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DMRC Optimising the Use of Concrete Making and Mixing

23/01/2023

NEW DELHI (Metro Rail News): Good quality concrete is one of the key objectives for various metro rail elements like piles, pile caps, piers/pillars, pre-cast girders etc. It is a product of cement, sand, aggregate (10mm and 20mm), micro silica/fly ash and water. The strength of reinforced concrete reflects the strength of all the structures in a metro project. Casting concrete structures at the casting yard ensures better quality management where factory-like quality systems are provided compared to cast in situ. Priority is to ensure it provides a quality product with utmost precision, which is a significant concern for the safety and durability of concrete structures in any Mass Rapid Transit System (MRTS) like Patna Metro.

As metro structures have a design life of more than 100 years, various tests are being done on fresh and hardened concrete to ascertain the quality. These tests are performed in the quality lab made at the casting yard and independent third-party labs.

Importance of casting yard and batching plant in ensuring suitable quality structures:

Metro projects are primarily built in busy cities. Hence, most of the construction work takes place at the casting yard to provide premium-quality structures and avoid any inconvenience to the public. For underground stations, 40% of the concrete casting takes place at the casting yard, and the figure goes up to 60% for elevated stretch. However, 100% of concrete mixing and making is done at the batching plant, usually at the casting yard’s premises. This amplifies the role of the casting yard and batching plant in the Patna Metro project immensely. Currently, three casting yards are in work; two are near LCT ghat and one near Fatuha.

Quality Supervision

Fresh and hardened concrete is tested in the labs to ensure quality. Every casting yard and batching plant has its quality lab to look after the strength and calibre of the product. Separate tests for all components, such as impact value, crushing value, water absorption, silt content etc., are conducted. Fresh concrete sample cubes are cast and kept in water for 28 days to test their strength and durability. After completing all the tests mentioned above, the pre-cast structures are erected at the site.

Environmental Supervision

The focus on preventing environmental degradation while casting pre-cast structures is paramount. Beton wash is used to recycle waste concrete from concrete-carrying mixers/vehicles. This waste concrete is further used for making paver blocks, kerb stones, footpath restoration and other site development works. Dust suppressors and dust arrestors prevent air pollution near batching plants. A wheel wash facility is also used at the exit point of the casting yard to wash the wheels of every construction vehicle that goes out. This prevents mud and soil from exiting the site along with the wheels of the vehicles. Other activities like topsoil conservation, translocation of trees, bio-toilet, etc., are also followed religiously.

DMRC follows the abovementioned practices rigorously and does not compromise on these parameters that the organisation has followed for the last 25 years, yet ensures timely project completion within the planned time frame.

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iCBTC : Helping towards unmanned train operations

Narendra Shah

23/01/2023

iCBTC : Helping towards unmanned train operations

NEW DELHI (Metro Rail News): Communications-based train control (CBTC) is a railway signalling system that utilizes telecommunications between train and track equipment to regulate traffic and control infrastructure. The exact position of a train is known more precisely with CBTC systems than with traditional signalling systems. This results in a more efficient and safe way of managing railway traffic. Metros (and other train systems) can increase capacity while maintaining or even enhancing safety.

A CBTC system is a continuous, automatic train control (ATC) system that uses high-resolution train location determination independent of track circuits; continuous, high-capacity, bidirectional train-to-wayside data communications; and train borne and wayside processors capable of implementing automatic train protection (ATP) duties, as well as optional automatic train operation (ATO) and automatic train supervision (ATS) services, as defined in the IEEE 1474 standard. CBTC can be classified based on operational requirements:

Only ATP functions without ATO or ATS.
ATP and partial ATO and / or ATS functions.
CBTC can be only train control system or may be used in conjunction with other auxiliary wayside systems.

Trains in modern CBTC systems constantly compute and broadcast their status to wayside devices spread along the line via radio. This status comprises, among other things, the exact position, speed, travel direction, and braking distance. This data enables for the computation of the area that the train could potentially occupy on the track. It also allows the wayside equipment to identify the spots on the line that must never be passed by other trains on the same track. These points are conveyed to the trains in order for them to automatically and continually alter their speed while meeting safety and comfort (jerk) standards. As a result, the trains continuously receive distance information from the preceding train and can change their safety distance accordingly.

CBTC : Key Features

Continuous Automatic Train Protection (ATP), Automatic Train Operation (ATO), and Automatic Train Supervision (ATS) are implemented with wayside and train-borne processors by processing train status and control data.
The maximum capacity per track design is obtained through CBTC signalling. The system can support maximum number of trains. There are no trackside signals or track circuits. Greater precision in determining train location – independent of track circuits. Continuous data exchange between the train and the wayside.
Unlike traditional signalling systems, where block length is fixed, CBTC employs the Moving Block concept, in which block length is continuously modified based on the speed of the preceding train.

Processes of Operation

CBTC works in following stages:

High precision train location detection without track circuits, by train-borne system.
Transmission of train location & other train status data to wayside controller/equipment.
Wayside controller generates limit of Movement Authority (MA).
Transmission of MA to train-borne system.
Determination and enforcement of ATP profile by train-borne equipment
Implementation of MA by train-borne system.
Communication of commands from wayside to external interlocking and status from external interlocking to wayside.
Communicating data from one wayside controller to other wayside controller.
Communication between multiple sets of train-borne equipment within a train.

Benefits of CBTC

CBTC makes effective use of infrastructure in following ways:

Allows trains at closer headways.
Greater precision and control of trains is possible.
Provides continuous safe train separation & over speed protection.
Utilizes the track in the most efficient manner while ensuring safety.

2. CBTC requires less maintenance cost due to:

Driverless system (or upgradable to driverless) to reduce operating costs;
Less wayside equipment
Improved reliability
Real time diagnostic data

I-CBTC : An Introduction

With a total route length of 68,103 kilometres as of 31 March 2022, India runs the world’s fourth largest national railway system. The Indian Railways, the country’s principal transport system, operates the largest rail network in Asia and the world’s second largest under one control. India, known for its complex and intricate railway network, may soon see a significant transition away from conventional railway signalling systems, as Bharat Electronics Ltd (BEL) has signed an agreement with Delhi Metro Rail Corporation to jointly develop an indigenous communication-based train control system (i-CBTC).

Salient Features

i-CBTC, which is being developed in India for the first time, shall enable unmanned metro and train operations. It is a significant step forward in metro and rail automation, and it will support the Government of India’s ‘Atmanirbhar Bharat’ mission. The project is being carried out under the auspices of the Government of India’s Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs (MoHUA). The MoU seeks to benefit on BEL and DMRC’s complementary strengths and skills.

Traditional railway signalling relies on colour light signals and train detection via track circuits and axle counters. Although this technology is suitable for train detection and control, it is still unable to fully utilise section capacity. The indigenous communication-based train control system (iCBTC) enters the scene.

For traffic management and infrastructure control, the current communication-based system utilizes telecommunications between the train and track equipment. It facilitates tracking the precise location of a train, which is superior compared to conventional signalling methods. It helps in a more effective and safe railway traffic management. This helps in Metros (and other train systems) enhance headways while preserving or even improving safety.
With the integration of cutting-edge innovation, the i-CBTC is the preferred choice of mass transit railway operators globally today, with over a hundred systems already in operation. In India, the technology is also being used in metro systems. With a rise in population throughout major cities/towns, the requirement for mass transit and signalling systems must evolve and adapt to safely meet this increase in demand and traffic capacity. As a result, i-CBTC is being widely embraced for its characteristic of moving blocks, which allows for high frequency of system operation and guarantees efficient use of Metro infrastructure while also guaranteeing safe operations.

Conclusion

i-CBTC is a modern communication-based technology that employs radio communication to convey accurate and fast train control information. The system will enable unmanned metro and train operations, representing a significant advancement in the field of automation. It is a significant step toward the development of an indigenously built signalling system in India abd a significant step toward achieving self-sufficiency in Metro Signaling and Train Control Systems. This will facilitate and encourage innovation, improve local talent, lower Metro deployment costs, and contribute to the evolution of expertise inside the country in the field of train control signalling systems.

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DMRC to Serve as General Consultant for Jaipur Metro’s Phase 1C, 1D Corridors

Staff Reporter

23/01/2023

JAIPUR (Metro Rail News): The DMRC has been chosen as a general consultant for two planned Jaipur Metro routes. To guarantee quality and a deadline-bound conclusion of the project, Officials announced on 21st January.

The Jaipur Metro’s currently running routes were built with assistance from the Delhi Metro Rail Corporation (DMRC).

Phase 1C will see the extension of the 11.97 km Pink line (Mansarovar to Badi Chaupar) to Transport Nagar, including two stops at Ramganj Chaupar. The anticipated cost of building this stretch in Transport Nagar is Rs 856 crore. The current 11.97 km Pink Line (Mansarovar to Badi Chaupar) will be expanded in Phase 1D from Mansarovar to 200-foot Bypass, Ajmer Road, with one Station, According to the detailed project report (DPR).

For the future, Jaipur Metro routes from Badi Chaupar to Transport Nagar (Phase 1C) and Mansarovar to 200 ft Bypass, Ajmer Road, DMRC, have been chosen as the general consultant (Phase 1D).

The Delhi Metro tweeted, “DMRC will now give consultancy for the project’s quality aspects and timebound completion.” For several metro projects around the nation, the DMRC has offered consulting services.

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The City of Oranges riding on most advanced metro systems

Staff Reporter

21/01/2023

NAGPUR (Metro Rail News): Nagpur Metro Rail is the new rapid transit system in Maharashtra, India. The MRTS is 38.21 kilometres long. Nagpur Metro is an advanced public transit system that serves the city of Nagpur. The system, which is still in its early stages, includes 24 metro stations with a total length of 26.1 kilometres. Nagpur Metro is being built in two phases, each with a single line. These three-coach trains have a top speed of 90 km/h and an average speed of 33 km/h. Nagpur Metro operates on standard gauge lines with overhead wires that produce 25 kV alternating current.

On August 20, 2014, the Union Cabinet approved the development of the metro project, and Prime Minister Narendra Modi laid the foundation stone on August 21, 2014, during his visit to the city. On March 8, 2019, Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, and Union Minister Nitin Gadkari started its operations via video conference.

Nagpur Metro Rail Lines

Nagpur Metro rail currently has two lines in operation. These are:

Sitabuldi to Khapri (Orange Line or Line 1)
Sitabuldi to Lokmanya Nagar (Aqua Line or Line 2)

Orange Line

Line 1 is also known as the Orange Line. It opened its first segment to visitors on March 8, 2019. The Orange Line extends 13.5 kilometres from Sitabuldi to Khapri station. There are now 11 stops on the route, with a total of 20 planned. Line 1 runs north-south, connecting the city’s central and southern regions. The Orange Line extends in both directions, with 20 stops and a route length of about 23 kilometres. It runs south from Khapri until it reaches Metro City, then north from Sitabuldi until it reaches Automotive Square.

Aqua Line

The Nagpur Metro’s Aqua Route is a metro line in Nagpur, India. This Aqua Line, which connects Prajapati Nagar to Hingna Mount View Metro Station, is 19.407 kilometres long and has 21 stations. The metro stations on the Aqua Line are all elevated. The Nagpur Metro’s Aqua Line began partially operational on January 28, 2020. Aqua Line and Orange Line both have only one interchange station.

North-South Corridor: Orange Line

The stations along the Orange Line : Khapri, New Airport, Airport, Ujwal Nagar, Jayprakash Nagar, Chhatrapati Square, Ajni Square, Rahate Colony, Congress Nagar, Sitabuldi, Zero Mile, Kasturchand Park, Gaddigodam Square, Kadvi Square, Indora Square, Nari Road, Automotive Square.

East-West Corridor: Aqua Line

The stations along the Aqua Line : Prajapati Nagar, Vaishno Devi Square, Ambedkar Square, Telephone Exchange, ChittarOli Square, Agrasen Square, Dosar Vaisya Square, Nagpur Railway Station, Sitabuldi, Jhansi Rani Square, Institute of Engineers, Shankar Nagar Square, LAD Square, Dharampeth College, Subhash Nagar, Rachana Ring Road Junction, Vasudev Nagar, Bansi Nagar, Lokmanya Nagar

Interchange Station

The Sitabuldi Metro Station, located in Nagpur, Maharashtra, works as an interchange terminal for commuters desiring to make transition from the Orange Line to the Aqua Line. The station is a T-shaped structure of 250,000 square feet.

Metro Fare

Travelling by metro is not only economical, but it also helps to reduce carbon footprints. Nagpur Metro is the city’s most affordable mode of transportation. Commuters don’t need to carry cash if they buy tickets with a metro card. Furthermore, Maha Metro gives ride discounts to encourage citizens to use their cards.

Rail Timings

Nagpur Metro operates on a regular basis. Furthermore, the authority keeps passengers informed of any changes in the itinerary via its social media portals.

Metro Connectivity

Initiatives like battery-powered vehicles are part of the Nagpur Metro project. Furthermore, it offers pedestrian facilities as well as bicycle sharing. There are 24 operating stations; 14 metro stations are currently under construction. Furthermore, the overall length of the Nagpur Metro Rail is 43.8 kilometres.

Station Facilities

Under the slogan ‘Metro for Everyone,’ each Nagpur Metro station is built distinctively. In addition to convenient access, these metro stations have a childcare facility room and CCTV surveillance. Furthermore, these metro stations offer first-rate facilities for physically disabled travellers as well as multi-modal services.

Automated Fare Collection System

Nagpur Metro Rail ticketing is a cutting-edge Automated Fare Collection System that uses Contactless Fare Media Technology. The fare collection process categorises metro stations as paid or unpaid. Automatic entry/exit gates and barriers separate the paid and unpaid zones. It ensures that only individuals with a valid ticket are permitted to enter the system. The system is designed to be closed with ticket checks at both entry and exit, ensuring that all tickets are checked 100 percent of the time.

Tickets for Contactless Smart Card (CSC) and Contactless Smart Token (CST) are available. Tokens are pre-paid fare media that can be used to travel between fixed stations. Tokens, which can be purchased for a single or return trip, are a better fare media option for infrequent riders. Contactless Smart Cards have stored-value cards that can be monetary (e-Purse) or non-monetary (Pass), or a combination of the two, and offer a variety of features to entice regular and frequent users.

The AFC System accepts a variety of passes/tickets and offers a stage-based pricing structure. It’s also flexible enough to allow other fare structures/ticketing alternatives, such as flat fares, time-based fares, free transfers across modes, and so on.

SBI MAHA Card for Nagpur Metro

As consortium leader, SBI and its AFC and System Integrator partners implemented the Nagpur Metro Project’s Automated Fare Collection (AFC) system.

The MAHA Card contains a stored value balance that allows for offline transactions at Nagpur metro stations. Travellers must tap their MAHA Card at the platform’s entry gate and then again at the destination station’s exit gate after concluding their travel.

For a secure, convenient, and seamless payment process, the card features a dual interface (EMV chip) with stored value functionality. Metro riders can obtain an MAHA Card by applying at a metro station’s ticket counter. Before authenticating a one-time PIN provided to their phone number, commuters will be required to fill up basic information in an application form. Commuters must pay a one-time card issuing charge of INR 150 after completing the application process, and then top up the card with a minimum of INR 100 and multiples of INR 100 up to INR 2,000 for hassle-free metro riding. The MAHA card features a one-of-a-kind feature called stored value balance, which allows users to undertake offline transactions at Nagpur Metro stations.

The fare amount will be automatically withdrawn from the card’s stored value balance after the exit tap. Commuters can use Ticket Readers at metro stations to check the balance on their MAHA cards (TRs).

App for Purchasing Tickets

The Nagpur Metro’s official ticketing mobile application makes purchasing tickets simple and easy. It allows visitors to order tickets, search up station information, look up routes, see first and last train schedules, and locate nearby tourist sites. It also allows commuters to contact the metro station and provide feedback on its services and features. The app will provide all important information to Metro riders, including how to purchase a ticket. The app is particularly useful for tourists, since it will take them to the nearest Metro station and sites of interest, as well as providing other information to make transit easier.

Covid-19 Information

During the pandemic, Maha Metro ensured passenger safety. Trains and stations were regularly disinfected. Before being deposited, the travellers’ cash used to be cleaned with UV light. Passengers were reminded on a daily basis to observe government rules for covid safety. In the event of a future epidemic, only passengers who had taken both doses of Covid-19 vaccination would be permitted to travel by metro. Eligible commuters must additionally present documentation of two vaccine doses to MAHA Metro personnel at the metro station.

Employees and authorities receive medical and other services as needed. Only individuals who have received both covid doses of vaccination are permitted to work. These directives have been adopted on the Aqua and Orange Lines of the Nagpur Metro.

Latest Update

On October 3, 2022, the state cabinet approved a cost increase of approximately Rs.600 crores for Nagpur Metro Phase 1. This portion of the project was initially approved at a cost of Rs.8,680 Crores. It has now been increased to Rs.9,276.6 crores. Given the rise in the cost of land purchase, the cabinet approved this prolongation. The enhanced funding for Nagpur Metro Phase 1 will also contribute to the construction of two new stations, Cotton Market and Airport South. The authorities had declined this approval five years back while approving other upgrades.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated Nagpur Metro Phase 1 and laid the foundation stone for Nagpur Metro Phase II. PM Modi rode in the train with students during the inauguration of the Nagpur metro route. He used the metro from Zero Mile Freedom Park to Khapri Stations. Before boarding the train, he went to Zero Mile Station to see an exhibition about metro projects.
The Phase II Nagpur metro project will cost roughly Rs 6700 crore. Union Minister Nitin Gadkari, Governor Bhagat Singh Koshyari, Chief Minister Eknath Shinde, and Deputy Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis laid the foundation stone. The Mahametro Rail Corporation has planned to seek financing from the European Investment Bank and the Asian Development Bank. The authorities have finalised the funding arrangement scheme for the development of Nagpur Metro Phase II.
The Asian Development Bank and the European Investment Bank would contribute USD 200 million and $239 million, respectively, according to the final financial plan. The total loan amount could reach Rs. 3,568 crore. The Nagpur Metro Phase II development project will cost approximately Rs.6,700 Crore in total. The Central and State Governments would fund around Rs.3,100 crore of the total sum. Nagpur Metro Phase II construction is projected to be finished by 2026.
Nagpur Metro Finds a Place in Guinness World Records for Longest Viaduct : The Nagpur metro just gained a place in the coveted Guinness World Records for building the largest double decker viaduct for a metro line. The Nagpur Metro’s Wardha Road section features a 3.14-kilometer-long viaduct. Brajesh Dixit, MD, Maharashtra Metro, received the record certificate from the Guiness World Record management at the felicitation ceremony. He stated that building the viaduct was one of the most difficult aspects of the entire metro project.
Furthermore, the Asia Book of Records and the India Book of Records have already designated the stretch as the longest viaduct in Asia and India, respectively. The concerned viaduct is a double decker built in collaboration between the National Highways Development Authority (NHAI) and Maharashtra Metro. While the first layer has an existing highway, the second layer has a flyover highway and the third tier has Nagpur metro rail. The flyover roadway is nine metres above ground, while the Nagpur metro level is roughly twenty metres. A similar building is also proposed for Pune’s Ganeshkhind Road.

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NCMC : Uniting India’s Public Transport System

Staff Reporter

21/01/2023

NEW DELHI (Metro Rail News): The National Common Mobility Card (NCMC) is an interoperable transportation card developed by the Government of India’s Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs. It was unveiled on March 4, 2019. The transport card allows the user to pay for transit, tolls (toll tax), retail purchasing, and cash withdrawals. It is made possible by the RuPay card mechanism. The NCMC card is available as a prepaid, debit, or credit RuPay card through partnering institutions such as the State Bank of India, Bank of India, Punjab National Bank, and others.

In late 2010, the Government of India envisioned a programme that would provide seamless access to public transportation networks. The system, later known as the Integrated Financial Management System (IFMS), aimed to allow customers to pay across several public transportation platforms using a single system. This was formed in an effort to unite the country’s public transportation system under one cover. The government wanted to improve public transportation accessibility by making it available to everyone in every city. The project is also designed to involve customers from a wide range of socioeconomic backgrounds. An additional emphasis was made on reducing transaction time in order to make the payment experience as smooth as possible. It is also arranged in such a way that the financial risk to the parties involved in the project is minimised. It is a mechanism for EMV-based Open Loop Payments.

The NCMC is an Indian-made product that is part of the Make In India initiative. It was first proposed as part of the National Urban Transport Policy (NUTP) in 2006. An earlier attempt to develop a similar national mobility card resulted in the introduction of the More Card. Due to the card’s lack of interoperability across the country, Venkaiah Naidu, the then-Minister of Urban Development, formed a committee to develop a card that is interoperable across the country’s various transportation networks.

The urban development ministry tasked the National Payments Corporation of India (NPCI) with payment management, clearing and settlement, card and terminal simulation, and network maintenance. The reader prototype was developed by Bharat Electronics Limited (BEL).

A leading Indian Daily on April 8, 2019 stated, that Visa was looking to offer National Common Mobility Cards. On May 13, 2019, Visa announced the release of specs to support the NCMC. Visa has completed the specifications for issuing cards on the NCMC network and has begun conversations with banks to issue their cards on the NCMC network as well, but it will take some time for the cards to be pushed out in the market. On May 22, 2019, Mastercard announced that 15 Indian banks were in ‘Different stages of signing up’ for the NCMC.

Acceptance of NCMC by different transport Systems

The following public transportation systems in the country presently accept fare payments using the National Common Mobility Card, with many more public transportation operators around the country in various stages of planning/implementation to accept NCMC as a means of payment over the next few years.

State	Locale	Operator	Transport system	Acceptance	Commissioned	Comments
Delhi	National Capital Region	DMRC	Delhi Metro	Partial – Airport Line Only	28 December 2020	To be expanded to all Delhi Metro lines by June 2023.
Goa	Statewide	KTC	Intercity bus	Complete	21 December 2021
Gujarat	Ahmedabad	GMRC	Ahmedabad Metro	Complete – All Lines	4 March 2019
Karnataka	Bengaluru	BMRCL	Namma Metro	Complete – All Lines	21 October 2021	All Phase 1 stations have been retrofitted with NCMC readers. All Phase 2 stations have NCMC compliant readers.
Maharashtra	Mumbai Metropolitan Region	BEST	Transit and intercity bus	Complete	25 April 2022
Maharashtra	Mumbai Metropolitan Region	NMMT	Transit and intercity bus	Partial – 25% of routes	March 2019	NMMT began rolling out NCMC across all routes in August 2022.
Madhya Pradesh	Bhopal	MPMRCL	Bhopal Metro	Under construction	2023	NCMC will be accepted after the system opens.
Madhya Pradesh	Indore	MPMRCL	Indore Metro	Under construction	2023	NCMC will be accepted after the system opens.
Tamil Nadu	Chennai	CMRL	Chennai Metro	Complete – All Lines	February 2022
Telangana	Hyderabad	HMRL	Hyderabad Metro	Complete – All Lines	29 November 2021

In March 2019, the Chief Secretary of the Government of Telangana asked state officials to investigate the feasibility of implementing a National Common Mobility Card for usage on all public transportation in Hyderabad, as well as autos, taxis, and ride-sharing services. Bangalore Metro Rail Corporation Limited announced in April 2019 that the National Common Mobility Card would be implemented on Phase 2 of the Namma Metro. The agency would invest Rs. 148 crore in installing the required technology. The system’s current contactless smart cards will be phased out over time. In October 2021, Delhi Metro began systematically converting all of the fare gates to accept NCMC cards.

National Payment Corporation of India (NPCI) strengthening the NCMC

The National Payments Corporation of India (NPCI) is an umbrella organisation for operating retail payments and settlement systems in India. It is a joint initiative of the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) and the Indian Banks’ Association (IBA) established under the provisions of the Payment and Settlement Systems Act of 2007, with the goal of developing a strong payment and settlement infrastructure in India. NPCI has been developed by RBI to operate retail payment and settlement systems in India. The National Payment Corporation is working towards strengthening the National Common Mobility card. Few recent developments are as under:

NPCI enhanced Indians’ mobility through ‘One Nation. One Card’ – Prime Minister Mr. Narendra Modi launched ‘One Nation. One Card,’ which gave wings to the National Common Mobility Card Ecosystem at NCPI. The National Common Mobility Card, which is enabled by the RuPay platform, enables offline payment for multi-modal transit. Customers can utilise their existing Debit/Credit card for payments across all segments, including metro, bus, suburban railroads, toll, parking, smart city, and retail, with the National Common Mobility Card. The card’s stored value enables offline transactions for all travel needs with low financial risk for stakeholders. The service area feature of this card facilitates operator-specific applications such as monthly passes, season tickets, and so on.

RuPay contactless cards – Navi Mumbai Municipal Transport (NMMT) and HDFC Bank have collaborated to launch Navi Cards. The card will allow Navi Mumbai residents and visitors to use the prepaid card to pay NMMT bus fares. Acceptance will currently be enabled only on certain routes. HDFC Bank is the first bank to offer cards to NMMT commuters. Customers can obtain these contactless cards at the NMMT bus depot’s counters. Navi cards can be used at POS terminals, E-commerce sites, and ATMs with ease. Navi Cards are created in accordance with the National Common Mobility Card (NCMC) principles to provide a secure, user-friendly, and cost-effective solution for low-value payments and the development of a cashless transaction environment.

After ‘one country one tax’ Government of India launched ‘one nation one card’. On March 4, 2019, Prime Minister Modi unveiled the National Common Mobility Card (NCMC), called it ‘One Nation One Card’. It was launched in the Delhi Metro on December 29, 2020. The primary goal of this card is to simplify payment for all kinds of public transportation. The card is introduced with an objective to eliminate various concerns while travelling such as need to stand in ticket windows for buses, trains, and other modes of travel.

Similar to the GST, where with implementation of a single tax the need for citizens to pay several taxes at various platforms and levels has been eliminated, with the use of this card, customers can pay for travel fares and other utilities in any mode of transportation. It in simple terms means that citizens can use this interoperable transit card to pay bus prices, metro fares, parking fees, toll taxes, retail buying, and even withdraw money. The initiative by the Indian government is based on the concept of one card usability in all payment systems.

The National Common Mobility Card is part of the Government of India’s ‘Make in India’ campaign/project. Till now, India had to rely on a foreign country for such technology. But, the introduction of the card has eliminated the need of dependence on any foreign country for availability of technology any such.

Conclusion

The One Nation, One Card policy basically means using a single card for all transactions. Users can use this card to make payments in a variety of segments, including transportation (e.g., bus, metro), para-transit (parking, tolls), smart cities, retail buying, and so on. This format is already in use in many industrialised countries throughout the world, and it will soon be adopted in India as well. One nation, one card is an open loop EMV-based payment card designed to provide users with a hassle-free experience across the country’s transportation modes and payment systems.

The Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs (MoHUA), Government of India, initially conceptualized this initiative. The Reader prototype of this card was developed by Bharat Electronics Limited (BEL). With the introduction of a single card, users gain access to a wide range of benefits ranging from travel by various modes to purchasing at retail outlets and withdrawing money from ATMs. Users need not struggle for change at the ticket desks. The card is designed to provide the customers enhanced mobility options and seamless travel experience.

PM while unveiling the one nation one card stated that it is somewhat a combination of a mobility card and a RuPay card. The card has been developed with the objective of convenience of the consumers. Consumers now, need to carry multiple cards for varied transit and day-to-day banking needs. Consumers in an open loop smart card ecosystem, get multiple benefits from partner banks such as reward/loyalty points, cash back, and others which they avail from Debit and Credit Cards.

This technology previously was available only in few developed nations, but, today India has also joined the club of nations who have this interoperable, scalable, dual interface, open loop payment card for the payment system. This card is an enhanced version of the metro smart card that users use to travel via the subway. Nonetheless, people can travel through various modes of transportation and use this National Common Mobility Card at multiple payment terminals.

The card is protected by EMV technology for transactions made by this card,. EMV is a worldwide available and widely used technology for protecting transactions from fraud. EMV is an abbreviation for Europay, MasterCard, and Visa. It is essentially a global standard for debit and credit cards (chip-based cards) that guarantees payment security at multiple POS terminals.

Major Benefits

Those who have a RuPay Debit card issued within the last 18 months by their respective bank can use it for metro travel under this system. This service is now only accessible on the Delhi Metro Airport Express line, but it will be available across the full DMRC network by the end of 2022. This will function as an autonomous fare collecting system, and it can transform our smartphone into an interoperable transport card that customers can use to pay their metro, bus, and other service fares covered by the plan. The main advantages are as follows:

Efficiency:Daily operations at transportation locations become easier and faster with this card, thereby improving operational efficiency. Passengers or users do not have to wait in long lines to get their work done; with this card, they may pay promptly and without any hassle. This saves time and effort for both consumers and operators.
Accountability:The second advantage is that the operator is more accountable to the client. The operator gains superior date insights and records of all transactions done with this card.
Lower cost of ticketing operation:This approach improves efficiency while lowering tickets costs. It also minimises the operator’s operating costs and cash handling.
Interoperability for passengers:It means that travellers can use this same ticket across many transit systems such as buses, trains, taxis, parking, toll plazas, and so on. The traveller is not required to carry cash or multiple cards for each transit operation.

The concept is already in use in several leading nations around the world, and is now is being introduced in the country with an indigenously built NCMC smart card.

This card is powered and enabled through the RuPay card interface and is It supported by an indigenously developed Open Loop Automatic Fare Collection System known as ‘Sweekar’ and an Automatic Fare Collection Gate known as ‘Swagat’.
People can use this card to travel to Metros in any region of the country. Along with travel, it may also be used as a prepaid, credit, or debit card, with support from 25 partner institutions including as SBI, PNB, and others. It can be used on a city bus, metro, suburban railways, BRT, and other public transportation, as well as for shopping at retail stores and merchants.
Paytm Payment Banks, along with SBI and other banks, can issue the RuPay card. It’s a contactless card, similar to a metro smart card. It accepts transactions both offline (contactless) and online (contact & contactless). Citizens can also use the National Common Mobility Card to pay for tolls and parking.
Cardholders of the One Nation One card can now use it at Discover and Diners Club International businesses and ATMs. When travelling abroad, cardholders can also receive a 10% reward at merchant locations and a 5% cashback at ATMs.
This card’s balance can be stored for offline payments. This saved value enables offline transactions across the user’s whole travel needs. Because offline transactions are authorised for stored value (available balance), there is minimal financial risk to any of the stakeholders (i.e. bank or merchant) while also ensuring minimal transaction time.
Nandan Nilekani committee of Reserve Bank of India proposed the idea of development of NCMC. The committee recommended that NCMC should include two instruments: a standard debit card that may be used at ATMs and a local wallet. Banks mandated by the Department of Financial Services have been urged to make their debit cards NCMC compliant in order to ensure service availability. The committee has also proposed a slew of changes, including all government payments to citizens being made digitally, in order to minimise the country’s reliance on cash.

Launch of Navi Cards

NCMC – Implementation Model

Value Proposition – NCMC

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Bangalore Metro to Connect KR Puram and Whitefield in March: MD

Staff Reporter

21/01/2023

BANGALORE (Metro Rail News): The metro project between KR Puram and Whitefield is anticipated to be opened in March, BMRCL MD Anjum Parvez said. The Bengaluru Metro Rail Corporation Ltd (BMRCL) has been invited for inspection by the commissioner of metro rail safety.

Tracks, station safety, signalling, and electrical installations throughout the line will all be inspected. “We have provided the metro rail safety commission with all the necessary paperwork for this route’s metro work. On February 16, the commissioner is anticipated to begin the inspection process and submit the report within four to five days. Then we shall start our test runs. According to Parvez, we anticipate that the stretch will be operational by March of this year.

Even though the KR Puram-Whitefield stretch is a part of the Baiyappanahalli-Whitefield length’s phase 1 metro development, the phase 2 metro work between KR Puram and Baiyappanahalli won’t begin until June. “Under phase 2, the railway crossing line close to the Baiyappanahalli depot continues to provide a significant difficulty. When the project is finished, we may anticipate that operations will begin in June. For customers who wish to travel past KR Puram from Whitefield, we will set up BMTC feeder buses from Baiyappanahalli to KR Puram until then, added Parvez.

The KR Puram-Whitefield line, ordinarily taking over an hour to traverse by road, aims to cut the journey to 24 minutes. The Information Technology Park Limited (ITPL) facility near the Pattandur Agrahara metro station will have pedestrian access from 12 stops. To give direct access through a walkway from the concourse level of the Pattandur Agrahara station to the International Tech Park, Bengaluru (ITPB), a memorandum of agreement was signed on Tuesday between BMRCL and ITPL.

The ITPL will construct the access infrastructure by the BMRCL-approved plans. This seeks to make it easier for the more than 55,000 people working on the ITPB campus to get directly from the metro station to their workplace without crossing the street. According to a BMRCL press statement, this is the first arrangement of its kind on the Baiyapanahalli-Whitefield line.

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A Metro system for the most focused City of the Country

Staff Reporter

21/01/2023

JAMMU (Metro Rail News): Jammu is the winter capital of Jammu and Kashmir, a union territory of India. It is the union territory’s capital and the largest city in the Jammu district. Jammu, located on the banks of the Tawi River, is surrounded by the Himalayas in the north and the northern plains in the south. It is the second most populated city in the UT.

Jammu, often known as the City of Temples because of its ancient temples and Hindu monuments, is the most visited union territory. The neighbouring Samba district borders Jammu city. Jammu city is the administrative division’s leading cultural and economic centre. One of the most well-known local Basmati rice varieties is grown in the RS Pura area near Jammu and processed in Jammu rice mills. Apart from rice mills distributed throughout Jammu, the industrial estate at Bari Brahmana is home to many industrial units producing a wide range of items such as carpets, electronic goods, and electric goods.

A metro system to boost the local transport network

Tourism is the primary industry in Jammu. As the second-to-last railway terminal in North India, it serves as a hub for pilgrims heading to Vaishno Devi and the Kashmir valley. All routes leading to Kashmir, Poonch, Doda, and Ladakh begin in Jammu. As a result, the city is always crowded with people from all across India. Historic palaces of importance include Mubarak Mandi Palace, Purani Mandi, Rani Park, Amar Mahal, Bahu Fort, Raghunath Temple, Ranbireshwar Temple, Karbala, Peer Meetha, and the Old City. In addition, Jammu has a railway station called Jammu Tawi (station code JAT), which connects the city to most of the important Indian towns. Pakistan discontinued the ancient railway link to Sialkot in September 1947, and Jammu had no rail services until 1971 when the Indian Railways built the Pathankot-Jammu Tawi Broad Gauge line. The new Jammu Tawi station was opened in October 1972 and served as an interchange for Express trains. With the completion of the Jammu-Baramulla railway, all trains to the Kashmir Valley will pass through Jammu Tawi.

A portion of the Jammu-Baramulla project was completed, and the track was extended to Katra. The portion between Jalandhar and Pathankot has been duplicated and electrified. Jammu is linked to the Kashmir valley by National Highway 44, which runs through the city. Jammu is linked to Poonch by National Highway 1B. Jammu is located 80 kilometres from Kathua and 68 kilometres from Udhampur. Katra, a famous pilgrimage town, is located 49 kilometres from Jammu.

Jammu Airport is located in the heart of the city. Direct flights are available to Srinagar, Delhi, Amritsar, Chandigarh, Leh, Mumbai, and Bengaluru. Jammu Airport receives and departs 30 flights per day from Go First, Air India, SpiceJet, IndiGo, and Vistara. In addition, the city offers JKSRTC city buses and minibuses that follow specific routes for local transportation. Matadors are the name given to these minibuses. In addition to this, auto-rickshaw and cycle-rickshaw services are also available. Local taxis are also available. Therefore, owing to the needs of a fast-developing city and meeting the requirement of the growing population in the second most populous town in the UT, the central government has envisaged a modern transport system for Jammu Metrolite both for Jammu & Kashmir primarily to reduce the congestion on roads and provide the commuters with a modern, clean, safe and sustainable public transport system. J&K is also one of the country’s priority areas where the government wants to develop significantly.

Jammu Metro : Information

The Jammu Light Metro (Metrolite) with two lines and forty stations is a light rail transit (LRT) system proposed by the Housing and Urban Development Department of the Union Territory of Jammu & Kashmir to be built in Jammu. The 23-kilometer Jammu Metro Phase 1 project will include two elevated lines and 22 stations, with an interchange at Exhibition Grounds. Both lines will be extended further in Phase 2.

The union territory’s Administrative Council agreed in principle in February 2020 to engage the Delhi Metro Rail Corporation (DMRC) to assist with the appraisal and approval of the project’s Detailed Project Report (DPR) by the central government, in addition to any possible external funding.

Key Figures

Operational : 0 km
Under Construction : 0 km
Approved : 0 km
Proposed : 43.50 km
Estimated Project Cost : Rs 4825 cr (Phase 1)
Estimated Ridership : 2 lakh (2027)

Phase 1 Routes

Line-1 : Bantalab – Greater Kailash

Length : 17 km
Type : Elevated
Depot : Bantalab
Number of Stations : 17
Station Names : Bantalab, Chinori, Roop Nagar, Janipur, High Court, Lower Laxmi Nagar, Ambphalla, Secretariat, Raghunath Temple, Exhibition Ground, University, Panama Chowk, Jammu Railway Station, Trikuta Nagar, Trikuta Nagar Extn, Narwal, Greater Kailash

Line-2 : Udheywala – Exhibition Ground

Length : 6 km
Type : Elevated
Depot : Udheywala
Number of Stations : 6
Station Names : Udheywala, Tirath Nagar, Suraj Nagar, Circuit House, Jewel Chowk, Exhibition Ground

Phase 2 Routes

Line-1 Extn : Greater Kailash – Bari Brahmana Railway Station

Length : 6 km
Type : Elevated
Number of Stations : 5
Station Names : Greater Kailash II, Kaluchak, SIDCO Factories, Bari Bahmana, Bari Brahmana Railway Station

Line-2 Extn : Exhibition Ground – Satwari Chowk

Length : 14.5 km
Type : Elevated
Number of Stations : 12
Station Names : Rangora, Narwal Mandi, Transport Nagar, Malik Market, Sector 6, Sainik Colony, Greater Kailash, Kunjwani Chowk, Gangyal, Preet Nagar, Sanjay Nagar, Satwari Chowk

Metro Fares (Ticket Prices)

Jammu Metro’s prices, fare structure and rules have not been finalized or announced yet. That will be done closer to the start of commercial operations.

Latest Update

The Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs recently stated that Metro Rail projects for Jammu and Srinagar are under evaluation/approval. In a written reply to the Lok Sabha, Union Minister of State for Housing and Urban Affairs Kaushal Kishore stated that Metro Rail requests from Jammu and Srinagar, among other cities, have been received for Central financial assistance and are in various stages of appraisal/approval.

The Metro Rail in Jammu will be 23 kilometres long and will cost Rs 4069.68 crore, while the Metro Rail in Srinagar will be 25 kilometres long and will cost Rs 4892.51 crore. The MetroLite project for Jammu would be approved up to Bari Brahmana, according to plans. The Ministry has decided to extend MetroLite up to AIIMS Vijaypur in the second phase because extending it beyond Bari Brahmana in the first phase will cause the project to be further delayed because a new Detailed Project Report (DPR) would have to be written.
According to the concept, Jammu will have a 23-kilometer MetroLite line from Bantalab to Bari Brahmana with 22 stations on the way, while Srinagar will have a 25-kilometer MetroLite line divided into two sectors of 12.5 kilometres each. The first corridor would connect Indira Nagar and HMT Junction, while the second will connect Hazuri Bagh and Osmanabad. Srinagar will have 24 stations, 12 on each corridor.
The MetroLite is planned to run for 17 hours in Jammu and 14 hours in Kashmir. The MetroLite will have elevated corridors instead of underground tunnels. The MoHUA is reviewing the project and shall soon present it to the Cabinet for approval. The Jammu and Kashmir administration expect the plan to be approved by the Union Cabinet soon.
According to sources, the MetroLite projects in Jammu and Srinagar is primarily intended to reduce traffic congestion in the two cities of Jammu and Srinagar along with the outskirts in the long run. The Central Government has prioritised Jammu and Kashmir over several other states and union territories in the approval of metro train projects. The funding scheme for the two projects has also been determined. Following formal confirmation by the Central Government, the project’s execution in both cities will commence.

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Railways Finalise Rolling Stock Programme for 2023-24 at Record Cost of Rs 2.70 Lakh Crore

Staff Reporter

20/01/2023

NEW DELHI (Metro Rail News): In the Rolling Stock Programme (RSP) 2023-24, 500 Vande Bharat trains, 35 hydrogen fuel-based trains, 4,000 newly designed automobile carrier coaches with side entry, 5,000 LHB coaches, 58,000 wagons, 100 Vistadome coaches and 1,000 refurbished premier trains, at an estimated cost of Rs 2.70 lakh crore, the highest ever, are being finalised.

Additionally, Air disinfection systems in 1,000 AC coaches, costing the Railways Rs 3.3 lakh per coach, are also being provisioned to combat air pollution and Covid-like viruses.

Indian Railways has resumed its services by spreading different coronavirus mutations; a mechanism is needed to clean the air inside coaches to benefit all those on board.

The provision of making 500 Vande Bharat trains, with 8,000 coaches, priced at an estimated Rs 130 crore per rake, amounting to Rs 65,000 crore in RSP 2023-24, has also been put forth. Furthermore, for added safety of passengers, water mist-based fire extinguishers have also been installed in 1,000 coaches, costing Rs 18,000 per coach.

It has been suggested that water mist-based fire extinguishers be used in many cases of fire. The Research Design and Standards Organisation (RDSO) advised the Railway Board to employ stored pressure-type water mist-based portable fire extinguishers for coaches.

Additionally, it was recommended that Pantries and Power cars, which are crewed by Railway staff, have the highest fire risk. Therefore, the current fire extinguishers in these coaches should be exchanged for stored pressure-type water mist-based portable fire extinguishers.

The RSP has proposed installing an Axle Box bearing condition monitoring system for 1000 coaches at an estimated cost of Rs 10 lakh per coach. This system would monitor the critical maintenance parameters in real time, thus enhancing safety and reducing maintenance time.

The monitoring system will detect and analyse data while the rolling stock is running at maximum speed, thus giving a better insight into the health of the rolling stock compared to when it is stationary or not loaded. This system would reduce maintenance costs and improve the operating ratio.

Indian Railways has proposed a refurbishment and upgradation of 1000 coaches of its premium trains, such as Rajdhani, Shatabdi, Duronto, Humsafar, Tejas, Suvidha and so on, with updated passenger comfort items and superior interiors at an estimated cost of Rs 50 lakh per coach.

To further attract tourists, the Railways plans to manufacture 100 additional Vistadome coaches, costing Rs 4.3 crore per coach, that provide panoramic views through more expansive body side windows and transparent sections in the roof, allowing passengers to appreciate the scenic beauty of their journey.

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Jindal Stainless supplies stainless steel for Mumbai Metro Project flagged off by PM

Staff Reporter

20/01/2023

MUMBAI (Metro Rail News): Giving an impetus to the government’s ‘Make in India‘ initiative, the Hon’ble Prime Minister launched Phase 2 of the Mumbai Metro Line 2A and 7. Jindal Stainless has supplied stainless steel for the project’s outer panels, car body, structurals, roofs, interiors, underframes, and other stainless steel applications. The PM inaugurated the Mumbai Metro line in a Dedication Ceremony organized in Mumbai yesterday. The line will be opened for the commute from today.

For this Mumbai Metro project, Jindal Stainless started supplying high-quality stainless steel grade 301LN in various tempers and 2J finishes. The supply started in January 2021 and is expected to continue till December 2025. Jindal Stainless supplies material from its different manufacturing units across the country for the project. The trainsets are being developed by Bharat Earth Movers Limited (BEML) in batches, and out of the total 576 coaches required for this project, 144 coaches have been supplied so far. Approximately 5,760 metric tons of stainless steel would be consumed to develop the 18.6 km 2A Metro line and 16.5 km 7 Metro line, respectively.

Commenting on this development, MD Jindal Stainless, Abhyuday Jindal, said, “As a completely recyclable metal, stainless steel is the most sustainable choice of material to enable a low-waste circular economy. We are always proud to partner with metro and railway projects, playing our part in ensuring safe, sustainable, and hygienic commute for people.”

In the past, Jindal Stainless has supplied metro projects in Sydney and Queensland, apart from Delhi, Kolkata, Bangalore, Chennai, and other metro projects.

About Jindal Stainless

Founded by Shri OP Jindal in 1970, Jindal Stainless (comprising Jindal Stainless Limited and Jindal Stainless (Hisar) Limited) has an annual melt capacity of 1.9 MT and an annual turnover of US $4.20 billion (as of March 22). Already in its expansion phase, the Company’s annual melt capacity will reach 2.9 MT by the end of FY23. It has two stainless steel manufacturing complexes in India, in the states of Haryana and Odisha, with an overseas unit in Indonesia. In addition, Jindal Stainless has a country-wide network of 10 sales offices in India with 12 global offices across the world. The Company’s product range includes stainless steel slabs, blooms, coils, plates, sheets, precision strips, blade steel, and coin blanks.

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BMC Issues Notification to Remove 124 Trees in Aarey for MMRCL Metro Line 3 Construction in Aarey

Staff Reporter

20/01/2023

MUMBAI (Metro Rail News): The Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) has issued a notification to remove 124 trees and transplant 53 others from Sariput Nagar in Aarey due to their hindrance of the shunting neck work for Metro Line 3 (Colaba-Bandra-Seepz) by Mumbai Metro Rail Corporation Limited (MMRCL).

The BMC has requested citizens to mail their suggestions/objections to the matter due to the COVID-19 pandemic, setting January 23 as the last date to do so and saying that any suggestion/objection would not be accepted after this.

A car shed for Metro Line 3 and generate revenue through commercialisation of the plot at Aarey. Devendra Fadnavis continued this. However, when Uddhav Thackeray became the Chief Minister, he chose to relocate the Metro 3 car shed to Kanjur Marg. However, when Fadnavis assumed the deputy chief minister role, he reversed this decision.

Environmentalists have accused Fadnavis of felling trees, and the deputy CM has accepted the authenticity of the environmentalists’ protests to a certain extent while noting that they may have been sponsored.

In 2019, when numerous court orders were rescinded, thousands of trees were cut down despite environmentalists’ opposition. During Uddhav Thackeray’s office, he resolved to turn 804 acres of Aarey into a reserve forest, as leopards and wildlife regularly migrated to the area from Sanjay Gandhi National Park.

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