Metro Rail News): Alstom Transport India has been awarded a Rs. 219.59 crore contract by Delhi Metro Rail Corporation (DMRC) for the train-control and signalling solution (Package DS-06) of the 23.622 km Silver Line. The primarily underground under-construction line is a part of the 65.1 km Delhi Metro Phase 4 project and will connect Delhi Aerocity – Tughalakabad via 16 stations in South Delhi. The line will feature Alstom’s CBTC system (Communications Based Train Control) and run in conjunction with i-ATS, and alongside its Automatic Train Supervision (ATS) system.

The tenders were invited by DMRC for this contract in February 2022 itself with an unspecified estimate and 4 years of the deadline. In August 2022, the technical bids were opened, declaring Alstom the only bidder. Post technical evaluation, Alstom’s financial bid was opened in the month of November. Subsequently, a three-month contract negotiation period ensued, during which Alstom submitted four revised offers to DMRC. The final contract value for the project is approximately Rs. 219.59 crore. DMRC’s project scope involves designing, manufacturing, supplying, installing, testing, and commissioning the train control and signalling system for the Delhi MRTS phase 4’s Aerocity to Tuglakabad Corridor.

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CMRL to Construct an at-grade Station at Venugopal Nagar in Phase 2

Staff Reporter

27/02/2023

CHENNAI (Metro Rail News): As part of the upcoming 118.9-km phase II project, Chennai Metro Rail Limited (CMRL) has planned to construct an at-grade station at Venugopal Nagar in the northern region of the city. The station will be partially underground and partially above ground level. CMRL officials have stated that the Venugopal Nagar station falls in corridor 5 of phase II project, which connects Madhavaram to Sholinganallur. The concourse or ticketing level of this station will be built at ground level, while the platform will be constructed underground.

The upcoming phase II project of Chennai Metro Rail will feature an at-grade station at Venugopal Nagar in the northern part of the city. Unlike other stations in the project, which are either elevated or underground, this station will be half-underground and half-on-ground. According to officials of Chennai Metro Rail Limited (CMRL), the Venugopal Nagar station is located in corridor 5 of the phase II project, connecting Madhavaram to Sholinganallur. It will serve as a link between an elevated corridor in corridor 5 (Assissi Nagar to Retteri Junction) and the underground stretch in corridor 3 (Madhavaram to Taramani), hence the unique construction plan.

According to sources, work on the construction of this station has been underway for the past few months. Officials have stated that there will be two entry and exit points for commuters, and sufficient parking space will be made available.

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Centre Approves Doubling of Guntur-Bibinagar Railway Project to Boost Industrialization in AP

Staff Reporter

27/02/2023

AMARAVATI (Metro Rail News): The doubling of the Guntur-Bibinagar railway project has been approved by the Centre, providing a significant boost to the industrialisation of underdeveloped areas in Andhra Pradesh and Telangana. Despite not being included in the recent railway budget, the Network Planning Group (NPG), under the PM Gati Shakti scheme, has given the project a significant push. The NPG has suggested that the Ministry of Railways undertake the long-awaited project, which is expected to cost approximately 2,853 crore.

The railway project linking Guntur with Hyderabad is expected to double the volume of goods traffic by automatically connecting with other major metro railway lines. This development will not only facilitate the speedy movement of freight trains but also attract new investments in Nalgonda, Khammam (TS), and Palnadu Guntur (AP) districts.

Despite the fact that the scheme was initiated in 2021 with the goal of comprehensively integrating the interventions of various ministries/departments and bridging gaps to ensure the uninterrupted movement of people, goods, and services, the Guntur-Bibinagar railway project was approved during the latest meeting of the NPG.

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Tunnelling Work Between BKC and Thane for Bullet Train Project Set to Start

Staff Reporter

25/02/2023

MUMBAI (Metro Rail News): Following the Supreme Court’s approval of the bullet train project of Mumbai-Ahmedabad, the National High-Speed Rail Corridor Limited (NHSRCL) is set to initiate preliminary activities on the Vikhroli land. The upcoming tasks include clearing a 3.92-hectare area in Vikhroli, erecting barricades around the boundaries, and commencing drilling on a 21-km tunnel linking Bandra Kurla Complex and Thane. The tunnel is expected to cost around ₹10,000 crore. According to reports, the tunnel’s depth will range from 25 meters to 65 meters, and it will reach a depth of 45 meters below Thane creek, spanning a distance of 7 kilometres. The most profound point of the tunnel will be beneath Parsik Hill, plunging to a depth of 114 meters.

An official stated that the NHSRCL would create shafts in BKC, Vikhroli, and Sawli in Ghansoli for the tunnel’s excavation, which will be carried out from both ends. The approximate cost per kilometre for the tunnel is estimated to be ₹500 crore. As of February 23, NHSRCL has acquired 99.75% of the land in Maharashtra, and the total land procured for the 508-kilometre-long corridor is 99.17%. Earlier this month, the NHSRCL released technical tenders for tunnelling, and by March 29, authorities plan to open tenders for civil works that include viaducts, bridges, tunnels, maintenance depots at Thane, Virar, and Boisar, and connecting works for the Thane depot between Shilphata and Zaroli on the Gujarat-Maharashtra border, according to officials.

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