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Two new Mumbai Metro line 2A & 7 to be operational in January 2023

20/12/2022

MUMBAI (Metro Rail News): According to the Mumbai Metropolitan Region Development Authority (MMRDA), the two new lines, 2A (Dahisar to Andheri West DN Nagar) and 7 (Dahisar East to Andheri East) of the Mumbai Metro are anticipated to be completely operational in January 2023.

The then Maharashtra chief minister Uddhav Thackeray flagged off the first phase of these lines in April this year, a 20-kilometre section between Dhanukarwadi (Kamran Nagar) and Aarey Colony in the western suburbs of Mumbai.

The Maha Mumbai Metro Operations Corporation Ltd (MMMOCL), in charge of operating and maintaining the metro rail, has calculated an average daily ridership of 30,000 for the segment with 18 stations.

According to MMMOCL officials, once the stretch of these two lines with 30 stations and a 35 km elevated corridor is operational, it can carry close to 3 lakh passengers daily. These two lines are anticipated to handle 11.37 lakh people by 2031. The new lines will also connect with the existing Metro One that runs between Ghatkopar and Versova at DN Nagar and Western Express Highway (WEH) stations.

To reduce traffic on the WEH, which has heavy traffic during morning and evening peak hours, the two new Metro lines will run side by side on the east and west sides of the area. In addition, the two lines should make Mumbai’s local trains less crowded while offering a considerably more comfortable alternative mode of transportation.

Mumbai Metro lines 2A and 7 are now under the control of the Commission of Metro Rail Safety (CMRS). Commercial operation will start along the entire line once CMRS certification of approval is received. The CMRS certification comprises supervision of the rails, signalling, electrical systems, and civil works before opening the corridor to passengers. The responsible authority methodically conducts a safety inspection.

The cost to complete the Metro line 2A project is Rs 6,410 crore, compared to Rs 6,208 crore for line 7. Asian Development Bank and National Development Bank are the financial sources for both lines.

Currently, a train set with six coaches, each having a capacity of 380 passengers, is travelling the 20-kilometre route. Bharat Earth Movers Ltd (BEML) has made 28 rakes available, allowing for the operation of both lines at a seven-minute interval. Both routes will have a car shed at Charkop.

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KMRL floats tender for Design and construction of Kochi Water Metro Project

Staff Reporter

19/12/2022

KERALA (Metro Rail News): Kochi Metro Rail Limited (KMRL) has floated an e-Tender under two packet systems from eligible applicants for the Design and construction of a terminal at Mattancherry (Phase 1; Stage- 1C) for the Kochi Water Metro project (KWMP), Kochi, Kerala.

Tender Reference Number: KMRL/PROC/TENDER/2022-23/126
Name of Work: Design and construction of the terminal at Mattancherry (Phase 1; Stage- 1C) for the Kochi Water Metro project (KWMP), Kochi, Kerala.
Tender Value: INR 12,29,00,000 Crore
EMD: INR 11 Lakh
Period Of Work: 301 Days
Document Download / Sale Start Date: 10th December, 2022
Document Download / Sale End Date: 30th January, 2023
Pre–bid Meeting Date: 23rd December, 2022
Bid Submission Start Date: 12th January, 2023
Bid Submission End Date: 30th January, 2023
Bid Opening Date: 01st February, 2023

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HAML commences to fast track Airport Metro Rail ground works

Staff Reporter

19/12/2022

HYDERABAD (Metro Rail News): Hyderabad Airport Metro Ltd (HAML) has decided to take on several tasks in a parallel processing style to commence the Airport Metro Rail ground works early and quicken the pre-construction activities.

Two survey teams have been hired to collect the ground data for deciding the location of metro pillars and stations, their heights, the profile of the viaduct, etc.

On 18th December, HAML MD NVS Reddy and a team of senior engineers examined the Airport Metro route from Raidurg Metro station to Narsingi Junction to begin the survey work and give the survey teams instructions.

During the inspection, the engineers and survey teams were instructed to plan the corridor for the city’s distributed growth and station locations closer to significant road junctions. In addition, as requested by Chief Minister K. Chandrashekhar Rao, it should accommodate reverse commutes so that even lower-income groups can stay in superior housing on the city’s outskirts and travel to job locations within 20 minutes or less.

The possibility of linking the extended blue line’s new terminal station and the Airport Metro station is being investigated while expanding the current corridor 3 (blue line) from Raidurg station to the new Airport Metro Raidurg station by roughly 900 metres. However, these two additional stations can be placed above each other due to space restrictions in front of the L&T building and the Aurobindo building behind Ikea.

The teams were informed that the metro viaduct spanning over the Biodiversity junction flyover must be built and constructed in a particular manner to make a unique way to facilitate integration for the future BHEL-Lakdi ka pul Metro corridor station.

Mr Reddy said the location of Nanakramguda station should be planned with arms/skywalks to benefit passengers from all directions, and the one near Narsingi Junction should cater to the growth requirements of high-rise commercial and residential buildings coming up in Narsingi-Kokapet and nearby areas/colonies.

HAML Chief Electrical Engineer DVS Raju, Chief Project Manager B Anand Mohan, GMs M Vishnuvardhan Reddy, Rajendra Prasad Naik, and senior engineers participated in the inspection.

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Delhi Metro Phase 4 TBM 367 and 372 pass Factory Acceptance Test

Staff Reporter

19/12/2022

Delhi Metro Phase 4 TBM 367 and 372 passes Factory Acceptance Test

NEW DELHI (Metro Rail News): The 65.1-kilometre Delhi Metro Phase 4 project’s tunnel boring machine manufacturer Robbins finished the factory acceptance tests (FAT) on TBM 367 and TBM 372.

Afcons Infrastructure will use the 6.5 m diameter Earth Pressure Balance (EPB) machines that have been repaired. They were initially deployed to build Singapore MRT and brought to Robbins’ yard in Gurgaon’s Sector 74.

TBM 367 on Magenta Line

TBM 367 and 3 more Robbins machines will be deployed by Afcons to work on Package DC-05 of the 28.92 km Janakpuri West – RK Ashram extension of the Delhi Metro Magenta Line.

The 7.46 km subterranean section connects a ramp north of Derawal Nagar with RK Ashram with six stations—Derawal Nagar, Ghanta Ghar, Pulbangash (interchange with Red Line), Sadar Bazar, Nabi Karim, and Ramakrishna Ashram Marg.

Afcons won a contract of Rs. 2481.50 crores for Package DC-05 from Delhi Metro Rail Corporation (DMRC) in January 2022 with a 42-month deadline.

TBM 372 on Silver Line

Afcons will send out TBM 372, another Robbins machine, and two Herrenknecht machines to work on Package DC-07 of the 23.622 km Silver Line of the Delhi Metro, which connects 16 stations from Aerocity to Tughalakabad.

Package DC-07 would link the eastern end of Sangam Vihar Station and Sarita Vihar Depot through three stops at Maa Anandmayee Marg, Tughlakabad Railway Colony, and Tughlakabad, where it will interchange with the Violet Line station constructed in Phase 2.

Rs. 1669.20 crore contract for Package DC-07 was awarded in January 2022 with a 42-month completion period.

The other Robbins machine preparing for FAT for DC-07 is 364. According to reports, TBM S-1264 (Varada) from Bangalore Metro Phase 2 and TBM S-711 from Chennai Metro Phase 1 will be deployed by Afcons.

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Survey and preparation of DPR for seven HSR corridors have been undertaken

Staff Reporter

17/12/2022

MUMBAI (Metro Rail News): Currently, the Mumbai-Ahmedabad High-Speed Rail (MAHSR) Project is the only sanctioned High-Speed Rail project in the country being implemented with technical and financial assistance from the Government of Japan. Further, the Survey and preparation of a Detailed Project Report (DPR) for the following seven (7) High-Speed Rail (HSR) corridors have been undertaken:

(i) Delhi – Varanasi

(ii) Delhi -Ahmedabad

(iii) Mumbai-Nagpur

(iv) Mumbai -Hyderabad

(v) Chennai – Bangalore – Mysore

(vi) Delhi – Chandigarh – Amritsar

(vii) Varanasi – Howrah

Further, the Government has given “in-principle” approval for a pre-investment activity for the following two Semi High-Speed Rail (SHSR) Projects:-

(i) Thiruvananthapuram to Kasargod Semi High-Speed Rail (SilverLine) Project on Standard Gauge; and

(ii) Pune-Nasik Semi High-Speed Rail Project on Broad Gauge Line.

Both the Semi High-Speed Rail (SHSR) projects are to be executed by a Joint Venture company named Kerala Rail Development Corporation Limited (KRDCL) and Maharashtra Rail Infrastructure Development Corporation Limited (MRIDC) of the State Governments of Kerala and Maharashtra, respectively.

This information was given by the Minister of Railways, Communications and Electronic & Information Technology, Shri Ashwini Vaishnaw, in reply to a question in Rajya Sabha.

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USBRL : India’s long tunnel on Katra –Banihal section has a successful breakthrough

Staff Reporter

17/12/2022

USBRL : India’s long tunnel on Katra –Banihal section has a successful breakthrough

NEW DELHI (Metro Rail News): The USBRL (Udhampur Srinagar Baramulla Rail Link) is a National project undertaken by the Indian Railways to construct a broad-gauge railway line through the Himalayas, intending to connect the Kashmir region with the rest of the country.

On December 15^th, 2022, a significant milestone was achieved by executing the breakthrough of Escape Tunnel T-49 between the Sumber and Khari Stations on the Katra –Banihal section of the USBRL project.

The length of the escape tunnel is 12.895 km. This is the longest escape tunnel in India, and the line and level of the Tunnel are precisely achieved during the breakthrough of the Escape Tunnel. Shri S.P. Mahi, Chief administrative officer/USBRL, has achieved this breakthrough with his team of officials and staff.

It is a modified horseshoe shape tunnel connecting the Sumber Station yard on the Southside & Tunnel T-50 after crossing Bridge no.04 over Khoda Nallah on the North side, at Khoda village. The elevation of the South end at Sumberis is approx 1400.5 m and of the North end is 1558.84 m. The ruling gradient inside the Tunnel is 1 in 80. The boring was done from various faces from the South portal and north portal and through three Aditsi.e.Urnihal (323 m), HingniAdit (280m) & Kundan Adit (739m).

The Tunnel T-49 is a twin tube tunnel comprising the Main Tunnel (12.75 Kms.) & Escape Tunnel (12.895 Kms.) connected with 33 numbers of cross-passages at every cross-passage. The primary tunnel mining was completed, and the final lining works are progressing rapidly. The Tunnel is constructed as per International standards, in which provision of an Escape Tunnel has been made to facilitate rescue and restoration works in emergency cases. The Escape Tunnel passes through the Ramban formation of the Young Himalayas, and besides this, various distributaries/Nallahs of Chenab River like Khoda, Hingni, Kundan Nallah etc. Cross all along the alignment, making mining more of a highly challenging task.

Several Challenges were encountered during construction, such as shear zone, perched aquifer, highly jointed rock mass, rock problems of excessive squeezing and heavy water ingress. On the north end, the tunnel alignment passes through a fragile shear zone of carbonaceous phillite. The tunnel mining was challenging, and several surprises were met during tunnelling. Excessive deformations were recorded during tunnelling at several locations between Kundan and Seeran, but these challenges were successfully tackled professionally. Also, a major cavity was encountered in the escape tunnel on 21.03.2021 at Ch. 12/538 near the north portal due to extremely poor rock mass; the strength of Rock mass was not more than 5 MPA and RQD (Rock quality designation) <10, with damp to wet Groundwater Conditions. The calculated RMR( rock mass rating ) is 18, GSI( geological strength index) is 26, and Basic RMR ( Rock Mass Rating ) is 16. The vertical overburden near the cavity location was 150 m. The size of the cavity was about 3 m long and 15 m high from the crown, continuous flow of mass was also witnessed, and tunnelling in E.T. ( Escape Tunnel) was subsequently suspended. The tunnel face was immediately stabilised, and the fate was sealed. A detailed investigation was carried out, and a detailed methodology was finalised to attend to the cavity. The work was successfully carried out by negotiating the cavity.

The Tunnel was constructed by the New Austrian Tunnelling Method (NATM), a modern technique of drill and blast processes. Although the boring work of the Tunnel started from both directions up to the hand-shaking point, the precision of both ends meeting at one point was flawless. This is the result of meticulous planning and precise execution of tunnelling work, the line and level of the Tunnel perfectly matched in both portions after the breakthrough.

The team of experienced engineers of Indian Railways successfully negotiated all challenges and achieved the major milestone of the breakthrough of the Escape tunnel. Moreover, during the construction activities of the Tunnel, more than 75% of workers from nearby villages were engaged in various construction activities, thereby ushering a positive change in the overall socio-economic landscape of the region.

It is worth mentioning that the T-49 Tunnel (12.75 km) from Sumber to Sheeran village in Khari Tehsil area of Ramban district of Jammu and Kashmir UT is the longest transportation tunnel in the country. It is noteworthy to mention that there are three other tunnels on this project, the length of which are close to that of Tunnel T-49 and details for these are as follows :

Tunnel T48 = 10.20km(Breakthrough already achieved) between village Dharam- Sumber station
Tunnel T15= 11.25 km between Sangaldhan – Basindhadar stations
Pirpanjal Tunnel= 11.2km between Banihal – Qazigund stations

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TBM Bhadra achieves first tunnel breakthrough for Bangalore Metro Phase- II

Staff Reporter

17/12/2022

TBM Bhadra achieves first tunnel breakthrough for Bangalore Metro Phase- II

BANGALORE (Metro Rail News): The Tunnel Boring Machine (TBM), Bhadra, for the proposed Pink Line emerged at Shadi Mahal near Tannery Road on December 16 after tunnelling a distance of 1,066 metres. In June 2021, the machine was set up at Venkateshpura underground station to tunnel upward to K.G. Halli metro station.

According to Bangalore Metro Rail Corporation Limited (BMRCL) information, the machine finished the tunnel after 540 days. Tannery Road Station now features a 192-meter temporary tunnel for drive-through due to the machine.

The BMRCL is constructing a 14 km tunnel network from Dairy Circle to Nagawara as part of Phase II. The Namma Metro project’s contractors have operated nine tunnel boring machines. The line from Kalena Agrahara to Nagawara (Pink line) includes the tunnel system.

At Nagawara, this line will be integrated with the ORR airport line. The Pink Line is likely to be operational by 2024.

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RITES, KOEL sign MoU to explore business avenues

Staff Reporter

17/12/2022

RITES CSO Mr. Manobendra Ghoshal & KOEL MD Ms. Gauri Kirloskar at the MoU-signing ceremony in Gurugram

GURUGRAM (Metro Rail News): RITES Ltd., the leading Transport Infrastructure
Consultancy and Engineering company signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with Kirloskar Oil Engines Ltd. (KOEL) to jointly explore business opportunities for
supplies/services in the Export of Railway Rolling Stock, Infrastructure and Urban Transport for domestic and overseas markets.

As part of the MoU, RITES will provide expertise in design, marketing, operation &
maintenance, and any other support required for tapping business opportunities, while KOEL will be responsible for developing and manufacturing customized products. Mr Manobendra Ghoshal, Chief Strategy Officer (CSO) at RITES, said, “The collaboration with KOEL will not only create a platform to explore business avenues around the globe but also facilitate knowledge sharing to strengthen each other’s operations in promoting smart and sustainable infrastructure.”
Mr Vinod Menon, Vice President, KOEL, said, “The strategic partnership between RITES
and KOEL leverages the strengths of both organizations. While we at KOEL are focused on developing world-class products and services, RITES has outstanding design, technical expertise, and marketing capabilities. We look forward to a long and fruitful association.”

About RITES Limited:
RITES Limited, a Miniratna (Category – I) Schedule ‘A’ Public Sector Enterprise, is a leading player in India’s transport consultancy and engineering sector, having diversified services and geographical reach. With experience spanning 48 years, the company has undertaken projects in over 55 countries across Asia, Africa,
South America, and the Middle East region. It is the export arm of Indian Railways for providing rolling stock overseas.
About KOEL:
Kirloskar Oil Engines (KOEL), a flagship company of the Kirloskar Group, is amongst the leading and most prominent manufacturers of diesel engines. With the most extensive service networks, the company has business interests in various sectors such as manufacturing, oil and gas, power, construction and mining, agriculture, industry and transport.

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DMRC raises rights issue to generate Rs 7,131.28 crores for DAMEPL

Staff Reporter

16/12/2022

NEW DELHI (Metro Rail News): The Delhi Metro Rail Corporation (DMRC) has started a rights issue to generate Rs 7,131.28 crore to pay Delhi Airport Metro Express Private Ltd (DAMEPL) by the arbitration award.

The metro rail corporation has decided to issue shares with a face value of Rs. 1,000 each for a total of Rs. 7.13 crore. The rights issue has begun and will end on January 11, next year. The corporation announced the rights issue for both of its equity partners, the Government of India (GOI) and the Delhi government, according to the minutes of the 147th meeting of the Board of Directors of DMRC. The DMRC has so far declined to comment on the situation.

According to the meeting minutes, the DMRC, a joint venture between the Delhi government and the Government of India, has asked both parties to contribute Rs 3,565.64 crore each as equity. A company can generate more capital by issuing new equity shares to its current shareholders through a rights issue. At its meeting on December 13, the DMRC Board of Directors approved the rights issuance.

The GOI and Delhi government did not respond to DMRC’s proposal to share the entire arbitration award as CAPEX cost, leading to initiating the rights issue.

On September 9, 2021, the Supreme Court affirmed a Rs 7,000 crore arbitration judgement in favour of DAMEPL. The DMRC reportedly attempted to obtain bank loans to pay DAMEPL its award money but then warned the Delhi High Court that doing so would put the business in danger of falling into a debt trap because it would be unable to pay back the loans with its income.

According to reports, the DMRC asked the Delhi and GOI governments for financial support.

Payment to DAMEPL

DMRC launched a Rights issue of Rs 7,131.28 cr

The DMRC decided to offer 7.13 crore shares with a face value of Rs 1,000 each to equity stakeholders- Government of India (GOI) and the Delhi government.

Both stakeholders are to infuse Rs 3,565.64 crore each through their equity contribution.

The same proceeds will be used to pay DAMEPL against the arbitration award.

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Alstom will supply an additional 49 Coradia Stream trains to Renfe in Spain

Staff Reporter

16/12/2022

Alstom will supply an additional 49 Coradia Stream trains to Renfe in Spain

SPAIN (Metro Rail News): Alstom, a global leader in smart and sustainable mobility, has been awarded a contract worth nearly €370 million to supply 49 additional Coradia Stream high-capacity trains to Renfe in Spain. These trains will supplement the 152 trains already ordered in March 2021. The two orders totalled €1.8 billion for 201 trains (including the supply of spare parts and the maintenance of 56 trains for 15 years).

All trains will be manufactured at the manufacturing site of Alstom’s Santa Perpetua, Barcelona. To carry out this project, the site is undergoing an unprecedented investment and digitalisation plan, including creating the biggest automatised workshop within the Alstom Group.

Leopoldo Maestu states, “This is a historical project for Alstom in Spain, not only because of its scale, but also because it is a project built on a global sustainability concept – beginning at the tendering and design phase.”

“This is a historic project for Alstom in Spain, not only because of its scale, but also because it is a project built on a global sustainability concept – beginning at the tendering and design phase. The trains are fully accessible, designed with all passengers in mind, sustainably developed according to eco-design criteria, and replete with innovative features both in the design and the manufacturing process. In a few short years, we will see these trains running in our cities, but their social, environmental and economic impact is already a reality,” says Leopoldo Maestu, Managing Director of Alstom Spain and Portugal.

The trains, part of Alstom’s Coradia proven platform, will allow Renfe to transport at least 20% more passengers per hour through the country’s busiest railway hubs, including Madrid and Barcelona. They will each be 100 metres long and have a total capacity of 900 passengers. In addition, they boast an innovative mixed-configuration design, with both single and double-deck cars designed specifically to meet the evolving mobility needs of major urban centres.

Designed to optimise capacity, availability and sustainability

The design of the new trains enables maximum capacity for passengers, thanks to innovative interior configuration and flexible spaces. Numerous access doors and large distribution halls facilitate the entry and exit of passengers, allowing a decrease in station stop times. In addition, the trains offer universal accessibility, Wi-Fi connectivity and dedicated areas for bicycles and pushchairs. Alstom’s proven technology also expands availability and line usage via more efficient traction systems and the latest generation of train control technology.

Fully developed in line with eco-design criteria, from the selection of the raw materials to traction systems, all the new trains for Renfe will be a benchmark in sustainable operations, thanks to optimal energy efficiency during operation and a recyclability rate of over 98% at the end of its service life.

With more than 3,000 employees, Alstom in Spain has a long industrial and technological history, including four industrial centres, four technology sites and a presence in more than twenty maintenance workshops. Among others, Alstom has an industrial plant in Barcelona dedicated to the manufacture of all types of rolling stock, a propulsion system factory in Bizkaia, and in Madrid, different technological innovation centres for the development of programmes and projects in the fields of railway safety, signalling, maintenance and digital mobility.

Alstom’s Coradia series of modular trains benefit from more than 30 years of continuous development and proven technical solutions. Around 3,900 Coradia regional trains have been sold, and more than 3,000 are currently operating in Denmark, France, Germany, Italy, Luxembourg, the Netherlands, Sweden and Canada. The platform offers a full range of emission-free solutions, including battery or hydrogen versions for non-electrified lines.

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