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Minister of Railways Ashwini Vaishnaw Expresses Disappointment over Telangana Govt’s Lack of Cooperation

06/02/2023

Indian Railways/Representational Image — Representational Image only

TELANGANA (Metro Rail News): Union Minister for Railways Ashwini Vaishnaw expressed his disappointment on 5th February about the Telangana Government’s lack of cooperation in the fast-tracking of railway projects, despite multiple letters and follow-up attempts from the Centre.

While speaking to the media, Vaishnaw pointed out that the Central Government was doing all that was required. Still, the state government must also take the initiative to ensure land acquisition and provide their share to accelerate the projects.

Elaborating further, he mentioned that as part of the Andhra Pradesh Re-organisation Act, the Centre had initiated a tender for the construction of a Railway Wagon manufacturing unit in Kazipet in January which was dependent on the state government allocating 160 acres of land. Although the state had only provided 150 acres, the Centre was still pressing forward with the project so production could begin in the next four to five years.

He declared that Telangana received an unprecedented amount of Rs 4,418 crore in the railway budget, much higher than the Rs 850 crore given to the combined Andhra Pradesh in 2009-14.

Despite this, he lamented that the state government had little support and cooperation and seemed to prioritize politics over infrastructural development. He added that if the state government could provide their share and precise land acquisition and permissions, the allocation could be further increased.

He then informed that the Amrith Bharat Scheme (ABS) would involve the modernization of many railway stations in Telangana, Secundrabad station being redeveloped with Rs 715 crore. Apart from this, the minister revealed that feasibility studies had been conducted to introduce Vade Bharat trains from Telangana on various routes.

He firmly denied the Centre’s intentions of privatizing the railway and said IT Minister KT Ramarao should be aware of the facts. He continued by saying that the emergence of Hyderabad as an IT hub, a hub for Artificial Intelligence, Machine Learning, and other high technologies, led to the decision to start two centres of excellence in the city for 6G technologies and railway technology related to IoT, AI and ML, at IIT, Hyderabad and IRISAT, respectively with Central funds.

Lastly, he spoke of the plans to test and introduce world-class Vande Metro trains between cities within a 40 km to 100 km distance and said that it would take 12 to 16 months to develop a prototype and then test it for a year.

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MPMRCL Strengthens Workforce to Meet Deadline of Indore Metro Project

Staff Reporter

06/02/2023

INDORE (Metro Rail News): The MP Metro Rail Corporation Limited (MPMRCL) has increased its workforce by 25 times to meet the deadline of its proposed Indore Metro in Super Priority Corridor’s trial run set for September 2023.

On February 4, MP Shankar Lalwani and MPMRCL officials, including managing director Manish Singh, reviewed the progress of the Indore Metro Rail Project. By the first week of September, the trial run of the 6 km stretch of the Super Corridor is expected to start. Singh said all the issues, such as approval of drawings and designs, had been resolved with the cooperation of the relevant agencies. The same efforts are being made to quicken the work till Hotel Radisson Square.

The MD declared that DGMs, senior DGMs and managerial-level officials had been stationed in Indore and Bhopal to observe the undertaking, as well as a 25-fold increase in the staff and night shifts to finish the construction works to help meet the deadline. He also noted that the coaches they expect to receive by the end of May are currently being manufactured in Baroda.

Furthermore, he mentioned that the works at stabling yards, inspection pits, and depots are rapidly progressing. The third-party inspection of the tracks, which is due, is expected to be delivered to Indore by February 20.

Additionally, a different agency has commenced preparations to lay the tracks on the elevated corridor. He concluded by saying that the work to start a trial and then operation run of the Metro Rail is being done at a fast pace and satisfactorily, as well as the construction of the stations, which will have advanced facilities have already started. Lalwani stated this information.

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Work begins on FoB to Ease Pedestrian Movement at KR Puram Railways, Metro stations intersection

Staff Reporter

06/02/2023

BANGALORE (Metro Rail News): Crossing the intersection of Old Madras Road and Outer Ring Road at KR Puram can be a real challenge for pedestrians, particularly senior citizens and children emerging from the railway station. This difficulty is likely amplified with the inauguration of the KR Puram Metro station in March, bringing increased passenger movement.

Fortunately, Bangalore Metro Rail Corporation Limited has taken the initiative to construct a 30-metre-long foot overbridge, which will link the concourse level of the Metro station to the existing parking area of the railway station, providing a much-needed respite to pedestrians.

BL Yashwanth Chavan, chief PRO of BMRCL, has stated that the groundwork for a footbridge in the middle of the road has begun. First, however, he must confirm if the FOB will be ready when Whitefield Metro is operational.

A South Western Railway official reported that BMRCL is required to acquire land from BBMP in exchange for railway land and give it to the railways. However, Shyam Singh, Bengaluru divisional railway manager, mentioned that, in principle, the railways have already approved specific conditions.

KR Puram is one of the most crowded railway stations in the city, and once it’s ready, KR Puram Metro will be an interchange station (Purple and Blue lines).

Many passengers have been asking for a FOB at KR Puram for a while. Vinay B, a regular passenger, suggested that BMRCL install an elevator/lift for the proposed FOB. Hitesh K, a techie, brought attention to the fact that the junction is always congested due to the absence of FOB/subway for pedestrians. He suggested that SWR and BMRCL ensure the project is finished without holdups.

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GA Infra to construct India’s first National Metro Rail Knowledge Centre

Narendra Shah

06/02/2023

NEW DELHI (Metro Rail News): GA Infra Pvt Ltd, a leading infrastructure company in India, has been awarded the contract for designing and constructing the country’s first National Metro Rail Knowledge Centre. The centre will be located at the Vishwavidyalaya Metro Station in Delhi and built on a Public-Private Partnership (PPP) model.

The National Metro Rail Knowledge Centre will serve as a hub for knowledge and innovation in the metro rail system, providing a platform for stakeholders to exchange ideas and collaborate. It will be a one-of-a-kind facility in India, aimed at promoting the growth and development of the metro rail sector. The centre will provide training and capacity-building opportunities for metro rail professionals, support research and development activities, and facilitate technology transfer and knowledge sharing.

The centre will also play a crucial role in developing the metro rail sector in India. The Indian metro rail sector has witnessed significant growth in recent years, with several new metro projects being commissioned across the country. The National Metro Rail Knowledge Centre will provide a platform for stakeholders to come together and share best practices, innovations, and experiences, which will help further drive the sector’s growth.

GA Infra is well-known for its expertise in delivering large-scale infrastructure projects in India. The contract award for the National Metro Rail Knowledge Centre is a testament to the company’s commitment to providing high-quality infrastructure solutions to the country. The company has a proven track record in delivering complex infrastructure projects and has a team of experienced professionals who are well-equipped to handle the design and construction of the centre.

The National Metro Rail Knowledge Centre is expected to be a state-of-the-art facility that will provide world-class training and development opportunities for metro rail professionals. The centre will also serve as a platform for research and development activities, which will help to advance the metro rail sector in India. The facility will be equipped with modern training and simulation equipment, classrooms, conference facilities, and research labs, providing a comprehensive platform for learning and development.

In conclusion, the National Metro Rail Knowledge Centre is a significant milestone in the development of the metro rail sector in India. The centre will provide a platform for stakeholders to exchange ideas, collaborate, and share best practices, which will help drive the sector’s growth and development. GA Infra is well-positioned to deliver the centre, and its award of the contract is a testament to the company’s commitment to providing high-quality infrastructure solutions to the country. The centre is expected to play a key role in promoting the growth and development of the metro rail sector in India and will be a valuable resource for metro rail professionals for years to come.

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No Proposal for Vizag Metro Rail Project Received by Central Government: Kaushal Kishore

Staff Reporter

06/02/2023

VISHAKHAPATNAM (Metro Rail News): In a written reply to Vizag MP MVV Satyanarayana and Anakapalli MP Beesetti Venkata Satyavathi, Union Minister of State for Housing and Urban Affairs Kaushal Kishore reconfirmed in the Lok Sabha on February 2 that the Union Government has not yet received any proposal concerning the Vizag Metro Rail Project. The former TDP government had created a detailed project report (DPR) for the metro rail with a stretch of 42.5 kilometres and an estimated cost of 8300 crores.

A global expression of interest was issued in September 2017, and the DPR was then submitted for external financial assistance from the Export-Import Bank of Korea. In the first quarter of 2019, five selected bidders submitted their quotations, yet the successful bidder’s name was announced after the 2019 elections.

The Korean bank decided to exit the project in 2019, conveying its inability to finance it. After the new government in AP had taken office in 2020, they retracted the tenders released by the previous government, bringing the project back to the drawing board. The AP Metro Rail Corporation Limited was then assigned to prepare separate DPRS for the proposed metro project and tram corridors.

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CMRL Completes DPR for Coimbatore Metro, Awaits CM’s Approval

Staff Reporter

06/02/2023

CHENNAI (Metro Rail News): The CMRL, being the Project Executing Agency (PEA), has compiled the Detailed Project Report (DPR) for the Coimbatore metro and has identified several critical areas for the construction of the mass rapid transit system. However, the Chief Minister’s office has yet to approve the DPR.

This was stated in response to the Right to Information (RTI) petition filed by Dayanand Krishnan, a Chitlapakkam local, in May 2022.

The initial phase-I of the project, estimated at Rs 9,424 crore, has identified a list of corridors to be implemented in stages, as per the details provided in the RTI reply from the CMRL in January.

These areas include Kaniyur to Ukkadam bus stand (along Avinashi Road) for 26 km, Bilichi to Ukkadam bus stand (along Mettupalayam Road) for 24 km, Karanampettai to Thannerpanthal (along Trichy Road and Thadagam Road) for 42 km, and Ganeshapuram to Karunya Nagar (along Sathyamangalam Road to Perur Road) for 44 km.

The CMRL official revealed that the agency is currently debating between the Lite Rail Transit (LRT) and Mass Rapid Transit System (MRTS). While LRT is more cost-efficient, MRTS is more sustainable and can carry a more significant number of passengers.

In addition, the officials are also contemplating the ‘at grade’ option for Coimbatore, beyond the city limits.

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New executive appointments at Hitachi Rail and Hitachi Europe

Staff Reporter

04/02/2023

EUROPE (Metro Rail News): Hitachi, Ltd on 1st February announced its annual executive update, which includes news that Andrew Barr, currently Group CEO of Hitachi Rail, will become the Vice President and Executive Officer, in charge of Regional Strategies (EMEA), and President of Hitachi Europe Ltd, effective 1 April. The new Group CEO of Hitachi Rail will be Giuseppe Marino, effective 1st April.

In the newly created role, Mr Barr will lead the EMEA region corporate headquarters. Mr Barr will report directly to Mr Keiji Kojima, Hitachi, Ltd.’s Representative Executive Officer, President & CEO.

“I’m excited by this new opportunity to deliver Hitachi’s ambitions to serve customers and society across the many sectors in which Hitachi is present in Europe,” said Andrew Barr, Group CEO, Hitachi Rail. “Over the last four years as Group CEO for Hitachi Rail, I am proud to have led our teams through the global pandemic, delivered the global integration of our signalling capabilities, driven the significant expansion of our presence in the USA and Canada, and launched our new Smart Mobility business.

“With his strong background in international management and transportation “With his strong background in international management and transportation engineering, I am confident of Giuseppe’s ability to lead our teams to deliver Hitachi Rail’s commitments under the mid term management plan.”

Mr Marino is currently CEO and General Manager of Ansaldo Energia Group, and previously held senior leadership roles in Hitachi Rail, including Group COO of Rolling Stock. Mr Marino, who has a strong background in engineering and international management, brings with him experience from the automotive and security technologies sectors. In his previous role at Hitachi Rail, Mr Marino drove the integration of Ansaldo Breda and Ansaldo STS; delivered the ETR1000, Italy’s flagship very high speed train now operating in Spain and France, and ensured operational excellence at Hitachi Rail’s Newton Aycliffe factory in the North East of England.

“I am proud to be returning to Hitachi Rail at this very exciting time,” said Giuseppe Marino, CEO and General Manager Ansaldo Energia Group. “Andrew’s leadership of Hitachi Rail has seen it grow considerably in recent years, and the roadmap established in the mid-term management plan is just as exciting. I am committed to ensuring that we will remain focused on serving our customers and society, leading our teams to pioneer greener and more digital solutions, and successfully closing the planned acquisition of Thales’ Ground Transportation Systems (GTS) business.”

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Union Budget 2023-24 Boosts Kolkata Metro Rail with INR 2550 Crore Investment

Narendra Shah

04/02/2023

KOLKATTA (Metro Rail News): The Indian government has just announced a major investment of INR 2550 crore (approximately $346 million) for the Kolkata Metro Rail in the latest Union Budget 2023-24. This boost will provide significant support for the development and improvement of the city’s transportation infrastructure.

With this investment, Kolkata Metro Rail will be able to upgrade its existing systems, expand its reach, and provide a more efficient and comfortable experience for commuters. The government’s decision to invest in this project highlights its commitment to improving the public transportation system in the city and providing better connectivity for its residents.

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J Kumar Infraprojects Completes TBM Disha Factory Acceptance Test for Mumbai Metro Line 7A Project

Staff Reporter

04/02/2023

TBM Disha Factory Acceptance Test for Mumbai Metro Line 7A Project. Photo via Mukesh Kushwaha

MUMBAI (Metro Rail News): J Kumar Infraprojects has recently achieved a major milestone with the successful completion of the factory acceptance test for its TBM (Tunnel Boring Machine) named “Disha.” The test was carried out as part of the Mumbai Metro Line 7A project and was conducted to verify the machine’s performance and functionality against established standards.

As a well-established infrastructure development company with a proven track record in constructing metro rail projects, J Kumar Infraprojects has once again demonstrated its technical proficiency and commitment to delivering high-quality work.

The successful completion of the TBM “Disha” factory acceptance test is a significant step forward in the Mumbai Metro Line 7A project, which aims to improve transportation services for the city’s residents. This positive development brings the project closer to completion and will contribute to upgrading the city’s transportation infrastructure.

In summary, the successful completion of the TBM “Disha” factory acceptance test by J Kumar Infraprojects for the Mumbai Metro Line 7A project is a testament to the company’s technical expertise and dedication to quality work.

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Delhi to Murthal in 30 Minutes: RRTS to Cut Down Journey Time by One-Third

Staff Reporter

04/02/2023

RRTS-trainsets — Representational image only

NEW DELHI (Metro Rail News): Delhiites often travel to Murthal due to its popular food-eating spots. However, the trip between the two locations is lengthy, taking up to one and a half hours to navigate the traffic and cover the 70-kilometre distance. But, when the RRTS corridor between Delhi and Karnal becomes operational, the journey will be reduced to just 30 minutes, cutting the travel time by one-third.

The RRTS corridor will also cut down the two-a-half hours from Delhi to Karnal to one hour and similarly reduce the journey from Delhi to Hisar to one and a half hours. Furthermore, one metro train will be available every ten minutes.

A report by DNA has highlighted the Delhi-Panipat Regional Rapid Transit System, which will have 17 stations along the route – Sarai Kale Khan, Indraprastha, Kashmere Gate, Burar Crossing, Mukarba Chowk, Alipur, Kundli, KMP Expressway Interchange, Rajiv Gandhi Education City, Murthal, Barhi-Ganaur, Samalkha, Panipat South, Panipat North, Panipat Depot, IOCL Panipat, Gharaunda, Madhuban and Karnal.

The corridor length is 103 kilometres, and the train will travel at an average speed of 120 km/h, with a maximum velocity of 160 km/h. The journey from Delhi to Panipat will be completed in just one hour.

The NCRTC has also prioritized RRTS along two additional corridors: the 180 km Delhi-Gurugram-Rewari-Alwar line and the 111 km Delhi-Sonepat-Panipat route.

On the other hand, India’s urban rail network will be equipped with advanced trains with wi-fi, air conditioning, and other amenities comparable to suburban railway systems in Europe.

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