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Delhi Metro | Reliance Infra wins arbitration against Delhi Metro Airport Express Line case

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Delhi Metro | Reliance Infra wins arbitration against Delhi Metro Airport Express Line case

New Delhi: Delhi Airport Metro Express (DAMEPL), a subsidiary of Reliance Infrastructure, has won an arbitration against Delhi Metro Rail Corporation (DMRC) of Rs 2950 crore.

The award to the company has been granted on the basis of termination provisions of the Concession Agreement where the arbitration tribunal has held termination by DAMEPL as valid.

The three member arbitration tribunal, formed out of a DMRC nominated panel as per the Concession Agreement in September 2013, gave its award after hearing the case for almost four years.

“Reliance Infrastructure participated in the PPP (public private partnership) model in the metro sector to lead the metro movement in the country through PPP but unfortunately had to terminate the agreement. We welcome the award and hope it will encourage the private sector to participate in the nation building process,” Reliance Infrastructure spokesperson said in a statement.

The company will repay the lender’s debt of Rs 1900 crore from the proceeds to eight public sector banks, while the company will get Rs 1050 crore as it had invested in the SPV.

Kochi Metro | KMRL starts metro trial run, to be operational in June 2017

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Kochi Metro | KMRL starts metro trial run, to be operational in June 2017

Kochi: The first service trials of the Kochi Metro train began today paving the way for commercial operations. The metro train service will commence from June, an official said.

The trial runs began at 6 am. There are 142 listed trial runs till 9 pm. Trains with four coaches are undergoing the service trials.

Even though the Rs. 5,180 crore project would run 25 km from Alwaye to Petta, the opening in June would see the train service operating a distance of 13 km from Alwaye to Palarivattom.

The trials included every procedure — signalling, status display at the stations and the announcements for passengers. Every aspect was being checked.

Authorities are now waiting for the exact date from Prime Minister Narendra Modi to officially open the service.

Elias George, who is heading the Kochi Metro Rail Corporation (KMRC) is a proud person as this would be the fastest completed Metro project in the country.

It was the Oommen Chandy government which took up the ambitious project after it was first mooted by him in 2005.

Later when the VS Achuthanandan government took over in 2006, the project went into a limbo, only to be put back on track by Mr Chandy again in 2011.

Work on Kochi Metro began in 2012 after Chandy’s government entrusted the project to DMRC with its principal advisor Sreedharan overseeing it.

Last week the Railway Safety Commissioner gave the nod after checking the entire facility for three days.

There are 11 stations in the 13 km stretch that is being pressed into service. Six of these stations have been fully completed and the remaining ones would be ready in two weeks time, the official added.

Mr Chandy in 2016 flagged off the first test run of the project.

Delhi Metro | DMRC revised metro fares min. Rs10 and Max Rs.50

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Delhi Metro | DMRC revised metro fares min. Rs10 and Max Rs.50

New Delhi: After eight years, the Delhi Metro Rail Corporation (DMRC) has revised its fares bringing up the minimum ticket price from Rs. 8 to Rs. 10. The maximum fare will be Rs. 50 instead of the current Rs. 30. The new fares, which cuts down the existing 15 fare slabs to six, will come into effect from Wednesday. A second fare revision will take place on October 1.

The hike – which is up to 66 per cent — was announced by the Delhi Metro Rail Corporation or DMRC after a board meeting today. It brings Delhi metro’s fare on par with Chennai and Bengaluru. With a base fare of Rs. 5, only Kolkata now pays less.

The new in-between fare slabs will be Rs. 15 for 2-5 km, Rs. 20 for 5-12 km, Rs. 30 for 12-21 km and Rs.40 for 21-32 km. The existing 10 percent discount for smartcard holders will continue. Plus, to cut down on overcrowding, a 10 per cent extra discount will also be offered during non-peak hours, which would be 6 to 8 am, noon to 5 pm and 9 pm onwards. Smart card holders who exit during these hours will get the additional discount.

On Sundays and national holidays, the slabs will be lower – the maximum fare will be Rs. 40.

This was the fourth time the fares have been revised since the Metro started rolling in 2002 – the last revision was in 2009. The decision to review fare came after repeated requests from the Delhi Metro Rail Corporation citing high overhead costs, including electricity.

While Metro has become Delhi’s favourite mode of travel since its inception in 2002, with footfall of around 3 million a day, the urban development ministry had told Parliament that DMRC suffered a net loss of Rs. 708.5 crore in 2015-2016.

Last June, the government set up a three-member committee under former Delhi High Court judge, Justice (Retired) M.L. Mehta to look into fare revision issue. The report, submitted in September, suggested the current fare slabs.

Chennai Metro | CMRL to begin underground corridor for public from May 14, 2017

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Chennai Metro | CMRL to begin underground corridor for public from May 14, 2017

Chennai: The most-awaited first underground stretch of Chennai Metro Rail will be operational on Sunday. With this, Chennai becomes the fourth city in the country to launch such a facility after Kolkata, Delhi and Bengaluru. The metro line will cover a distance of eight kilometres from Nehru Park to Koyambedu. The train would pass through tunnels and seven underground stations in order to connect the operational line at Koyambedu. The metro line will be thrown open for public on Sunday. Meanwhile, the stations are also built underneath prime locations in the city that gives travellers easy access. The underground stretch will have only two entry and exit points initially which would later be increased.

When the first underground stretch is opened on Sunday, passengers across the city can travel a distance of 17 km from Nehru Park to Chennai airport. The maximum fare will increase to Rs 60 for the 17-km stretch from Nehru Park to Chennai airport when this stretch becomes operational. As of now, the metro fares range between Rs 10 and Rs 50 for the general class and Rs 20 and Rs100 for the special class.

Salient features of the Chennai Metro:

  • The underground stations will be air-conditioned and equipped with a special feature called ‘platform screen doors’, unlike on the elevated stretch.
  • This would prevent commuters from accessing the tracks.
  • The Chennai Metro Rail is built at a cost of Rs 14,600 crore.
  • The line will cover a distance of 8 kilometres from Nehru Park to Koyambedu.
  • This would be the third Metro stretch to become operational since the project was launched in 2012.
  • The existing routes Koyambedu to Alandur and Little Mount to Chennai airport have been elevated.

The much anticipated Chennai metro rail will be inaugurated after a wait for two weeks and Union Minister Venkaiah Naidu is likely to attend the inauguration ceremony. The first service of the metro was from Koyambedu to Alandur in June 2015. The second stretch from Little Mount to Chennai airport was opened to public in last September.

Ease for Commuters

  • The Chennai Metro Rail Limited (CMRL) has split the six stations into two groups.
  • Stations that include Tondiarpet, Toll Gate and Thangal form the first group.
  • The other stations including Gowri Ashram, Tiruvottiyur and Wimco Nagar form the second group. Out of the total 9km line, trains will run underground in a 3km stretch from Washermenpet to Korukkupet, a TOI report stated.
  • The metro stations are also located close to stops for MTC buses which can help passengers travel across the city.
  • The metro line stations will connect Kilpauk, New Avadi Road, Shenoy Nagar, Aminjikarai, Anna Nagar and Thirumangalam.

At present, about 10,000-12,000 people travel on the two stretches Koyambedu to Alandur and Little Mount to Chennai airport and this underground metro rail is believed to take up the number up to a new level.

As per reports, the total expenditure included 15% as Centre’s contribution as share capital and 5% as loans, while the Tamil Nadu government’s contribution at 15% in share capital and 5.78% as loans. The rest 59.22% has been sourced as loan from Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA).

Rapid Metro Gurgaon denies entry to “shabbily dressed” kids in Metro

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Rapid Metro Gurgaon denies entry to “shabbily dressed” kids in Metro

Gurugram: On Tuesday, when it courted limelight with the chief minister officially launching its second phase in Gurgaon, Rapid Metro also found itself dragged into a controversy when it was accused of denying entry to “shabbily dressed” kids.

The post was written by a commuter, Shivanya Pandey, who referred to an episode she witnessed on May 1, just a day before the inauguration, to write on Facebook that four to six poor children had been denied into IndusInd Bank Cyber City Metro station because they were dressed shabbily and sweating even though they were paying the fares. She also emailed a complaint to the National Commission for Protection of Child Rights

Rapid Metro denied doing so, saying the kids had only been turned away because they could not buy tickets. “They were politely asked to go because they did not have the money for the fare,” said a spokesperson.
“The criteria for travel in the Metro system, as per guidelines laid down by Metro Act, is for commuters to be able to furnish requisite fare either by token or valid travel card as well as comply with security guidelines. In this instance, the criteria wasn’t met.

Rapid Metro does not discriminate towards any citizen and our teams are trained to treat all citizen commuters with respect and dignity,” the spokesperson added.
But before that, Shivanya’s post had already elicited a strong reaction from women and child development minister Maneka Gandhi, who promised action and asked Delhi Metro managing director Mangu Singh to probe the incident.

The DMRC later clarified that Rapid Metro does not come under it. Incidentally, around 30 penurious kids travelled with the Haryana CM in the train on Tuesday during the inauguration of Phase 2. The chief minister said most of those kids had never travelled in a Metro train before.

Kochi Metro | CMRS starts inspection of Kochi Metro Rail Project

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Kochi Metro | CMRS starts inspection of Kochi Metro Rail Project

Kochi: Even as the commissioner of metro rail safety (CMRS) begins inspection of Kochi Metro Rail Project from Aluva to Palarivattom on Wednesday, the Delhi Metro Rail Corporation (DMRC) speeds up the works between Palarivattom and Maharaja’s College. A team of DMRC officials inspected the progress of the work on this stretch.

“We want to complete the work up to Maharaja’s College by September. As of the now, the track laying works are over. The traction work is in progress, and we expect to complete it by May-end. Then signalling work will have to be taken up,” said a DMRC official.

He also said that structure works of the Metro stations between Palarivattom and Maharaja’s College were over.

DMRC officials said that the decision regarding awarding of various contracts for works between Maharaja’s College and Pettah was expected by May-end.

Meanwhile, K A Manoharan (Bengaluru southern circle of the CMRS) and his team began inspection. KMRL managing director received the team at Aluva station. They are in the city to conduct a three-day scrutiny of Kochi Metro as part of the procedures before the commissioning of Metro train operations.

KMRL said that they were ready with the safety reports issued by various agencies and all required documents for CMRS inspection.

“Our senior officials explained the details to CMRS and his team. On the first day, the officials inspected the Metro viaduct, track and stations from Aluva to Muttom. This included stations at Aluva, Pulinchuvadu, Companypady, Ambattukavu and Muttom,” said KMRL spokesperson.

She said that on Thursday, the team would inspect the track, viaduct and stations from Kalamassery to Edappally.

On the final day, they would check flawless operation and safety on the Edappally – Palarivattom stretch. They would also analyze the work and operation of operation control centre (OCC) and other facilities at the Muttom Yard, said the spokesperson.
 “Once the clearance of CMRS is obtained, the Kochi Metro will attain the status of being the first Metro project in the country to be commissioned within the shortest time span,” said a KMRL official. However, regarding completion of works on the Aluva-Palarivattom stretch, the DMRC said that they had completed almost all works at stations except those at Edappally and Changampuzha Park.
 “This will not be a hindrance for CMRS inspection. All the works will be over by June,” said the DMRC official adding that once they complete the works, KMRL will have to undertake remaining works such as doing interiors and exteriors of the building.
Source: TNN

Delhi Metro | High Courts slams DMRC, CISF after girl goes missing

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Delhi Metro | High Courts slams DMRC, CISF after girl goes missing

New Delhi: Taking suo moto cognisance of a media report about a 19-year-old mute and hearing impaired woman going missing at the Adarsh Nagar Metro station, the Delhi High court slammed the Delhi Metro Rail Corporation (DMRC) and the Central Industrial Security Force (CISF) on Wednesday.

“How could a girl, who did not have a token, leave the Metro premises? What were they doing? Had they been vigilant, she would have not been lost. They should be hauled up for this,” a Bench of Justices Vipin Sanghi and Deepa Sharma stated.

Last Friday, the girl, her mother, and her sister were to get down from the Metro at the Jahangirpuri station but she couldn’t and was separated from her family. CISF sources said she was later seen coming out of the next Metro station, Adarsh Nagar, in a CCTV footage. She was seen exiting through the gates without a token but nobody stopped her because there was no guard deployed at the exit gate.”How could a girl, who did not have a token, leave the Metro premises? What were they doing? Had they been vigilant, she would have not been lost. They should be hauled up for this,” a Bench of Justices Vipin Sanghi and Deepa Sharma stated.

On its part, the CISF spokesperson said the force had written to the Ministry of Home Affairs last year only, seeking permission to deploy a man at the exit gates, after two masked men robbed a station controller and stabbed him. Nothing, however, was done in this regard.

“A robbery accused was seen walking out of the gate after attacking a DMRC staffer. After that, the CISF had requested the ministry to allow deployment at the AFC gates to keep a check on unauthorised entries. The ministry’s response is still awaited,” a senior CISF officer said.

Meanwhile, the Delhi Police informed the court that they would constitute a Special Investigation Team (SIT) to ascertain the whereabouts of the girl and will expand their search to neighbouring states of Haryana, Uttar Pradesh, and Rajasthan. The cops also said that they would conduct searches at red-light areas.

Appearing for the Delhi Police, counsel Rahul Mehra said there were chances that the girl was kidnapped. He said they were going to release her photo on social media and put it on auto-rickshaws.The court then directed the Delhi police to release pictures on social media in all the missing cases without fail. “The use of technology can be done to circulate photos It should be done in all cases,” the Bench said.

Lucknow Metro | Addl Secretary MoUD visits Lucknow Metro Rail Project

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Lucknow Metro | Addl Secretary MoUD visits Lucknow Metro Rail Project

Lucknow: Shri Durga Shanker Mishra, Additional Secretary, Ministry of Urban Development (MoUD) today visited the Lucknow Metro Rail Project.He was accompanied by Mr. Kumar Keshav, Managing Director, Lucknow Metro and other senior officials of Lucknow Metro Rail Corporation (LMRC).

The Additional Secretary first visited the Transport Nagar Metro station and oversaw the concourse, platform, Automatic Fare Collection (AFC) entry/exit gate, lift, escalator, Ticket Operating Machine (TOM), customer care, signage, facilities for the differently-abled and other passenger related focus areas in view of the start of commercial run of Metro services for the public.

Shri Kumar Keshav, Managing Director briefed him about the role and responsibilities of the Station Controllers cum Train Operators (SCs/TOs)who would manage the stations and run the Metro trains. He also explained him how the Customer Relation Assistants (CRAs) will help out Metro commuters during their journey in the Metro system.

Later, Shri Mishra also visited the Krishna Nagar Metro station. He appreciated the art work that has been done at the station and was happy and satisfied with the progress & work of the Lucknow Metro Rail Project.

Bombardier Sifang Transportation bags contract to build 40 high speed coaches to China

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Bombardier Sifang Transportation bags contract to build 40 high speed coaches to China

Berlin: Rail technology leader Bombardier Transportation announced today that its Chinese joint venture, Bombardier Sifang (Qingdao) Transportation Ltd. (BST), has been awarded another contract from China Railway Corp. (CRC) to supply 40 CRH1A-A new generation high speed train cars to the Nanning Railway Bureau. The new trains will become part of the ongoing integration of Guangxi’s regional high-speed railways into the national high-speed network.

This new contract for five 8-car trainsets is valued at approximately 543 million Chinese RMBs (73 million euro, $79 million US) and follows a separate contract  for 144 high speed carsannounced by the JV in early March. Bombardier owns 50% of the shares in BST, and the JV is controlled by BT’s partner CRRC Sifang Co., Ltd. This latest contract is the fourteenth high speed train order that BST has been awarded since 2004.

“Our cutting edge rail technology is one of the driving forces behind the rapid development of China’s advanced high speed train network. We have already provided over 3,000 high speed train cars to the Chinese market and this latest contract is further proof of our ability to consistently leverage our expertise and experience to contribute to the development of local and national economies in regions like Guangxi.”, Jianwei Zhang, President of Bombardier China, said.

Guangxi occupies an important hub of tourism, trade and is an important link with the Association of Southeast Asian Nations. These high speed trains will help integrate Guangxi into the national network, connecting the region to neighboring cities and boosting the local economy while improving the passenger’s travel experience.

The CRH1A-A train has an operational speed of 250km/h and its aluminium carbody’s design delivers improved performance and lower operating costs by reducing weight, track wear and aerodynamic drag. The train also has a unique appearance due to its innovative graphics, windows, lighting and shape, while its exceptional energy efficiency sets new industry standards for sustainable transportation and passenger comfort.The trainsets are manufactured at Bombardier Sifang (Qingdao) Transportation production facilities in Qingdao, China and feature the highly efficient BOMBARDIER MITRAC propulsion and control system, supplied by a separate Bombardier Chinese joint venture, Bombardier CPC Propulsion System Co., Ltd. (BCP).

Bombardier Transportation in China is the full solution provider across the entire value chain. From vehicles and propulsion to services and design, Bombardier Transportation in China has six joint ventures, seven wholly foreign-owned enterprises, and more than 6,000 employees. Together, the joint ventures have delivered more than 3,500 railway passenger cars, 580 electric locomotives and over 2,000 metro cars to China’s growing urban mass transit markets. Bombardier also provides propulsion equipment to third party metro car builders for use in 21 Chinese cities. As a proven global full services provider, Bombardier’s joint ventures have also won orders in China to provide maintenance for 1,160 metro cars.

Source: BT Press Release

Chennai Metro | CMRL calls for tender to build North Chennai metro line

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Chennai: Chennai Metro Rail Limited (CMRL) has called for tenders to build elevated viaducts for standard gauge twin tracks for a 6km stretch, that would connect a part of North Chennai. A part of the phase-1 of the metro rail project, the route will have six elevated stations.

Chennai Metro Rail has split the six stations into two groups for the work and has invited two tenders for each group. Tondiarpet, Toll Gate and Thangal are grouped together, while Gowri Ashram, Tiruvottiyur and Wimco Nagar will form the other group. The extension project, aimed at connecting far flung areas of North Chennai with the rest of the city, is planned for completion by 2019.

Out of the total 9km line, trains will run underground in a 3km stretch from Washermenpet to Korukkupet. It will be an elevated line for the rest 6km from Toll Gate up to Wimco Nagar.

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