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Milestone for India’s rail manufacturing: RCF Kapurthala enters the Vande Bharat production race

Kapil Saini
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Milestone for India’s rail manufacturing: RCF Kapurthala enters the Vande Bharat production race

KAPURTHALA (Metro Rail News): In the wake of the government’s push to increase the Vande Bharat fleet across the country, the Rail Coach Factory, Kapurthala, rolled out its first Vande Bharat train on March 31, 2026.

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RCF Kapurthala is rolling out the first Vande Bharat. Image Credit: Ansuman

Previously, Vande Bharat trains were being produced only by ICF Chennai. With RCF Kapurthala’s milestone, the production of Vande Bharat trains is expected to speed up to support the government’s long-term vision of deploying 4,500 Vande Bharat trains by 2047. This success also reflects India’s increasing rail manufacturing capacity.

However, before the train enters passenger service, it will be thoroughly tested on various parameters, including speed, safety, and overall performance.

Vande Bharat trains started operations in 2018, and since then, this semi-high-speed train service has expanded to many cities. Currently, over 164 Vande Bharat trains are operational across India.

As India accelerates toward its target of 4,500 Vande Bharat trains by 2047, RCF Kapurthala’s entry into the production fold is a pivotal step, one that shifts the programme from a single-factory endeavour to a national manufacturing mission.

Also Read: Centre turns down Greater Noida Metro project, demands fresh DPR 

Discover how AI is bringing the next phase of sustainable urban rail mobility for Viksit Bharat at InnoMetro 2026, India’s prime exhibition and conference for metro & railways, which is going to be held on 21-22 May 2026 at Bharat Mandapam, New Delhi.

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Creative Entrepreneurs wins ₹25.27 Cr contract for electrical utility shifting along Delhi-Panipat-Karnal Namo Bharat Corridor

Staff Reporter
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Creative Entrepreneurs wins ₹25.27 Cr contract for electrical utility shifting along Delhi-Panipat-Karnal Namo Bharat Corridor

DELHI (Metro Rail News): The National Capital Region Transport Corporation (NCRTC) has awarded a contract worth ₹25.27 crore to M/s Creative Entrepreneurs LLP  for the supply, installation, testing, commissioning, shifting, and modification of electrical utilities along the Delhi-Panipat-Karnal Namo Bharat corridor. The work covers the Bhalswa to Narela stretch and includes the dismantling and relocation of street lights infringing the corridor alignment. The contract was formally awarded on April 2, 2026, with a stipulated completion period of 365 days.

Contract at a Glance

Awarding AuthorityNational Capital Region Transport Corporation (NCRTC)
CorridorDelhi – Panipat – Karnal Namo Bharat
Stretch CoveredBhalswa to Narela
Contract DateApril 2, 2026
Contract Period365 days
Contract Amount₹25.27 Crore (Approx.) b
Exact Award Amount₹25,26,98,331.85
Awarded FirmM/s Creative Entrepreneurs LLP
Utility Agency InvolvedTata Power Delhi Distribution Ltd. (TPDDL)

Scope of Work

The awarded contract encompasses a comprehensive package of electrical utility work critical to clearing the Right of Way (RoW) for the Namo Bharat corridor between Bhalswa and Narela. The work includes shifting and modification of high-voltage 33kV and 11kV lines, along with Low Tension (LT) distribution infrastructure managed by TPDDL, which currently infringes upon the proposed corridor alignment.

In addition, street light poles standing within the corridor footprint are to be dismantled and relocated as part of the same contract package. With a 365-day completion window, the contractor is expected to execute and hand over all utility-related clearances within the next twelve months.

Delhi-Panipat-Karnal Corridor

The Delhi–Panipat–Karnal Namo Bharat corridor is among the key planned extensions of India’s Regional Rapid Transit System (RRTS) network. The 136.3-km corridor, estimated at ₹33,051 crore, will connect Sarai Kale Khan in Delhi to Panipat, with a further extension to Karnal in Haryana. The Bhalswa–Narela stretch forms part of the initial Delhi section of this high-speed regional transit corridor.

Also Read: Centre turns down Greater Noida Metro project, demands fresh DPR 

Discover how AI is bringing the next phase of sustainable urban rail mobility for Viksit Bharat at InnoMetro 2026, India’s prime exhibition and conference for metro & railways, which is going to be held on 21-22 May 2026 at Bharat Mandapam, New Delhi.

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Centre turns down Greater Noida Metro project, demands fresh DPR 

Kapil Saini
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Centre turns down Greater Noida Metro project, demands fresh DPR 

NOIDA(Metro Rail News): The proposed Metro corridor for Greater Noida West has faced another delay after the Union Ministry of Urban Development rejected the revised Detailed Project Report (DPR).

The Centre has raised objections over procedural and technical issues, stating that the revised submission was not an independent report. Officials have now been asked to prepare a fresh DPR from scratch, which is expected to delay the project further.

Why the DPR Was Rejected

The project was initially planned as a 16-station corridor and had received state cabinet approval. Later, the alignment was changed due to the RRTS, and the plan was reduced to five stations.

However, instead of preparing a fresh DPR, authorities revised the earlier document and submitted it again. The Centre did not accept this approach and said that a separate DPR is required for the modified project.

Officials have made it clear that any revised plan must be prepared independently, undergo technical review, and receive state approval before being sent to the Centre.

Delays Raise Planning Concerns

The repeated rejection has raised questions about coordination between state and central agencies. It remains unclear whether the issue was due to a lack of clarity on procedures or an attempt to speed up approvals.

For now, the Centre has clearly stated that the proper process must be followed. The Metro project has been a key factor for real estate growth in the area. Earlier announcements had increased buyer interest and property values. However, continued delays are affecting demand, with many buyers taking a cautious approach. Developers are also facing challenges due to the lack of confirmed Metro connectivity.

According to Noida Authority CEO Krishna Karunesh, a new DPR will be prepared after completing all required approvals, as reported by Network18.

The process will include fresh planning, technical evaluation, and state cabinet clearance before submission to the Centre. This is likely to take several months. For now, the Metro project for Greater Noida West remains uncertain, with timelines pushed further ahead.

Also Read: Delhi Metro Phase 4: Bids Invited for UIC-60 turnouts, crossovers for Line-08 extension

Discover how AI is bringing the next phase of sustainable urban rail mobility for Viksit Bharat at InnoMetro 2026, India’s prime exhibition and conference for metro & railways, which is going to be held on 21-22 May 2026 at Bharat Mandapam, New Delhi.

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DMRC Awards ₹17.21 Cr Contract for Electrical Utility Shifting on Rithala-Kundli Corridor

Staff Reporter
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DMRC Awards ₹17.21 Cr Contract for Electrical Utility Shifting on Rithala-Kundli Corridor

DELHI (Metro Rail News): The Delhi Metro Rail Corporation (DMRC) has issued a Letter of Acceptance (LOA) to M/s Creative Entrepreneurs LLP for Contract, covering the supply, installation, testing, and commissioning for shifting and modification of 33kV, 11kV, and LT electrical utilities of TPDDL, along with dismantling of street light poles infringing in the Delhi portion of the Rithala-Kundli Corridor under Delhi Metro Phase-IV.

The contract has been awarded at a total value of ₹17.21 crore. The LOA was issued on March 30, 2026, following the opening of the financial bid on March 20, 2026.

Contract Information

LOA Reference No.DMRC/20/IV-163/2025
Contract No.D2EUD-01
Date of LOAMarch 30, 2026
Awarded ToM/s Creative Entrepreneurs LLP
Contractor AddressA/3/332, Sector-08, Rohini, Delhi – 110085
Contract Value (Incl. GST)₹17,21,30,870.51 (Approx. ₹17.21 Crore)
Supplier ClassificationClass-I Local Supplier
e-Tender Submission OpenedDecember 9, 2025
Financial Bid OpenedMarch 20, 2026
Issuing AuthorityDelhi Metro Rail Corporation Ltd.

Scope of Work

Supply, Installation, Testing & Commissioning for Shifting / Modification of 33kV, 11kV & LT Electrical Utilities of TPDDL and dismantling of Street Lights Poles infringing in Delhi Portion of Rithala Kundli Corridor of Delhi Metro Phase IV.

The Rithala-Kundli corridor is a key extension under Delhi Metro Phase-IV, connecting Delhi with Haryana. Shifting and modification of existing electrical utilities, particularly high-voltage TPDDL infrastructure, is a critical prerequisite for civil construction along the corridor. The award of this contract is crucial in clearing the Right of Way (RoW) for the Phase-IV alignment in the Delhi portion.

Also Read: Delhi Metro Phase 4: Bids Invited for UIC-60 turnouts, crossovers for Line-08 extension

Discover how AI is bringing the next phase of sustainable urban rail mobility for Viksit Bharat at InnoMetro 2026, India’s prime exhibition and conference for metro & railways, which is going to be held on 21-22 May 2026 at Bharat Mandapam, New Delhi.

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Delhi Metro Invites Bids for Design Consultant for Central Vista Depot Under Phase-V

Kapil Saini
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Delhi Metro Invites Bids for Design Consultant for Central Vista Depot Under Phase-V

DELHI (Metro Rail News): The Delhi Metro Rail Corporation (DMRC) has floated a tender for the engagement of a Detailed Design Consultant (DDC) for architectural and electrical & mechanical (E&M) design works for the Central Vista Depot, to be developed adjoining Line-8’s Majlis Park station as part of Delhi MRTS Phase-V. The scope covers design works at both grade and elevated levels at the proposed depot site.

Tender Information

OrganisationDelhi Metro Rail Corporation Limited (Central Vista)
Tender Reference No.PD/CV/E-03
Tender ID2026_DMRC_904286_1
Tender Value₹3,19,00,000
Tender Fee₹23,600 (Non-refundable)
EMD Amount₹3,76,543
Pre-Bid MeetingApril 9, 2026 – 11:00 AM
Bid Submission StartApril 17, 2026 – 9:00 AM
Bid Submission EndApril 23, 2026 – 3:00 PM
Bid Opening DateApril 24, 2026 – 3:00 PM

Scope of work: 

Engagement of Detailed Design Consultant (DDC) for Architectural and E&M design works for Central Vista Depot (adjoining Line-8 Majlis Park station) at Grade & at Elevated level, for Delhi MRTS Phase-V.  

The Central Vista Depot is a critical infrastructure node for Delhi Metro’s Phase-V expansion. Its design, both at grade and elevated, will determine the long-term operational capacity of the corridor adjoining Line-8 (Pink Line). The engagement of a Detailed Design Consultant at this stage signals that DMRC is actively advancing the engineering groundwork for the project.

Also Read: Delhi Metro Phase 4: Bids Invited for UIC-60 turnouts, crossovers for Line-08 extension

Also Read: PM Modi Inaugurates Pink and Magenta Line Extensions of Delhi Metro Phase 4

Discover how AI is bringing the next phase of sustainable urban rail mobility for Viksit Bharat at InnoMetro 2026, India’s prime exhibition and conference for metro & railways, which is going to be held on 21-22 May 2026 at Bharat Mandapam, New Delhi.

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MMRDA seeks ₹14,100Cr in loans to build two Mumbai Metro lines

Kapil Saini
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MMRDA seeks ₹14,100Cr in loans to build two Mumbai Metro lines

MUMBAI(Metro Rail News): The Mumbai Metropolitan Region Development Authority (MMRDA) has formally invited banks and financial institutions to express their interest in providing a long-term Rupee Term Loan of up to ₹14,100 crore, as the authority plans to start development of two crucial Mumbai Metro lines.

The Expression of Interest (EOI) notice, released on 30 March 2026, covers Metro Line 10 connecting Gaimukh to Shivaji Chowk in Mira Road, and Metro Line 12, which will run between Kalyan and Taloja. Together, the two corridors form a key pillar of the Mumbai Metropolitan Region’s long-term transit strategy.

Tender Information

Tender Id2026_MMRDA_1291270_1
Tender noMMRDA/FA/EOI FUND RAISING/METRO/2026
Loan amount₹14,100 crore
Pre-bid meeting10 April 2026
Final submission of In-Principle Sanction 22 April 2026

About Mumbai Metro Lines 10 & 12

Metro Line 10, running from Gaimukh to Shivaji Chowk in Mira Road, targets the dense, rapidly urbanising belt along the Western Express Highway’s northern fringe, a zone that has grown faster than its infrastructure for decades. Metro Line 12, connecting Kalyan to Taloja, bridges a critical gap in the MMR’s eastern suburban corridor, linking two nodes that currently depend almost entirely on road connectivity.

MMRDA is explicitly seeking long-term Rupee Term Loans, which means it is looking for domestic institutional capital rather than external commercial borrowing, a structuring choice that has implications for interest rate exposure and repayment flexibility.

For rail infrastructure developers, this is a crucial procedural moment. An EOI of this scale signals that MMRDA is moving from planning to procurement and that the financial structuring of these two corridors is now a live process.

Discover how AI is bringing the next phase of sustainable urban rail mobility for Viksit Bharat at InnoMetro 2026, India’s prime exhibition and conference for metro & railways, which is going to be held on 21-22 May 2026 at Bharat Mandapam, New Delhi.

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Western Dedicated Freight Corridor completed: A big shift in India’s logistic sector

Kapil Saini
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Western Dedicated Freight Corridor completed: A big shift in India’s logistic sector

DFCCIL has achieved a historic milestone in rail freight by conducting successful trials on the JNPT-New Saphale (Vaitarna), which is the last  102 km section of the Western Dedicated Freight Corridor, on 31st March 2026. This trial run on the last section signals the completion of the entire WDFC.

The trial itself was operationally straightforward: two container trains ran simultaneously in opposite directions at 11:50 hrs, one electric-hauled from JNPT toward New Saphale, one diesel-powered in the reverse direction.

Also Read: Milestone for Railways: ICF to roll out India’s first Vande Bharat Freight train for RDSO trials

Why this section matters disproportionately

The JNPT-Vaitarna stretch is not just the last piece of the WDFC puzzle; it is arguably the most strategically critical. JNPT handles roughly 55% of India’s containerised cargo. A direct, dedicated rail link to the freight corridor network means port dwell times can drop, and container movement can be decoupled from the chronically congested Mumbai road network.

According to DFCCIL, full commissioning of this section will reduce freight train transit times by nearly four hours a figure that may sound modest but has compounding effects on asset utilisation, rolling turnaround, and ultimately, the cost per tonne-kilometre that makes rail competitive against road.

India’s Railways has long struggled to hold its share in freight movement against an aggressive road transport sector. The modal share of rail in freight was once over 80% in the 1950s, but has declined steadily, hovering now under 30%. The DFC project was conceived precisely to reverse this trajectory by offering speed, reliability, and capacity that the legacy network burdened by passenger traffic simply cannot provide.

With both the Eastern and Western corridors now approaching full operationalisation, the network effect begins to kick in and that is where the real economic argument lies.

The trial run is a technical green light, not a commercial one. The commissioning timeline, the tariff structure for port-linked freight, and the pace of private terminal development along the corridor will determine how quickly the WDFC translates from an engineering achievement into a logistics market disruptor. 

Discover how AI is bringing the next phase of sustainable urban rail mobility for Viksit Bharat at InnoMetro 2026, India’s prime exhibition and conference for metro & railways, which is going to be held on 21-22 May 2026 at Bharat Mandapam, New Delhi.

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Kanpur Metro’s tunnelling work completed with TBM Parvati’s breakthrough at Double Pulia Station

Kapil Saini
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Kanpur Metro’s tunnelling work completed with TBM Parvati’s breakthrough at Double Pulia Station

KANPUR (Metro Rail News): Kanpur Metro’s underground construction journey has reached a landmark moment. The tunnelling work for the Kanpur Metro Phase 1 project has been officially completed with the final tunnel breakthrough of TBM Parvati at Double Pulia Station on March 30, 2026.

About the Breakthrough

Double Pulia Station is part of Corridor 2, which stretches approximately 8.38 km between Agriculture University and Barra-8. The completion of tunnelling on this corridor brings the Kanpur Metro project closer to its operational goals, with underground civil work now wrapped up.

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TBM Parvati, technically designated as S-840C, is a refurbished Ø6.5m Herrenknecht mixed-shield Earth Pressure Balance (EPB) tunnel boring machine. It holds the distinction of being the 7th TBM commissioned for the underground tunnelling works of Kanpur Metro Phase 1.

This was not TBM Parvati’s first contribution to the project. In its earlier drive, the machine had successfully constructed a 750-metre tunnel for the upline stretch between Rawtapur and Kakedeo before being deployed for this final, decisive breakthrough at Double Pulia.

The tunnelling work was executed by KPIL–Gulermak JV under package KNPCC-11. The successful completion reflects the precision, technical expertise, and on-ground coordination of the teams involved in delivering one of Kanpur’s most ambitious urban infrastructure projects.

The completion of tunnelling is more than just a construction update  it signals that Kanpur Metro is firmly on track. With underground civil work now behind them, the focus shifts to systems installation, station finishing, and eventually trial runs. For a city long awaiting a modern mass transit solution, TBM Parvati’s final breakthrough is a moment that brings that reality closer.

Also Read: Milestone for Railways: ICF to roll out India’s first Vande Bharat Freight train for RDSO trials

Discover how AI is bringing the next phase of sustainable urban rail mobility for Viksit Bharat at InnoMetro 2026, India’s prime exhibition and conference for metro & railways, which is going to be held on 21-22 May 2026 at Bharat Mandapam, New Delhi.

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Surat Metro trial runs begin between Dream City and Althan Tenement Station

Kapil Saini
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Surat Metro trial runs begin between Dream City and Althan Tenement Station

SURAT (Metro Rail News): The Surat Metro project has gained momentum with Gujarat Metro Rail Corporation Limited (GMRCL) initiating the trial runs on the 8.5 km viaduct between Dream City and Althan Tenement Station on March 29. This elevated section is part of the first corridor, which spans 21.61 km between Sarthana and Dream City.

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Image Credit: Er. Irshad Alam

The trials will run for approximately 15 days, during which all crucial components, including safety mechanisms, security protocols, and technical capabilities, will be thoroughly tested to ensure the system’s readiness for operations.

But that’s not the end of it. After internal trials wrap up, RDSO (Research Designs and Standards Organisation) and CMRS (Commissioner of Metro Rail Safety) will step in for their own thorough inspections covering the trains, tracks, infrastructure, and signalling systems. A green light from CMRS is mandatory before commercial operations can begin.

Progress So Far

Looking at the overall progress of the Surat Metro project, officials have confirmed that construction of 7 stations has been completed so far.

A Closer Look at Surat Metro Phase 1

Screenshot 2026 03 31 114553

Surat Metro Phase 1 covers a total length of approximately 40 km across two corridors. The first corridor stretches 21.61 km between Sarthana and Dream City, establishing connectivity between the northern and southern areas of Surat. The second corridor will cover a total length of 18.74 km between Bhesan and Saroli, connecting the eastern and western parts of the city.

Impact of Metro on Urban Development in Surat

The beginning of metro services will be a turning point in Surat’s overall urban growth. Metro operations across the city will reduce the reliance of commuters on private vehicles by offering a more convenient and comfortable mode of transport. The entire Phase 1 of the Surat Metro project is expected to be operational by late 2027.

Also Read: Milestone for Railways: ICF to roll out India’s first Vande Bharat Freight train for RDSO trials

Discover how AI is bringing the next phase of sustainable urban rail mobility for Viksit Bharat at InnoMetro 2026, India’s prime exhibition and conference for metro & railways, which is going to be held on 21-22 May 2026 at Bharat Mandapam, New Delhi.

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MPMRCL floats ₹277.8 Cr tender for electrical & mechanical systems across 19 Bhopal Metro stations

Kapil Saini
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MPMRCL floats ₹277.8 Cr tender for electrical & mechanical systems across 19 Bhopal Metro stations

BHOPAL (Metro Rail News): Madhya Pradesh Metro Rail Corporation Limited (MPMRCL) has invited e-tenders for the design, supply, installation, testing, and commissioning of Electrical and Mechanical systems, DG Sets, ECS, TVS & BMS/SCADA system across 19 stations of the Bhopal Metro Rail Project under Package BH-14.

The contract, valued at approximately ₹277.8 crore (inclusive of GST), covers 17 elevated stations and 2 underground stations, along with associated tunnel sections, cross passages, and ramps. 

Tender Details: 

ParameterDetails
Tender PackageBH-14
Issuing AuthorityMadhya Pradesh Metro Rail Corporation Limited (MPMRCL)
Approximate Cost₹277.8 Crore (Incl. GST, Excl. Custom Duties)
EMD / Tender Security₹2.78 Crore
Tender Fee₹50,000 (Incl. GST, Non-Refundable)
Completion Period749 Days / 107 Weeks (Excl. DLP & CAMC)
Tender Documents AvailableMarch 28, 2026 – May 19, 2026
Last Date for QueriesApril 12, 2026 (by 18:00 hrs)
Pre-Bid MeetingApril 17, 2026 (at 15:30 hrs)
Last Date for AddendumMay 2, 2026
Tender Submission WindowMay 9 – May 19, 2026
Technical Bid OpeningMay 20, 2026 (at 16:30 hrs)

Scope of work: Design Verification, Detail Engineering, Supply, Installation, Testing & Commissioning of Electrical and Mechanical System, DG Sets, ECS, TVS & BMS/SCADA system for 17 Elevated Stations & 02 Under Ground Stations with Ancillary Building and associated Tunnel section, cross passages, ramps and two-years DLP (Defects Liability Period) followed by three-years of CAMC (Comprehensive Annual Maintenance Contract) of Bhopal Metro Rail Project.

Key Dynamics of the Bhopal Metro Project

Phase 1 of Bhopal Metro spans about 30km and features 2 metro lines, including the Orange Line and the Blue Line. In December 2025, the first section of Bhopal Metro Phase 1 became operational from AIIMS to Subhash Nagar. This 7km stretch is part of the Orange Line. The upcoming sections of the project will be opened in a phased manner. Amidst these developments, there is another emerging aspect of Bhopal Metro, which is cost overruns. The Bhopal Metro Phase 1 was initially planned to be built at ₹6,941 crore; the delays have pushed this cost to ₹10,000 crore, which is a major concern for the long term financial sustainability of the project. 

Also Read: Indore Metro opens bids for ECS, TVS & BMS systems for 9 UG stations

Also Read: Milestone for Railways: ICF to roll out India’s first Vande Bharat Freight train for RDSO trials

Also Read: Bhopal Metro floats ₹123 Cr tender for escalator & lift procurement

Discover how AI is bringing the next phase of sustainable urban rail mobility for Viksit Bharat at InnoMetro 2026, India’s prime exhibition and conference for metro & railways, which is going to be held on 21-22 May 2026 at Bharat Mandapam, New Delhi.

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