17 minute read
Flashback 2021
YEAR 2021 FLASHBACK
JAN 2021
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Prime Minister Modi lays foundation stone of Ahmedabad Metro Phase 2 & Surat Metro Phase 1
Prime Minister Narendra Modi presided over the bhoomi pujan of Surat Metro Rail Project and launched the Ahmedabad Metro Rail Project Phase-2 on January 18, 2021 via video-conferencing. Surat Metro will be completely elevated and will cover 40km with two corridors — connecting Sarthana to Dream City and Bhesan to Saroli. The Ahmedabad Metro Phase 2 will connect the city to the state capital of Gandhinagar along two corridors connecting Motera Stadium to Mahatma Mandir and GNLU to GIFT City.
Gujarat Govt approves Rs 6000 crore Dholera Light Metro Rail Project
The Government of Gujarat cabinet on January 14, 2021 approved State’s first Light Metro Rail Project for Dholera City to connect Dholera Special Investment Region (SIR) with Ahmedabad. The estimated cost of this LRT project is Rs 6,000 and will complete in 24-36 months.
FEB 2021
Chennai Metro’s Phase 1 Extension commissioned and State Govt approves 119-km Phase 2 project
Prime Minister Narendra Modi on February 14, 2021 inaugurated commercial operation of Chennai Metro Rail on 9.05-km stretch Washermenpet to Wimco Nagar under Phase 1 extension. Government of Tamil Nadu has accorded approval for implementation of Rs 61,843 crore three Metro Rail corridors for a length of 118.9 km under Phase II of Chennai Metro Rail Project.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurates 4.1-km stretch of Kolkata Metro’s Line 1
Prime Minister Narendra Modi on February 22, 2021 flagged off the 4.1-km stretch of Kolkata Metro’s Line 1 Noapara to Dakshineswar.
MAR 2021
Maharashtra cabinet approves Rs 16,039 crore Pune-Nashik Semi High Speed Rail Corridor
The Maharashtra Government cabinet on March 10, 2021 had approved the much-awaited double line semi-highspeed rail corridor to connect Pune with Nashik within the state. The Pune-Nashik Semi High-Speed Rail project is estimated to cost Rs 16,039 crore. Once started, the PuneNashik Semi HSR line would reduce the travel time between these cities from the present 6 hours to less than 2 hours (1 hour 45 minutes), boosting passenger and freight movements.
Public Investment Board approves Rs 2,092 crores Nashik MetroNeo Project
The Public Investment Board (PIB) approved the proposal of India’s first MetroNeo project in Nashik on March 25, 2021. The Project has 2 corridors with a network of 33 km with 30 stations. It proposes an investment of Rs 2,092 crore. Maharashtra Metro Rail Corporation (Maha Metro) will execute the Nasik MetroNeo Project. The MetroNeo system will provide commuters improved connectivity & travel experience at par with conventional metros i.e. comfort, convenience, cost-effectiveness, punctuality, safe & environment friendly.
RITES-SMEC JV signs General Consultancy contract for Haryana Orbit Rail Corridor
A joint venture of RITES Limited and SMEC has signed a contract worth Rs 72 crores with Haryana Rail Infrastructure Development Corporation (HRIDC) on March 31, 2021 for providing General Consultancy Services for 121.74 km Haryana Orbit Rail Corridor (HORC) from Palwal to Sonipat.
JICA, GoI signs Rs 12,107 crore loan agreement for Delhi and Bangalore Metro projects
The Japanese financial institution Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) on 26th March 2021 signed an official development assistance loan agreement with the Government of India to extend financial support of approximately Rs 12,107 crores for the development of the next phases of metro rail projects in Delhi and Bengaluru. For the construction of Phase 4 corridors of the Delhi Metro Rail project, JICA will provide Rs 8,390 crores to Delhi Metro Rail Corporation Ltd. (DMRC). For the construction of Phase 2 corridors of the Bangalore Metro Rail project, JICA will provide Rs 3,717 crores to Bangalore Metro Rail Corporation Ltd. (BMRC). This loan is utilised for the construction of Reach 6 (Kalena Agaraha – Nagawara, 21.39 km), Phase 2A/2B.
APR 2021
Indian Railways completes arch closure of world's highest Chenab Bridge in J&K
Indian Railways on April 5, 2021, completed the Arch closure of the iconic Chenab Bridge which is the world's highest railway bridge. This is a major step towards the completion of the Udhampur-Srinagar-Baramulla Rail Link Project (USBRL) project. Chenab Bridge is part of the Udhampur-Srinagar-Baramulla Rail Link Project (USBRL), which set an important construction milestone with the completion of the steel arch of the iconic Chenab Bridge. This was one of the most difficult parts of the bridge over Chenab. This achievement is a major leap towards the completion of the 111 k.m. long winding stretch from Katra to Banihal. It is arguably the biggest civil-engineering challenge faced by any railway project in India in recent history.
Govt. of India approves Rs 14,788 crore Bangalore Metro Phase 2 Project
The Central Government cabinet on April 20, 2021, gave their nod to 58.19 km ambitious Phase 2 of the Bangalore Metro Rail project. This is a big step towards realizing the dream of metro connectivity to the City's International Airport. This project is divided into two sub-phases viz. Phase 2A (ORR Line) and Phase 2B (Airport Line) with an estimated cost of Rs 14,788.1 crores.
Japanese firm signs MoU for track works training for Mumbai-Ahmedabad HSR project
The National High Speed Rail Corporation Ltd (NHSRCL) on April 19, 2021 signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Japan Railway Technical Service (JARTS) for Training, Certification and Advisory Services for construction of Track works for Mumbai Ahmedabad High Speed Rail corridor under Package No. MAHSR-T-1, T-2 and T-3.
MAY 2021
Amit Banerjee appointed as new Chairman-cumManaging Director of BEML Limited
Bharat Earth Movers Limited (BEML), an Indian Public Sector Undertakings, has appointed Amit Banerjee as Chairman-cum-Managing Director (CMD) with effect from May 1, 2021. His selection was announced by Public Enterprise Selection Board (PSEB) in the board meeting held on April 26, 2021. Prior to assuming the present position, Shri Banerjee was Director (Rail & Metro).
Govt of India, EIB sign €150 million loan agreement for Pune Metro Rail Project
The Government of India and European Investment Bank (EIB) signed the loan agreement for the second tranche of Euro 150 million for the Pune Metro Rail project through a virtual signing ceremony. The signing ceremony was held in the presence of H.E. Mr. Francisco Andre, Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs and Cooperation, Portugal and Werner Hoyer, President EIB on May 7, 2021.
The Indian Railways consultancy firm RITES Limited has submitted the final Comprehensive Mobility Plan & Alternative Analysis report on the Guwahati Metro Rail project for Guwahati to the Guwahati Metropolitan Development Authority (GMDA). The firm has suggested Metro Neo system as low-cost MRT System for the City. The Guwahati Metro Rail project has been enlisted by the Govt. of India as a planning stage project. In January 2016, RITES Ltd. had completed the Feasibility Report and the detailed project report (DPR) of Phase-I for the Rail-based Mass Rapid Transit System for Guwahati. The report had been sent to state government for review and approval.
MMRDA appoints consultant for taking over of Mumbai Metro Line 1
The Mumbai Metropolitan Region Development Authority (MMRDA) has planned to take over the operation and maintenance of 11.5 km Mumbai Metro's Line 1 (VersovaAndheri-Ghatkopar) before launching the most awaited Line 2A & 7. The executive committee of the MMRDA had approved the appointment of a consultant to carry out due diligence of assets of Mumbai Metro Line 1 before a formal takeover. R-Infra has evaluated its share value between Rs 2,500-2,600 crore for its share in MMOPL.
MMRDA commenced trial run on 20-km Line 2A & 7 of Mumbai Metro Rail Project
The Mumbai Metropolitan Region Development Authority (MMRDA) commenced a trial test run of the metro train on Mumbai Metro's Line 2A and Line 7 on May 31, 2021. Maharashtra Chief Minister Uddhav Thackeray flagged off the trial run from Aakurli Metro station for these two corridors, which run along the Link Road and Western Express Highway in the Western suburbs of Mumbai. The maiden trial run ceremony was witnessed by deputy chief minister Ajit Pawar, urban development minister Eknath Shinde, tourism minister Aaditya Thackeray, Metropolitan Commissioner RA Rajeev and other senior officials.
JUN 2021
Govt. of India approves USD 2.2bn Semi-High Speed Rail Project between Pune and Nashik
The Union Cabinet of Govt. of India has sanctioned the Rs 160bn ($US 2.2bn) project to construct a 235km 1676mm-gauge line between Pune and Nashik in Maharashtra state. Construction is anticipated to take 42 months from financial close, and once complete, the line will support operation of passenger trains at 200km/h with an average of 140km/h, and freight trains at 100km/h. The line will reduce journey times between the two cities to two hours compared with more than six at present and serve 87,000 daily passengers.
SVR Srinivas appointed as new Metropolitan Commissioner of MMRDA
The Maharashtra government on June 3, 2021, appointed S V R Srinivas as the new Metropolitan Commissioner of Mumbai Metropolitan Region Development Authority (MMRDA). Srinivas takes charges from R A Rajeev, who has been superannuated on May 31, 2021, after completing the first three - month extension given by the government. Srinivas is 1991-batch IAS Officer from Andhra Pradesh cadre.
RITES submits DPR for Uttarakhand Metro Rail Project
RITES Ltd submitted fresh DPR recommending Metro Neo for Dehradun City to Uttarakhand Metro Rail, Urban Infrastructure & Building Construction Corporation Ltd. based on primary & secondary traffic data collected for the Metrolite including Topography survey and Geotechnical investigations etc. The estimated cost of proposed MetroNeo system will be Rs 1,662.8 crores. The proposed Metro Neo corridors in the Dehradun city area are one from ISBT to Gandhi Park which runs north-south and another from FRI to Raipur which runs East-West.
RITES submits final DPR of Rs 10,559 crore Jammu and Srinagar Metro Projects
RITES Ltd has submitted final detailed project report of Jammu and Srinagar Metro Rail Project to the Jammu & Kashmir Metropolitan Region Development Authority on June 11, 2021.
Govt. of India approves extension of Delhi-Panipat RRTS to Karnal
The Union Government approved the proposal of extension of the Delhi-Panipat Regional Rapid Transit System (RRTS) Project to Karnal on June 29, 2021.
1982-batch IRSEE Officer, Satish Agnihotri was appointed as new Managing Director of National High Speed Rail Corporation Limited (NHSRCL).Prior to appointment to NHSRCL, Satish had been retired from the post of Chairman and Managing Director of Rail Vikas Nigam Limited (RVNL). He holds a Bachelor of Engineering (Civil), 1982 and Master of Engineering (Structures), 1984, both from IIT, Roorkee and was conferred the distinguished Alumnus Award in 2013. Agnihotri comes with more than 19 years of experience in implementation of mega rail infrastructure projects.
The Indian Railways consultancy firm RITES Limited has submitted the final Comprehensive Mobility Plan & Alternative Analysis report on the Guwahati Metro Rail project for Guwahati to the Guwahati Metropolitan Development Authority (GMDA). The firm has suggested Metro Neo system as low-cost MRT System for the City. The Guwahati Metro Rail project has been enlisted by the Govt. of India as a planning stage project.
MMRDA appoints consultant for taking over of Mumbai Metro Line 1
The Mumbai Metropolitan Region Development Authority (MMRDA) has planned to take over the operation and maintenance of 11.5 km Mumbai Metro's Line 1 (VersovaAndheri-Ghatkopar) before launching the most awaited Line 2A & 7. The executive committee of the MMRDA had approved the appointment of a consultant to carry out due diligence of assets of Mumbai Metro Line 1 before a formal takeover. R-Infra has evaluated its share value between Rs 2,500-2,600 crore for its share in MMOPL.
MMRDA commenced trial run on 20-km Line 2A & 7 of Mumbai Metro Rail Project
The Mumbai Metropolitan Region Development Authority (MMRDA) commenced a trial test run of the metro train on Mumbai Metro's Line 2A and Line 7 on May 31, 2021. Maharashtra Chief Minister Uddhav Thackeray flagged off the trial run from Aakurli Metro station for these two corridors, which run along the Link Road and Western Express Highway in the Western suburbs of Mumbai. The maiden trial run ceremony was witnessed by deputy chief minister Ajit Pawar, urban development minister Eknath Shinde, tourism minister Aaditya Thackeray, Metropolitan Commissioner RA Rajeev and other senior officials.
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JUL 2021
Ashwini Vaishnav takes charge of new Railway Minister of India
Former bureaucrat Ashwini Vaishnaw took charge of the new Railway Ministry in Indian Government on July 8, 2021. He was inducted into the Central Government cabinet recently and has been given the responsibility of the Ministry of Railways. Along with the Railways, he has also been given the charge of the Ministry of Information Technology and Communications. Vaishnav has been made minister at a time when various ways are being considered to increase the income of the Railways. It also includes the Public-Private Partnership (PPP) model.
The Ministry of Housing & Urban Affairs had appointed 1994-batch IAS officer, Anjum Parwez as the new Managing Director of Bangalore Metro Rail Corporation Limited (BMRCL). Prior to his posting to BMRCL, Parwez was the principal secretary in the Transport Department, Government of Karnataka. Prawez holds B. Tech. degree from IIT, Delhi and Post Graduate degree in Public Policy and Management from IIM, Bangalore.
Maha Metro signs MoU with CIDCO to operate and maintain Navi Mumbai Metro Line 1
The City and Industrial Development Corporation of Maharashtra Ltd (CIDCO) has taken an important step towards the implementation of Navi Mumbai Metro Line 1. CIDCO has appointed Maharashtra Metro Rail Corporation (Maha Metro) to operate and maintain the Line 1 for next 10 years on July 15, 2021.
AUG 2021
Bangalore Metro opens 7.5-km Mysore RoadKengeri Extension Line for public
Karnataka Chief Minister Basavaraj Bommai and Union Minister of Housing and Urban Affairs Hardeep Singh Puri inaugurated the 7.53-km extended Bengaluru Metro line between Mysore Road and Kengeri with with six stations — Nayandahalli, Rajarajeshwarinagar, Jnanabharathi, Pattengere, Kengeri Bus Terminal, and Kengeri — on the extended Purple line. This stretch is part of Phase 2 of Bangalore Metro Rail project. A further extension from Kengeri to Challaghatta (2km) is scheduled for completion by March 2022.
SEP 2021
Railway Minister flags off equipment to speed up the construction of India's first Bullet Train
Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw had flagged off an indigenously designed and manufactured equipment on September 9, 2021 to speed up the construction of viaducts for Mumbai - Ahmedabad High Speed Rail Corridor. He addressed the gathering through video conferencing from New Delhi. This will expedite construction of high speed railway (HSR). Work has already begun on 325 km (in Gujarat) out of 508 km corridor between Mumbai and Ahmedabad.
Delhi Metro opens Dhansa Bus Stand - Najafgarh section of Grey line to public
The Dhansa Bus Stand-Najafgarh section on Grey line was inaugurated by Hardeep Singh Puri (Union Minister for Housing and Urban Affairs) and Arvind Kejriwal (Chief Minister of Delhi) via video conferencing on September 18, 2021. Dhansa Bus Stand Metro Station is the first-ever underground integrated parking facility on the Grey Line that will allow commuters to park their vehicles and move to the concourse area directly. The total length of this section is 1.2km .
OCT 2021
MoHUA & IUT concludes 14th edition of Urban Mobility India Conference & Awards 2021
Union Minister of Housing & Urban Affairs Hardeep Singh Puri inaugurated the 14th edition of Urban Mobility India (UMI) Conference 2021 on October 29, 2021. The day-long Conference was held on-line. The main theme of this year’s conference is “Mobility for All” which focuses on providing equitable access and promote inclusive urban transportation which aims to provide affordable, clean, safe, informative, efficient and accessible transport systems, with special attention to the diverse needs from all factions of the society, especially the specially-abled, elderly, women and children.
NOV 2021
Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chauhan laid foundation stone to commence construction of eight metro stations on Line 1 of Bhopal Metro Rail project on November 19, 2021.
Delhi Metro launches driverless train operations on 59-km long Pink Line (Majlis Park – Shiv Vihar)
Union Minister for Housing and Urban Affairs, Hardeep Singh Puri and Transport Minister of Delhi, Kailash Gahlot on November 25, 2021 inaugurated the Driverless Train Operations (DTO) on the 59 kilometre long Pink Line (Majlis Park to Shiv Vihar) of Delhi Metro via videoconferencing. With this, the Delhi Metro’s fully automated network grows to about 97 kilometres, which is 4th largest in the world and the only DTO network in India.
DEC 2021
Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan on December 25, 2021 laid the foundation stone for two work packages of the Indore Metro phase 1, including the construction of 16 stations and 11-km viaduct, cumulatively worth Rs 1,417 crore. The phase -1 of the under-construction metro rail project will cover 31 km. The alignment is planned as a ring line from Gandhi Nagar –Bhawarsala- Radisson Square – Bengali Square – Indore Railway Station – Rajwada Palace to Airport.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated commercial operation of metro train on 9-km elevated corridor (priority section) of Kanpur Metro Rail project on December 28, 2021. The 9-km elevated corridor will conenct IIT Kanpur to Mitijhil with 9 stations. The foundation stone for construction on the priority corridor was laid on November 15, 2019 by Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath and construction work commenced by the Afcons Infrastructure Limited. Kanpur Metro termed as fasted metro rail project as the construction work of this corridor was completed in 2 years 2 months only and it has break the record of Lucknow Metro Rail project which was earlier known as fastest Metro project.
The Govt. of India has appointed 1989-batch IAS Officer from Kerala Cadre, Manoj Joshi as new Secretary of Ministry of Housing & Urban Affairs (MoHUA) on December 29, 2021. Prior to his posting in MoHUA, he was working as Special Secretary in Ministry of Food Processing Industry.
