Metro Rail News Sep 2020: Unlocking Metro

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METRO RAIL NEWS

ISSN 2582-2330 / Vol. IV / Issue 45 / Monthly / September 2020

With Deep Focus On Metro,Railway, HSR, PRTS & Allied Industries

The Inside Story

Unlocking Metros!

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Vol. IV | Issue 44 | September 2020 Managing Editor Narendra Shah editor@metrorailnews.in

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EDITOR NOTE COVER STORY

FROM THE DESK OF

MANAGING EDITOR

Dear Readers, Although things are not well, we need to move forward. The ways which we live in have already been changed due to several effects of the Pandemic. However, life need not be stagnant. It shall move like the river water so that the goal of an individual life is achieved.

COVID-19 has hampered the world economy, causing more significant damage to the concept of globalization as well. The Indian economy too is one of the worst affected economies, and it has experienced a negative GDP of 23.9 in the first quarter of the ongoing financial year. As the economy suffers, the sufferings of people are greater than that. The need of the hour is to understand the fact that the Pandemic is not going to end soon. It will last longer and continue to affect our lives in the near future.

The health experts and doctors have been suggesting to stay at home and go outside only when necessary. As the metro services have reopened, it is our responsibility to cooperate with the metro officials and travel only when needed. The maximum use of masks and hand sanitizers shall be encouraged with social distancing being a key feature of the new normal. The resumption of metro services in itself is a big decision, and it will surely help the people to get a safer, convenient and efficient way to travel. It is our duty in these tough times to cooperate with the frontline workers and avoid unnecessary travels. The time has come for us to work for ourselves and our families which will, in turn, help the national economy as well. I hope the metro services provide the economic a faster pace. It depends upon you all that how do you take it! The move of metro resumption needs to be welcomed as it will help millions to reach their workplaces hassle-free and efficiently.

I hope things get better with time.

Our September issue focuses on exciting topics such as Bogie, and Pneumatic Brakes. Also provides a cover story on Unlocking Metro.

Hyderabad Metro cover under the project of the month and exclusive Interviews of Maha Metro MD Dr. Brijesh Dixit and Mr. P.K Agarwal, the Founder & CEO of PPS International along with other regular columns such as new development in metro project, pre/post-event coverage, technology updates, News analysis, Article, opinions, Awards, appointments, News around the world, live tenders, Industry contract, upcoming events and current job openings. I would also like to express my most profound appreciation to all our readers for your constant support, and our valuable authors, reviewers, for their contributions, service, and interest.

I highly appreciate your support and hope to continue our collaboration further. Please feel free to provide your valuable feedback and suggestions on this issue to my email address mentioned below.

We encourage everyone to take extra precautions necessary to safeguard their health and that of others. Stay informed about the situation in your local community by consulting and following the advice of your local health authorities.

Together we will get through this.

Stay safe. Stay healthy. Stay strong.

Narendra Shah Managing Editor Metro Rail News (A Symbroj Media Publication) E-mail: editor@metrorailnews.in

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METRO RAIL NEWS | SEPTEMBER 2020 | WWW.METRORAILNEWS.IN

CONTENT

CONTENTS Index

Editor Note

06

News Highlights

08

Cover Story

14

Exclusive Interview:

18

10

( 1 ) Mr. P.K Agarwal, Founder & CEO of PPS International.

( 2 ) Dr. Brijesh Dixit , Managing Director, Maha Metro

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Project of the month

25

Featured Project

27

Focused System

29

Opinion

30

Articles

32

industry Leaders

49

Technology Update

50

Industry News

51

Job

53

Event

54

46

51 Metro Rail Project Status

55

Live Tender

56

METRO RAIL NEWS | SEPTEMBER 2020 | WWW.METRORAILNEWS.IN

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NEWS HIGHLIGHTS COVER STORY Bangalore Metro Rail Corporation Limited (BMRCL) on Aug 27, 2020, commenced trial runs on Kanakapura Road (YelachenahalliAnjanapura Township) section.

The trial run began at 12:25 pm from Yelachenahalli. The 6.4km elevated section of Phase 2, which will have stations at Konanakunte Cross, Doddakallasandra, Vajrahalli, Talaghattapura and Anjanapura is expected to get operational on November 1.

EIB provides €650m investment in Kanpur metro project

UPMRC celebrates the third anniversary of Lucknow Metro

T

he investment will finance the acquisition of rolling stock and the development of two metro rail corridors totalling 32.4km with 31 stations, of which 19.4km will be elevated with 19 stations and 13km will be underground with 12 stations. The project has a total cost of €1.354bn.

Corridor 1 will run from IIT Kanpur to Naubasta while Corridor 2 will run from Agricultural University to Barra 8, with the two lines intersecting. Uttar Pradesh Metro Rail Corporation (UPMRC) announced in July it had completed more than half of the piling work along the initial 9km priority section of the Kanpur Metro Line 1, which is under constriction between IIT to Moti Jheel. In July, Bombardier was awarded a Rupees 20.5bn ($US 274.8m) contract to supply 67 threecar metro trains, plus CBTC signalling and control systems, for the Kanpur and Agra metro projects.

Th e n ew m et ro sys te m w i l l re d u ce co m m u t i n g h o u r s a n d u n l o c k n ew employment and education opportunities in Kanpur, the industrial capital of the Uttar Pradesh region, while improving safety for women. This is the second metro rail project supported by the EIB in Uttar Pradesh, following a €450m investment in the development of a metro rail system in Lucknow.

With the Kanpur investment, the EIB has approved €2.65bn in funding for metro systems in India, more than half of the entire EIB’s Indian investment portfolio.

Metro link from Greater Noida to Botanical Garden by 2023 The Noida Metro Rail Corporation (NMRC) has finalized the route for the crucial second arm of the Aqua Line that will connect it directly with Delhi Metro.

According to official sources, the 11.5km section will branch out from the existing Sector 142 station on the expressway and run straight to Botanical Garden, where it will have an interchange with the Blue and Magenta lines.

The line will significantly cut travel time between Greater Noida and Noida Expressway sectors and Delhi because the Aqua Line currently takes a detour and terminates at Sector 51 where passengers have to get off and walk to the Blue Line to catch another metro to Botanical Garden.

This move will also ease travel to IGI’s domestic airport for residents of Greater Noida and the expressway sectors because they can travel between their home station and the airport without having to leave the metro system and by changing trains just once (Magenta, at Botanical).

Aqua-Line currently has no interface with Delhi Metro, affecting both its viability and ridership, which is why the need for this line was felt so strongly.

The detailed project report (DPR), which the NMRC has finalized, will now be vetted by its board before being sent to the Centre for approval.

Bangalore Metro starts trial runs on Kanakapura Road section

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Uttar Pradesh Metro celebrated Metro Diwas on Saturday. With this, it is now three years of the successful commencement of commercial operations of Lucknow Metro s e r v i c e s . T h e 3 r d a n n i ve r s a r y wa s organized at the auditorium of the Centre of Excellence for Training situated in Transport Nagar Metro Depot in grandeur.

The event was graced by the esteemed presence of Shri. Kumar Keshav, Managing D i re c to r, U t t a r Pra d e s h Met ro Ra i l Corporation Limited.

Shri. Durga Shankar Mishra, Secretary, Housing and Urban Affairs, also joined the celebration through video conferencing, extended heartiest greetings and best wishes for Metro Diwas-2020. Metro is transforming urban transport. Your Kanpur work is at a fast pace.

Delhi Metro Rail Corporation stops Phase-4 work after forest department notice The Delhi Metro Rail Corporation (DMRC) o n Th u rs d ay s to p p e d wo r k o n t h e KeshopurPeeragarhi stretch under Phase4 after the forest department accused it of violating the Forest Conservation Act, 1980.

"We have stopped work on the KeshopurPeeragarhi stretch and will resume work after all mandatory approvals are met," DMRC Executive Director (Corporate Communications) Anuj Dayal said.

According to the Deputy Conservator of Forests, West Division, the DMRC did not have requisite permissions to undertake work on a 5.34-km stretch of Road Number 26 between Vikas Puri and Peeragarhi Chow,k and a 1,300-meter square portion

NEWS HIGHLIGHTS COVER STORY of the Najafgarh drain, which are deemed forest areas. Multiple notices were issued in February and August, asking the DMRC "not to carry out any construction work on the portion of Road Number 26 and Najafgarh drain", according to the forest department.

construction of elevated viaduct and 10 elevated stations –ESIC Nagar, Prem Nagar, Indira Nagar, Nanavati Hospital, Khira Nagar, Saraswat Nagar, National College, Bandra, Income Tax office and ILFS. The scope of work excludes architectural finishing and pre-engineered steel roof structure of the stations.

The estimated cost of the work is Rs 1167.75 crore, without GST. The authority has arranged a pre-bid meeting with the interested contractors on September 10 at 11am. The final date of bid submission is October 10 up to 6pm.

Just like flights and long-distance trains where one can board only if there are seats available, Kolkata Metro passengers may have to book e-passes, hours before they want to take a ride. The passenger would be allowed to board only if there is enough space after maintaining social distance.

Else he has to opt for another train at a different time.

With the West Bengal government apprehending that it could be difficult to tackle the crowd during rush hours, the authorities have proposed to issue epasses to passengers to maintain social distance during the Covid-19 pandemic.

ISGEC Engineering bags contract of Joka metro depot work Joka-Esplanade Metro project, the letter of award for the Joka Metro depot has been issued to ISGEC Heavy Engineering Limited that emerged as the lowest bidder after a thorough technical evaluation.

Significantly, Rail Vikas Nigam Limited (RVNL), the executing agency for the project, carried out the entire process online during the lockdown. The awarding of the contract for such a big project has been executed in a record duration of time. Seven bidders had participated in the bidding process while four were chosen for the technical bid. The Noida-based ISGEC won the contract for the project that holds the key to truncated Metro operation from Joka to Taratala in 2021. The construction of the entire elevated Metro corridor has been completed till Taratala. ISGEC will have to finish the depot work within two years, said an RVNL officer.

Maha Metro set a target to generate 60% of Non-Fare Box revenue from Nagpur Metro The Maha Metro recently organised an international webinar on the subject “Business Opportunities with Nagpur Metro” on August 14. Maharashtra Metro Rail Corporation Limited (also known as Maha Metro) proposed in the event that it is targeting to generate 60% its Non-Fare Box revenue from Nagpur Metro.

The webinar, organised in partnership with The Indus Entrepreneurs, unveiled various business prospects offered by the metro corporation. It also included advertising and branding opportunities.

Emphasizing on the vision of Maha Metro, Shwetali Thakre, AGM, Maha Metro, said, “Maha Metro is extensively focusing on nonfare revenue (NFR) to make the metro operations self-sustainable.”

Chennai Metro rail introduces contact-less QR ticketing Chennai Metro Rail Limited (CMRL) will be resuming operations on Monday an hour earlier than what was originally announced, following requests from IT professionals and office-goers, Industries Minister M C Sampath has said. The minister, who reviewed safety measures undertaken by the CMRL on Saturday, said the decision to resume operations from 7 am was taken after requests came in from patrons.

Sampath also launched a Travel Card Reader machine to ensure contact-less travel during the pandemic. The machine will be set up each station to avoid queuing in front of ticket counters and ticket vending machine (TVM). Under the Travel Card Reader machines, unavailed trips and validity for trip cards can be done before October 7, 2020.

MMRDA looks for contractor to complete Metro 2B’s pending works The Mumbai Metropolitan Region Development Authority (MMRDA) is now looking for a contractor to carry out the balance job of Metro Line 2B (DN Nagar to Mandale). The work includes the

Bengal government floats e-pass idea for Kolkata Metro to tackle rush

Kochi Metro’s Thykoodam-Petta stretch to be opened on Sep 7

METRO RAIL NEWS | SEPTEMBER 2020 | WWW.METRORAILNEWS.IN

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NEWS HIGHLIGHTS COVER STORY Marking the completion of Phase-I of Kochi Metro Rail project, Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan will inaugurate the three-km-long stretch from Thykoodam to Petta on Monday. The virtual inauguration will be presided by Hardip Singh Puri, Union Minister of State (independent charge) for Housing and Urban Affairs.Though the Commissioner of Metro Railway Safety (CMRS) had approved the opening of Petta Metro station back in May after the KMRL co m p l ete d t h e wo r k s i n M a rc h , i t s commissioning was delayed due to the Covid-induced lockdown.

At present, Metro services are being conducted on the 25.61-km-long stretch between Aluva and Thykoodam. With the commissioning of the new stretch, the total length of the Kochi Metro’s network will be 28.61km.With the commissioning of T hy ko o d a m -Pe t t a s t re t c h , K M R L i s anticipating a huge footfall of passengers which is expected to decongest traffic on the Tripunithura-Vyttila stretch.

Ahmedabad Metro starts sanitisation ahead of resumption of services Metro authorities undertook sanitization work in Ahmedabad ahead of the resumption of its services from September 7 as part of Unlock 4. Workers carried out the sanitization work at the stations and also inside the trains. A few days back, the Home Ministry has issued new guidelines for opening up of more activities in areas outside the containment zones. Under Unlock-4, the Metro rail has been allowed to operate from September 7 in a graded manner.

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Reliance Infra to sell its stakes in Mumbai Metro -1 Reliance Infrastructure (RInfra) led Mumbai Metro One Pvt Ltd (MMOPL) has written to the Maharashtra government, saying that it wants to sell the stakes it owns in the company. Metro-1 has been shut for five months owing to the pandemic and had been suffering losses prior to lockdown.

MMOPL is a special purpose vehicle (SPV) that was constituted to develop and run the 11.5 km Metro-1 on a public-private partnership model. RInfra owns 69% stake in MMOPL; the Mumbai Metropolitan Region Development Authority’s (MMRDA) owns 2 6 % ; a n d Tr a n s d ev (fo r m e r l y Ve o l i a Transport) owns 5%.Bhushan Gagrani, principal secretary, urban development was stated saying by HT that the department had received MMOPL’s letter. Reply to HT’s query, he said over text message, “Yes, we have just received [the letter]. [We have] not taken any view yet.”

Metros to resume from Sept 7 but won’t stop at overcrowded stations Metro trains will resume services in a graded manner and metros having more than one line should open different lines starting from September 7 onwards in a staggered manner so that all corridors become operational by September 12, according to the standard operating procedure (SOP) issued on Wednesday for restarting Metro services under the Unlock 4 guidelines.

The guidelines issued by the ministry of housing and urban affairs state stations coming under containment zones will remain closed.

Land acquisition process starts for Joka-Esplanade Metro corridor The process of land acquisition for the underground section of the Joka-Esplanade Metro (Kolkata Metro Line 3) has started. Rail Vikas Nigam Limited (RVNL), the agency tasked with implementing the city’s Metro projects, has just completed a joint land survey with Kolkata Municipal Corporation (KMC).

It will start issuing notifications under the Metro Railway (Construction of Works) Act 1978 to acquire parcels along a 1.5km stretch between Mominpore and Ekbalpore The land is essentially being acquired for a 400m ramp from the elevated Mominpore station and till the start of the underground tunnels at the DH Road-National Library Avenue crossing, as well as the four entry points to Kiddepore station that will come up near Alipore Bodyguard Lines as per recent developments in the matter.

The total length of the underground tunnels is 2.8km.

METRO RAIL NEWS | SEPTEMBER 2020 | WWW.METRORAILNEWS.IN

Noida Metro to impose Rs 500 fine for commuters without face mask, Rs 100 for spitting Passenger found travelling without face masks in the Noida-Greater Noida metro rail network, better known as the Noida Aqua Line, will have to pay a fine of Rs 500 and those caught spitting will have to cough up Rs 100.

The Noida Metro will resume operations after five months on September 7 amid the COVID-19 paandemic.

Indian Railway

NEWS HIGHLIGHTS COVER STORY

Indian Railways aims for zero carbon emission by 2030 Union Railway Minister Piyush Goyal has said that the Indian Railways has set a target of reducing carbon emission to zero by the end of 2030.

“By 2030 we will be a net-zero railway, our carbon emission will be zero. Indian Railways transports nearly 8 billion passengers and 1.2 billion tonnes of freight every year. Ours will be the world’s first railways of this scale to go green,” Goyal tweeted.

As per the government data, the rail network in India is the fourth largest in the world only after the US, Russia and China.

Indian rail network covers 67,368 km of tr acks and has 7,300 stations.

Indian Railways Introduces Rail Bicycle for Easy Track Inspections Indian Railways has introduced an innovative rail bicycle which will help its staff in daily inspection, monitoring and track repair, ECoR said in a statement here on Tuesday.

These rail bicycles will run on railway tracks at an average speed of 10 kmph.

They have been manufactured in-house by Permanent Way (P-Way) unit of East Coast Railway’s Khurda Road division by using damaged rail dolly wheels for balancing the cycle, the statement said. These bicycles move at a maximum speed of 15 kmph and can be easily lifted as they weigh only 30 kg.

They can also be dismantled and assembled by one person.

The introduction of the railway bicycles will help trackmen in inspecting and monitoring the tracks especially during monsoons. The trackmen are required to carry out their duties at present on foot round the year at all times of the day, the statement said

Indian Railways to connect Chardham through 327 KM long Rail link The Indian Railways is set to construct a railway line of 327 kilometres, connecting the Char Dham of Gangotri, Yamunotri, Badrinath, and Kedarnath via Dehradun and Karanprayag in Uttarakhand. It will make it an easy and comfortable journey for crores of devotees in future.

As per details shared by Railways Minister Piyush Goyal, the 327 km long rail line will pass through Dehradun, Pauri, Tehri Garhwal, Chamoli, Rudraprayag, Uttarkashi.

The Ministry of Railways has said that Indian Railways will have to face challenges such as the limits of capacity, load, speed, and safety as all the four dhams are elevated at different levels.

Railways to run 80 new trains from September 12 Indian Railways on Tuesday said it will run another 80 special trains from September 12, in order to increase inter-state and intrastate mobility options for individuals.

Reservations for these trains will begin September 10.

“We have been monitoring occupancy of our trains. Some of the trains were over occupied. Considering this and the covid-19 situation, we are going to notify 40 pair of trains. Those trains will start running from

one week from today. All these trains will be special reserved trains," Railway Board Chairman Vinod Kumar Yadav said on Saturday.

The timing of these trains will be as per regular trains. Stoppages will be restricted and will be taken into consideration discussion with respective state governments. Some of the these trains are—Prayagraj-New Delhi Humsafar E x p re s s , D e h ra d u n Kot a Na n d a D ev i Express, Delhi-Bhagalpur VikramShila Express.

Regional Rapid Transit System (RRTS)

Asian Development Bank (ADB) ratifies loans worth USD one billion for Delhi Meerut RRTS Asian Development Bank (ADB) ratified a loan of Dollar 1 Billion for the construction of Delhi Meerut Regional Rapid Transit System. It is of 82 kilometres network which will be first of the three priorities of the country’s integrated transport network under the NCR Regional Plan 2021. The project financing will get its pace in four tranches between August 2020 and May 2025.

In this Project, $ 1.89 Billion will be given by the Government of India and co-financers are expected to provide $ 1 Billion of the total project cost of $3.94 billion, the multilateral development bank said in a statement on Tuesday. Various activities will be supported by the ADB’s Japan Fund for Poverty Reduction. It includes provision of visual, hearing and mobility aids, such as wheelchairs for differently abled persons.

The project will get it appliance by the NCR Transport Corporation under the Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs. It will finance the construction of railway tracks, station buildings, maintenance facilities and power supply. This project will help to improve the regional connectivity by establishing transit options through the densely populated sections of the NCR connecting Delhi to Meerut in the state of Uttar Pradesh.

METRO RAIL NEWS | SEPTEMBER 2020 | WWW.METRORAILNEWS.IN

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NEWS HIGHLIGHTS COVER STORY

High Speed Rail (HSR)

Pune-Nashik semi-high speed rail: Travel by train between Pune & Nashik in less than 2 hours soon As the government is looking for a revival of the economy which has been hit hard by the coronavirus pandemic, the Maharashtra government has put on its large infrastructure projects on the fast track. One of these is the delayed PuneNashik semi-high speed rail link, which would bring down travel time between these two cities from the present six-seven hours to approx two hours.

Estimated to be the first low-cost semihigh speed corridor in the country, the 233km-long line would cost Rs 16,039 crore and will have trains running at a speed of 200kmph. It will be constructed by the Maharashtra Rail Infrastructure Development Corporation (MRIDC), a 50:50 joint venture between the government of Maharashtra and the Ministry of Railways.

The state and the Centre would provide Rs 3,208 crore each for the project and the rest would come from funding agencies in India and overseas.

As the pandemic has badly hit the economy, the government has put land acquisition work on the fast track.

In all, 1,470 hectares of land would be required in Pune, Ahmednagar and Nashik districts; the rail line would pass through 112.10 km in Pune, 58 km in Ahmednagar and 63.75 km in Nashik. Around 575 hectares have to be acquired in Pune’s Haveli, Junnar and Ambegaion tehsils.

India’s First Bullet train project to see a delay of five years As low participation by Japanese companies is being seen while tenders have been cancelled because of lower rates quoted by bidders, India’s first bullet train project is stuck on multiple fronts — and staring at a delay of around five years.

The Indian Railways is now expecting the project to be commissioned fully by October 2028 with a five-year delay to its estimated time frame of December 2023. The revised timeline has been decided after discussing with the concerned authorities. The 508-km Mumbai-Ahmedabad High-Speed Rail Corridor is being constructed with an 80 per cent loan from Japan at 0.1 per cent interest and a 15-year moratorium, with the system to be built mostly with Japanese technology on the lines of the Shinkansen.

India had been keen on opening at least a portion of the project by August 2022, to coincide with 75 years of Independence. And the Railways officially maintains that the original timeline is still in place.

Ahmedabad set to get bullet train connectivity to Delhi After Mumbai, Delhi too will not be far away in the future. The National High-Speed Rail Corporation Limited (NHSRCL), which is implementing the Ahmedabad-Mumbai bullet train project, has invited tenders to collect data for bullet trains connecting Ahmedabad to the country’s national capital Delhi.

The NHSRCL officials said that while Ahmedabad-Mumbai bullet train corridor is 508 km long, the Ahmedabad-Delhi highspeed rail (HSR) corridor is longer at 886 km.

The NHSRCL is a joint venture of government of India and participating state governments for implementation of HSRs across the country.

Metrolite

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METRO RAIL NEWS | SEPTEMBER 2020 | WWW.METRORAILNEWS.IN

Delhi Metrolite’s project gets a push The new 19.15 km Kirti Nagar – Bamnoli Village (Dwarka ECC) Metrolite line in south-west Delhi with the Delhi Metro Rail Corporation (DMRC) is opening financial bids from local surveying firms for conducting geotechnical investigation, topographical survey and utility identification works along the line’s alignment.

The DMRC had decided to go for inviting the bids again for this new light rail transit (LRT) system’s topographical survey and utility identification contract (Package ML01®) with an estimate of Rs. 65.73 lakh and completion period of 9 months. They opened technical bids on July 15 to reveal 9 bidders, opened financial bids on August 19, and then issued a letter of award to the lowest bidder, Gaveshana Geosciences Pvt Ltd., the next day with a contract value of 37.80 lakh.

DMRC in May had also invited bids for the Geotechnical investigation contract (Package ML-02) with an estimate of Rs. 83.46 lakh and completion period of 4 months. They opened technical bids on July 30 to reveal 9 bidders, rejected 3 firms in the technical round, and then opened financial bids on August 21 to reveal that TechPro Engineers Pvt. Ltd. had placed the lowest bid at Rs. 68.08 lakh. Per an industry source, an LoA for this tender will be issued this week.

COVER STORY COVER STORY

Resuming Metros

Authored by:

Manoranjan Kumar Senior Editor

Metro Rail News

T

he government is now in no mood to rethink about the different aspects of things. As the economy has shown its worst, the government has decided to go with unlocking the economy further. In the same move, the government released Unlock 4.0 guidelines in late evening of 29th August.

India GDP contracted 23.9 per cent in the April-June period much worse than economists' estimates according to official data released on 31st August. The coronavirus pandemic along with an unplanned lockdown, brought key industries to a halt and rendered millions of people jobless. This is the first incidence of negative growth for the economy since 1996 when India began publishing quarterly figures. It is also the worst among major Asian economies. With the GDP at -23.9 % in the first quarter of the financial year, the government is finding it difficult to revive the economy. As the cases continue to rise in the country with around 80k Covid cases a day, the government has decided to choose economic revival in place of public health. It is also obvious that the Pandemic will be there for a longer period of time, and we need to adapt to the new normal. The government also is doing the same thing: Gearing up for living amid the Pandemic.

The Ministry of Home decided to continue with unlocking the economy amid the deteriorating conditions of Coronavirus spread and issued Unlock 4.0 guidelines on 29th August.

Although the schools and colleges along with all other educational activities have been kept under lockdown till 30th September, the government has decided to open up the Metro.

The move will help many metro corporations, but it is not yet clear how is it going to be implemented. "Metro rail will be allowed to operate with effect from 7th September 2020 in a graded manner, by the Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs (MOHUA)/

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METRO RAIL NEWS | SEPTEMBER 2020 | WWW.METRORAILNEWS.IN

Ministry of Railways (MOR), in consultation with MHA. In this regard, Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) will be issued by MOHUA", Said the statement released by MHA. The things are dynamically changing in the nation. When the COVID cases were in hundreds, the Central Government then decided to go for a complete lockdown which created unwanted chaos across the country. The conditions of migrant workers were worst, and the main reason behind the huge problem was suspension of passenger services of Indian Railways.

The Indian Railways remains the heart of India's public transport system, but when it comes to Urban centres of trade and Economy, the metros play a very important role in movement of people. This part was missing for more than five months as metro services remained fully suspended after 22nd March.

Now the Government is opening the metro networks in such times when the situations are worst as far as Coronavirus outbreak is concerned. The economic activities have although been opened up, but these have not gained the required momentum yet. As the economy continues to shrink with purchasing power of crores of people being zero, the central government's failure is clearly visible.

Whatever it be, the metro networks are working with a very fast pace. The stadiums are getting ready with games starting from September 7. The losses faced by metro corporations are visible in their gearing up for opening their networks. From Delhi to Chennai and Mumbai to Kolkata, preparations are going on everywhere with Maharashtra being an exception.

COVER STORY COVER STORY experienced a complete fall in Fare revenues along with a sharp decline in the Non-farebox, the response of the governments was not adequate. The governments are not helping the Metro Corporations in repayment of their loans, and thus, they are finding themselves in trouble.

When we contacted the DMRC, it said," DMRC may have to approach the government, especially for the deferment of JICA loan instalment for this financial year".

The similar stories were followed in different states. When Larsen and Toubro, which operates Metro Services in Telangana's Capital, Hyderabad asked the state to help, the state didn't give any quick response. The story continues with all other major metro corporations. The question here was the financial stability of the Metro establishments. When these authorities saw that they were not being helped, they started demanding the resumption of services so that they can earn some money.

The retail outlets across DMRC network are not even in a position to pay their rent. When we asked the DMRC about the matter, it said while responding to our queries, "The retail parties using the metro real estate have made their representation, and we are examining their concerns. A general manager-level committee has been constituted by DMRC, which would come out with its report on the quantum of compensation for the retailers".

When the lockdown of metros completed five months, many Metro Authorities started to decrease payments of their staffs. As the crunch of Money hit them badly, they were forced to cut allowances of their employees. The greatest metro network of the nation, DMRC which operates in Delhi announced cutting the allowances of their staffs late in August. The matter was not over with DMRC as many other allied industries related to Metros also took such moves What we see through our analysis is that the very survival of Metro Corporations was a stake, and they were acting as pressure groups for the government. This is one of several factors which were crucial in the formulation of the Unlock 4.0 guidelines of Ministry of Home Affairs. The other aspect was the genuine needs of efficient public transport as the workplaces opened up from June onwards. It is not feasible for everyone to afford Private Vehicles. The consequences of non-operation of Metros critically affected the budgets of lower-middle-class families living in the Metro Cities. There was a continuous demand from the working community to open up metros so that they get safer, effective and efficient travel.

well. The situation remains alarming, and the reopening of such services is not free from risks.

As I have stated above that the Indian economy is worst affected, so the government is finding itself at a place where its own stake may come under threat if situations tend to remain stagnant. This is one of the reasons which has played a crucial role in issuance of such guidelines. I think that the government is now not going to take any decisions on bringing any lockdown type condition to curb the Coronavirus spread as such a move might create a huge problem for the economy.

The move to resume metro services was known to many people.

We had reported several times specially about the preparations of Delhi Metro Rail Corporation (DMRC), Uttar Pradesh Metro Rail Corporation (UPMRC), Kochi Metro Rail Limited (KMRL), Noida Metro Rail Corporation (NMRC) and Kolkata Metro Rail Corporation (KMRC). The preparations were a sign that the government had asked them to prepare well.

It is undoubtedly the need of economy to resume metro services.

Indeed some industrialists also were raising their demands for resuming metro services along with running few more trains for fast movement of people. The people who returned to their villages are now returning to their workstations. The workers have forgotten their miserable plight from the cities. As they are unable to get work in their native villages despite the governments claiming that they have been trying to make Atmanirbhar Villages, workers are returning in large numbers. Their return is a sign of improvement in the Indian economy, and with this, it is the work of state to provide adequate facilities for the movement of these workers.

In order to cater the demands both of employees and employers, the state has started taking measures to provide the big Urban Centres of Economy an efficient public transport system. The system exists for a long period of time, but now it needs to be improved according to the needs of present time. Keeping in mind the different aspects of the Pandemic, the government is trying to make adequate changes in the existing infrastructure of the metro networks, and these all will be visible to you once you board a metro in any city of the country.

One expects said on the matter, "In Unlock phase, it is imperative to restart public transport services because not everyone can afford personal transport nor there is enough space in our cities to accommodate endless private transportation. Cities like London have been operating limited services for a long time.

There is no empirical study which shows mass transit has aided in the spread of the Pandemic. Therefore, we need to restart these services with precaution, off course. Personal commuter hygiene like face masks, increased service frequency and digital payment will significantly improve the safety of these services.�

This can be taken as an initiative to ease public transport system amid rising cases of COVID19 cases. As of now, India is witnessing a sharp rise in the cases with an average of 70k cases coming daily.

The national capital Delhi is again witnessing a huge surge in daily cases. Mumbai also known as the financial capital of the nation, is one of the worst affected cities. The condition of Chennai to is not

Starting with DMRC which has made many preparations for the resumption of its services has recently said that the future travel in Delhi Metro will be entirely digital. It has made collaboration with a company called Autope to issue a new kind of smart cards. The Corporation has alreadymade it clear that there will be no token system in the recent future to make the journey as much contactless as it is possible.

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COVER STORY COVER STORY Commenting on the smart cards, it said, "The Delhi Metro commuters will now be able to avail the facility of a new type of Smart Card which comes with an Auto Top-Up feature enabling them to recharge it automatically at Automatic Fare Collection (AFC) gates of the Metro stations once Metro services resume.

This New Smart Card is available for customers through the App’ Autope' which is specially developed for this purpose".

"The Smart Cards issued by the 'Autope' will offer auto top-up functionality whenever the value of Smart Card goes below Rs. 100 and will automatically recharge the card with Rs. 200 at the Automatic Fare Collection (AFC) Entry Gate itself. 'Autope' will auto-debit the topped up value from customer's linked card/bank account the next working day", it had said in a press release. The DMRC is also planning to open fresh air dampers, which are essentially inlets to let air into the coaches, by up to 50 to 60 per cent more than usual. This will keep the coach temperatures between 24-30 degrees Celsius, a move to reduce the risk of spread of infections.

In Kerala where Kochi Metro caters to a good number of passengers, a lot of preparations were underway in the last week of August. When we contacted the Metro Officials and placed our queries before them, they had a better reply than what they were providing within the month of June. It said in response to Metro Rail News, "Kochi Metro Rail Limited has geared up for resuming the train operations subject to the central government nod". As the MHA has given the nod, it has decided to open its services on 7th September.

"To serve the passengers, Kochi Metro has decided to run trains every 20 minutes. Operations will resume at 7 am, and the last trip from both Aluva and Thykoodam will be at 8:00 pm. In order to cater the crowd one train will be kept at Aluva and Muttom", it further added. "We are trying to make the arrangements as passenger-friendly as possible. Kochi Metro wants to ensure that the trains are clean, hygienic and fully sanitized," said Alkesh Kumar Sharma, Managing Director of KMRL. "We have plans to increase the number of trains based on passenger footfall. Kochi Metro has taken all steps to provide safe and secure travel for all Kochiites and to ensure proper ventilation trains will be stopped at stations for a minimum of 20 seconds", its Managing Director Mr. Alkesh Kumar Sharma said.

Similarly, Lucknow Metro has made its preparations. It is going to use UV technology for sanitization of AFC gates. It has also launched a new Smart Card called "Go Smart Card". It has said that Go Smart' card users can avail free access to Wi-Fi facility at the Metro Stations for which they just have to tap their card at the card reader to increase contactless and digital travel on its network.

corridors become operational by 12th September 2020. Daily hoursof operations may be staggered initially, which needs to be increased gradually with the resumption of full revenue service by 12th September 2020. Frequency of trains to be regulated to avoid passenger crowding at stations and in trains.

2. Stations/ entry-exit gates in containment zones to be closed.

3. In order to ensure social distancing, suitable markings at stations and inside trains to be done.

4. Wearing of face mask to be mandatory for all passengers and staff. Metro rail corporations may make arrangements for the supply of masks on payment basis to the persons arriving without a mask.

5. Only asymptomatic persons to be allowed to travel after thermal screening at entry into the stations. Symptomatic persons should be advised to go to nearby COVID Care Centre/Hospital for testing/medical attention. Use of Aarogya Setu App to be encouraged.

6. Provision of sanitizers to be made an entry into the stations for use by passengers. Sanitization of all areas having human interface viz. equipment, train, working area, lift, escalators, handrail, AFC gate, toilets etc. needs to be done at regular intervals.

7. Use of Smart Card and cashless/online transactions to be encouraged. Tokens and paper slips/ticket to be used with proper sanitization. h. Adequate dwell time at stations to be provided to enable smooth boarding/deboarding ensuring social distancing.

Metro rail corporations may also resort to skipping of stations to ensure proper social distancing.

8. Passengers to be advised to travel with minimum luggage and avoid carrying metallic items for easy and quick scanning.

In meanwhile, the Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs issued SOPs on 2nd of September which excluded Nagpur and Mumbai Metro with others being operational by September 7. "As per MHA order No 40-3/2020-DM-I(A) dated 29.8.2020, metro services will resume from 7th September 2020 in a graded manner. For this purpose, SOP guidelines have been prepared by Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs, which have been concurred by the Ministry of Home Affairs", said Mr Hardeep Singh Puri, the Minister of State for MoHUA. The SOP consists of the following: –

9. Operation of Heating, Ventilation and Air-Conditioning (HVAC) system as per the Central Public Works Department (CPWD) & Indian Society of Heating, Refrigerating and Air Conditioning Engineers (ISHRAE) guidelines. Intake of fresh air in the airc o n d i t i o n i n g s ys t e m t o b e i n c re a s e d t o t h e e x t e n t possible.k.Information, Education and Communication (IEC) campaign to be launched for passenger and staff through electronic/print/social media, poster, banner, hoarding, website etc.

1. Metro operations to be resumed in a graded manner. Metros having more than one line should open different lines staring from 7th September 2020 onwards in a graded manner so that all

10. Metro rail corporations to keep close liaison with state police and local administration for regulating crowd outside the station and to deal with contingencies.

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COVER STORY COVER STORY “Based on above guidelines, Delhi, Noida, Chennai, Kochi, Bangalore, Mumbai Line-1, Jaipur, Hyderabad, Maha Metro (Nagpur) Kolkata, Gujarat and UP Metro (Lucknow) have prepared their SOPs. Government of Maharashtra has decided not to resume operation of metro during September 2020. Hence, Mumbai Line-1 and Maha Metro operations shall commence from October 2020 or as State Government may decide further", the statement released by MoHUA said.

Aqua Line follow the guidelines laid down by the Government for prevention of the COVID 19 infection. The main objective of NMRC is to provide a safe travelling experience for its commuters with all specified safety measures and precautions to safeguard against the spread of COVID-19”. She said in the statement.

The condition of resuming metro services to Ghaziabad is not yet clear. The other metro network of Uttar Pradesh, Lucknow Metro is also going to get opened on 7th September itself. As the metro authorities are taking decisions for implementation of social distancing norms in metro networks, the things depend solely on the future when it comes to its results.

It is obvious that the move will help all the stakeholders immediately with economic support, but it is not clear what is going to happen next! The health experts are divided on the issue.

Many have been saying that resuming Metro services at such times when the Pandemic is on the rapid rise may turn troublesome. However, the Indian Railways has been running special trains for a long time with very least no. of COVID spread detected, so it can turn into a good move if adequate measures are taken by the Metro Corporations.

The DMRC also issued its guidelines on 2nd of September according to which it will reopen its vast network in three different phases starting with the Yellow line on 7th September and ending with Airport Express line on 12th of September.

"Initially, entry/exit of passengers will be permitted only through one or two identified Gates at each station. List of all such earmarked Gate numbers at each station will be made available on the website www.delhimetrorail.com and official social media handles (Twitter, Facebook & Instagram – @officialDMRC) of DMRC for public information shortly Any change in number of Gates, as and when deemed necessary will also be updated there accordingly", said DMRC in a statement.

A team of around 800 officials/staff will be deployed for all stations to ensure the cleanliness and orderliness inside stations during revenue hours. In addition, they will regulate/stop the entry of passengers to the station in case of crowd build-up and violation of Social Distancing norms according to a DMRC notification.

It also further assured that all human contact areas like lift buttons, Escalator hand rails, AFC gates touch points, customer handling points will be disinfected at stations every 4 hours or earlier as required.

The DMRC has also taken few other steps to ensure that least chances of infection is there. It has said that Hand sanitizers by passengers will not be permitted beyond 30 ml quantity with public being advised to keep only pocket size hand sanitizers, if any, with them during the travel.

The DMRC had also issued advisory for new normal which calls to travel with minimum luggage and avoid carrying metallic items to contain Corona spread.

The Noida Metro Rail Corporation (NMRC) has also issued fresh guidelines which said that the services will resume on its aqua line from September 7 onwards. "Travelling in the Aqua Line will be a different experience for metro commuters as it will be mandatory for all passengers to wear masks and follow the rules of socialdistancing and other rules and regulations issued by the Government", said it's Managing Director of NMRC Ritu Maheshwari in a statement released on September 2.

“In this regard, NMRC is making necessary preparations at all its stations and inside the trains to ensure that all passengers of the

The DMRC which is the largest of all metro networks, has said, "All passengers will be required to undergo thermal screening and hand sanitization at the entry/frisking point itself. Forty-Five (45) major stations have been provided with 'Auto thermal screening cum hand sanitization machines' whereas, rest of the Metro stations will be having provision of 'Auto sanitizer dispensers' for hand sanitization and thermal screening will be done manually by 'Thermal guns'. This will be facilitated by DMRC/security personnel near the frisking/entry point".The DMRC has further decided not to open the stations falling in containment zones.

These are all preventive measures being taken not only by the DMRC but all the other Metro Corporations of the nation.

The Hyderabad Metro also has issued guidelines according to which it will take all necessary precautions and steps to ensure that the Metro network remains as much COVID Resistant as it is possible. Although everything has been finalized, adequate precautions need to be taken to contain the spread as the asymptomatic passengers may be greater COVID-19 bearers than those of Asymptomatic ones. The Metro Corporations need to take care of these all things while they restart the service for passengers.

Talking about Delhi, The epidemiologists have warned against the resumption because of a rapid increase in Delhi's positivity rate.

The serological survey found that 29% of 15,000 people surveyed in NCT of Delhi had developed antibodies in response for Covid19.

“As per the second serological survey report, nearly 2/3 of the population is still unexposed. The positivity rate is already on the rise, and if you create opportunities for people to mingle, then it will increase the chances of transmission of the infection," a doctor said. There chances of infection can't be neglected but as the Pandemic is going to be an endless phenomenon, it is the need of the time to open up these essential services open to the public.

The social distancing norms may be difficult to be maintained, but it isn't impossible. The only thing is that people understand the severity of the matter and cooperate with the officials likewise.

It solely depends on the readers to form their own conclusions on this topic as the opinion can't be uniform. It will have many variations, and of course, the future will decide what is going to happen next.

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ARTICLE EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW

In a conversation with Mr. P.K Agarwal, Founder & CEO of PPS International.

Also during this time, 3 phase loco technology and EMD loco technologies were fully absorbed by CLW and DLW respectively, and they were looking for the supply of material from the direct OEMs of Europe and USA.

Mr. P.K Agarwal, Founder & CEO of PPS International.

T

he Managing Editor of Metro Rail News, Mr. Narendra Shah had an interaction with Mr. P.K Agarwal, the Founder & CEO of PPS International.

He is Mechanical Engineer by profession and holds an MBA degree. He started his own venture in 2003 after working for over 15 years in different industries, especially in the Railway business.

Here is the full interview:NS - How do you feel after establishing a successful venture?

Kindly share your experiences.

PKA - Initially, I had a lot of challenges as I started my business from zero in 2003 and that too from a very small home in Noida and without any financial support from anybody. My business is a firstgeneration business, so in a way, I am a self-made person.

I started my business as an Indian Agent for a few foreign companies. I soon introduced several very high tech components in Indian Railways, and that is how my business started taking shape.

I got a lot of support from Railways during this time, as even Railway was interested in introducing many new technologies for passenger comforts like the introduction of Passenger Information System in their suburban trains of Mumbai, which I introduced in the country for the first time in Railways by introducing a Belgium company Televic with whom now I have a joint venture for the local manufacturing of this equipment in India.

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NS - What are your plans to expand your business? How are you going to work in the current scenario?

PKA - After the Make in India concept introduced in the country in 2015, I could imagine a lot of opportunities for Indian companies, so I also started developing more and more components as an Import substitute.

After working quite for a long time as Indian Agent and distributors for several European companies, we developed a good rapport with them, which helped me in setting up several joint ventures and license agreements with them.

My focus then shifted from agency and distributor business to more and more manufacturing and brought more value addition, thereby bring the real success of Make in India.

In the current scenario, there would be a lot of challenges as business may not come back to the old levels shortly, so to sustain in the present market, it is necessary to introduce new product line rather than expecting the vertical growth in the existing business.

Therefore we have now started making a few more new tie-ups for more and more local production.

NS - How do you find the Indian economy amid turmoil created by pandemic? How has it affected the progress of industrial development?

PKA - The growth curve cannot always be in the upward direction, so it has to see bit downfall also. In a way, nature has taken a deep dip to tell everybody in the world that probably you are going too fast, so it has given a pause in everybody’s life to take a rest and start again. The pandemic will have a longlasting impact on our lives, but the life of everyone will continue.

ARTICLE EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW NS - How do you make the move of running of private trains in the near future as proposed by the Indian Government? How do you think about it?

PKA - There is a huge gap between rich & poor in India. We can have private trains for elite class only while Railways shall continue to run their trains as well. It is a similar situation like in the airline business when private operators were introduced to break the monopoly of Air India. But here the situation is a bit different than airlines because private operator here will have to use the same tracks.

I have doubts about whether the private trains are going to succeed!

As these trains will run on the same tracks, there will be problems in maintaining the time for long route trains.

NS - What do you think around the privatisation of Railways?

How will it help the Railways and private businesses?

Our role in future business in metros should be quite better as our company is now venturing into the manufacturing of metro, metro lite (trams), metro neo (trolley buses on tyres) and Train 18 types of trains for which Yamuna Expressway Authority has allotted us an Industrial plot of 25 Acres on Noida – Agra expressway and adjacent to newly coming up Jewar airport. Once we get the land possession physically, we will start construction of the factory.

NS - What are the impacts of lockdown on metro networks? Is it right to close metros for such a long time? Please share your opinions.

PKA - I think that closing metros for such a long time is not a good decision. Most metros are running in other nations. COVID will remain in our life for a long time even after the vaccine is invented so we shall plan in the same way, and I think the metro services shall resume in India.

PKA - India is a big country and its most population is poor, which cannot afford costly travel, so it is not advisable to privatise Railways. Politically also it is almost next to impossible to privatise Railways.

NS - What are your plans for expansion of your business in future? Please share some information.

PKA - Our plans are to manufacture complete metro coaches and to do more and more value addition and doing import substitutes to bring the real benefit of Make in India.

NS - How is the boycott China movement going to help Indian companies specially who are working for the development of Rail and Metro Projects? What do you think about it?

PKA- Boycotting China will result in chaos. India was never considered as the production country nor having any R&D set up.

India always depended on the borrowed technology or copied technology as Indian believed more on Jugaad or Chalta hai approach. India will have to focus on cost-effective manufacturing materials if she wants to do something like this.

NS - How will the pandemic be affecting the different development works of the Metros & Railway? Kindly share your opinion.

PKA - Development work on metro and Railway would be slowed down due to pandemic situation as presently no metro or Railway is working since five months and they are already under huge losses, so overall I don’t think the development works are going to resume soon.

NS - How do you take Atmanirbhar Bharat & Make in India initiatives? What are the problems areas? Kindly share your views.

PKA - Both these policies are good for the country, but still there is no clarity in the mind of officers. Officers don’t want to understand the underline meaning of Atma Nirbhar or Make in India, and they are using as per their convenience.

NS - Any message which you would like to convey to our readers?

PKA - Despite having huge problems in our country, still our country is the best as we have a lot to do to improve the system and to leave a better country behind us for our next generation.

NS - Thank You

NS - Kindly share your role in the future businesses of metros? Is the COVID affecting the progress of the works?

PKA - Nobody can predict the future, but everybody can guess so I am.

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EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW COVER STORY

“ In a

conversation with DR. BRIJESH DIXIT , Managing Director, Maha Metro

�

to develop and operate Metro Rail in cities of Maharashtra outside Mumbai Metropolitan Region (MMR). Currently, it is engaged in collectively developing 71 km metro rail in Nagpur and Pune. This includes a two-line 38.215 km long network with 38 stations in Nagpur, of which 25 km is already operational. The Pune Project is a 33 km long two-line project with 30 stations out of which 5 km and 5 stations are underground and the balance is elevated. In addition, two-line, 44 km network with 32 stations of Phase II project proposal has been submitted to GoM for approval.

Apart from above, Maha Metro has been assigned the responsibility to develop 29 km light metro rail project with 22 stations for Thane. In comparison, it has also developed an innovative low-cost energy-efficient rubber-tyred MRTS system christened Metro-Neo for Nasik with a route length of 31 km and 30 stations. Detailed Project Report (DPR) prepared by Maha Metro for the two projects has been approved by the GoM and is currently under the sanction of GoI. Maha Metro has created a unique strategy to undertake all the projects simultaneously with dedicated teams for every section of every project. This has enabled it to create many firsts in execution, including bringing the projects fast to the operational stage at Nagpur and bringing the Pune project to operations trial stage. Maha Metro has also ensured that the project execution is fast-tracked using innovative frontline technologies like 5D-BIM. The central challenge is to ensure that like Nagpur and Pune Metro Rail Projects, every project undertaken by Maha Metro is completed to international standards within the stipulated time frame and estimated cost.

Q. The Nagpur Metro is taking many new initiatives like organising International Webinars. What are your next plans for the Nagpur Metro? What are the new initiatives which you are going to take in the future?

A: The outbreak of COVID-19 and the consequent lockdown has been an unprecedented challenge. But Maha Metro has also taken the period as one big opportunity. It has taken to webinar for twin purposes. First is to bring out the latest in knowledge and technology to the Maha Metro team by exposing it to international webinars. Secondly, International webinars have also been used as the forum/platforms where Concepts, Ideas, Initiatives, Vision and RealTime Experiences are presented and shared for the mutual benefit.

Dr. Brijesh Dixit , Managing Director, Maha Metro

O

ur Magazine Editor, Mr. Narendra Shah, had an interview with the Managing Director ofMaha Metro, Dr. Brijesh Dixit.

Here are a few experts from the interview:-

Q. Maha Metro is going to be one of the largest metro networks of India as it covers metro development works in four major cities of Maharashtra. How do you take this responsibility, and what are the challenges ahead?

A: Yes, to be truthful, the task before Maha Metro is daunting. It has been created as a joint venture of Government of India (GoI) and Government of Maharashtra (GoM) with the express mandate

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Vanaz Pune Metro

EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW COVER STORY Maha Metro plans to continue with these Webinars, which are an important tool for knowledge acquisition and sharing. Also, Maha Metro is going to use in future two grand technological platforms which it internalized in the last few months. First, is hundred percent working through the E-Office platform and second is large scale adoption of simultaneous multi-location VideoConferencing working using tools like Zoom to improve efficiency, speed of decision making and substantial reduction in travel cost.

At present, the work on 8.32 Km Reach 4 (Part of Aqua Line) and 7.22 Km Reach 2 (Part of Orange Line) is in advanced stage with current physical progress of 75% and 65% respectively. The progress on these sections has been delayed by few months due to adverse impacts of COVID-19 outbreak and the lockdown measures announced by the government. However, Maha-Metro is committed to reduce the impact by expediting the project execution innovatively.

Q. What will be the role of these webinars in future of Nagpur Metro? Kindly share some details about the progress of works of Nagpur Metro.

Q. What do you think about the new problems created by the pandemic? How is the future infrastructural development going to be affected by the ongoing pandemic? Kindly share your views.

A: The webinars in a very structured way will continue to play the role assigned to them in last few months. As regards the progress of works in Nagpur Metro, with its physical progress inching fast to 90% (currently 88.4%) with concomitant financial progress at 81.43%, the project is in advanced stage of completion. Its 25 km (i.e. two-third of the total project length) was declared fit for operations within record 50 months from the start of construction.

The commercial operations of 13.5 Km North-South Orange Line was inaugurated on 7th March 2019. As regards 11 km East-West Aqua Line Corridor, it received the safety certification from Commissioner of Metro Rail Safety (CMRS) as early as in September 2019, and Aqua Line was inaugurated later on 28th January 2020.

A: Undoubtedly, the unprecedented pandemic COVID 19 has presented itself as a once in a century moment that has severely impacted life and livelihood. India has been one of the worst affected nations, and we have to re-orient ourselves to new way of living, working and performing in the shadow of the Pandemic.

The above holds good for infrastructure projects as well. Till the cure and / or effective vaccine arrive all offices, project execution sites and the labour camps have to follow stringent preventive safeguard viz. mask, social distancing, frequent sanitization and other such measures. These may somewhat impact the pace of work execution in next few months.

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EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW COVER STORY Q. Is the Nagpur Metro facing any kind of labour crunch? If so, then what are the measures taken by you to bring back the workers on project sites?

A: Like all infrastructure projects Maha Metro projects too have suffered from the labour crunch due to outbreak and continuation of the COVID-19 Pandemic. Most of the contractor’s execution teams comprised migrant labour which returned to their native place severely impacting Nagpur and Pune Metro projects. At one point of time, the number of labour resource had gone down to about 1,000.

However, in early May, Maha Metro received government permission to resume work at Nagpur and Pune. Subsequently, both – Maha Metro and its contractors took various measures to restore the labour strength. Firstly, effort was made to start critical work with the available labour who were paid wages even for the lockdown period. Secondly, efforts were made to draft local labour to the worksite wherever possible. Thirdly, contractors started taking measures to re-contact their labour. All these measures have ensured that both Nagpur and Pune projects now have more than 3,000 labour each and, in soon the labour position is likely to be restored to pre COVID19 period.

Q. India had been in a lockdown for a long period. How has the lockdown affected the pace of works? Is it going to delay the works?

A: Let us look at it in three parts. Part one is the period when there was complete lockdown of the country, and no work was allowed on any worksite due to government orders. During this period there was total stoppage of all construction activity even though material and equipment were available. The second period is the beginning of May, when local governments at both Nagpur and Pune permitted the resumption of work but the work was hampered due to the labour crunch. And the third period is the one immediately thereafter when Maha Metro and its contractors made all-out efforts to ensure that the labour strength is ramped up.

The lockdown definitely impacted the pace of work. Even after the work resumed at slower pace with the available labour a new safety and health protocol and Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) had to be adopted. There also was some impact as despite best efforts some labourers got infected with COVID-19. All these impacted the pace of the work. But Maha Metro has ensured that their impact is limited in nature. It is the effort and commitment of Maha Metro to ensure that in coming months the progress lost/impacted during lockdown is fast-tracked and that the projects are still completed.

Q. What are your preparation for resuming metro services in Nagpur? How metro travel is going to change in future as per your opinion?

A: Nagpur Metro is in readiness to resume services with new safety and health protocol.

Central government has given go ahead for graded resumption of metro services with new Standard Operating Procedure (SOP). The new SOP is under discussion by all metro rail corporations with Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs (MoHUA). Once, approval to resume operations is received from Government of Maharashtra, Nagpur Metro shall start operations with the new SOP that includes multiple level of checking, ensuring

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social distancing, enforcing wearing ofmask and reducing human contact by promoting smart card tickets.

As far as the change in metro travel in future is concerned, let me address this issue at two levels. Initially, for some period Metro Rail operators will have to brace for less than optimal commuter patronage. This will be both supply and demand-driven. On the supply side, the opening will be graded. On demand side, the discretionary travel will be limited for some initial period. Beyond that, once we learn to live with the pandemic or overcome it, metro services shall regain their primacy and popularity as preferred option for urban transport for all class of citizens.

Q. Kindly share something about the progress of Pune Metro.

When is it going to be operational?

A: Pune Metro Project has 02 corridors totalling 33.28 km route length and 30 stations. It also has two Metro Coach Maintenance Depots.

The progress on the front of land acquisition is significant with 85 % land required for the project having been acquired. The current physical progress stands at 43 % while the financial progress achieved is 39 %. Like all infra projects the progress of Pune Metro too has been impacted by outbreak of COVID-19 and the consequential lockdown measured announced by the government.

Q. How are you working upon the Greater Nasik Metro Project?

Please also share some details about the progress of Thane Metro.

A: Greater Nasik Metro Project: Nasik is a relatively smaller city with forecasted ridership lesser than that of Nagpur & Pune. Considering this, Maha Metro has created an innovative system named “Metro Neo” which is rubber-tyred metro running on overhead traction on an elevated viaduct with all features associated with a Metro System. This system is ideally suited for Tier 2/3 cities, due to low ridership (5000-15000 PHPDT), limited ROW, sharp curves etc.

This is an innovative Mass Rapid Transit System (MRTS) with internationally best, globally available and tested low cost, energy efficient and eco-friendly urban transport solution, which is ideally suited for such cities. Detailed Project Report (DPR) for Nasik City (33 Km) Metro Neo System has been approved by GoM and is waiting the approval from GoI.

1119 Swargete Metro Bridge Elevation

EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW COVER STORY Thane Metro Project: The Detailed Project Report (DPR) for Thane Ring Metro (29 Km) has been submitted to Thane Municipal Corporation in the month of February 2020. Maha Metro has adopted Light Metro System for the city of Thane in view of relatively lesser ridership for approval of Thane Municipal Corporation. This DPR too has been approved by the GoM, and is awaiting GoI approval.

Q. When can we expect the Second phase of Nagpur Metro Project to be complete? What do you think about achieving projected daily ridership of 3.63 lakhs in Nagpur?

A: Let me answer it in three parts. Part one is in the way Maha Metro is completing phase 1 project within time and cost (rather with 10% saving in the DPR Cost). The project planning and construction team of Maha Metro that made it possible will undertake Phase 2 responsibilities. Also General Consultants for the project are in place and so are the incumbent contractors as they are already armed with men and machinery.

It is explained earlier that Phase I of Nagpur Metro Rail Project has already commenced commercial operations in 25 km stretch (i.e. two third of the total project length). Currently services are stopped following government orders due to pandemic lockdown. Maha Metro team is ready to take up the responsibility of undertaking construction of Phase 2, the moment the same is sanctioned by the central government.

Phase-II Nagpur Metro: DPR of Phase- II of Nagpur Metro Rail Project for 43.80 km stretch as future extension of North-South and East-West corridors (all reaches) was submitted to GoI on 19 March 2020 by the GoM and the project is under consideration of the government for sanction.

Maha Metro is in readiness to expeditiously acquire land and award all the contracts in record time.

Measures to improve ridership: A wide publicity measures and awareness programs amongst people of Nagpur are being conducted for use and increasing ridership. Public Outreach – in Mission Mode has been resorted to as under: ⮚ Effective ongoing outreach through innovative popular programs- Samvaads, Metro Mitras, Mahiti Kendras and Sahayog Kendras ⮚ Basic philosophy is to keep citizens informed about temporary inconvenience, periodical progress, and long-term benefits by enlisting them as project partners, friends and volunteers as per the philosophy of Mazi Metro. ⮚ Providing first and last mile connectivity including e-cycles, escooters, feeder buses and para transit ⮚ Also, by ensuring other commuting services integration through MMI (Multi-Model Integration) Maha Metro is making it easier for citizens to use Metro services.

chhatrapati Sambhaji Udyan

⮚ Last but not the least, as part of an effort to increase the ridership, Company has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on 16th July 2018 with Ministry of Railways & Govt. of Maharashtra for Broad Gauge Metro Feeder Services on Indian Railways network from 4 neighbouring satellite towns to Nagpur viz. Ramtek, Bhandara, Wardha & Katol. ⮚ All these measures along with the fact that metro rail is the safe, convenient, comfortable and affordable system will ensure that commuters come in big numbers Q. As the Managing Director of Maha Metro, what do you think about the future expansion of metro Projects in other cities of Maharashtra? Is any planning underway in the aegis of Maha Metro?

A: On sanction of DPRs of Projects of Nasik Metro Neo and Thane Ring Light Metro, are already with Govt. of India, Nasik and Thane will soon have its Metro Projects commenced. As Managing Director of Maha Metro, I believe that projects under sanction and advanced stage of planning, would come Maha Metro way.

Apart from above and Nagpur Phase 2, following projects are already on anvil: PCMC-Nigdi (4.413 Km) & Swargate – Katraj (5.464 Km) at Pune.

These are logical extensions of Corridor-1 of Pune Metro. The DPR for first part of the project has been approved by Government of Maharashtra while that of Swaragte – Katraj is under approval of Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC).

A proposal for undertaking DPR study of Pune Metro Ph-2 (69 Km) is under consideration by GoM. Thane Phase-II (Metro Neo, 25 Km) to Thane Municipal Corporation (TMC) & High Capacity Mass Rapid Transit System (HCMTR) in Pimpri Chinchwad (Metro Neo, 31 Km) & Pimpri Chinchwad Municipal Corporation (PCMC) are under consideration.

As explained above the DPR of Phase-II of Nagpur Metro Rail Project for 43.80 km stretch considering future extension of North-South and East-West corridor (all reaches) has been submitted to GoI on 19 March 2020 by the GoM. Maha Metro also has BG Metro Project (Using the existing tracks of Indian Railways network in the area) at Nagpur for providing high speed connectivity to Wardha, Ramtek, Bhandara and Katol.

Maha Metro also looks forward to undertaking future MRTS Projects in Aurangabad (Population 15.6 Lakh) and Amaravati (Population 7.52 Lakh) based on requirements from Government of Maharashtra.

Q. How do you take the Metro services in Nagpur? How has it helped the people of the city to get an enhanced transport system? Kindly share your opinion.

A: Nagpur Metro Rail has helped the people of the city in large way with marked shift in their thinking and approach on the use of transport, which is fast, convenient, comfortable, affordable, green and environment friendly.

The Infrastructure of Metro Rail created in the city has been designed aesthetically in culturally sensitive ethos, with a sense of the history and heritage of the city while transforming it further to modern architecture. Its stations depict the art and culture of the city, state, and the nation.

The facility further provides for: ⮚ Universally accessibility to all categories of vulnerable population.

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23

EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW COVER STORY

Shambhaji Pune Metro

⮚ Aimed to rejuvenate and modernize Central Business District (CBD)-stations themselves are set to become vibrant new city centres. ⮚ Substantial institutional, commercial and retail property development to ensure that Non-Fare Box Revenues surpass the Fare-Box Revenue – A New Benchmark.

NMRP Project has been declared as Greenest Metro with Pioneered integration of Solar Power right from the inception to meet 65% of total energy requirement, including traction power. A global benchmark.

Its operational stations have highest Platinum rating awarded

by Indian Green Building Council (IGBC). All stations, depots and administrative buildings are designed to achieve these norms progressively with: ⮚ 100% Water Recycling and 100% Rain-water harvesting. ⮚ Zero additional load on sewerage system - Bio Digesters at all stations.

Q. What message would you like to convey to our readers?

A: At the outset, my warm greetings to readers of Metro Rail News.

It is always my proud privilege to get associated with the magazine and its readers to share information about its vision, commitment, dedication and pursuit of excellence in planning, construction and operation of the metro rail system. The company’s core emphasis has been to create a mass transit system of the highest quality meeting international benchmark.

I am delighted to mention further, that the dedicated efforts, steadfast commitment, and the trust reposed by the employees has enabled to achieve the set goals. We will continuously strive towards meeting the demand of citizens of Nagpur & Pune and to ensure that Metro Rail fast becomes preferred mode of Public transport. I would like to express my heartfelt gratitude to the citizens of Nagpur and Pune without whom it would not have

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been possible to achieve the progress.

A significant aspect of our working worth sharing with the readers is our Green mission. Maha Metro has already commissioned 758 kWp of installed solar capacity and with various other green measures as explained above, we carry the tag of the “Greenest Metro” humbly but proudly.

Out of my experience with Maha Metro and four long decades of my professional journey, I would like to encourage every reader to the complete dedication and pursuit of excellence in whatever they do in the personal and professional life Lastly, I am aware that all of us in the country are passing through most difficult phase in life brought in due to unprecedented global pandemic COVID 19. I wish all readers and their family a healthy COVID-19 free life.

PROJECT OF THE MONTH ARTICLE

Hyderabad Metro

H

yderabad Metro is an urban Mass Rapid Transit System to serve Hyderabad, the capital of Telangana. Construction for 72 km long Phase 1 of Hyderabad Metro on the PublicPrivate Partnership (PPP) model started in April 2012 by its concessionaire, L&T Metro Rail Hyderabad Limited (LTMRHL). It ended in February 2020 when the entire Green Line opens for public.

Work on 5 km MGBS – Falaknuma section of the Green Line of Hyderabad Metro could never begin due to local protests in the Old City, which led to Phase 1 getting truncated at 67 km. Hyderabad Metro’s 58 km Phase 2 is currently in the proposal stage. Its Detailed Project Report (DPR) was submitted to the Telangana government for approval in February 2020. The time construction could possibly modify the routes within it begins in 2021.

Routemap

System Information • Top Speed: 80 kmph • Average Speed: 35 kmph • Track Gauge: Standard Gauge – 1435 mm • Electrification: 25 kV, 50 Hz AC overhead catenary (OHE) • Signalling: Communication-based Train Control (CBTC) Key Figures Operational: 67 km | Under Construction: 0 km | Approved but Pending Approval from Local Residents (Phase 1): 5 km | Proposed (Phase 2): 58 km • Daily Ridership: 4.90 lakh/day (February 2020) • Rolling Stock: 171 coaches (57 train-sets x 3) supplied by Hyundai Rotem METRO RAIL NEWS | SEPTEMBER 2020 | WWW.METRORAILNEWS.IN

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PROJECT OF THE MONTH ARTICLE Hyderabad Metro Phase 1 – Operational

Hyderabad Metro Timeline

Larsen and Toubro Metro Rail Hyderabad Ltd (LTMRHL) began construction work on Hyderabad Metro’s 72 km Phase 1 project in April 2012 under the Public-Private Partnership (PPP) model.

The first section (Miyapur – Ameerpet – Nagole) opened in November 2017, and the last section (JBS – MGBS) opened on February 7, 2020.

This phase involves the construction of 3 new lines on standard gauge tracks:

Phase 1 • 29 November 2017: Nagole – Ameerpet (Blue Line) – 17.60 km • 29 November 2017: Miyapur – Ameerpet (Red Line) – 12.20 km • 24 September 2018: Ameerpet – LB Nagar (Red Line) – 16 km • 20 March 2019: Ameerpet – HITEC City (Blue Line) – 8.5 km • 29 November 2019: HITEC City – Raidurg (Blue Line) – 1.5 km • 07 February 2020: JBS Parade Ground – MGBS (Green Line) – 11 km

• Line-1 – Red Line – Miyapur – L B Nagar (29.87 km, 27 stations) • Line-2 – Green Line – JBS Parade Ground – MGBS (9.6 km, 9 stations) • Line-3 – Blue Line – Nagole – Raidurg (28 km, 23 stations) Hyderabad Metro Phase 2 – Proposed 58 km Hyderabad Metro Phase 2 project is currently in the proposal stage. In February 2020, its detailed project report (DPR) with 3 new lines & extensions of existing lines was submitted to the Telangana government for approval.

As per the latest plan revealed by Hyderabad Metro’s MD, the Phase 2 project will include 3 elevated corridors or extensions of the existing lines built in the 67 km Phase 1 project. It hasn’t been finalized whether this phase will be developed on the EPC method or on the PPP (Public-Private Partnership) route.

Line-1 – Red Line – Miyapur – Lakdikapul (22 km) Type: Elevated Note: This extension will connect and pass through Miyapur – BHEL – Kondapur – Gachibowli – Raidurg – Mehdipatnam – Masab Tank – Lakdi Ka Pul (located also on the Red Line) intersecting itself to form a small ring for the north-west quadrant of the city.

Line-3 – Blue Line – Raidurg – Rajiv Gandhi International Airport (RGIA) (31 km) Type: Elevated, At-Grade (1 km) & Underground (2.5 km) Stations (8) : Bio-Diversity Junction, Nanakramguda, Narsingi, TS Police Academy, Rajendranagar, Shamshabad, Airport Cargo, Airport Terminal Note: This extension of the Blue Line will pass through Gachibowli and Himayathsagar via the Outer Ring Road (ORR) to connect up with Rajiv Gandhi International Airport in Shamshabad. Its Detailed Project Report (DPR) for this extension was prepared by the Delhi Metro Rail Corporation in 2018-19. The line is estimated to cost Rs. 4,650 cr and will be executed by Hyderabad Airport Metro Limited (HAML) – a new special purpose vehicle. Funds are expected to be provided by Hyderabad Metropolitan Development Authority (HMDA) and GMR Group.

Line-3 – Blue Line – Nagole – LB Nagar (5 km) Type: Elevated Note: this small extension of the Blue Line will connect up to the Red Line’s Nagole Station. Both station boxes at LB Nagar will likely be connected via foot overbridge (FOB), as the Red Line’s station is about 400m away from the Inner Ring Road.

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FEATURED PROJECT ARTICLE Patna Metro Patna Metro with 2 lines and 26 stations is an urban Mass Rapid Transit System (MRTS) approved to be built in Patna, Bihar's capital and largest city,by Patna Metro Rail Corporation Ltd (PMRCL)

Bhavan, Secretariat, High Court, Income Tax Roundabout, Patna Junction, CNLU, Mithapur and Khemni Chak Line-2 (North-South Line): Patna Junction Railway Station – New ISBT Length: 14.05 km Type: Elevated & Underground Elevated: 10.05 km with 7 stations Underground: 4 km with 5 stations Number of Stations: 12 Station Names: Patna Junction, Dak Bungalow, Gandhi Maidan, Kargil Chowk, PMCH, Patna University, Pre Chandra Rangashala, Dinkar Golambar, Malahi Pakri, Khemni Chak, Bhoothnath, Zero Mile and New ISBT

Patna Metro's 30.91 km Phase 1 project's Detailed Project Report (DPR) was prepared by RITES and approved by Bihar's state government on February 9, 2016. On September 25 2018, the Bihar government approved the constitution of Patna Metro Rail Corporation Ltd (PMRCL) as the operator or special purpose vehicle for its implementation, which in turn appointed the Delhi Metro Rail Corporation (DMRC) as the General Consultant (GC) to assist with its implementation.

The project received the Central Government's approval on February 6, 2019 and PM Modi laid its foundation stone on February 17, 2019. In November 2019, the DMRC unveiled a change in the project's Detailed Project Report (DPR) and alignment of both lines, leading to the creation of a second interchange at Khemni Chowk, elimination of Line-1's depot at Aitwarpur and addition of 2 new stations. The project is planned to be partly financed through an official development assistance (ODA) loan from the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA).

Construction for its 30.91 km first phase is expected to start in late2020.

System information Top Speed: 80 kmph Average Speed: 34 kmph Track Gauge: Standard Gauge – 1435 mm Electrification: 25 kV, 50 Hz AC OHE Signalling: Communications-based train control (CBTC) Key Figures Operational: 0 km | Under Construction: 0 km | Approved: 30.91 km Estimated Cost: Rs.13,365.77 cr Estimated Ridership: 2.10 lakh/day (2026) Line-1 (East-West Line): Danapur Cantonment – Khemni Chak Length: 16.86 km Type: Elevated & Underground` Elevated: 9.36 km with 8 stations Underground: 7.5 km with 6 stations Number of Stations: 14 Station Names: Danapur Cantonment, Saguna Mor, RPS Mor, IAS Colony, Rukkanpura, Rajabazaar, JD Women's College, Raj

Project timeline February 2016: The Bihar cabinet approved DPR of Patna Metro prepared by RITES a budget of Rs.16,960 crores and planned to execute under PPP mode by 2021.

May 2016: The Patna Metro Rail project had got a fresh boost when Union urban development minister M Venkaiah Naidu was reportedly assuring Bihar of the Centre's in-principle approval to the project within a month.

July 3 2018: Bihar chief secretary Deepak Kumar approved the proposed Patna Metro Rail's revised detailed project report for putting it up before the state cabinet, with the revised estimated cost of the project at 19,500 crores, including land acquisition cost.

September 20 2018: RITES has submitted the revised Detailed Project Report (DPR) to the Urban Development and Housing department.

September 25 2018: The Bihar cabinet has approved the constitution of "Patna Metro Rail Corporation Ltd (PMRCL)" as special purpose vehicle (SPV) for implementation of the metro rail project in the capital.

September 28 2018: Public Finance Committee has approved the Detailed Project Report (DPR) of the Patna Metro Rail Project.

October 9 2018: Bihar cabinet has approved the DPR for Patna metro rail project, now it will be sent to the central government for approval.

November 20 2018: Central Government approved the DPR for Patna metro.

February 6 2019: Patna Metro gets approval from the Public Investment Board (PIB).

February 13 2019: Union Cabinet approves Patna Metro Rail Project comprising two corridors.

February 17 2019: Prime Minister Narendra Modi lays foundation stone for Patna's first metro rail corridor.

March 4 2019: Patna Metro Rail Corporation Limited formally opened its office at Indira Bhavan.

July 25 2019: Patna Metro work to start in three months.

August 23 2019: Drone survey started and is slated to end on October 15.

September 4 2019: DMRC to oversee the project execution. Work to begin by the end of the year 2019.

November 18 2019: CEG starts soil testing for Patna Metro.

February 28 2020: AECOM bags consultancy contract for both corridors for Patna Metro Project.

Jun 2020: Bids opened for 6.1 km of metro route construction

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FEATURED PROJECT ARTICLE connecting Mahahi Pakri to New ISBT which is part of route 2 of phase-1.

Jul 2020: Tender awarded for constructing metro depot at New ISBT to Quality Buildcon Pvt Ltd.

7

Dr. Kashinath Ghanekar Natyagraha

TBD

None

Patna Metro Major Contractors

8

Manpada

TBD

None

9

Dongripada

TBD

Line 4

10

Vijaynagri

TBD

None

11

Waghbil

TBD

None

12

Waterfront

TBD

None

13

Patlipada

TBD

None

14

Azad Nagar Bus Stop

TBD

None

15

Manorama Nagar

TBD

None

16

Kolshet Industrial Area

TBD

None

17

Balkum Naka

TBD

Line 5

18

Balkum Pada

TBD

None

19

Rabodi

TBD

None

20

Shivaji Chowk

TBD

None

21

Thane Junction

TBD

None

22

New Thane

TBD

None

Contract

Contractor

General Consultant (GC)

Delhi Metro Rail Corporation (DMRC)

Utility Investigation Line-1 & Line-2

A V Construction

Line-1 Geotechnical Soil Investigation

Consulting Engineers Group (CEG)

Line-2 Geotechnical Soil Investigation

CEG Test House and Research Centre Private Ltd.

PCDD-01: Line-1 Detailed Design Consultant (DDC)

AECOM Singapore Pte. Ltd. – AECOM India Pvt. Ltd.

PCDD-02: Line-2 Detailed Design Consultant (DDC)

AECOM Singapore Pte. Ltd. – AECOM India Pvt. Ltd.

PEDD-01: Detailed Design Consultant (DDC) for 25 kV OHE, Power Supply & SCADA

SYSTRA MVA Consulting (India) Pvt. Ltd.

PC-01: Construction of Line-2’s Malahi Pakri – New ISBT (6.1 km viaduct, 5 stations)

NCC is Lowest Bidder

PC-02: Construction of New ISBT Depot

Quality Buildcon is Lowest Bidder

Thane Metro The Thane Metro is a mass transit project for the city of Thane, Maharashtra, India. It will feature 22 stations along a 29 kilometres (18 mi) route ( 26km Elevated and 3km Underground) and will be connected to lines 4 and 5 of the Mumbai Metro. The project will be implemented by the Thane Municipal Corporation (TMC) and the Maharashtra Metro Rail Corporation (Maha Metro). It received Cabinet approval on March 6 2019 by Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis. The system will take 4-5 years to build at a cost of. ₹13,095 crore. The cost of the tickets will vary from ₹ 17 to ₹104. The roofs of the metro stations are planned to be fitted with solar panels, which will provide upto 65% of the electricity requirements for the system.

Stations There will be a total of 22 stations. 20 Elevated Stations and two Underground.

#

1

2

3

4

Station

Teen Hath Naka

Wagle Circle

Lokmanya Nagar Bus Depot

Shivai Nagar

Status Connections

TBD

TBD

TBD

TBD

Line 4

None

None

None

5

Neelkanth Terminal

TBD

None

6

Gandhi Nagar

TBD

None

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Status Work on this system was not intended to start before the completion of Line 4 (Mumbai Metro) as the construction of two large scale projects would lead to severe congestion.

There have been reports that the metro may be scrapped to make for a high-speed tram system (light rail).

FOCUSED COVER SYSTEM STORY

Communications-Based Bogie Train Control (CBTC)

height remains equal in any condition. If in case the floor height decreases from one side as a result of excessive load in that particular area, the leveling valve adjusts the air in the air bags installed on the other side of the bogie to level the height of the coach. The air from the 200 litre reservoir is first supplied to a 50 litre tank from where it is further supplied to 70 litre tanks. It is then fetched to air bags as per the requirements.

Pneumatic Brakes

A

bogie is a component found in all types of trains (locomotive, wagon, metro, tram, etc.). A bogie is a frame, placed under the trains, onto which the wheels of the railway vehicle are fixed. As bogies are mobile in relation to the frame of the vehicle itself, they can notably be used to facilitate movement on curved tracks.

PNEUMATICS A large chunk of operations in the metro train are performed with the help of pneumatics. These operations include the application of brakes, variation of pressure in the air suspension system, variation of pressure for the movement of pantograph etc.

Such operations are performed with the help of com- pressed air which is stored and supplied with required pres- sure to various units.

Advantages of Compresses Air • Explosion proof • Clean • Abundantly available • Easy to transport • Easy to store and remove Components Used in Air Supply System • Air compressor • Oil separator • Air dryer • Main reservoir tank • Governor • Safety valves Functions of Various Components Air is compressed to a pressure of about 8 to 10 bar through the air compressor. The oil separator helps in filtering the air of any unwanted particles. Air dryer removes moisture from air while a micromesh filter removes any kind of foreign parti- cles that may be present in the air. The compressed air after being properly filtered is stored in a 200 litre reservoir. It is further supplied to different pneumatic systems with pressure regulated as desired.

The governor regulates the starting and stopping of the compressor. When the pressure in the reservoir reaches 10 bar, the governor cuts off the supply. When the pressure falls below 7.5 bar, it starts the compressor again.

Air Suspension There are two types of suspension systems in the metro rail namely the primary suspension and the secondary suspen- sion.

Out of the two, the secondary suspension utilizes the compressed air stored in the 200 litre reservoir for its operation.Each car has a secondary suspension system in the form of four air bags which are installed on the bogie. These air bags are filled with air with the help of a leveling valve. The level- ing valve ensures that the floor

Pneumatic brakes as the name suggests works on the principle of application of brakes using the force exerted by compressed air.

There are five different types of brakes in the metro rail system based on their purpose of operation.

• Service brakes • Emergency brakes • Parking brakes • Holding brakes • Backup brake Service Brakes: These brakes constitute the main braking system of a metro rail. They operate during normal running conditions and are also equipped with a regenerative braking system. The kinetic energy lost on account of application of brakes is converted into useful electrical energy and either stored in the battery system or supplied back to the overhead extension (OHE) in order to be used by other rails on the net- work.

Emergency Brakes: These brakes are used in case of emergen- cy.

It can be directly applied by the train operator. Besides, even if some condition is not fulfilled during operation and found potentially dangerous, a signal is sent to the Brake Elec- tronic Control Unit (BECU) and subsequently to the Brake Control Unit (BCU) which further changes the signal into a pneumatic signal to apply brakes.

Parking Brakes: These brakes are used when the train is parked in a depot. Each metro car has a set of four parking brakes, with two brakes installed on one bogie. They are in- stalled on the DT car and can be applied either manually or automatically when the reservoir pressure is low.

Holding Brakes: These brakes are used to prevent the train from rolling back on a rising gradient. They are particularly useful when the train is standing on a station or in a depot. These brakes operate on a pressure which is seventy percent of the service brake pressure.

Backup Brake: This brake is particularly useful when the main braking system fails. The driver can operate the pneumatic brake in case of a fault in the electrically operated braking sys- tem. The pneumatic friction brake is operated using the driv- er's brake valve.

METRO RAIL NEWS | SEPTEMBER 2020 | WWW.METRORAILNEWS.IN

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OPINION ARTICLE

Way Towards Digital Metros

Authored by:

Priyanka Sahu D i r e c t o r, B u s i n e s s D e v e l o p m e n t

Sy m b r o j M e d i a P v t Lt d

D

igitalization is not a very old thing for the Indian subcontinent. Instead, the concept is very old, but it's Indian version is indeed very new. It came into limelight after the demonetization process announcement by the government of India in November 2016. The Digital India movement gained a rapid pace just after the country faced a total shortage of paper money.

The concept behind the use of digital money that is based on the number system is to reduce the use of paper money, which further helps to reduce the cost spent by the government in printing notes. Printing of notes takes a huge amount of investment, human resource and time as well as the best quality of papers which are imported from other countries. The government aims to reduce this cost and thus, in turn, helps payment interfaces.

Before the demonetization process, the online payment services were chargeable. Paying for a job application included a payment interface charges of around Rs 20-30 just for a payment of Rs 500.

The digital process was then not as easy as it is today.

When the government took the initiative to change the system with National Payments Corporation of India (NPCI) introducing the UPI payment system, the online payment system got transformed in a few years. In the year 2016, only Paytm used to be the sole player in the game. With the coming of UPI, a host of new players have come into the field and government is also helping these players, which further helps in reducing the payment interface service charges to zero. Today, we can see a lot of mobile apps available working on the UPI payment system.

The Metro Corporations had been using a blended model which included recharge of smart cards with both cash as well as through online payment mode as the Coronavirus spread has

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created a new demand of going for entirely cashless.

One alternative to the existing system could be the ambitious scheme of the central government, “National Common Mobility Card” or (NCMC) launched by prime minister Narendra Modi in March last year during the launch of the first phase of Ahmedabad Metro in Ahmedabad. The scheme commonly known as ‘One Nation One Card‘ Scheme is an umbrella program under the ministry of housing and urban affairs of Government of India. This scheme proposes to include a common payment option for various services with being an indigenous prepaid card supported by the national payments corporation of India led the Rupay payments system.

The Digitalization in the metro faring systems will not only help the commuters or the metro corporations, but it will also help the government to reduce its expenditures on the printing of banknotes. The revenue generated by payment interface service providers will further help the startups and boost the Make in India concept.

The largest Metro network of the country, Delhi Metro run by Delhi Metro Rail Corporation ( DMRC) has announced that it is not going to entertain any cash transactions on its network with going fully digital in the ticketing system.

The ways which can be used to recharge the smart cards are:1. WEB or Online: Smart cards can be recharged through the WEB or online by using Credit/Debit Card or online payment (www.dmrcsmartcard.com). Smart Card recharged through this method is to be validated by showing it at Ticket Reader cum AVMs available at Metro stations.

OPINION ARTICLE 2. E-wallets like Paytm: Smart Cards can be recharged using Paytm. Validation of Smart Card after recharging is required to be done at TR cum AVMs available at the customer care centre of all stations.

3. POS (Point of Sale Machine): Smart Card can be recharged through POS machines using Credit/Debit Card/Bharat QR Code at customer care centre of all Metro stations.

will not only ease up things but also be safer because of the Pandemic. This is the work of the government and these Metro Corporations to bring in use few more methods of digitalization which will further not only ease up the ticketing system but also help to increase the revenue collection of the Metros.

The way forward is not too easy, neither it is an instant method.

The things will take time to get in the ready to do mode. However, initiatives are needed to be taken to ensure that things start on the ground.

4. Ticket Vending Machines (TVMs): These are available at all Metro stations wherein one can recharge the smart card by using Credit/Debit card.

5. Autope Smart Cards: These cards are available through the App ‘Autope’. These cards are enabled with auto top-up facility at AFC Gates itself, eliminating the need to go for o;nline or offline mode to recharge smart card.

The Lucknow Metro the other hand, has come up with a new card called Go Smart card. According to the UPMRC, the nodal agency for operating the Lucknow Metro says, " The Go Smart Cardsaves both time and money as the users have to no longer stand in queues for buying tickets/tokens, moreover they get a 10% discount on the fare (of journey) each time they travel. Besides these

benefits, ‘Go Smart’ card users can also enjoy free Wi-Fi facility at the Metro Stations for which they just have to tap their card at the card reader. Tokens can also be purchased through Token Vending Machine (TVM) using ‘Go Smart’ Card, so a user’s relatives and friends can purchase tickets using the same card".

There are few more things which can be given a digital shape in the Metros. In the metro coaches, AI-based digital displays can be used in place of audio which creates noise pollution in the metro coaches. The digitalization in the collection of fare will ensure health safety and transparency.

The further thing which the metro corporations may do is replacing the physical tokens or tickets with digital tickets. The QR code technology can be used in making it more accessible. The AFC gates shall adapt to such technologies which further helps the ticketing system through QR codes more efficient and easy to use. Metro Corporations can develop integrated Android & iOS apps to make the process smoother. As a person who boards a metro train just for a single trip in a year would never like to buy a smart card, it is the responsibility of the Metro Authorities to ensure that interests of such passengers are not neglected. The QR based online ticketing system will surely be of great benefit when it comes to cater the demands of passengers in such difficult times of the Pandemic.

Although the Metro Corporations have adopted the Digitalization process, a lot needs to be done in the field as the Digitalization METRO RAIL NEWS | SEPTEMBER 2020 | WWW.METRORAILNEWS.IN

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ARTICLE COVER STORY

Authored by:

Narendra Shah Managing Editor

Metro Rail News

Resuming Metros across the Nation

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he things have not much changed as far as Corona spread is concerned. The conditions have much deteriorated, and it continues. However, it has now become clear that the pandemic will not be over soon, and people now need to make adjustments in their lives according to the needs of the time. The economy has been affected much and will take a long time for a revival.

The pandemic which is being taken as a Made in China initiative, it has hampered the world economy with causing least impacts on China. In India, the pandemic has created huge loss both of lives and wealth.

As the lockdown restrictions are being eased up, most parts of the Indian economy are now open. However, the most crucial component of the economy, which helps easy transportation of goods and People has been affected much. The Public transport systems whether it be Railways, Metros, Local trains or Sub Urban Services, everything has not resumed yet.

As the workplaces have been opened up and people need to reach to their factories or offices on time, the lack of availability of effective public transport services is creating Havoc. Once the government planned to open up office spaces and companies, it was needed to restart metro services to ease the travel. Many people have been complaining that it is taking much of their salaries to travel through cabs or auto rickshaws. The need of the time is to address the genuine concerns of the people to help further the economy to gain faster recovery.which are working to resume metro services while waiting for the Government nod.

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Delhi Metro Rail Corporation ( DMRC ) The DMRC is the nodal agency for running metro in the Capital City of India. The DMRC network is the biggest of that of South Asia, and it is believed to be the mother organization of all the other metro establishments of the nation.

Recently, the DMRC made a collaboration with Autope to bring more effective and contactless ticketing system. “The Autope Smart Card with Auto recharge option comes handy at these times wherein, commuters are going to follow a new travel protocol (whenever Metro services resume) which calls for social distancing and contactless services due to the ongoing Covid pandemic. However, irrespective of the new card/feature, the existing Smart Cards owned by the commuters will continue to remain valid in the same manner as they used to be so far”, the DMRC said in a statement.

Kochi Metro Running in one of the Southernmost parts of the country, the Kochi Metro has geared up for the resumption of its services. In a move to serve the passengers, the Kochi Metro has decided to run trains every 20 minutes. Operations will resume at 7 am and end around 8:30.

“We have plans to increase the number of trains based on the passenger footfall. Kochi Metro has taken all steps to provide asafe and secure travel for all Kochiites.” said Alkesh Kumar

ARTICLE COVER STORY Sharma IAS, Additional Chief Secretary and MD KMRL.

Lucknow Metro The UPMRC, nodal agency for running Lucknow metro has come up with many new plans. Regular sanitization, along with the implementation of new technologies are a few major things which the corporation is doing. “Keeping in mind, the health and safety of its commuters, UPMRC will ensure that all station premises, equipment and other points of contact are being sanitized at regular intervals of 4-5 hours. This including the ticket counters (TOMs), TVM (Ticket Vending Machines), Customer Care centres, Entry-Exit gates, handrails inside trains, handrails at the escalator and seats of trains, platforms etc.�, UPMRC said to Metro Rail News.

Nagpur Metro

line of Nagpur Metro. He reviewed the preparations on the stations and further gave instructions to officials available there.

According to sources, the Nagpur Metro too is in working mode and may resume services once the centre gives a green signal.

Bangaluru Metro As it is expecting to resume after Home Ministry nod, the preparations are final. It has experienced a huge loss both of fare and non-fare revenues.

The metro authorities are also experiencing huge revenue losses, and they are requesting the Central Government to let them run with limited passengers.

The ball is now in the court of MHA which is expected to take a final call on the matter today.

The Managing Director of Maha Metro, Dr Brajesh Dixit recently visited Rahate Colony and Ajani Metro stations of Orange

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ARTICLE COVER STORY

Lucknow Metro prepares for New Normal as services resume

Authored by:

Priyanka Sahu D i r e c t o r, B u s i n e s s D e v e l o p m e n t

Sy m b r o j M e d i a P v t Lt d

A

s the city readies itself to bring back normalcy and life on track post lockdown, Lucknow Metro has left no stone unturned to keep its promise of providing the safest transport experience when the lockdown ends.

With an entirely new set of arrangements that have been done to check the spread of Coronavirus, Lucknow Metro emerges to be the safest mode of public transport with the following features:

Enjoy Absolutely Contactless travel with GoSmart Card A passenger using a GoSmart Card enjoys absolute contactless travel as the GoSmart card isn’t required to be tapped on the entry or exit gate. A special sensor reads the card when brought near the machine without tapping on it. This way throughout the journey the passenger comes only in contact with sanitized train seat and sanitized handles. GoSmart Cards will be available for sale at all metro stations post commencement of metro train services.

Metro staff will always be present near the TVM to assist the passengers in obtaining tokens themselves.

Other Benefits of GoSmart Card: ‘Go Smart’ card saves both time and money as the users have to no longer stand in queues for buying tickets/tokens, moreover they get a 10% discount on the fare (of journey) each time they travel. Besides these benefits, ‘Go Smart’ card users can also enjoy free Wi-Fi facility at the Metro Stations for which they just have to tap their card at the card reader. Tokens can also be purchased through Token Vending Machine (TVM) using ‘Go Smart’ Card, so a user’s relatives and friends can purchase tickets using the same card.

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All Metro stations and Trains are sanitized regularly Keeping in mind, the health and safety of its commuters, UPMRC will ensure that all station premises, equipment and other points of contact are being sanitized at regular intervals of 4-5 hours. This including the ticket counters (TOMs), TVM (Ticket Vending Machines), Customer Care centres, Entry-Exit gates, handrails inside trains, handrails at the escalator and seats of trains, platforms etc.

Lucknow Metro team ensures that all common points of contact like lifts, lift buttons, escalators, handrails of escalators, Staircase, Baggage Scanning Machines, Metal Detector Machines and door frames, seats, handles of trains and all entry/exit points are deep sanitized regularly.

Station Controllers (Scs), Customer Relation Assistants (CRAs) and security personnel will be wearing masks and gloves while contacting/dealing with commuters. Ample availability of tissue papers and sanitizers for passengers at all the washrooms of Metro stations. Sanitizers have also been kept at all ticket counters for the passengers and at exit points of paid area. This will ensure that every passenger uses sanitizer twice at the time of entering and exiting the station.

Thermal Scanning of every passenger at metro stations Amid the novel coronavirus outbreak that has gripped a large number of people, Uttar Pradesh Metro has ramped up safety measures and precautions to contain the deadly disease. In this connection, UPMRC started a strict

ARTICLE COVER STORY screening at its metro stations to avoid the further spread of the disease.

All entry Gates of all metro stations will have Thermal scanning facility. It will be mandatory for everyone to go through thermal Scanning before entering metro premises. Anyone, whose body temperature will be found to be above the set standards, will not be allowed to travel by Metro for their and other passengers’ safety. Lucknow Metro appeals for cooperation in thermal Scanning from all.

Thermal screening is a process of detecting radiation. The amount of radiation emitted by an object increases with temperature; therefore, thermograph allows one to see variations in temperature. If someone has a fever, thermal screening will allow detecting them and they can further be tested for corona virus.

Social Distancing Preparedness- All Metro stations are geared up to ensure everyone follows social distancing at metro stations and inside metro trains. For this, signages and yellow colour large stickers bearing social distancing messages have been pasted at regular intervals i.e. next to AFC gate, security checking gates, near platform areas, near and inside lifts, near escalators, near Ticket Vending machines and ticket counters. The lifts have also been marked to ensure only a maximum of two persons use the lift at a time. Trains will also have markings on seats to ensure there is a gap of at least one seat between two passengers.

Aarogya Setu App– Aarogya Setu app will be mandatory for all the metro passengers. Uttar Pradesh Metro Rail Corporation will not allow people to travel in metro if they don’t have Aarogya Setu App in their mobile. UPMRC staff will ask metro commuters to install Aarogya Setu app before going for the travelling in Metro trains.

Cleaning and sanitization of AC Filters Other Necessary arrangements: Once the lockdown is over and Metro services will resume, concerns are being raised about the spread of the Corona virus disease through air-conditioning and ventilation in metro services but UPMRC is committed to ensure safety of its passengers during the tough times by adhering to norms and guidelines issued by the government as well as expert taskforces.

A COVID-19 taskforce was set up by ISHRAE (The Indian Society of Heating, Refrigerating and Air Conditioning Engineers) which has published guidelines on operation of air conditioning & ventilation to control spread of COVID-19.

To prevent the spread of this infection, UP Metro has asked its commuters to do the followingsUP Metro appeals its commuters to wash their hands regularly with soap and water, or clean them with alcohol-based hand sanitizer.

Avoid coughing or sneezing in public places.

Avoid touching face, nose and eyes.

Practice physical distancing by avoiding unnecessary travel and staying away from large groups of people.

UPMRC will follow the guidelines issued by ISHRAEf or disinfecting and cleaning of filters, grills, diffusers, condensate drain pan, coils, and fans. Maintenance works of Air-conditioning and Ventilation systems being done in accordance with ISHRAE guidelines. All ducts are being cleaned again before restarting of the metro services by an appropriate method including sanitization.

In order to limit risk of COVID-19 infection by air, ISHRAE suggests ventilating indoor environments with outdoor air as much as possible. Accordingly, air-conditioning system at Lucknow Metro stations will be operated a little differently. During these periods, all station air will be ventilated out from the station and 100% fresh air from outside will be inducted continuously. In normal situations, only 10% fresh air is inducted inside & the rest 90% air from the station was re-circulated to avoid cooling losses. Also, All the tunnels will also be exhausted by fans provided at the station on a daily basis.

Temperature inside the stations will be maintained around 28 degrees Celsius keeping in mind the ISHRAE guidelines in this regard.

Precautionary steps taken by UPMRC against Covid-19 Uttar Pradesh Metro asked its employees and commuters to take precautionary measures in the wake of novel corona virus outbreak. These are the following steps taken by UPMRC:UP Metro Asked everyone to cover their faces with masks at all times– Face mask is mandatory for all the employees and commuters. No one will be allowed in Metro premises and metro stations without covering their face with masks.

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ARTICLE COVER STORY

Innovative ways of Funding and Financing for Development of Metro Projects

Authored by:

Manoranjan Kumar Senior Editor

Metro Rail News

T

he development of any infrastructural facilities needs money. The economy is alreadyexperiencing a big crisis, and the government is not going to spend much on such projects in the near future. The government has already invited private entities to run trains on 109 busy routes. With this, the phase of privatization begins in the Indian Railways. The government has also been selling its stakes of Public Sector banks to get rid of Non-Performing Assets, also called NPAs. As the economic slowdown has created a lot of problems for the common masses, the NPAs are expected to rise in the days to come.

As the situations are not too well with the economy, the government is planning different ways to tackle the problems.

Before we proceed further, let us discuss here the present models of financing in the metro projects. As of now, there are few modes of funding being used for the development of metro projects. Let us discuss these:Private-Public Partnership In this method of financing, the government collaborates with private players for funding and operation of Metros projects. The Hyderabad Metro is such an example of this kind of financing where Larsen & Toubro operate the Metro network. Hyderabad Metro Rail (HMR) is the world’s largest Public-Private Partnership (PPP) project in the Metro rail sector. Hyderabad Metro Rail (HMR) Project is an integrated urban transport development project with inter-modal connectivity and convenient skywalks that will mark the beginning of an era of seamless commuting across Hyderabad.

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Centre- State Collaboration In such a move, the Union Government makes collaboration with the state government for the development of a project. In such projects, the Metro network becomes a Public Sector Utility. The best example of this kind is Delhi Metro Rail Corporation

Private Metros In this mode of financing, The metro systems being fully developed by private players. In such initiatives, the main motive remains to earn, and thus the private firm charges an amount of money as fare, which may help it gain more profit. Many Western Countries have such Metros.

There can be many other ways of funding and financing other than these. The common feature of all these methods is working on the money of loan provided by either European Investment Bank (EIB ) or the Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank (AIIB).

Whether it be the RRTS project or Kanpur Metro, all are funded by either of the two.

The Central Government may plan in such a way that the money of citizens sitting idle in their homes is utilized for nation-building.

There are a lot of ways to bring the money of the common people for investment in big infrastructure projects. There can be a Cooperative model based on which the government may keep a group of rich people on board who will further finance the proposed projects. Further plans may be selling shares of metro corporations to individuals. The move may benefit the government to get money for investment from such people who never even invest in mutual funds.

ARTICLE COVER STORY Mutual funds and corporate shares are subject to market risks. An atmosphere can be created where the proposed plans are not governed by market conditions but controlled by the government. Once the government starts such initiatives, it may get thousands of crores through individual investors. The only hurdle on the way is to provide them with a transparent system where bureaucratic problems are negligible. Providing investors with a guarantee from the state will help a lot.

The investors and commoners are already in distress due to the problems created by the pandemic. The incidents of few banks like that of Punjab and Maharashtra Cooperative bank have created a kind of fear among people towards banking institutions.

This fear needs to be cleared out of their minds.

The other way can be going for a private metro as the government is experimenting with the Railways. The coming of the private players in Metro's development will be the dawn for the field, but there will be chances of ambiguity. The extra greed of private entities may turn the whole dream into a nightmare. Although the Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) may help the government, it also has its problems.

As the AIIB and EIB have been funding Indian metro and rapid transit projects, it is time to explore new opportunities in this field.

The population of Indian billionaires may help as well. The different corporate houses need to co-operate with the government so that the infrastructural development works get rapid pace.

As the economic slowdown has created greater joblessness amongst the skilled workforce, the initiatives to develop big infrastructural development projects will help to generate employment opportunities for crores of people.

Unless and until the state doesn't focus on infrastructure development, the nation can't be Atmanirbhar or self-reliant.

Setting rhetoric is a good thing but working on the matter for effective and smooth implementation is the real thing which matters.

The issues need to be addressed on an ASAP basis, and the money of individuals shall be used for nation-building which will further help those individuals to get a good profit as the government may provide them with a better interest rate or incentives on their money. The way is open and only needs political will to power.

The economic theory of Keynes needs to be revised as the COVID19 pandemic has damaged the Global order. The globalization is no longer feasible in the same way as it used to be before COVID outbreak.

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ARTICLE COVER STORY

Railways towards Privatization!

Authored by:

Narendra Shah Managing Editor

Metro Rail News

As private players have been invited to run trains on 109 busy routes which will be 5% of the total trains, the speculations are being made whether railways get fully privatized in the coming decades !

T

he Railways has recently invited private firms to run private trains on 109 busy routes of the Rail Network. In the progress of the matter, as many as 23 private players are taking part in the process including the biggest players of the World Market of Railways & Metros Alstom and Bombardier.

The documents released by the Railways said that there shall be no regulatory authority to decide the fare of these private trains giving a free hand to the private operators to decide a fare which will probably be higher than the existing fares of Rajdhani and Satabdi trains of the Indian Railways as per different sources.

The entry of the private companies is going to change the whole game of Railway sector in India. If they are successful in operating on these 109 routes which the government is taking as a trial, we may then expect more private trains in the future. As these all firms are not coming to the board of Railways for any charity, it shall be clear that they shall be charging well to make profits.

Everything has its pros and cons. This move too has same thing when we analyse the complete scenerio. A lot of routes are there on the network of Indian Railways which always run with overcrowded trains. The initiative to run private trains will ease travel on these routes and it will be beneficial for those who may afford a good price. The services too will be better in these proposed trains as well as they will provide faster travel than those of the existing trains.

The move is being criticised by many political associations as they term it an anti-poor move. There are chances but as of now, these trains are not going to affect the poors as the Railways

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will still be running 95% of total trains once these private trains start operation in full swing. However, if the government

decides to go for further privatization of the sector then it may create problems for the commoners.

As these corporate sectors plan and prepare to execute their ideas for running these trains, there is both Optimism and Pessimism among the two classes of Indian society.

The people who need better & safe travel and have enough money to pay for it , are optimistic about the move while those who can’t pay are pessimistic about the matter as they are taking it as a move to fully privatized Railways.

The reality, however, remains with the future and the success of these private players in running these trains.

Speculations are however on that the Railways may get fully privatized but as of current scenario, it doesn’t seem feasible at any cost. The future, however, is unknown and anything may happen. We shall wait and see at least the full operation of these trains to determine whether the Railways is going to be a joint venture of Private & Public trains or gets fully privatized.

ARTICLE COVER STORY

Authored by:

Narendra Shah Managing Editor

Metro Rail News

Delhi Metro resumes it's services with New Normal guidelines

The Delhi Metro has started its services which were suspended since 22nd March 2020 due to Corona pandemic, from 7th September 2020 onwards from Yellow Line (Samyapur Badli to HUDA City Centre) in a staggered manner. For next five days, i.e., by 12th September, rest of the Lines will also be made operational with all safety measures in place to check the spread of Covid-19 in the Metro premises which requires everyone to follow a new normal of social distancing, face mask and hand sanitization.

Till 9th September, only the Yellow line (49 KM with 37 stations consisting of 20 underground and 17 elevated stations) will remain operational for four hours each in the morning (7 AM to 11 AM) and evening (4 PM to 8 PM). Trains will be available with a headway varying from 2'44" to 5'28" (at different stretches) with 57 trains performing around 462 trips. The same will be further extended in a graded manner from 9th to 12th September along with other Lines.

The DMRC said , "The resumption of services with a new normal to prevent the spread of Covid-19 desires public to understand and co-operate with DMRC/CISF personnel on few aspects for a comfortable and safe commuting experience".

The steps being taken by the DMRC are :1. USE EARMARKED GATES ONLY: To maintain orderliness and regulate flow of passengers with social distancing norms, only one or two gates will be kept open for entry /exit of passengers at a station. Therefore, passengers are advised to check the earmarked Gate number/location well in advance from DMRC website www.delhimetrorail.com.

2. ABIDE BY NEW NORMS: Apart from regular frontline staff at the stations, DMRC has made additional deployment of around 1000 officials/staff across the line(s)/network to assist and guide passengers in the wake of new norms of Metro travel which may take some time to settle in. All staff have been advised to manage the passengers with a positive and caring attitude in these testing times with an initial focus on sensitizing rather than punitive, on new norms to be followed continuously during the journey for their own and everyone's safety. All passengers are appealed to co-operate with the personnel on duty and keep listening to announcements on guidelines to be followed or updates on journey/services, if any.

3. TRAIN REGULATION: Though DMRC is making all-out efforts to provide its passengers a continuous and seamless travel experience, however, with the carrying capacity of a train drastically reduced to around 20% of the pre-lockdown period METRO RAIL NEWS | SEPTEMBER 2020 | WWW.METRORAILNEWS.IN

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ARTICLE COVER STORY due to social distancing norms, it will be a challenge to regulate the passengers who may head to a station with the expectations of the pre-lockdown travel experience by the Metro. Therefore, in this changed scenario, the public is advised to:-

a. Avoid unnecessary travel as far as possible. Try to stagger travel timings for office/home/other works to the extent possible so that the carrying capacity offered with new norms can be reasonably utilized by creating a travel pattern in which people are not rushing to the station in morning or peak hours only.

Rather, they are coming equitably at all hours of the operational timings of the Metro services to 'break the peak'- a requirement of the present times. Besides 'Break the Peak', DMRC appeals to commuters to 'Talk Less' during travel in the Metro to prevent the possibility of short-range aerosol transmission. b. To prevent the overcrowding in trains/stations, situations might arise wherein, DMRC may have to opt for starting certain empty trains from terminal stations or short loop some trains to manage the crowded zones on a particular route/section. This dynamic regulation of train movement will be based on the ground situation at given hours, and one may have to skip a train or two, leading to extra time in completing the travel. Similarly, dwell time is also increased by 10-20 seconds at stations for boardingdeboarding to ensure social distancing. This may also increase the total travel time in a journey by a few minutes. Because of these factors, passengers are advised to keep the extra time of about 15 to 30 minutes for each travel, to be on time for their desired destinations. c. Use of 'AarogyaSetu' app with regular health status update is advisable for commuters with smartphones.

4. CASHLESS TRANSACTIONS: Be a smart passenger and carry your smart card with you while heading for the Metro. It is contactless, easily rechargeable through online modes and offers a discount of up to 20% on every travel. Tokens will not be available at the stations for the time being as they need a frequent human interface for travel transactions and pose a risk of Coronavirus infection, so a SMART CARD IS A MUST for travel. Transactions involving the Exchange of cash for recharge/refund of smart cards will not be permitted for the time being as the physical handling of currency may lead to transmission of coronavirus. The commuters are requested to cooperate with DMRC staff in this aspect to prevent the spread of the virus.

5. NO SERVICE IN CONTAINMENT ZONES: Since Delhi Metro operates in Delhi-NCR, it will not be providing services to such stations which fall under the containment zones for any given day in any of the state(s). State governments of Delhi, Haryana and Uttar Pradesh notify such zones on a regular basis on their websites. If any of the station(s) happen to fall in such zone, the

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same will also be made public through announcements at stations/trains and through social media updates as and when brought to the notice of DMRC by authorities concerned or observed by DMRC officials who will also keep a check on the daily updated list of containment zones on respective websites. Since most of the Metro stations lie on the median of the roads, there is a slim chance for stations to fall in the containment zone as a regular practice.

6. CIVIL DEFENCE VOLUNTEERS/ANTIGEN TESTING OF STAFF: For better management of crowd at/outside stations, DMRC is also in touch with the authorities to provide around 1000 civil defence volunteers. Some major stations have also been identified where law enforcement agencies such as local police, etc., will be roped in to monitor law and order situation outside vulnerable areas. Also, a request has been made to the authorities to arrange for the antigen testing of around 15000 staff of DMRC who will be handling the public throughout the day now. This will go a long way in ensuring COVID free atmosphere in running the services.

7. TRAVEL LIGHT: Public is advised to travel with minimum luggage and avoid carrying metallic items for a faster frisking at entry points. Keep only pocket-size hand sanitizers, if any, during the travel. Hand sanitizers will not be permitted beyond 30 ml quantity from the safety point of view.

Delhi Metro operates 389 KM of Metro network with 285 stations in Delhi-NCR including Rapid Metro in Gurugram and Aqua Line of Noida-Greater Noida Metro. About 70% of its passengers used to travel by using Smart Cards. Overall passenger journeys performed in a day before the Covid-19 stuck our country was around 60 lakhs.

ARTICLE COVER STORY

Metros may provide a safer Travel amid the pandemic

Authored by:

Priyanka Sahu D i r e c t o r, B u s i n e s s D e v e l o p m e n t

Sy m b r o j M e d i a P v t Lt d

The Metros across the nation have resumed their services after the Centre gave a green signal for restarting the metro services in a graded manner. The metros have already been opened up and are expected to be fully operational by September 7. The Metros which possess only one line are fully operational in all cities except Nagpur and Mumbai due to the state government's decision to go for a further lockdown of one month.

The metros having more than one line have opened their first line.

The DMRC has opened up its yellow line on September 7 while the rest lines are expected to provide services by September 12.

According to the guidelines issued by the Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs, the set of things need to be taken care of while the metro starts providing their services again.

These guidelines are:-

for use by passengers. Sanitisation of all areas having human interface needs to be done at regular intervals.

6. Use of Smart Card and cashless transactions to be encouraged.

Tokens and paper slip tickets to be used with proper sanitisation.

7. Adequate dwell time at stations to be provided to enable smooth boarding/deboarding, ensuring social distancing. Metro rail corporations may also resort to skipping of stations to ensure proper social distancing.

8. Passengers to be advised to travel with minimum luggage and avoid carrying metallic items for easy and quick scanning.

1. Stations in containment zones will be closed.

2. To ensure physical distancing, suitable markings at stations and inside trains will be done.

3. Wearing a face mask is mandatory for all passengers and staff.

Metro rail corporations may make arrangements for supply of masks on payment basis to the persons arriving without masks.

4. Only asymptomatic persons will be allowed to travel after thermal screening at entry into the stations.

5. Provision of sanitisers would be made an entry into the stations METRO RAIL NEWS | SEPTEMBER 2020 | WWW.METRORAILNEWS.IN

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ARTICLE COVER STORY People are saying that metros will not be safe as they are closed space. Buses have their windows open while the metro trains don't have such an option. However, few pressure groups have been saying that the asymptomatic passengers may spread the virus. As of now, we see that no social distancing is being maintained at the public spaces. Whether you take a bus or an auto-rickshaw, the things remain the same at every level as all such modes of transport are unorganised ones who can't ensure all protocols being followed. As the metros are now operational, there is a group of people protesting against the move. It is miserable that the move is being criticised by a few people. The reality is that only the establishments like metros in the urban transport system can ensure that the guidelines issued by the government for social distancing norms are being followed.

The government has already notified that the metros are needed to operate their Heating, Ventilation and Air-Conditioning (HVAC) systems according to the guidelines issued by Central Public

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Works Department (CPWD) and Indian Society of Heating, Refrigerating & Air Conditioning Engineers (ISHRAE).

These guidelines are for increasing the fresh air intake which the metro corporations are already working on. Many of the Metro Corporations have said that they have planned in such a manner that the metro coaches get maximum fresh air while operating.

The metros are indeed not as safer as your private vehicles today due to Coronavirus spread but when as far as Public transportation is concerned, Metros are safest among all. It would help if you were calm and relaxed when you board a metro next time. You will feel a contactless service at the metro stations once you ride on a metro. However, People are encouraged not to travel for leisure. The need of the time is to travel only for essential works like going to office etc. We can hope for a safer and better journey in metros as compared to the other modes of transportation.

ARTICLE COVER STORY

ArtiďŹ cial Intelligence and the future of Metros

B

efore moving ahead on the matter, we must know What artificial intelligence is all about, what does it mean and how it works?

The technology has been in the news and uses on a vast level for the last few years. As the technological advancements in all fields are growing up with time, let us assess the use of artificial intelligence in future operations of Metro systems. As I have written above, before moving ahead on the topic, let me tell you something about Artificial intelligence.

Artificial intelligence is also known as AI is a branch of computer science concerned with building smart machines capable of performing tasks that typically require human intelligence. With its introduction to the world, the tech industry has used it rigorously to grow their businesses worldwide.

From social media giants to Google, every firm is dependent on the technology of Artificial intelligence. As the use of technology is growing rapidly, we need to realise its importance in the recent future. For almost every online tech ranging from a cab app to social media platforms to Scientific innovations and the making of aircraft, artificial intelligence has become a necessity, and it's importance can't be neglected.

As we will further proceed towards a more digital world, the need of the technology will become more and more important. In such case, it becomes more important for us to know how does it work ?

We also need to know its history so that we may assess the progress made by people in this field.

In World War II, when the allied forces were able to break the code of Hitler's Enigma, which subsequently made the Allied victory a huge success, it was argued whether machines were able to think.

The success of whole World War II is based mainly upon the codebreaking mechanism of USA, Russia and Britain. Indeed, it was the first such war which showed that machines could fully replace few humans works. Mathematician Turing was later to say, "Can machines think?�

Turing's paper "Computing Machinery and Intelligence" (1950),

Authored by:

Manoranjan Kumar Senior Editor

Metro Rail News

and it's subsequent Turing Test, established the fundamental goal and vision of artificial intelligence At its core, AI is the branch of computer science that aims to answer Turing's question in the affirmative. It is the endeavour to replicate or simulate human intelligence in machines.

Artificial intelligence works with four major principles which are as follows:1. Thinking humanly 2. Thinking rationally 3. Acting humanly 4. Acting rationally The list of things where artificial intelligence is being used is autonomous vehicles like drones, self-driving cars, medical diagnosis, proving mathematical theorems, playing games, search engines like Google search, online assistants like Siri, image recognition in photographs, spam filtering and much more. The list is so long that one can't be able to calculate all.

Things are changing today. Everything has taken a new shape.

The Coronavirus spread is playing a critical role in changing the ways which we used to live, and a lot more is expected to change in the near future as we try to adopt the New Normal.

The way in which the Urban Transport System works today is not METRO RAIL NEWS | SEPTEMBER 2020 | WWW.METRORAILNEWS.IN

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ARTICLE COVER STORY free from human contacts. The coronavirus spread is the thing which has set rhetoric to minimise human contacts at public spaces. When it comes to the operation of Metros and Rapid Transit Systems, we need to use as much technology as we can to reduce human contacts, and the best way to do it is to encourage maximum use of artificial intelligence. From entry into the metro stations to sanitization and screening, artificial intelligence can be used at every place.

Think of a system where you entre the metro station, and there is no security guard for screening. A fully developed system with robotics and AI can help to develop a system where the screening process can be done within any human interference. At the same time, it can also be ensured that any chances of getting an infectious disease will be negligible. As the Metro Corporations

casualties through accidents or derailments. The need is to install a few AI-based machines and sensors which may inform the system about any suspicious activities on tracks. The same can be applied to metro tracks which will have several benefits.

When we look into the way which rolling stocks today run in the metros, we find that Artificial Intelligence is already dominating a lot of things. AI is already helping Railways and Metros along with other public transport systems with safer, cleaner, smarter, and more reliable environment. AI in future can surely help in the reduction of traffic congestion, identify risks, manage transport, analyze travel demands. AI has already been in use in rail applications which subsequently helps to improve train scheduling, manage train speeds, avoid accidents, predict delays and enhance asset management. These AI applications help ensure public safety, deliver customer value, and optimize overall rail management and operations, but a lot more is needed to enhance the whole system of Railways as well.

What AI can do for the Metros is a fully automated system of rolling stocks being run, managed, cleaned and maintained by a machine-based system d eve l o p e d o n t h e b a s i s o f Artificial intelligence. There can b e s o m e p ro b l e m s a s w e l l specially loss of jobs once the Artificial intelligence comes in full fledge, but its qualities can't be neglected. Once in full swing, the AI will help not only to develop an efficient mode of operation of Metros, but it will also help in reducing the workload of the human workforce.

It is the reality that a lot of things are there which can be done through the AI, but it solely

have decided to open up their networks, the present system has many loopholes. The first of its kind is whether the security personnel deployed for the screening of people and goods remain safe or not. The next of its kind is sanitization and cleaning works were the workers. Human life is very precious, and it needs to be saved. To ensure that least human lives are lost in the economic revival of the nation, we need to opt for more AI-based machines for works like cleaning of floors, sanitization of coaches etc. This move will result into least casualty specially in these works where the workers are most vulnerable to exposure to such microbes. As of the pre-COVID era where the security personnel used to scan passengers at the entry, the ticket counters sold tickets, and the smart cards could be recharged to through cash.

In many Metro Corporations, the percentage of tickets or tokens bought by cash are 80 - 90 % although the institutions like DMRC have lower ratio although the figure is not made public. These things need to be changed in the near future.

Coming on the operation of Metros, the AI can be a gamechanger in the next few years. Once the 5G is rolled out, the Metros will be able to operate without drivers. This system may be adopted by the Railways as well, which will ensure negligible

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depends upon the governments and other concerned authorities who are responsible for making such decisions.

A lot more opportunities are there for the system in future. We need to wait and watch as it can only be done through political will power.

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INDUSTRY LEADERS COVER STORY

“ In Focus: The man behind the success of JSPL amid Economic Crisis

T

he Indian economy is witnessing one of the worst slowdowns in its entire history with the GDP contracting to 23.9 percent in the First Quarter of the financial year 2020 2021. The Iron and Steel sector is not an exception. The power sector is also experiencing a severe crisis since the lockdown.

When the nation was under complete lockdown with most of the economic activities closed, Jindal Steel and Power Limited went on to succeed further in the leadership of its Managing Director, Mr V R Sharma. He inspired the entire workforce of Jindal steel and power limited after the Coronavirus spread to achieve extraordinary results in production and sales.

Mr Vidya Rattan Sharma generally known as V R Sharma is a leading Technocrat and a Mechanical Engineer by profession. He holds a degree in mechanical engineering from the United Kingdom. He has worked in the Power, Steel and Mining sector for the last 37 years, while his work experience ranges from planning and management to its execution on the ground. Mr Sharma is also a business graduate with having an MBA degree from the United Kingdom. He was working with Abul Khair Group of Bangladesh/UAE/Africa for five years before joining as the Managing Director of Jindal Steel and Power Limited in June 2019.

He has also worked with ISPAT Industries, Bhushan Steel Group and Socialist Steel Libya which make his experience vast and enormous. In the last year under the dynamic leadership of Mr Sharma, JSPL has shown excellent performance on different levels. The higher production and Sales during Covid-19 has helped the company to gain a profit of Rs 226 crores and an everhigher EBIDTA during Covid-19 (1st Quarter of the year 2020-21).

”

Mr V R Sharma Managing Director, Jindal Steel & Power Limited and personal hygiene. We are working tirelessly to achieve our targets. We minimised overcrowding by allowing the workers of the commercial segment to work from home”, He added.

In an exclusive interview with Metro Rail News, he discussed various measures in place that helped the company to gain profits and higher production volumes. "We took lockdown differently.

When the lockdown was there, We decided to move on, We did not stop production. It was the reason which helped us to formulate the right strategy to move forward. We utilised our time to give pace to the marketing work along with mobilising our people at workplaces. In Jharkhand, Orissa and Chhattisgarh, the pandemic impact was very minimal” , he said.

JSPL is indeed a very fast growing company today & it is building rails which may fulfil the needs of the whole country as of now. The team under the leadership of Mr Sharma has also helped the people of surrounding areas of its establishments during lockdown imposed due to Coronavirus spread. The company decided to provide help to the people living in the neighbourhood of its establishments. The company helped these people to remain well with deploying a team of doctors available on a 24/7 basis. It is one of the many humanitarian works which Mr. Sharma has planned and executed keeping in view the social responsibility of the company along with making a profit with better planning for exports during the lockdown. As of now, Mr Sharma has been working rigorously to help JSPL continue its success stories ahead in the long run.

As the journey continues, The company is likely to achieve higher in the long run under his leadership according to industry experts.

“The local people were healthy. These are the places where we run our plants and keeping in view the concepts of social distancing

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TECHNOLOGY COVER STORYUPDATE

Introducing the Third Rail system in India

Authored by:

Narendra Shah Managing Editor

Metro Rail News

A

s the Kanpur Metro has given a contract to Sterling & Wilson for electrification for Third Rail system which is going to be first of its kind in India, the scenario of Metro operations is going to change rapidly in the coming years. Uttar Pradesh Metro Rail Corporation (UPMRC) which is the nodal agency for the development of Kanpur Metro Rail Project is going to experiment with the technology of the third rail system which is very new to India. As we proceed further, we need to know something about the third rail system and its working mechanism.

Third-rail system is a means of providing electric traction power to trains, and the system uses an additional rail which is known as “conductor rail” for its work. The conductor rail is placed on the sleeper ends mostly located outside of the running rails. However, a central conductor rail is also used in some cases.

In the existing system of electric traction for providing power to trains, the electrification is generally done a few feet above the upper body of metro or train coaches. The Third Rail system runs with the rails itself, making it easy to use matter for the trains.

However, it is not free from cons as it may create trouble as well if it rains or there is a flood-like situation.

The Third rail system may cause trouble through electric shock because it carries a very high voltage near the ground. The electrified rail also can create a loss of lives, especially when someone falls on the tracks accidentally. As stated above, the flood like situations also may make it a dangerous thing. The overhead system on the other side may be troublesome when there is s higher wind flow or something of the same kind. Many Countries are using this system as of now. Let us have a few examples here.

France The new tramway in Bordeaux (France) uses a novel system with a third rail in the centre of the track. The third rail is separated into 10 m (32 ft 10 in) long conducting and 3 m (9 ft 10 in) long isolation segments. Each conducting segment is attached to an electronic circuit which will make the segment live once it lies fully beneath the tram (activated by acoded signal sent by the train) and switch

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it off before it becomes exposed again.

Netherlands To mitigate investment costs, the Rotterdam Metro, basically a third-rail-powered system, has been given some outlying branches built on the surface as light rail (called Sneltram in Dutch), with numerous level crossings protected with barriers and traffic lights. These branches have overhead wires. Similarly, in Amsterdam one “Sneltram” route goes on Metro tracks and passes to surface alignment in the suburbs, which it shares with standard trams. In most recent developments, the RandstadRail project also requires Rotterdam Metro trains to run underwires on their way along the former mainline railway to The Hague.

The light rail vehicles on this line are capable of using both 600 V DC and 750 V DC.

London The North London Line changes its power supply once between Richmond and Stratford at Acton Central. The route was originally the third rail throughout but several technical electrical earthing problems, plus part of the route also being covered already by overhead electric wires provided for electrical-hauled freight and Regional.

Mixed services are used in many European countries to make the system more efficient and safe. If one pedestrian walks on these rails, it is for sure that he/she will be no more after getting such heavy electric shock.

Any technology has its own merits and demerits. Nothing in this world is perfect and safe remains in trend when it comes to the Third Rail system. It is the work of the authorities to ensure that proper planning like that of Netherlands is made so that chances of casualties may be reduced.

Its use on a vast scale will surely help to make metros and trains operate even during the heavy winds or similar conditions. The future indeed depends on the way of execution, and if the plans are properly executed, it is for sure that the Third Rail system will prove to be a game-changer.

INDUSTRY NEWS COVER STORY

Sterling & Wilson gets Kanpur Metro’s Third Rail Electrification Contract In a recent development, Shapoorji Pallonji Group’s subsidiary Sterling & Wilson Pvt. Ltd. i n a c o n s o r t i u m w i t h R u s s i a’s G S C Construction Company today emerged as the lowest bidder for the 32.385 km Kanpur Metro‘s phase 1 750 Volts DC Third Rail Electrification and Power Supply contract after officials from the Uttar Pradesh Metro Rail Corporation (UPMRC) opened financial bids submitted by four firms.

UPMRC invited bids for this contract (Package KNPE 1&2) on February 20 with an estimated cost of Rs. 500 crore and opened technical bids in July to reveal four bidders.

Technical bid evaluation was completed on August 25.

The contract includes works ranging from Design, Supply, Installation, Testing to Commissioning of Receiving cum Auxiliary Main Sub Stations Including High Voltage Cabling from Grid Substations, 750 Volts DC 3rd Rail Traction System, 33kV Cable Network, ASS, TSS & SCADA System for Corridor-1 & 2 of Kanpur Metro Rail Project at Kanpur. The bid will have a deadline of 40 months.

Corporation (NCRTC) opened the financial bids submitted by different infrastructure companies.

This elevated package includes building a viaduct from Sarai Kale Khan to New Ashok Nagar’s Down-Ramp, a bridge over the Yamuna River, an entry ramp leading to the Jangpura Stabling Yard (where a few Bombardier train-sets will stabled overnight for morning services), and two elevated stations at Sarai Kale Khan and New Ashok Nagar. NCRTC had invited tenders for this package in February 2020 with an estimate of Rs. 1112 crore.

Name of the firm

Bid Value

Afcons Infrastructure

Rs. 1061.71 crore

Dilip Buildcon Ltd. – Sam (India) Builtwell JV

Rs. 1118.25 crore

Larsen & Toubro (L&T)

Rs. 1125.18 crore

Tata Projects Ltd. (TPL)

Rs. 1174.46 crore

GR Infra Projects Ltd.

Rs. 1197.15 crore

Bidding Company and Financial Bid Values: DM/CN/COR-OF/095: Construction of elevated viaduct from Sarai Kale Khan station to New Ashok Nagar DN Ramp including Jangpura Entry ramp and two Nos. of elevated stations viz., Sarai Kale Khan & New Ashok Nagar [including Pre-engineered steel roof structure but excluding Architectural Finishing of Stations] of Delhi – Meerut Regional Rapid Transit System (RRTS) Corridor.

Afcons Infra’s bid was Rs 56.54 crores (roughly 5.35%) less than NCRTS’ estimate, so I don’t see any issues cropping up during financial bid evaluation.

When that is completed in the coming days, Afcons should receive an LOA with a deadline of 910 days (30 months) to complete all works.

Afcons Infra bags tender for Delhi – Meerut RRTS’ Package 6 The Afcons Infrastructure on Tuesday emerged as the lowest bidder for constructing the 4.3 km Sarai Kale Khan – New Ashok Nagar (Package 6) of the 82.15 km Delhi – Meerut (RRTS) Line after the National Capital Region Transport

A consortium of SYSTRA MVA Consulting (India) Pvt. Ltd. – AECOM India Pvt. Ltd. on Tuesday emerged as the lowest bidder for the Detailed Design Consultant (DDC) contract of a 62 km section from Kherki Daula Toll Plaza to SNB (Shahjahanpur – Neemrana – Behrod) of the 106 km Delhi – SNB RRTS line.

NCRTC invited bids for this service in January 2020 and opened technical bids in June to reveal four bidders.

The assigned contractor is expected to be on board for 36 months during which designs for the stabling lines at Manesar, main depot & workshop at Dharuhera, the line’s 62 km viaduct and seven elevated stations en route will be prepared.

In addition, detailed planning will be performed for the five underground stations (INA, Munirka, Aerocity, Kherki Daula, Manesar) within Delhi and Haryana.

The seven stations whose detailed designs will be prepared will be located alongside NH-48 at Panchgaon, Bilaspur, Dharuhera, MBIR, Rewari, Bawal and SNB.

Systra-AECOM JV bags Design Consultancy contract of Delhi – SNB RRTS

Navayuga bags Rs 2072 cr contract for Rishikesh – Karnprayag Rail The Navayuga Group, an Indian multinational conglomerate headquartered in Visakhapatnam, emerged as the lowest bidder for the construction of the development of tunnels, bridges along with formation works.

The bid comes under package – 3 in the connection between building a new rail line between Rishikesh and Karnprayag. The total distance of the proposed rail line is 125 KM which will ease the connectivity between two great places of worship.

The two hill stations of Uttarakhand also have great importance as tourist destinations.

The Rail Vikas Nigam Limited (RVNL) estimated the cost of the tender was Rs. 1887.53 Cr. and The financial bid opening on August 24 2020.

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INDUSTRY NEWS COVER STORY

GPT Infra gets order worth Rs 196.30 crore for Kolkata Metro Line 3 GPT Infraprojects Limited has bagged an order worth Rs 196.30 crore from Rail Vikas Nigam Limited (RVNL), Kolkata. With this, the stock of GPT Infra surged 11.7 per cent during Tuesday’s morning session.

The scope of the project includes the construction of the metro railway viaduct from P276 to P314 including Mominpur station and Majerhat station (excluding PD building and OCC building side) and Ramp at Joka Depot end in connection with JokaEsplanade Metro Railway Project in Kolkata, West Bengal.

The company has current orders in the hand of nearly Rs 1,740 crore, which is 2.8 times its consolidated revenue of FY20. During the June quarter of FY21, the company’s order intake stood at Rs 220 crore with L1 contracts worth Rs 500 crore.

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1.

Navayuga

2072.42 Cr L1

2.

HCC-DBL JV.

2113.84 Cr

3.

Megha.

2151.78 Cr

4.

L&T.

2189.33 Cr

5.

Konkan Railway

2270.83 Cr

6.

Gulermak

2316.31 Cr

7.

Afcons

2438.87Cr

Above are the company and their quoted amount who participated in the tender process

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JOB OPENING

Metro & Railway Job Openings

S. No. 1.

Organisa on Delhi Metro Rail Corpora on Limited (DMRC)

2.

Chennai Metro Rail Limited (CMRL)

3.

Na onal Capital Region Transport Corpora on (NCRTC)

Descrip on · Naib Tehsildar – 01 Post · General Manager – 02 Post · Assistant Manager/Manager – 02 Post · Supervisor – 01 Post · Assistant Manager/Manager – 07 Post · · General Manager– 01 Post · Deputy General Manager – 01 Post · Addi onal General Manager – 01 Post · Estate Officer – 02 Post · Assistant Manager/ Deputy Manager/ Manager · General Manager/Addi onal General Manager/Senior Deputy General Manager – 01 Post · Advisor/ Risk Management – 01 Post · Assistant Manager/Senior Execu ve/Execu ve – 01 Post

Last Date

18/09/2020

30/09/2020

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ARTICLE EVENT

Metro and Railway Industry Events Calender

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ARTICLE METRO RAIL PROJECT STATUS

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LIVE TENDER

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LIVE TENDER

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