A Journal on Metro & Railway

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16/05/2018

Delhi Metro | DMRC all set to open Kalkaji Mandir – Janakpuri West section for public on May 24

New Delhi: After receiving safety clearance from Commissioner of Metro Railway Safety (CMRS) on Tuesday, the Delhi Metro Rail Corporation (DMRC) is set to open the remaining part of its Magenta Line between Kalkaji Mandir – Janakpuri West on 24 May 2018. DMRC set tentative progarmme for flagging off ceremony of Kalkaji Mandir – Janakpuri (West) section of Magenta Line.

Tentative Programme for the flagging off ceremony of Kalkaji Mandir - Janakpuri West Section on 24th May 2018 — Tentative Programme for the flagging off ceremony of Kalkaji Mandir – Janakpuri West Section on 24th May 2018 (Source: DMRC)

According to the programme scheduled Union Minister of Housing & Urban Affairs (MoHUA) Hardeep Singh Puri and Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal will jointly flag off the first train movement in section covering a long distance of 25.6 km. This section is part of Magenta Line (Line-8) which covering a total distance of 38.23km between Botanical Garden – Janakpuri corridor under Phase III project of DMRC.

Delhi Metro: Magenta Line Route Map — Expansion of Delhi Metro Rail Network after fully opening of Magenta Line (Line-8)

After opening of this section, metro passenger from Noida and South Delhi will be able to commute directly to the IGI Airport. This section will also cover the high density population area like Vihar, Munirka and RK Puram.

DMRC is expecting increase in footfall of over 4 lakh daily passengers.

International Rail Coach Expo (IRCE) to kick off from Thursday

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16/05/2018

International Rail Coach Expo (IRCE) to kick off from Thursday

Chennai: The International Rail Coach Expo (IRCE) is all set to roll the carpets for reputed rail car and equipment builders in Chennai. The three-day expo that begins from Thursday will for the first time highlight rail coaches and train sets. The exhibition is ideal platform for those looking to showcasing their innovative products and technology to a worldwide audience.

IRCE is a unique expo as it aims to bring various suppliers on one platform in order to create synergised association and partnering in Make in India initiative. The expo is organised and managed by Coach Factory, popularly known as ICF, under the Ministry of Railways, in coordination with CII (Confederation of Indian Industries) and RITES Ltd. – a PSU under Ministry of Railways

Key Features of the Expo are as follows:

Selected Rail Coach and train sets for exhibit for the first time in India
100+ exhibitors from 10+ countries
Conferences/seminars on focused subjects on Rail Coach and Train sets
Key brands from rail coach and train sets will be displaying innovative products and future technologies
Exclusive platform to meet and connect as well as interact with the decision makers and senior officials of ICF and other Indian Railway production units
Display of Rolling Stock designs viz. train sets for 160 kmph
Rolling stock designs including interiors, passenger amenities and other comfort features will be displayed
Development of Rolling Stock including emerging technologies in the manufacture of train coaches with Stainless Steel, Aluminium Car body and others
The development of High-Speed Trains and the options available for Indian Railways

The IRCE will be inaugurated on Thursday and Hon’ble Governor of Tamil Nadu, Minister of State of Railways, Minister for Industries Tamil Nadu, Chairman Railway Board, Railway Board Members, General Managers and other head of departments from all Indian Railways will grace the inaugural function.

This exhibition attracts a diverse range of public including designers, train enthusiasts, developers and railway suppliers.

Kolkata Metro | BT Road Metro route likely to be scrapped by Govt

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16/05/2018

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Kolkata Metro | BT Road Metro route likely to be scrapped by Govt

Kolkata: The much talked about Barrackpore Metro link that was scheduled to laid through BT Road and a stretch be built underground might now be taken through Kalyani Expressway. This moves comes after the engineering consultancy RITES submitted its report to state government.

In its report RITES has reported that is it possible to divert the Baranagar-Barrackpore route for metro rail project. The experts in the reports have suggested that between Noapara and Kalyani Expressway the tracks can pass underground for about 2km, which is a congested residential area.

Building tracks on ground would mean razing the residential properties falling on the proposed stretch. As per the proposal the underground stretch can be construction between Noapara and Nimta, informed officials.

The catch to the proposal is that by building underground stretch, the cost of the project is likely to escalate. This proposed project ironically has not taken off in last seven years.

Commuters are hoping that some work on the project begins soon.

The ministry of railway in its statement said that is the tracks are laid on ground it would cost around Rs 175 crores. If the same is build underground, the cost will shoot up to 400 crores.

As per the railway officials, if 2 km stretch is made, it would cost an additional of 45 crores. They will consider the suggestions made by RITES and are also accessing financial responsibilities if the recommendations are accepted. The main concern is the if the routes are diverted, who is going to bear the additional cost burden – railway ministry of state government.

The government is contrasting view to the Metro project on BT Road for fear of underground water pipelines getting badly damaged owing to metro work.

In its report RITES has clearly recommended that it would be a wise move to shift the metro track route to the east of BT Road along Kalyani Expressway where there’s meager populace.

Delhi Metro | CMRS issues safety clearance to open remaining section of Magenta Line

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15/05/2018

Delhi Metro | CMRS issues safety clearance to open remaining section of Magenta Line

New Delhi: The Commissioner for Metro Railway Safety (CMRS) has today issued safety clearance along with certain conditions to Delhi Metro Rail Corporation (DMRC) on completion of his safety inspection of remaining section 25.6 km of Magenta Line between Kalakaji Mandir – Janakpuri West (Line-8). CMRS Shri S.K. Pathak along with his team have completed safety inspection on the Kalakaji Mandir – Janakpuri West section from 7- 10th May 2018. Here are the detailed report-

CMRS Safety Certificate to DMRC

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In his detailed report, he directed DMRC to after fulfillment of all conditions and rectification of observations given in Inspection report DMRC should open metro services on this section before 30th June 2018.

After opening of this section entire Magenta line of DMRC will be in service of public.

Mumbai Metro | DMRC feels 1st class metro coach may reduce carrying capacity

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15/05/2018

Mumbai Metro | DMRC feels 1st class metro coach may reduce carrying capacity

Mumbai: With Mumbai Metropolitan Region Development Authority (MMRDA) planning to introduce first-class metro compartments in its upcoming projects, Delhi Metro Rail Corporation (DMRC) feels this might decrease carrying capacity.

DMRC feels that the present metro compartments already have one compartment reserved for women. With introduction of first-class compartments in metro, the carrying capacity is likely to be affected.

A DMRC official had expressed that out of six coaches that will be part of Mumbai Metro, MMRDA is planning to reserve half a coach for first class compartment. This move might impact the carrying capacity and also discourage commuters to take metro over other public transport. DMRC plays an instrumental role in metro rail projects as it build Metro Corridors across the country. It is also helping MMRDA in construction of metro corridors in the Mumbai Metropolitan Region (MMR).

MMRDA officials feel that by introducing first class compartments, it will be able to attract car riders to take metro, thereby reducing traffic. DMRC officials on the other hand explained that similar initiative was taken by Chennai Metro and it was not successful.

Additional Metropolitan Commissioner, MMRDA, Pravin Darade in media briefing shared that introducing first class compartments will not impact carrying capacity. He further explained that if traffic increases, they plan to add two more coaches to accommodate the rush. Darade also shared that they planned to offer advance booking facilities along with Wi-Fi connectivity as well as USB charging ports within metro stations and coaches.

MMRDA is making steady progress in terms of laying down metro lines. It has already started the process of procuring metro trains for three corridors for metro stations. These include DN Nagar-Mandale Metro-2B corridor, the Dahisar East-Andheri East Metro-7 corridor and Dahisar – DN Nagar Metro-2A corridor. Together these three metro stations will handle 15 lakh passengers on daily basis.

Surat Metro | Gujarat Govt and SMC will have equal participation in metro rail project

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15/05/2018

Surat Metro | Gujarat Govt and SMC will have equal participation in metro rail project

Surat: After the commencement of the metro in the city, the surcharges on the Surat Metro project will be equally divided into the state government and Surat Municipal Corporation (SMC). In the amendment of the DPR, the Municipal Administration has recommended Metro surcharge. The decision will be made in the meeting of the Standing Committee on Thursday.

The metro train for the city may be a good dream right now, but when this dream will come true, its surcharge is set to hit the Suratians. The SMC administration has written letter to government to introduce surcharge for metro services. After the approval from the Standing Committee, the formalities of the execution will be done. In view of the provision of Metro Rail to the Suratians, the Municipal Administration has prepared a proposal for charging surcharges.

According to this, 10 percent of Metro surcharge will be levied on the property’s registry. Half of this will go to the State Government and some part on the account of Municipal Corporation. The Municipal Administration has recommended Metro surcharge on the taxes levied on property. Its rate is not fixed at the moment, but this amount will come to the part of the corporation.

After the change in the central government’s metro policy, the executive body Delhi Metro Rail Corporation (DMRC) had sent the revised DPR to the SMC. While making policy modifications at the local level, the draft administration draft prepared by the SMC has sent it to the Standing Committee for approval.

This will be decided in the meeting of the committee which will be held on Thursday. After approval from the revised DPR, the state government agency will be sent to Mega.

Apart from this, a proposal to remove the barrier coming in the Tapi bridge connecting Pal-Umra was also included in the meeting agenda. The land has to be amended to complete the work of this bridge stuck for years. The decision to settle the matter of the affected people and the proposal for land acquisition has to be decided. A proposal for supply of 24 times seven water supply in Pal Palanpur and Vesu will also be discussed. In the Agenda, a proposal to run a battery operated trolley has been included in the Zoo Museum located in Saratana.

Chandigarh Metro | After spending Rs 1.5 crores on survey, no work on metro rail project

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15/05/2018

Chandigarh Metro | After spending Rs 1.5 crores on survey, no work on metro rail project

Chandigarh: Chandigarh metro rail entangled in files for more than 11 years of spending crores rupees on the survey, will ever come on track? After spending around Rs 1.5 crore on DPR and preparation of surveys, Urban Development Ministry and MP Kirron Kher have questioned its practicality.

Now MP Kirron Kher said that there is no requirement to run metro rail in the City. Earlier, former MP Pawan Bansal also used to argue the same, but now he is advocating Metro Rail due to the increasing traffic problem in the city. Former MP Satpal Jain is also supporting metro rail project in the city.

Kirron Kher not in favour of metro rail in Chandigarh — Kirron Kher Member of Parliament from Chandigarh

In a meeting of the committee held under the chairmanship of Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh in July last year, MP Kher also opposed the metro rail project in Chandigarh. The meeting was also attended by City Administrator VP Singh Bandour and other members. There is no clearance from Urban Development Ministry.

Discussion started in the year 2006 to start metro rail project for Chandigarh. In 2012, Delhi Metro Rail Corporation (DMRC) had also prepared a detailed project report (DPR) for Chandigarh Metro rail project. According to the DPR, initial project cost including land cost and tax was estimated to be approximately Rs 10,900 crores. A 37-km metro track was proposed for the city, whereas for Punjab there was a track length of 7.8 km and 6.41 km for Panchkula. The Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between Haryana, Punjab and UT Administration was also signed, but the Ministry of Urban Development has not yet given its approval for the project.

Chandigarh Metro Proposed Route map — Proposed Route Map for Chandigarh Metro Rail Project

Past development in the Chandigarh Metro rail project

In 2012, Delhi Metro Rail Corporation prepared a detailed project report (DPR) and handed over to the Administrator of Chandigarh
In the presence of Capt. Singh Solanki, the then Administrator of Chandigarh and Governor of Haryana in 2015, Additional Chief Secretary of Haryana and Secretary of the Planning Department P Raghavendra Rao signed the MoU. Secretary, Town and Planning, Punjab, A Venu Prasad, Advisor to Administration, Vijay Kumar Devne, three parties have named a special purpose vehicle (SPV) to execute the project in the form of the Greater Chandigarh Transport Corporation (GCTC)
GCTC’s initial equity was fixed at Rs 100 crores, which was to contribute 25 percent equally by Central Government, Administration, Haryana and Punjab.
In the first phase, 37.573 km Metro Rail network was to be constructed, in which 23.468 km of at ground level and 14.105 km of underground corridor was to be constructed.
Four corridors were fixed for this metro project.

Chennai Metro | CMRL likely to open key lines in 2 weeks of Anna Salai stations

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15/05/2018

Chennai Metro | CMRL likely to open key lines in 2 weeks of Anna Salai stations

Chennai: The ambitious and first underground metro station stretch in Chennai Metro is most likely to be other stations on Anna Salai. It was last year the project was kick started for the Thirumangalam and Nehru Park via Poonamallee High Road stretch, now the CMRL officials post inspection would soon open other stations on route together with a part of Central Metro as well as stations on Anna Salai.

CMRS completed safety inspection of Chennai Metro

It was on Monday that the first leg of inspections of these lines was started by the commissioner of metro rail safety. If the inspection reports are satisfactory, the routes will get a go-ahead by the CMRL officials.

CMRL further informed that they will unlock metro rail stretches from Nehru Park to Central Metro and Little Mount to AG-DMS before the end of this month.

CMRS completed safety inspection of Chennai Metro Underground Section

The inspection was started by the commission of railway safety (CRS), under the ministry of civil aviation, headed by the railway safety commissioner K A Manoharan, have already started the inspections at the Shenoy Nagar station.

The CMRS officials have informed that they had verified all documents connected to the stations and tunnels that CMRL had furnished prior to the inspections. Prior to the CMRS inspection, an independent safety evaluation was also and metro rail have received a certificate for the line between Shenoy Nagar and Central stations.

At Central Metro, the team will verify the upper track to Egmore and beyond on Poonamallee High Road and the concourse level. The lower track level linking Washermenpet on one side and Anna Salai via May Day Park on the other is not yet completed.

K A Manoharan shared that his team will be accessing various parameters with regards to safety. They will check tunnels, calibrations of the trains as well witness mock fire fighting drills to determine the competence of the tunnel aeration and exhaust system.

When the lines are made operational, commuters will be able to take a direct ride on the transit system from Central Metro to Koyambedu and the airport via stations on Poonamallee High Road. Travellers from Anna Salai will manage to get through the airport in 30 minutes or carry on to CMBT after changing corridors at Alandur.

Bahadurgarh Metro | New controversy over demand for name change of city park metro station

Metro Rail News

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15/05/2018