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FROM THE DESK OF MANAGING EDITOR

DearReaders,

Although things are not well, we need to move forward. The ways which we live in have already been changed due to several effects ofthe Pandemic. However, life need not be stagnant. It shall move like the riverwaterso that the goal ofan 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 ofthe 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 longerand continue to affect ourlives in the nearfuture. The health experts and doctors have been suggesting to stayat home and go outside onlywhen 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 ofmasks and hand sanitizers shall be encouraged with social distancing being a key feature ofthe new normal. The resumption ofmetro services in itselfis a big decision, and it will surelyhelp the people to get a safer, convenient and efficient wayto travel. It is ourdutyin 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 economyas well. I hope the metro services provide the economic a fasterpace. 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 betterwith time. OurSeptemberissue focuses on exciting topics such as Bogie, and Pneumatic Brakes. Also provides a coverstoryon 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 ourreaders foryourconstant support, and ourvaluable authors, reviewers, fortheircontributions, service, and interest. I highlyappreciate yoursupport and hope to continue ourcollaboration further. Please feel free to provide yourvaluable feedback and suggestions on this issue to myemail 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 yourlocal communitybyconsulting and following the advice ofyourlocal health authorities. Togetherwe will get through this. Staysafe. Stayhealthy. Staystrong.

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

Editor Note

News Highlights

Cover Story

Exclusive Interview:

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

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

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EIB provides €650m investment in Kanpur metro project T he invest acquisition developm ment will finance of rolling stock and ent of two metro the the 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 halfofthe piling work along the initial 9km priority section ofthe 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 Kanpurand Agra metro projects. The new metro system will reduce commu ting hou rs and u nl ock new employment and education opportunities in Kanpur, the industrial capital ofthe 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 halfofthe entire EIB’s Indian investment portfolio. on Kanakapura Road section

Bangalore Metro Rail Corporation Limited (BMRCL) on Aug 27, 2020, commenced trial r u n s o n K a n a k a p u r a R o a d (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 November1.

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 directlywith Delhi Metro. According to official sources, the 11.5km section will branch out from the existing Sector142 station on the expresswayand 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 N oi d a a n d N oi d a 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 anothermetro 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

Bangalore Metro starts trial runs approval.

UPMRC celebrates the third anniversary of Lucknow Metro Uttar Pradesh Metro celebrated Metro Diwas on Saturday. With this, it is nowthree years of the successful commencement of commercial operations of Lucknow Metro servi ces. The 3rd anni versary was 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 ofShri. Kumar Keshav, Managing Director, U ttar Pradesh Metro Rail 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) on Thursday stopped work on the 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 ofRoad Number 26 between Vikas Puri and Peeragarhi Chow,k and a 1,300-metersquare portion

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.

ISGEC Engineering bags contract issued to ISGEC Heavy Engineering Limited t h o ro u g h t e c h n i c a l e v a l u a t i o n . Significantly, Rail Vikas Nigam Limited (RVNL), the executing agency for the bidders had participated in the bidding process while four were chosen for the technical bid. The Noida-based ISGEC won keyto 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 RVNLofficer. Th e M u m ba i Metropol i ta n Reg i on 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

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 October10 up to 6pm.

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

Bengal government floats e-pass rush Just like flights and long-distance trains where one can board only ifthere 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 ifthere 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

ofJoka metro depot work Joka-Esplanade Metro project, the letter of award for the Joka Metro depot has been that emerged as the lowest bidder after a 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 oftime. Seven the contract for the project that holds the

revenue from Nagpur Metro

targeting to generate 60% its Non-Fare Box The webinar, organised in partnership with business prospects offered by the metro distance during the Covid-19 pandemic.

operations self-sustainable.” Chennai Metro rail introduces contact-less QR ticketing

Chennai Metro Rail Limited (CMRL) will be resuming operations on Monday an hour earlierthan what was originallyannounced, 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

MMRDA looks for contractor to complete Metro 2B’s pending works idea for Kolkata Metro to tackle October7, 2020.

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

Marking the completion ofPhase-I ofKochi 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 ofPetta Metro station back in May after the KMRL completed the works in March, its 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 ofthe new stretch, the total length of the Kochi Metro’s network will be 28.61km.With the commissioning of Thykoodam-Petta stretch, KMRL is anticipating a huge footfall of passengers which is expected to decongest traffic on ahead of resumption of services Metro authorities undertook sanitization work i n Ah m ed a ba d a h ea d of th e resumption ofits services from September7 as part ofUnlock 4. Workers carried out the sanitization work at the stations and also inside the trains. Afew 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. the Tripunithura-Vyttila stretch.

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 priorto 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 26%; and Transdev (formerl y Veol ia Transport) owns 5%.Bhushan Gagrani, principal secretary, urban development was stated saying byHTthat the department had received MMOPL’s letter. Reply to HT’s query, he said over text message, “Yes, we

Land acquisition process starts forJoka-Esplanade Metro corridor The process of land acquisition for the Metro (Kolkata Metro Line 3) has started. Rail Vikas Nigam Limited (RVNL), the agency tasked with implementing the city’s Metro survey with Kolkata Municipal Corporation (KMC). It will start issuing notifications under the Metro Railway (Construction of Works) Act between Mominpore and Ekbalpore The land is essentially being acquired for a 400m ramp from the elevated Mominpore tunnels at the DH Road-National Library points to Kiddepore station that will come up developments in the matter. is 2.8km. have just received [the letter]. [We have] not taken anyviewyet.”

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 remain closed.

Ahmedabad Metro starts sanitisation

underground section ofthe Joka-Esplanade projects, has just completed a joint land 1978 to acquire parcels along a 1.5km stretch station and till the start ofthe underground Avenue crossing, as well as the four entry near Alipore Bodyguard Lines as per recent The total length ofthe underground tunnels coming under containment zones will

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 ofRs 500 and those caught spitting will have to cough up Rs 100. The Noida Metro will resume operations afterfive months on September7 amid the COVID-19 paandemic.

Indian Railway

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 of2030. “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 offreight 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 oftr acks and has 7,300 stations.

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 easyand comfortable journeyfor crores ofdevotees 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 MinistryofRailways 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.

Indian Railways Introduces Rail Bicycle for EasyTrack 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 railwaytracks at an average speed of10 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 byone 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 yearat all times ofthe day, the statement said

Railways to run 80 new trains from September 12

Indian Railways on Tuesday said it will run another80 special trains from September12, in order to increase inter-state and intrastate mobility options for individuals. Reservations for these trains will begin September10. “We have been monitoring occupancyofour 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 regulartrains. Stoppages will be restricted and will be taken into consideration d i scu ssi on wi th respecti ve sta te governments. Some of the these trains are—Prayagraj-New Delhi Humsafar Express, DehradunKota N andaDevi 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 ofDollar1 Billion forthe construction of Delhi Meerut Regional Rapid Transit System. It is of82 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 forPovertyReduction. It includes provision ofvisual, hearing and mobility aids, such as wheelchairs fordifferentlyabled persons. The project will get it appliance bythe NCR Transport Corporation under the Ministry ofHousing 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 UttarPradesh.

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 t h e c o ro n a v i r u s p a n d e m i c , t h e 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 233- km-long line would cost Rs 16,039 crore and will have trains running at a speed of 200kmph. It will be constructed by the M a h a ra s h tra R a i l I n fra s tru c tu re 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, Junnarand Ambegaion tehsils.

India’s First Bullet train project to see a delay of five years As low participation byJapanese 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 fullybyOctober 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-yearmoratorium, with the system to be built mostlywith Japanese technologyon the lines ofthe Shinkansen. India had been keen on opening at least a portion of the project by August 2022, to coincide with 75 years ofIndependence. 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) corridoris longerat 886 km. The NHSRCLis a joint venture ofgovernment ofIndia and participating state governments for implementation of HSRs across the country. 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, topog ra ph i ca l su rvey a n d u ti l i ty 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 ofRs. 65.73 lakh and completion period of 9 months. They opened technical bids on July15 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 tenderwill be issued this week.

Metrolite

Resuming Metros

Authored by:

Manoranjan Kumar Sen i or Ed i tor Metro Rai l N ews

The government is now in no mood different aspects of things. As the ec worst, the government has decided to rethink onomy has to go with about the shown its unlocking the economyfurther. In the same move, the government released Unlock 4.0 guidelines in late evening of29th 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 quarterlyfigures. It is also the worst among majorAsian 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 countrywith 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 forliving 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 manymetro 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, bythe MinistryofHousing and Urban Affairs (MOHUA)/ Ministry of Railways (MOR), in consultation with MHA. In this regard, Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) will be issued by MOHUA", Said the statement released byMHA. The things are dynamically changing in the nation. When the COVID cases were in hundreds, the Central Government then decided to go fora complete lockdown which created unwanted chaos across the country. The conditions ofmigrant workers were worst, and the main reason behind the huge problem was suspension ofpassengerservices ofIndian Railways. The Indian Railways remains the heart ofIndia'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 fullysuspended after22nd March. Nowthe 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 ofcrores 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 September7. The losses faced bymetro 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.

experienced a complete fall in Fare revenues along with a sharp decline in the Non-farebox, the response ofthe 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 forthis 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 ofthe Metro establishments. When these authorities sawthat theywere not being helped, they started demanding the resumption of services so that theycan 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 ofcompensation forthe retailers". When the lockdown of metros completed five months, many Metro Authorities started to decrease payments oftheir staffs. As the crunch of Money hit them badly, they were forced to cut allowances oftheiremployees. The greatest metro network ofthe nation, DMRC which operates in Delhi announced cutting the allowances oftheir 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 ouranalysis is that the verysurvival ofMetro 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 MinistryofHome Affairs. The otheraspect 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 ofnon-operation ofMetros critically affected the budgets oflower-middle-class families living in the Metro Cities. There was a continuous demand from the working communityto open up metros so that theyget safer, effective and efficient travel.

One expects said on the matter, "In Unlock phase, it is imperative to restart public transport services because not everyone can afford personal transport northere 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 studywhich shows mass transit has aided in the spread ofthe Pandemic. Therefore, we need to restart these services with precaution, offcourse. Personal commuter hygiene like face masks, increased service frequency and digital payment will significantlyimprove the safetyofthese services.” This can be taken as an initiative to ease public transport system amid rising cases ofCOVID19 cases. As ofnow, India is witnessing a sharp rise in the cases with an average of70k cases coming daily. The national capital Delhi is again witnessing a huge surge in daily cases. Mumbai also known as the financial capital ofthe nation, is one ofthe worst affected cities. The condition ofChennai to is not 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 itselfat a place where its own stake may come underthreat ifsituations tend to remain stagnant. This is one ofthe 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 forthe economy. The move to resume metro services was known to many people. We had reported several times speciallyabout 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 ofeconomy 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 theirworkstations. The workers have forgotten theirmiserable plight from the cities. As theyare unable to get work in their native villages despite the governments claiming that theyhave been trying to make AtmanirbharVillages, 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 orderto caterthe demands both ofemployees 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 anycityofthe country.

Starting with DMRC which has made many preparations for the resumption ofits services has recentlysaid that the future travel in Delhi Metro will be entirelydigital. It has made collaboration with a company called Autope to issue a new kind ofsmart 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.

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 NewSmart Card is available forcustomers through the App’ Autope' which is speciallydeveloped forthis 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 ofspread ofinfections. In Kerala where Kochi Metro caters to a good number of passengers, a lot ofpreparations were underway in the last week ofAugust. 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 every20 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 KumarSharma, Managing DirectorofKMRL. "We have plans to increase the number of trains based on passengerfootfall. Kochi Metro has taken all steps to provide safe and secure travel for all Kochiites and to ensure properventilation trains will be stopped at stations fora minimum of20 seconds", its Managing DirectorMr. Alkesh KumarSharma 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 forwhich they just have to tap theircard at the card reader to increase contactless and digital travel on its network.

In meanwhile, the Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs issued SOPs on 2nd ofSeptemberwhich excluded Nagpur and Mumbai Metro with others being operational bySeptember7. "As perMHA orderNo 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 MinistryofHome Affairs", said MrHardeep Singh Puri, the Minister ofState forMoHUA. The SOPconsists ofthe following: –

1. Metro operations to be resumed in a graded manner. Metros having more than one line should open different lines staring from 7th September2020 onwards in a graded mannerso that all

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corridors become operational by 12th September 2020. Daily hoursofoperations may be staggered initially, which needs to be increased graduallywith the resumption offull revenue service by 12th September 2020. Frequency of trains to be regulated to avoid passengercrowding at stations and in trains. 2. Stations/ entry-exit gates in containment zones to be closed. 3. In order to ensure social distancing, stations and inside trains to be done. suitable markings

4. Wearing offace mask to be mandatory for all passengers and staff. Metro rail corporations may make arrangements for the supplyofmasks 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 ofsanitizers 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 paperslips/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 ofstations to ensure propersocial distancing. 8. Passengers to be advised to travel with minimum luggage and avoid carrying metallic items foreasyand quick scanning. 9. Operation ofHeating, 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 aircond i ti oni ng system to be i ncreased to the extent 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.

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.

“Based on above guidelines, Delhi, Noida, Chennai, Kochi, Bangalore, Mumbai Line-1, Jaipur, Hyderabad, Maha Metro (Nagpur) Kolkata, Gujarat and UPMetro (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 byMoHUAsaid.

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 Yellowline on 7th Septemberand ending with Airport Express line on 12th ofSeptember. "Initially, entry/exit ofpassengers 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 necessarywill 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 furtherassured 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 September2. “In this regard, NMRC is making necessary preparations at all its stations and inside the trains to ensure that all passengers ofthe Aqua Line follow the guidelines laid down by the Government for prevention ofthe COVID 19 infection. The main objective ofNMRC is to provide a safe travelling experience forits commuters with all specified safety measures and precautions to safeguard against the spread ofCOVID-19”. She said in the statement. The condition ofresuming metro services to Ghaziabad is not yet clear. The othermetro network ofUttarPradesh, LucknowMetro 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. ofCOVID spread detected, so it can turn into a good move ifadequate measures are taken bythe Metro Corporations. The DMRC which is the largest ofall 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 manuallyby '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 otherMetro Corporations ofthe 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 maybe greaterCOVID-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% of15,000 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 ifyou create opportunities forpeople to mingle, then it will increase the chances oftransmission ofthe 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 severityofthe matterand 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 ofcourse, the future will decide what is going to happen next.

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

Mr. P.KAgarwal, Founder & CEO of PPS International. T he Managing Editor ofMetro Rail News, Mr. had an interaction with Mr. P.KAgarwal, the ofPPS International. Narendr Founder a Shah & CEO 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 Railwaybusiness. Here is the full interview:-

NS - How do you feel after establishing a successful venture? Kindlyshare yourexperiences.

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 Railwaywas 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. 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 ofEurope and USA.

NS - What are yourplans to expand yourbusiness? Howare you going to workin the current scenario?

PKA- Afterthe Make in India concept introduced in the countryin 2015, I could imagine a lot ofopportunities 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, therebybring the real success ofMake in India. In the current scenario, there would be a lot of challenges as business maynot come back to the old levels shortly, so to sustain in the present market, it is necessaryto introduce newproduct line ratherthan expecting the vertical growth in the existing business. Therefore we have nowstarted making a fewmore newtie-ups for more and more local production. NS - Howdo you find the Indian economyamid 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 probablyyou 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 ofeveryone will continue.

NS - How do you make the move ofrunning ofprivate trains in the nearfuture as proposed bythe Indian Government? Howdo you thinkabout it?

PKA - There is a huge gap between rich & poor in India. We can have private trains forelite class onlywhile 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 ofAir 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 forlong route trains. NS - What do you think around the privatisation ofRailways? Howwill it help the Railways and private businesses?

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 - How is the boycott China movement going to help Indian Rail and Metro Projects? What do you thinkabout it? India always depended on the borrowed technology or copied technology as Indian believed more on Jugaad or Chalta hai approach. I ndia will have to focus on cost-effective manufacturing materials ifshe wants to do something like this. NS - How will the pandemic be affecting the different opinion. PKA- Development work on metro and Railwaywould be slowed down due to pandemic situation as presentlyno metro orRailway 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 - Kindlyshare yourrole in the future businesses ofmetros? Is I am. 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 expresswayand adjacent to newlycoming up Jewarairport. Once we get the land possession physically, we will start construction of the factory. NS - What are the impacts oflockdown on metro networks? Is it right to close metros forsuch a long time? Please share youropinions. PKA- I think that closing metros forsuch a long time is not a good decision. Most metros are running in other nations. COVID will remain in ourlife fora long time even afterthe vaccine is invented so we shall plan in the same way, and I think the metro services

companies specially who are working for the development of

PKA- Boycotting China will result in chaos. India was never considered as the production country nor having any R&D set up. development works ofthe Metros & Railway? Kindlyshare your

the COVID affecting the progress ofthe works?

PKA- Nobodycan predict the future, but everybodycan guess so shall resume in India. NS - What are your plans for expansion of your business in future? Please share some information.

PKA- Ourplans are to manufacture complete metro coaches and to do more and more value addition and doing import substitutes to bring the real benefit ofMake in India. 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 forthe country, but still there is no clarityin the mind ofofficers. Officers don’t want to understand the underline meaning ofAtma NirbharorMake in India, and they are using as pertheirconvenience. NS - Any message which you would like to convey to our readers?

PKA - Despite having huge problems in our country, still our countryis the best as we have a lot to do to improve the system and to leave a bettercountrybehind us forour next generation. NS - ThankYou

In a “ conversation with DR. BRIJESH DIXIT, Managing Director, Maha Metro ”

Dr. Brijesh Dixit , Managing Director, Maha Metro

Our Magazine Editor, with the Managing Dixit. Mr. Narendra Shah, had Director ofMaha Metro an in , Dr. terview Brijesh

Here are a fewexperts from the interview:-

Q. Maha Metro is going to be one ofthe largest metro networks of India as it covers metro development works in four major cities ofMaharashtra. Howdo 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 ofGovernment ofIndia (GoI) and Government ofMaharashtra (GoM) with the express mandate to develop and operate Metro Rail in cities ofMaharashtra 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, ofwhich 25 km is alreadyoperational. The Pune Project is a 33 km long two-line project with 30 stations out ofwhich 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 forapproval. 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 currentlyunderthe sanction ofGoI. Maha Metro has created a unique strategy to undertake all the projects simultaneouslywith dedicated teams foreverysection 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 yournext 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 fortwin 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 forthe mutual benefit.

Vanaz Pune Metro

Maha Metro plans to continue with these Webinars, which are an important tool forknowledge 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 ofdecision making and substantial reduction in travel cost. Q. What will be the role ofthese webinars in future ofNagpur Metro? Kindly share some details about the progress ofworks ofNagpurMetro.

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 ofworks in NagpurMetro, with its physical progress inching fast to 90% (currently 88.4%) with concomitant financial progress at 81.43%, the project is in advanced stage ofcompletion. Its 25 km (i.e. two-third of the total project length) was declared fit for operations within record 50 months from the start ofconstruction. The commercial operations of13.5 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 January2020. At present, the work on 8.32 Km Reach 4 (Part ofAqua 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 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 yourviews.

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 newwayof living, working and performing in the shadowofthe 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 fewmonths.

Q. Is the Nagpur Metro facing any kind oflabour crunch? Ifso, 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 labourcrunch 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 severelyimpacting Nagpurand 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 labourstrength. 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 laboureach and, in soon the labourposition is likelyto be restored to pre COVID19 period. Q. India had been in a lockdown for a long period. Howhas the lockdown affected the pace ofworks? 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 ofthe country, and no work was allowed on any worksite due to government orders. During this period there was total stoppage ofall 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 immediatelythereafterwhen Maha Metro and its contractors made all-out efforts to ensure that the labour strength is ramped up. The lockdown definitelyimpacted the pace ofwork. Even afterthe 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 ofthe work. But Maha Metro has ensured that theirimpact 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 ofmetro 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 resu m e opera ti on s i s recei ved from Government of Maharashtra, Nagpur Metro shall start operations with the new SOP that includes multiple level ofchecking, ensuring

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social distancing, enforcing wearing ofmask and reducing human contact bypromoting smart card tickets. As far as the change in metro travel in future is concerned, let me address this issue at two levels. Initially, forsome 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 forurban transport forall class ofcitizens. Q. Kindly share something about the progress ofPune 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 ofland acquisition is significant with 85 % land required forthe project having been acquired. The current physical progress stands at 43 % while the financial progress achieved is 39 %. Like all infra projects the progress ofPune Metro too has been impacted by outbreak of COVID-19 and the consequential lockdown measured announced by the government. Q. Howare you working upon the GreaterNasikMetro Project? Please also share some details about the progress of Thane Metro. A: GreaterNasikMetro Project:

Nasik is a relativelysmallercitywith 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 internationallybest, globallyavailable and tested lowcost, 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

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 forthe cityofThane in view ofrelativelylesserridership for approval ofThane Municipal Corporation. This DPR too has been approved bythe 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 dailyridership of3.63 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 theyare alreadyarmed with men and machinery. It is explained earlierthat Phase I ofNagpurMetro 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 readyto take up the responsibility of undertaking construction of Phase 2, the moment the same is sanctioned bythe central government. Phase-II NagpurMetro:

DPR ofPhase- II ofNagpur 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 bythe GoM and the project is underconsideration ofthe government forsanction. 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 philosophyofMazi Metro. ⮚ Providing first and last mile connectivity including e-cycles, escooters, feederbuses and para transit ⮚ Also, by ensuring other commuting services integration through MMI (Multi-Model Integration) Maha Metro is making it easierforcitizens to use Metro services.

chhatrapati Sambhaji Udyan

⮚ Last but not the least, as part of an effort to increase the ri d ersh i p, Com pa ny h a s si g n ed a Mem ora n d u m of Understanding (MoU) on 16th July2018 with MinistryofRailways & Govt. of Maharashtra for Broad Gauge Metro Feeder Services on Indian Railways network from 4 neighbouring satellite towns to Nagpurviz. 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 DirectorofMaha Metro, what do you think about the future expansion ofmetro Projects in other cities of Maharashtra? Is any planning underway in the aegis ofMaha Metro?

A: On sanction ofDPRs ofProjects ofNasik Metro Neo and Thane Ring Light Metro, are alreadywith Govt. ofIndia, Nasik and Thane will soon have its Metro Projects commenced. As Managing DirectorofMaha Metro, I believe that projects undersanction and advanced stage ofplanning, would come Maha Metro way. Apart from above and Nagpur Phase 2, following projects are alreadyon anvil:

PCMC-Nigdi (4.413 Km) & Swargate – Katraj (5.464 Km) at Pune. These are logical extensions ofCorridor-1 ofPune Metro. The DPR for first part ofthe project has been approved by Government of Maharashtra while that ofSwaragte – Katraj is under approval ofPune Municipal Corporation (PMC).

A proposal for undertaking DPR study ofPune Metro Ph-2 (69 Km) is underconsideration byGoM.

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 ofPhase-II ofNagpur 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 bythe 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 ofMaharashtra.

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? Kindlyshare youropinion.

A: NagpurMetro Rail has helped the people ofthe cityin 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 aestheticallyin culturallysensitive ethos, with a sense of the history and heritage ofthe citywhile transforming it furtherto modern architecture. Its stations depict the art and culture ofthe city, state, and the nation.

The facilityfurtherprovides for:

⮚ Universally population. accessibility to all categories of vulnerable

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 – ANewBenchmark.

NMRP Project has been declared as Greenest Metro with Pioneered integration of Solar Power right from the inception to meet 65% oftotal energyrequirement, including traction power. - Aglobal 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 progressivelywith: ⮚ 100% WaterRecycling and 100% Rain-waterharvesting. ⮚ Zero additional load on sewerage system - Bio Digesters at all stations.

Q. What message would you like to conveyto ourreaders?

A: At the outset, mywarm greetings to readers ofMetro 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 ofthe highest qualitymeeting 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 ofcitizens ofNagpur& 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 ofNagpurand Pune without whom it would not have been possible to achieve the progress. Asignificant aspect ofourworking 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” humblybut proudly. Out ofmy experience with Maha Metro and four long decades of my professional journey, I would like to encourage every readerto the complete dedication and pursuit of excellence in whatever theydo in the personal and professional life Lastly, I am aware that all ofus 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 healthyCOVID-19 free life.