Urban Transport Infrastructure July 2019 by Urban Transport News

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Mamta Shah Managing Editor Vinod Shah Marketing & Communications Surya Prakash Media Manager Mannat Batra Guest Editor Sunil Kumar Circulation Manager Urban Transport Infrastructure Magazine is published bi-monthly by:

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ransport infrastructure is the backbone of an economy and that the reforms proposed in infrastructure financing as well as the massive investment boost for transport infra along with effective implementation will go a long way towards realizing country’s dream of, becoming a $5 trillion economy. In a sharp shift from the interim Budget, this time there is no mention of a favorite bullet train rather the focus has turned to development of sub-urban railways and on connecting cities located at small distances like Delhi and Meerut. Another focus area is the development of metro rail network to improve public transport within the cities and reduce load and congestion on city roads. The FM focused on the need of massive investments in Indian Railways as the rail infrastructure needs a total investment of ₹50 lakh crore between 2018 and 2030, which means that ₹1.5 lakh crore per year, and to achieve this, the private sector will play a pivotal role. In her Budget speech, the Finance Minister Smt. Nirmala Sitharaman revealed that the sanctioned projects of Railways will take decades to complete. Hence the PPP model is being proposed to unleash faster development in the form of better rolling stock, railway tracks and passenger and freight services. With the success of Vande Bharat Express, the railways is looking forward introducing more such semi-high speed trains across the country and is looking to partner with the private sector for manufacturing aluminum bodied coaches. She also made a mention of the Dedicated Freight Corridors (DFCs) as a key project to decongest Railways’ network. The move will ensure faster movement of both goods and passenger trains. In the Budget the government has announced a slew of measures and concessions for faster adoption of electric vehicles under the Faster Adoption and Manufacture of Electric vehicle (FAME) as electric vehicles are fast emerging as a pollution-free and sustainable mode of urban transportation system. With the rapid development of transportation infrastructure in the country, the government also wants to provide ease of use and has already launched a common mobility card as it can be used for metro and bus travel, payment of toll taxes and parking charges and even for retail shopping and withdrawing money. There are currently 13 ongoing metro rail projects that have been set up as a 50:50 joint venture between the central government and respective state governments. The total sanctioned costs of these projects amount to ₹1,76,105 crore, of which the share of the central government is ₹30,903 crore (18%). The budgetary allocation towards metro projects in 2019-20 is ₹19,152 crore. This is a 23% increase over the revised estimates of 2018-19. Happy reading!

Mamta Shah Managing Editor & CEO editor@urbantransportnews.com

Urban Transport Infrastructure

EDITORIAL ADVISORY BOARD Our distinguished advisory board has been assembled to guide Urban Transport Infrastructure journal to become even more representative of urban mobility & infrastructure industry. Members have been invited from the highest levels of the industry and academic/research institutions to ensure high quality content so that the journal can continue on its path of success.

Dr. Vinay Maitri Professor & Dean School of Planning & Architecture, New Delhi

Dr. Richa Chowdhary Associate Professor University of Delhi, New Delhi

Karuna Gopal Smart Cities Advisor Foundation for Futuristic Cities, Hyderabad

Dr. Surabhi Singh Associate Professor Institute of Management Studies (IMS), Ghaziabad

Ar. Priyanka Kumar Urban Planner Regional Centre for Urban & Environmental Studies, Lucknow

Dr. Vivek Vaidyanathan Urban Transport Scientist Center for Study of Science, Technology & Policy (CSTEP), Bangalore

Sudhanshu Mani, IRSME Urban Rail Expert Ex-GM/ICF, Indian Railways, Chennai

Dr. Kamal Soi Road Safety Expert Member-National Road Safety Council, New Delhi

Dr. Valavan Amudhan Public Transport Expert Executive Director-TECHSACS

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R. Sethuraman Sr. EPC Advisor Chennai

Ishan Chanda Urban Dev. Advisor UK India Business Council, Gurgaon

Ad. Sanndhya Pillai Maritime Lawyer SSS Maritime Services & Consultancy (P) Ltd., Mumbai

July 2019 // Urban Transport Infrastructure

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ROUND UP  Metro & Railways Environmentalists raises objections on Agra Metro Rail Project Before commencement of effect of code of conduct for general assembly elections, the centre had approved metro rail project worth Rs 8,779 crores for the Agra city. Dr. Sharad Gupta, who is a leading environmentalist has raised objections over the initiation of the proposed metro rail project in the city without seeking prior approval from the departments concerned including the Taj Trapezium Zone (TTZ). Gr. Noida Authority plans to link Aqua line metro with Magenta Line The Greater Noida Industrial Development Authority (GNIDA) is planning to propose linking of two new Metro links to connect Greater Noida with the Delhi. This plan is intended to ensure a smooth ride for commuters and to enhance connectivity with the metro rail system. Railways Board approves Kolkata East-West Metro line-2 The Railway Board has given its approval on Friday to commence a commercial run of 5.5 km stretch of Kolkata East-West Metro between Sector V and Salt Lake stadium, by sanctioning the rolling stock to run at a maximum speed of 80 kmph. French agency shows interest to fund Surat Metro Rail project French based public finance institution Agence Française de Développement (AFD) is interested in offering financial assistance of Rs 2,000 crore for Surat Metro Rail project. The agency is keen to fund for the construction of four metro rail stations of Surat Metro. A Rs.12,114 crore metro project which is being implemented by the Gujarat Metro Rail Corporation (GMRC) in the City. Rising glitches shows failure of Delhi Metro in handling metro system On 21.05.2019 over 20,000 metro commuters evacuated by the Delhi Metro due to a major snag on the Yellow Line, connecting Samaypur Badli and Huda City Centre. Over 5,600 passengers evacuated from the train affected by the technical failure. However, the scale of evacuation was unprecedented, the Delhi Metro network is no stranger to such holdups and glitches.

French agency to fund Rs 472 crores for Vyttila Mobility Hub www.urbantransportnews.com

The Vyttila Mobility Hub Society (VMHS), with the support of the Kochi Metro Rail Limited (KMRL), is planning a Rs.590 crore development for Vyttila Mobility Hub in the second phase of the Kochi Metro Rail Project. The French agency – Agence Française de Développement (AFD) is agreed to fund Rs.472 crores on a long term loan basis. Haryana Govt approves DPR of Gurugram Metro Rail project In a meeting chaired by the Haryana Chief Minister Manohar Lal Khattar, the state cabinet approved the detailed project report (DPR) for the Gurugram metro rail project. The total cost of the project is expected to be around Rs 5,126 crores. The metro link will connect HUDA City Centre with Cybercity, pass via Subhash Chowk, Sector 10, Sector 23, and Udyog Vihar. KMRC conducts underground tests in Kolkata East West Metro corridor The Kolkata Metro Rail Corporation (KMRC) Limited conducted first underground trial test of a metro train on Kolkata East-West Metro corridor from Phoolbagan to Sealdah on Friday afternoon. It was a significant step ahead for the Kolkata EastWest project that will connect Salt Lake Sector V to Howrah Maidan through the Hooghly.

GNDA approves 14 km long direct metro connectivity to Delhi In the 114th Board Meeting held in Noida, the Greater Noida Development Authority (GNDA) has approved long awaited 14 km Noida Metro link that will directly connect the Delhi with Greater Noida through the Blue Line (Dwarka to Noida Electronic City) of Delhi Metro Rail network. Delhi Govt plans to make metro & bus travel free for women commuters To attract voters in next Delhi Assembly elections, the Aam Aadmi Party-led Delhi government is planning to make metro and bus travels free for women commuters in Delhi. However, the Government is claiming that they want to encourage women commuters to use public transport.

Govt of India plans light rail transit system for Tier-II and Tier-III cities To boost public transportation system in Tier-II and Tier-III cities, the Central government is planning to bring a new mass transport system called Light Rail Transit (LRT-Metrolite). The Ministry Housing & Urban Affairs has prepared the plan and finalised the standards and specifications for Metrolite. July 2019 // Urban Transport Infrastructure

ROUND UP  Cabinet clears formation of Uttar Pardesh Metro Rail Corporation as SPV To implement the proposed metro rail projects in Kanpur, Meerut, Agra, Jhansi, Allahabad, Varanasi and Gorakhpur, the Uttar Pradesh government decided to constitute an Special Purpose Vehicle (SPV) in name of Uttar Pardesh Metro Rail Corporation Limited. Mumbai Metro One celebrates five years of successful service The Reliance Infrastructure-led Metro One Operation Pvt Ltd (MOOPL) operating the Versova-Andheri- Ghatkopar metro line, has successfully completed five years of metro rail service on June 8. The line 1 of Mumbai Metro Rail project was started on June 8, 2014. Sreedharan raises voice over free metro ride scheme for women Surprising the women, Metroman Dr. E. Sreedharan has written a letter to the Prime Minister of India Narendra Modi asking him not to agree to the Delhi government’s proposal to make free public transport for women commuters. Local residents and activists oppose Agra Metro Rail project After getting central government’s approval, the Ministry of Railways, state government and the local administration of Agra are actively involved in the planning of Agra Metro Rail project. MMRC completes 50% tunneling work on Mumbai Metro 3 corridor The Mumbai Metro Rail Corporation Limited (MMRC) has achieved another significant milestone as it completed 28-km of the 56-km tunneling on the Colaba-Bandra-SEEPZ Metro3 corridor. Telangana Govt to launch common mobility card for easy travel In line with some other states like Delhi, the Telangana government is planning to launch a common mobility card in Hyderabad and across the state. This card will enable citizens to travel across multiple modes of public and private transport systems. Maha Metro submits feasibility report of Nashik Light Metro Rail project The Maharashtra Metro Rail Corporation (MahaMetro) completed the feasibility report for the ambitious Nashik Metro Rail project, which would cost over Rs 1,800 crores. www.urbantransportnews.com

Kochi Metro extension gets nod from Government of Kerala The Kerala Government has cleared the doubts of extension of the Kochi Metro Rail project in the city. The state cabinet has approved the revised detailed project report (DPR) for the Kochi Metro extension to Tripunithura Railway Station in the last week. However, the extension work will be executed by the Kochi Metro Rail Limited (KMRL) instead of the Delhi Metro Rail Corporation (DMRC). Centre approves formation of new SPV for Mumbai Metro projects The Central Government has approved the formation of a new special purpose vehicle (SPV) to carry out the “business and operation” of the upcoming 13 Metro corridors in the Mumbai Metropolitan Region. The name of the body will be Maha Mumbai Metro Operation Corporation Limited (MMMOCL). BMRC to start tunneling work of Namma Metro Phase II with nine TBMs The Bangalore Metro Rail Corporation Limited (BMRC) is all set to begin the underground tunneling work of Namma Metro Phase II project (Reach 6). Total nine tunnel boring machines (TBMs) will be deployed to build the 13.92 km long stretch from Dairy Circle to Nagawara. This underground stretch is part of Gottigere–Nagawara corridor. DMRC bags Rs.4570.34 crores contract of Navi Mumbai Metro Line 2 & 3 The Board of Directors of City & Industrial Development Corporation of Maharashtra Limited (CIDCO) on Tuesday accorded principle approval to appoint Delhi Metro Rail Corporation Limited (DMRC) to undertake the work of Line 2 & 3 of Navi Mumbai Metro project. Sreedharan replies to Manish Sisodia on free metro ride for women Renowned technocrat and Metroman Dr. E. Sreedharan has actively joined the battle between Central Government and Delhi Government on free ride scheme to Women passengers in Public Transport in Delhi. He is opposing the Delhi Government’s scheme for free travel to women passengers in Delhi Metro. Kerala Govt removes Kochi Metro Managing Director Mohammed Hanish The Kerala Government removed Mohammed Hanish from the post of Managing Director of the July 2019 // Urban Transport Infrastructure

 ROUND UP Kochi Metro Rail Limited (KMRL) and Chief Secretary Tom Jose took over the charge of Managing Director until the new appointment has been made. Sreedharan resigns from the post of Principal Advisor to LMRC Metroman Dr. E. Sreedharan has submitted his resignation letter to the board of Lucknow Metro Rail Corporation (LMRC) on Monday. He was appointed as Principal Advisor to Lucknow Metro Rail project in February 2014 for shaping the project in the state capital. RITES submits final DPR for Jammu and Srinagar Light Metro projects The government consultancy firm RITES Limited has completed the detailed project report (DPR) for long-awaited Jammu and Srinagar Metro Projects. According to the DPR, light rail transit systems has been proposed to be operated in both cities. The estimated cost of project would be Rs,10,000 crores. DMRC to start trial run on Dwarka-Najafgarh metro line soon The metro is now becoming a new hope for the people of Outer Delhi, who are facing the problem of public transport. After the areas like Badli, Mundka, the metro will soon reach Najafgarh. This will benefit millions of people living in the area. The fate of this entire area will be enriched only by a mere 5 km Metro line. For this, the Delhi Metro is building a new metro line to connect Dhansa Border via Najafgarh from Dwarka station.

PayTM announces launch of metro route search feature in 10 cities India’s leading digital payments company, Paytm has announced the launch of Metro Route Search – a feature that can be used by metro rail travellers to plan their journey. The feature is available in all 10 cities that have metro rail facility including Delhi, Noida, Gurgaon, Bengaluru, Hyderabad, Kolkata, Mumbai, Chennai, Lucknow, Kochi, and Jaipur. Delhi Metro feeder electric buses procurement file stuck with Delhi Government The Central Government has recently asked the Delhi government to “expedite” its approval for procurement of metro feeder electric buses for Delhi Metro Rail Corporation (DMRC). To ensure last-mile connectivity in the national capital region, DMRC had sent a proposal for procurement of 427 metro feeder electric buses to Delhi Government in the beginning of this year.

Urban Transport Infrastructure // July 2019

NCRTC appoints Mahendra Kumar as DirectorRolling Stock & Electricals Expanding its wing, National Capital Region Transport Corporation (NCRTC) has announced appointment of Mahendra Kumar as Director (Rolling Stock and Electricals). He handed over the charge of Director/Rolling Stocks and Systems of Lucknow Metro Rail Corporation Limited (LMRC) today. He would now begin a new innings in the NCRTC for implementation of RRTS projects. DMRC agrees to prepare revised DPR to link RRTS with Noida-Mohan Nagar line The Delhi Metro Rail Corporation (DMRC) board given its approval to alter the arrangement of the Phase 3 metro project which includes the Noida Electronic City-Mohan Nagar line. The alteration is projected to enable smooth integration with the proposed Sahibabad station of the Delhi-GhaziabadMeerut Regional Rapid Transit System (RRTS) corridor. LMRC calls tenders for construction of 9 stations of Kanpur Metro Phase I The Lucknow Metro Rail Corporation (LMRC), assigned to carry out interim works for Kanpur Metro Rail Project, invites open tenders from eligible bidders for construction of nine elevated metro stations under Kanpur Metro Phase I. Mumbai Metro requires a huge investment of Rs.12,940 crore The metropolitan city Mumbai has been blessed with six metro corridors beginning in 2016 and was expected to complete in March 2019. A huge investment of Rs. 12,940 crore has been made by the state government on the ongoing construction work under the Mumbai Metro rail project. BMRC gets only few suggestions on Transit Oriented Development policy The Bangalore Metro Rail Corporation Limited (BMRC) had published a draft Transit Oriented Development policy for the city in May 2019 and invited comments from the public. But BMRC received suggestions and comments from 32 people only.

HMRTC likely to take over and operate Gurgaon Rapid Metro Rail The government of Haryana might hire the services of Haryana Mass Rapid Transport Corporation (HMRTC) for the extension of metro line between Faridabad and Gurugram. Haryana Chief Minister Manohar Lal Khattar presided the high-level meeting in which this decision was contemplated. www.urbantransportnews.com

ROUND UP  MPMRCL to acquire land for Bhopal metro rail project, land owners tensed Madhya Pradesh Metro Rail Co Limited (MPMRCL) has initiated issuing notices to acquire land for the construction of the Bhopal metro rail project. The phase-I route starts from Arera Hills and ends at AIIMS, Bhopal. This project could highly affect the land owners along this route. FICCI suggests steps to boost metro rail and urban transport system The Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FICCI) has proposed Finance Minister Sitharaman and the Centre certain suggestions for Union Budget 2019-20. For instance, they should allow a concession arrangement on design, build, finance, operate and transfer (DBFOT) basis in the Union Budget. Industrial bodies have suggested that the FM should focus on expenditure on infrastructure. Budget 2019-20 proposes use of PPP modal in metro & rail infrastructure Union Minister of Finance and Corporate Affairs Smt. Nirmala Sitharaman while presenting the Union Budget 2019-20 in Parliament on Friday, proposed maximum use of Public-Private Partnership modal to unleash faster development and completion of tracks, rolling stock manufacturing and delivery of passenger freight services. Jammu and Srinagar to get light metro rail in next four to five years Announcing major boost in metro rail connectivity in the Jammu and Kashmir state, the state government informed that the work on building elevated light rail transit systems for Srinagar and Jammu cities would start soon and that the project will be completed in 4-5 years. DMRC initiates preliminary work on Phase IV project at own risk With its phase IV project stuck in oblivion, Delhi Metro Rail Corporation (DMRC) has started doing its preliminary work presently. This will help save time when the actual construction begins.

Visakhapatnam metro in trouble, Korean EXIM bank withdrawal hands The Visakhapatnam Metro rail project is one of the most anticipated projects to come up in the city. The estimated cost of this project is Rs 8300 crore. However, owing to various hindrances, the project is facing severe delays.

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Maha CM approves ₹3,500-crore ropeway project to link Metro stations Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis cleared huge projects for the financial capital, including an integrated multi-modal system (ropeway project) to link the proposed Metro stations. Wi-Fi soon to available on Delhi metro stations as well as in metros Very soon, Delhi Metro passengers will be able to enjoy free Wi-Fi not only at the Delhi Metro stations, but also on moving trains. The six stations on the Airport Express Line were the foremost to provide this facility in 2016. DMRC is anticipated to start Wi-Fi services in moving trains on the same corridor by the end of 2019. Centre requests more information on Kochi Metro phase II before approval Union Housing & Urban Affairs Minister Hardeep Singh Puri on Thursday stated that certain details will be sought from the state government regarding the second phase of Kochi Metro Rail project. Only then steps will be taken to get the clearance from the Public Investment Board for the project. Under the Kochi Metro Phase II, the route stretches from Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium at Kaloor to Kakkanad.

Jaipur Metro Phase II project back on its track The state budget has provided a huge nudge to infrastructure projects in Jaipur by moving a step ahead to launch the Jaipur Metro phase II project. It is also planning to set up the India International Centre soon. Govt to commence land acquisition drive for Surat metro rail project soon Surat Municipal Commissioner M Thennarasan was appointed Executive Director of Surat Metro Rail project at a high-level meeting held in Gandhinagar. He said land acquisition for the project would begin soon. Kolkata East West Metro gets safety clearance for signalling systems A European company has given the safety clearance for Kolkata East West Metro signalling system in Kolkata after the utility recorded 1,000 hours of trial recently. It is planning to start commercial service in a month. Supreme Courts orders to start construction of Delhi Metro Phase IV The Supreme Court of India on Friday ordered the

July 2019 // Urban Transport Infrastructure

ROUND UP  implementation of the 103.94-km long Delhi Metro Phase IV project and directed the Delhi Metro Rail Corporation (DMRC) to start construction of Delhi Metro Phase IV project. The phase IV of Delhi Metro project has been stuck due to political stalemate between the Central Government and the Delhi Government from 2014. Bengaluru Metro may adopt a circular metro line Bengaluru may get an inner ring metro (Circular Metro) in the near future as the officials are ready to examine the best way to combat the rising congestion in the core area. High Court rejects plea against fare hike and free metro ride for women Delhi High Court on Wednesday declined to interfere with the fare hike decision of Delhi Metro and a proposed plan to make free metro ride for women. It says that both decisions rest within the sphere of the concerned authorities. Indian Railways adopts push-pull technology to achieve higher speeds After the successful introduction of first engineless semi high-speed train Vande Bharat Express (Train 18) between New Delhi and Varanasi, Indian Railways is continues thinking on gearing up the speed of other semi high-speed trains. Indian Railways has quietly crossed a milestone for another kind of technology named as push-pull technology to achieve higher speeds for its Rajdhanis and reduce travel time without incurring much extra cost.

Systra submits study report of Thiruvananthapuram-Kasaragod HSR line Paris based consultancy firm Systra recently submitted feasibility study report for 531-km proposed semi-high-speed railway line from Thiruvananthapuram to Kasaragod to improve connectivity, reduce congestion in the State’s road network and make travel hassle-free.

oppose Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s one of biggest dream project. The State Government is planning to use an obscure section of the land acquisition act to forcibly takeover land in the tribal district of Palghar for the bullet train project. Shinkansen technology will revolutionize travel in India: Piyush Goyal After taking charge in second term, Union Railway Minister Piyush Goyal has visited to to Japan for the G20 ministerial meeting and spared some time to ride in a Japanese Shinkansen series bullet train. He enjoyed the ride and going through its features, he said that soon India will also experience the cuttingedge Shinkansen technology in partnership with Japan. Karnataka Govt seeks approval of Bengaluru Suburban Rail project After meeting with Union Railway Minister Piyush Goyal and Minister of State Suresh Angadi in New Delhi on Friday, Bangalore Central MP PC Mohan said that the union minister expressed his consent in implementing the long-awaited Bengaluru Suburban rail project. GDA agrees to increase stamp duty and EDC to fund RRTS project In a meeting of Ghaziabad Development Authority (GDA) on Wednesday, the board has approved the proposal of National Capital Region Transport Corporation (NCRTC) for raising finds for the Delhi-Ghaziabad-Meerut RRTS project. Top Indian infra companies shown interest for Bullet Train civil work Top Indian infrastructure companies such as Larsen & Toubro (L&T), IRCON International and Tata Projects have shown interest to participate in tender issued for Bullet Train civil work by the National High Speed Rail Corporation Limited (NHSRCL).

Indian Railway plans to develop sleeper version of Train 18 soon After successful introduction of India’s first indigenous engine-less semi high-speed Train 18 (Vande Bharat Express) in the country, Indian Railways is now planning to design and development Train 19 which will be sleeper version of the Train 18 on the line of Rajadhani Express.

India to procure 24 Shinkansen high speed Bullet trains from Japan In a written reply of question raised in the Parliament, Union Railway Minister Piyush Goyal has stated that as many as 24 Shinkansen high speed Bullet trains have been planned for procurement from Japanese companies through tendering process for the upcoming Mumbai-Ahmedabad High Speed Rail project. The bullet trains are being developed on E5 Shinkansen technology of Japan.

India’s first bullet train project fights battle for land acquisition The Farmers from Maharashtra are all set to

Rajasthan Govt. approves DPR of DelhiGurugram-SNB-Alwar RRTS corridor In a major boost for regional mobility in the

www.urbantransportnews.com

July 2019 // Urban Transport Infrastructure

 ROUND UP National Capital Region (NCR), the Rajasthan cabinet, in its meeting held today, has given its approval to the Detailed Project Report (DPR) for the Delhi-Gurugram-SNB-Alwar RRTS corridor. Delhi-Gurugram-SNB-Alwar RRTS corridor will be executed by the National Capital Region Transport Corporation (NCRTC), the agency formed to implement RRTS project connecting Delhi-NCR.

Indian Railways to form a new PSU for all Rolling Stock manufacturing Indian Railways is planning to merge its all coach manufacturing (locomotives and rolling stock) units and workshops into a new public sector undertaking (PSU) in line with China Railways Rolling Stock Corporation (CRRSC). The name of the new proposed PSU for Rolling Stock manufacturing will be Indian Railway Rolling Stock Company (IRRSC). Suburban rail project to take shape in a month in Bengaluru The preparatory work on the upcoming suburban rail project in Bengaluru will likely see some progress with the revised detailed project report (DPR) to be completed in two weeks. Sarai Kalen Khan RRTS station to be India’s first mega transit hub The Sarai Kalen Khan RRTS station will be the India’s first mega transit hub. This is because three Regional Rapid Transit System corridors will intersect at it, an official said on Wednesday.

Manufacturing of new Train 18 coaches come to a screeching standstill The Ministry of Railways has ordered the Integral Coach Factory (ICF) to cancel all ongoing tender processes for the production of the Vande Bharat Express (Train 18 Coaches) rakes. The reason behind this strict action is the violation of certain specifications in the design of the successfully running Train18. MRVC to submit reports on two elevated corridors of MUTP-3A soon The Mumbai Rail Vikas Corporation (MRVC) is planning to send reports on the elevated corridors to the Railway Board for consent. This is happening after a comprehensive transportation study (CTS) found the projects feasible. Moreover, the Mumbai Metropolitan Region Development Authority (MMRDA) conducted this study.

Urban Transport Infrastructure // July 2019

No proposal of privatisation of train operation in Indian Railways Railway Minister Piyush Goyal declined opposition’s claim that the government is working on privatisation of train operation. However, he added that the ministry will invite investments for new technology and projects in national interest. NCRTC invites tenders for construction of viaduct and RRTS stations in UP The National Capital Region Transport Corporation Limited (NCRTC) invites online bids from eligible Bidders for the construction of viaducts, RRTS stations and completion of following civil works contract package, subject to compliance with Asian Development Bank (ADB) polices and requirements.

Road Transport & E-Mobility Govt of India plans to create 10 million jobs for Electric Mobility industry The Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship is in the process of preparing the program to provide adequate manpower to the electric mobility industry. The program includes creating a skilled and trained workforce for design and testing, battery manufacturing and management, sales, services and infrastructure of electric vehicles in the country. KSRTC floats tenders to lease 1,500 electric buses for 10 years To avail Rs.4,500 crores subsidy under Centre’s FAME-II ( Faster Adoption & Manufacturing of Electric Vehicles) scheme, the state’s public transport entity Kerala State Road Transport Corporation (KSRTC) has floated tenders to lease 1,500 electric buses for 10 years. However, Kerala which had earlier started e-bus service but failed to sustain the lease rate of Rs 43.20 per km. Hyderabad Airport Metro Limited invites RfP for elevated BRTS project Hyderabad Airport Metro Limited (HAML) having its principal offices at Metro Rail Bhavan, Rasoolpura, Begumpet, Hyderabad – 500 003 is engaged in the development of Mass Rapid transit System (MRTS) in the city of Hyderabad and as part of this endeavor, the Authority intends to prepare a Detailed Project Report (DPR) for development of an Elevated Bus Rapid Transit System (EBRTS) from KPHB to Financial District, Hyderabad

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INFRA BUSINESS UPDATES ď ˇď ľ

APCO-CRFG JV wins contract for civil works of Delhi-Ghaziabad-Meerut RRTS The joint venture (JV) of APCO Infratech Private Limited and China Railway First Group Company Limited (CRFG) received the Letter of Acceptance (LoA) for a contract worth Rs 6,055.60 million for Package II involving construction of elevated viaduct in 10.7-km stretch from end of Ghaziabad station up to EPE crossing (including elevated ramp for Duhai depot) and two elevated stations (Guldhar and Duhai) of the Delhi-GhaziabadMeerut Regional Rapid Transit System (RRTS) Project- Phase I. EQMS wins contract for carrying out EIA study of Phase IA,II of Kochi metro EQMS India Private Limited has won a contract worth Rs 1.39 million for the selection of consultant for carrying out the environment impact assessment (EIA) study and environment mitigation /monitoring Plan for Phase IA and Phase II of Kochi Metro Rail Project. Skylark Designer and Engineers emerges as L1 bidder for topographic survey for preparation of DPR for Nashik Light Metro Skylark Designer and Engineers Private Limited has emerged as lowest (L1) bidder for conducting topographic survey using DGPS, total station, auto level and preparation of drawings using mapping software for preparation of detailed project report (DPR) for the Nashik Light Metro Rail Project. Sudhir Power-consortium wins contract for E&M works of Noida Sector 62 - Noida City Centre metro corridor The consortium of Sudhir Power Projects Limited and Sudhir Power Limited received the Letter of www.urbantransportnews.com

Acceptance (LoA) for a contract worth Rs 70.58 million for supply, installation, testing and commissioning of electrical and mechanical (E&M) works, fire detection, fire suppression, and ventilation and air conditioning systems (VAC) of Noida stabling line for the Noida Sector 62 - Noida City Centre Metro Rail corridor. LoA issued to Primerail Infralabs-Korea Railroad JV for design consultancy works for DelhiGhaziabad-Meerut RRTS National Capital Region Transport Corporation Limited (NCRTC) issued the Letter of Acceptance (LoA) to the joint venture (JV) of Primerail Infralabs Private Limited and Korea Railroad Technical Corporation for a contract worth Rs 49.92 million for the engagement of detailed design consultant (DDC) for the detailed design of track for elevated viaduct, underground sections including all station and depots for the Delhi-Ghaziabad-Meerut Regional Rapid Transit System (RRTS) ProjectPhase I.

Ayesa-consortium signs contract agreement for appointment of GC for Delhi-Ghaziabad-Meerut RRTS corridor National Capital Region Transport Corporation Limited (NCRTC) signed a contract agreement with consortium of AYESA Ingenieria y Architectura, S.A.U, ITALFERR S.p.A. and Ayesa India Private Limited for the engagement of general consultant (GC) for the Delhi-Ghaziabad-Meerut Regional Rapid Transit System (RRTS) Project- Phase I. LoI issued to Sterling and Wilson for power supply works for Pune metro-Phase I Maharashtra Metro Rail Corporation Limited (Maha - Metro) issued Letter of Intent (LoI) to July 2019 // Urban Transport Infrastructure

 INFRA BUSINESS UPDATES Sterling and Wilson Private Limited for a contract worth Rs 2,970.04 million for the design, supply, installation, testing and commissioning of receivingcum-auxiliary main-cum-traction substations (TSS) including high voltage cabling from grid substation, 33kV cable network, ASS and SCADA systems for the Pune Metro Rail Project - Phase I. L&T Construction wins contract for track works of Mumbai metro Line-3 Mumbai Metro Rail Corporation Limited (MMRCL) has awarded a contract to L&T Construction Limited for design, procurement and supply, installation, testing and commissioning of ballastless track on the mainline from BKC station to Cuffe Parade for the Mumbai Metro Phase I Line 3 Project (Colaba-Bandra-SEEPZ). LoA issued to Bombardier Transportation for providing rolling stock for Delhi metro lines Delhi Metro Rail Corporation (DMRC) issued Letter of Acceptance (LoA) to Bombardier Transportation India Private Limited for a contract worth Rs 4,307.03 million for design, manufacture, supply, testing and commissioning of 40 broad gauge cars for various lines of the Delhi Metro Rail Project on May 16, 2019.

Cranex-IFE JV signs contract agreement for provision of elevators under Lot-1 for Mumbai Metro Line-3 Mumbai Metro Rail Corporation Limited (MMRCL) has signed a contract agreement with the joint venture (JV) of Cranex Limited and IFE Elevator Company Limited for the design, manufacture, supply, installation, testing and commissioning of heavy duty elevators (lifts) under Lot-1 for the Mumbai Metro Phase I Line 3 Project (Colaba-Bandra-SEEPZ). L&T Construction wins contract for balance works of Chennai metro Phase-I extension L&T Construction Limited has won a contract from Chennai Metro Rail Limited (CMRL) for construction of balance works of cut and cover section of the Chennai Metro Rail Project Phase-I Extension (Washermenpet to Wimco Nagar). LoI issued to Blue star for TVS and ECS systems in BKC-Mumbai Central section of Mumbai Metro Line-3 Mumbai Metro Rail Corporation Limited (MMRCL) issued Letter of Intent (LoI) to Blue Star Limited for a contract worth Rs 2,530 million for design, manufacture, supply, installation, testing

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INFRA BUSINESS UPDATES ď ˇď ľ and commissioning of tunnel ventilation system (TVS) and environmental control system (ECS) in Bandra Kurla Complex (BKC)- Mumbai Central section of the Mumbai Metro Phase I Line 3 Project (Colaba-Bandra-SEEPZ). LoI issued to Apurvakriti Infrastructure for track works in Reach 1 of Pune metro-Phase I Maharashtra Metro Rail Corporation Limited (Maha-Metro) issued a Letter of Intent (LoI) to Apurvakriti Infrastructure Private Limited for a contract worth Rs 666.34 million for design, supply, installation, testing and commissioning of ballasted track in Range Hill depot and ballastless track for the elevated section of Reach-1 (Pimpri Chinchwad Municipal Corporation (PCMC)-Range Hill) of the Pune Metro Rail Project - Phase I. Myrtle Project wins contract for additional geotechnical investigation works for Central Silk Board Junction-KR Puram stretch of Bengaluru Metro Phase-2A Myrtle Project and Consultancy Private Limited won a contract worth Rs 2.85 million for proposed additional geotechnical investigation works for Central Silk Board Junction-KR Puram stretch including Baiyappanahalli depot entry line of Bengaluru Metro Rail Project - Phase 2A (KR Puram-Silk Board corridor) on June 19, 2019. Renaatus Projects wins contract for construction of road flyover in Reach-5 of Bengaluru metroPhase II Renaatus Projects Private Limited won a contract worth Rs 1,349.85 million for construction of loops, ramps for road flyover at Central Silk Board Junction of approx. length of 2.84 km including

road widening and allied works in RV RoadBommasandra corridor (Reach-5) of the Bengaluru Metro Rail Project - Phase II. LoA issued to Schindler for provision of escalators for Mumbai Metro-Line 2A Delhi Metro Rail Corporation (DMRC) issued Letter of Acceptance (LoA) to consortium of Schindler India Private Limited and Schindler (China) Elevator Company Limited for a contract worth Rs 505.79 million for design, manufacture, installation, testing and commissioning (including integrated testing and commissioning) of escalators including maintenance for two years during defect liability period (DLP) for the Mumbai Metro Phase I Line 2A Project (Dahisar-DN Nagar). MMRDA issues LoA for overhead traction works for Mumbai Metro-Line 7 Mumbai Metropolitan Region Development Authority (MMRDA) issued Letter of Acceptance (LoA) to the joint venture (JV) of Leena Powertech Engineers Private Limited (LPTE) and Cimechel Electric Company (CEC) for a contract worth Rs 367.14 million for design, verification, supply, installation, testing and commissioning of overhead traction system for the Mumbai Metro Phase III Line 7 (Andheri East-Dahisar East).

Sterling and Wilson emerges as L1 bidder for SCADA system for Mumbai metro-Line 2A Sterling and Wilson Pvt. Limited has emerged as the lowest bidder (L1) for design verification, supply, installation, testing and commissioning of 25 kV overhead equipment (OHE), 33 kV auxiliary power supply and SCADA system for the Mumbai Metro Phase I Line 2A Project (Dahisar-DN Nagar).

URBAN RAIL TRANSIT (PROGRESS REPORT) ď ˇď ľ

Metro and Mono Rail Network

Operational: 657.7 km City (State)

Network Length

Stations

Lines

Since

Ahmedabad Metro (Gujarat)

6.5 km

4 Mar, 2019

Bengaluru Metro (Karnataka)

42.3 km

20 Oct, 2011

Chennai Metro (Tamilnadu)

45 km

29 Jun, 2015

Delhi Metro (NCR)

343.36 km

250

24 Dec, 2002

RapidMetro Gurgaon (NCR)

11.7 km

14 Nov, 2013

Hyderabad Metro (Telangana)

56.5 km

29 Nov, 2017

Jaipur Metro (Rajasthan)

9.63 km

3 Jun, 2015

Kochi Metro (Kerala)

18.4 km

17 Jun, 2017

Kolkata Metro (West Bengal)

27.3 km

24 Oct, 1984

Lucknow Metro (Uttar Pradesh)

22.87 km

5 Sep, 2017

Mumbai Metro (Maharashtra)

11.4 km

8 Jun, 2014

Mumbai Monorail (Maharashtra)

19.54 km

2 Feb, 2014

Nagpur Metro (Maharashtra)

13.5 km

7 Mar, 2019

Noida Metro (NCR)

29.7 km

25 Jan, 2019

Under Construction: 670.38 km City (State)

Network Length

City (State)

Network Length

Ahmedabad Metro (Gujarat)

33.53 km

Jaipur Metro (Rajasthan)

2.35 km

Bengaluru Metro (Karnataka)

80.0 km

Kochi Metro (Kerala)

7.5 km

Bhopal Metro (Madhya Pradesh)

28.0 km

Kolkata Metro (West Bengal)

108.0 km

Chennai Metro (Tamil Nadu)

118.9 km

Mumbai Metro (Maharashtra)

171.0 km

Delhi Metro (NCR)

4.3 km

Nagpur Metro (Maharashtra)

24.5 km

Hyderabad Metro (Telangana)

17.7 km

Navi Mumbai (Maharashtra)

11.1 km

Indore Metro (Madhya Pradesh)

32.0 km

Pune Metro (Maharashtra)

31.5 km

www.urbantransportnews.com

July 2019 // Urban Transport Infrastructure

 URBAN RAIL TRANSIT (PROGRESS REPORT) Metro and Mono Rail Projects

New / Expansion /Approved: 585.78 km City (State)

Network Length

Project Cost (INR)

Lines

Deadline

Agra Metro (Uttar Pradesh)

29.4 km

8,380 crores

2024

Ahmedabad Metro – II (Gujarat)

28.25 km

5,384 crores

2022

Delhi Metro - IV (NCR)

103.93 km

46,845 crores

2024

Dholera Metro (Gujarat)

100.0 km

7,000 crores

2024

Jaipur Metro – II (Rajasthan)

23.8 km

10,394 crores

2025

Kanpur Metro (Uttar Pradesh)

32.4 km

11,076 crores

2024

Mumbai Metro (Maharashtra)

56.46 km

24,814 crores

2022

Meerut Metro (Uttar Pradesh)

35.0 km

11,544 crores

2024

Pune Metro - Line 3 (Maharashtra)

23.3 km

8,313 crores

2022

Nagpur Metro - II (Maharashtra)

48.3 km

11,216 crores

2024

Thane Metro (Maharashtra)

29.0 km

13,095 crores

2025

Patna Metro (Bihar)

33.39 km

13,365.77 crores

2023

Visakhapatnam Metro (Andhra Pradesh)

42.55 km

8,300 crores

2022

Regional Rapid Transit System (RRTS) Projects Corridor

Network Length

Project Cost (INR)

Status

Delhi – Meerut RRTS

82 km

30,274 crores

Under Construction

Delhi – SNB – Alwar RRTS

106 km

28,975 crores

DPR Approved

Delhi – Panipat RRTS

103 km

16,500 crores

DPR Prepared

Delhi – Palwal RRTS

Under Planning

Delhi - Rohtak RRTS

Under Planning

Delhi – Baraut RRTS

Under Planning

High Speed Rail Projects Corridor

Network Length

Project Cost (INR)

Status

Mumbai – Ahmedabad HSR

534 km

1,10,000 crores

Under Construction

Chennai – Mysore HSR

435 km

Feasibility report submitted

Delhi – Amritsar HSR

450 km

Pre-feasibility study under progress

Diamond Quadrilateral HSR

6750 km

Pre-feasibility study under progress

Mumbai – Hawrah HSR

1968 km

Under Planning

Urban Transport Infrastructure // July 2019

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COVER STORY 

Volocoptor: The World’d First Manned, Fully Electric and Safe VTOL

quiet rotors, simple operation using a single joystick and the highest degree of reliability using superior design: The Volocopter 2X turns the vision of “flight for all” into reality. No combustion engine, no noise, no complex mechanics. Just step on board, fly off and arrive in comfort. Welcome to today’s innovative mobility concept. Metro network. Supreme Safety The Volocopter 2X incorporates superior design systems in all critical areas assuring the highest degree of reliability. This encompasses propellers, electric

www.urbantransportnews.com

motors, battery packs, electronics, displays and much more. In addition, all communication networks are connected via the latest optical fibers - in other words “fly-by-light”. There are also numerous support systems for flight control and stabilization. Also on board, although you will never require it, is an emergency parachute. So Simple Flight has never been so easy. Only a short induction is required to operate the Volocopter. The reason: The latest support systems and more than 100 microprocessors automatically ensure perfect stability and control of the multicopter. Whether it is altitude control, balance or landing, the Volocopter 2X can easily and intuitively be operated by a single joystick. Even if the

pilot lets go of the joystick, the multicopter will retain its prevailing position fully automatically. Even better, in areas in which autonomous operations are possible, it can simply fly on its own. Especially Quiet On experiencing the new Volocopter 2X in action for the first time, you will be astounded, by howquiet it is. Because all 18 rotors acoustically operate within a narrow frequency band they appear to the human ear to be only twice as loud as one single rotor. In contrast, a helicopter is numerous times louder with its main and tail rotors as well as its turbine. For comparison: A Volocopter 2X within 75 meters distance is as quiet as the smallest helicopter within 500 meters distance, that is a factor of 7!

July 2019 // Urban Transport Infrastructure

 COVER STORY Cost Effective The Volocopter 2X sets new benchmarks not just in terms of reliability and simplicity, but also where cost effectiveness is concerned. Fuel is replaced by economic (and increasingly sustainably generated) electricity. On top of this, requirements for maintenance, repair and overhaul are reduced to a minimum through the avoidance of complex mechanical components. The simple and intuitive operation also does away with the need for an extra pilot. The Volocopter just flies by itself. A Reality Today The Volocopter is the world’s first multicopter to be granted a certification for manned flights - as early as 2016. It fulfils stringent German and international safety standards. From the end of 2017 the Volocopter will get to prove this in Dubai: At the first ever autonomous air taxi test run in the history of aviation. Characteristically German We like perfection, precision and reliability. This applies also to the Volocopter 2X which incorporates each and every one of these characteristics. After all, everything was planned, developed and built at the German company headquarters in Bruchsal. From the initial idea to the software and electronic components through to the latest version. The Fascination of Electric The Volocopter is the first ever fully electric and manned multicopter with a permit to fly. This means no combustion engine, no fuel and no emissions as a result. Instead, the on-board systems and 18 electric drives are supplied by 9 high capacity batteries. The perfect sustainable alternative mobility solution for the city: Fast, simple and environmentally friendly.

Urban Transport Infrastructure // July 2019

TECHNICAL FEATURES General Classification Certification Power type Passenger capacity

: VTOL (vertical take-off and landing); rotary wing aircraft : Light sport multicopter; German ultralight : Electric/batteries : 2 pax Performance

Max. take off mass (MTOM) Max. payload Operating weight empty (OWE) Max. range (@ MTOM)1 Max. airspeed (limited time) Noise level

: 450 kg : 160 kg : 290 kg : 27 km : 100 km/h : ~ 65 dB(A) at 75 m

Structure Composition/structure

: Fibre composites; lightweight construction Overall height : 2,15 m Rotor plane : 6 hub-arms; 1 holm and 3 engine heads per hub-arm Diameter of the rotor rim incl. propellers: 9,15 m Diameter of the rotor rim excl. propellers: 7,35 m Diameter of a single propeller : 1,80 m Cockpit : 3,20 m length / 1,25 m width / 1,21 m height Skids : 3,02 m lenght / 2,06 m width Powertrain a) Power supply & battery Number of battery packs : 9 independent battery systems with quick release Battery type : Lithium-ion battery Power supply : 9 batteries supply 2 motors each Max. charging time : < 120 min Fast charging time : < 40 min Battery changing system : Quick-change system; plug-in system Battery cooling : Active air cooling b) Motors & rotors Number of motors & rotors : 18 each Engine type : 3-phase PM synchronous motor, brushless DC electric motor (BLDC) Flight Control System Elements

: 1 triple redundant primary flight control unit 1 dissimilar backup flight control unit 1 joystick (includes friction clutch to set cruise speed) Sensors : Gyroscopes, acceleration sensors, magnetic field measurement sensors, manometers Data network : Optical data transmission via polymer optical fibers Options to control : Piloted, interactive one-hand control via joystick Features : Continuous data recording, hundreds of times p/sec

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 COVER STORY

Urban Air Mobility: Lilium reveals World’s first all electric Air Taxi

Germany earlier this month

ilium GmbH is a Munich - based startup developing a revolutionary ondemand air mobility service. To give wings to its vision of a world where anyone can fly anywhere, anytime, it has designed and prototyped a brand new form of aircraft that will enable it to deliver journeys that are four times faster than a taxi, yet competitive in price. Manufacturing and operating the Lilium Jet, a five-seater, fullyelectric aircraft that can take-off and land vertically (eVTOL), will enable it to address a trilliondollar market opportunity that will not only change the way people choose to live and travel but will also connect communities at a fraction of the cost of conventional high-speed infrastructure such as road and rail. In last week of May 2019, the company revealed its new fiveseater air taxi prototype for the first time. The unveiling of the new Lilium Jet came as the allelectric aircraft completed its maiden flight in the skies over

The full-scale, full-weight prototype is powered by 36 allelectric jet engines that allow it to take-off and land vertically, while achieving remarkably efficient horizontal, or cruise, flight. The simplicity of the aircraft design, with no tail, no rudder, no propellers, no gearbox and only one moving part in the engine not only contributes to the safety and affordability of the aircraft, but it has also allowed the design team to focus their efforts on creating a magical customer experience in the cabin, from panoramic windows to gull-wing doors. Celebrating the landmark, Daniel Wiegand, co-founder and CEO, said: “Today we are taking another huge step towards making urban air mobility a reality. In less than two years we have been able to design, build and successfully fly an aircraft that will serve as our template for mass production. Moving from two to five seats was always our ambition as it enables us to open up the skies to many more travelers. Whether its friends or families flying together or business travelers ride-sharing into the city, having five seats delivers an economy of

Urban Transport Infrastructure // July 2019

scale you just can’t achieve with two. The Lilium Jet itself is beautiful and we were thrilled to see it take to the skies for the first time. With the perfect balance of range and speed, our aircraft has the potential to positively impact the way people choose to live and travel, all over the world.” With a top speed of 300 km/h and a range of 300km, the Lilium Jet is capable of completing much longer journeys than the majority of its competitors. This is, in part, thanks to the fixed wing design of the aircraft. While drone-based aircraft consume much of their energy keeping an aircraft in the air, the Lilium Jet can rely on the lift generated by the fixed wing to do this, meaning it will require less than ten percent of its maximum 2000 horsepower during cruise flight. This efficiency, which is comparable to the energy usage of an electric car over the same distance, means the aircraft would not just be capable of connecting suburbs to city centers and airports to main train stations, but would also deliver affordable high-speed connections across entire regions. The Lilium Jet first took to the air at 08.03 local time on 4th May 2019, having completed extensive www.urbantransportnews.com

COVER STORY  ground testing at Lilium’s HQ in Munich, Germany. The prototype aircraft, which is controlled remotely from the ground, has since begun a rigorous flight test campaign that will prove its capability and lay the foundations for certification of the aircraft to safety standards comparable to those of large commercial aircraft. Commenting on the successful first flight, Leandro Bigarella, Head of Flight Test, said: “While a maiden flight is always a moment of truth for a business, the Lilium Jet performed exactly as expected and responded well to our inputs. Our flight test program will now continue with increasingly complex maneuvers as we look towards our next big goal of achieving transition flight, which is when the aircraft moves seamlessly from vertical to horizontal flight.” Lilium plans to manufacture and operate the Lilium Jet as part of a revolutionary on-demand air taxi service. At the push of a button, passengers will be able to use the Lilium app to locate their nearest landing pad and plan their journey with ease. Choosing from a network of pads across cities and regions, passengers will enjoy journeys that are comparable in price with a taxi, yet four times faster. Lilium expects to be fullyoperational in various cities around the world by 2025, although trial services will start earlier than this in several locations.

environmentally positive. Getting to this point has meant tackling some of aerospace’s greatest challenges, but now we’re here we can focus on bringing our vision to life and connecting communities in ways they have never been connected before. Whether it’s reducing the need for investment in ground-based infrastructure like road or rail, or opening up new areas to economic opportunities, we believe that urban air mobility has the potential to be a remarkable force for good in society and we look forward to working across our sector to achieve this.” The latest five-seater Lilium Jet builds on the successful flight testing of a two-seater prototype in 2017. The two-seater prototype provided proof of concept for Lilium’s signature transition flight maneuver, where the aircraft shifts from vertical to horizontal flight, and laid the groundwork for today’s prototype. The five-seater prototype will now enter a rigorous flight test campaign that will see it demonstrate its full range of capabilities. ***

Commenting on Lilium’s vision for urban air mobility, Wiegand added: “We dream of a world where anyone can fly wherever they want, whenever they want. We’ve invested a tremendous amount of thought and care into designing an aircraft and a service that will let us deliver this, meeting society’s demands for urban air travel that is quiet, safe and www.urbantransportnews.com

July 2019 // Urban Transport Infrastructure

 TECHNOLOGY & INNOVATION

Innovations that are the future of the Automotive Industry

The Growth of Electric Mobility

Georgina Travers Freelance Software Developer London, UK

apid advances in technology have been largely responsible for the most recent developments in the automotive industry. These innovations are aimed at sustainability as well as overall safety on the road. Here are some of the more exciting things ushering in the future of the industry:

Electric vehicles are on the rise. This is welcome news, considering that vehicle exhausts are one of the biggest pollutants in the world right now. Car manufacturers are therefore investing a lot of their resources into developing electric cars, and it looks like governments are getting on board with this development, too. The Indian government recently launched the Automotive Mission Plan 2026 in the hopes of creating 65 million additional jobs in the auto sector, with 10 million of these jobs going to the electronic mobility industry. This is a pivotal step forward, as these jobs will create more opportunities to research, test, and

Urban Transport Infrastructure // July 2019

develop electric vehicles throughout the country. The growth of the electric mobility industry will also ensure that India’s roads are more ecofriendly as companies will look to build the infrastructure — such as power stations, or the possibility of large-scale electric trains and train stations — needed for it. Autonomous Vehicles: A Possible Solution to Human Error Autonomous or self-driving vehicles are outfitted with devices that allow them to safely navigate the roads without human intervention. According to the MIT Technology Review, this is possible by outfitting vehicles with various interfacing devices to control its every movement. www.urbantransportnews.com

TECHNOLOGY & INNOVATION  These devices include sensors and cameras for recording vast amounts of data in and around the vehicle, while radar systems use radio waves to detect the presence, speed, and distance of surrounding vehicles and objects. Local data processors then perform real-time calculations based on the collected data, enabling precise, safe, and realtime on-the-road decisions. Onboard artificial intelligence ensures regular software and algorithm updates for continuously improved vehicle performance. In certain cases, some self-driving vehicles are even outfitted with smart technologies that interface with traffic lights, signs, and lane markers.

smarter and safer. Vehicle to vehicle (V2V) communication will lead to fewer accidents on the road, as cars will now be able to share information about pedestrian crossings, infrastructure, and roadblocks to avoid. Rather than just sensing what’s in its line of sight, this V2V network will allow a car to get a sense of not just its distance from other vehicles, but also what’s even further down the road — therefore giving the driver time to adjust accordingly.

explained in an article by IFL Science!, researchers are testing different ways to use fungus to automatically seal cracks when they occur. If successful, this can significantly reduce the overall costs of maintaining our roads nationwide. It’s all just a matter of tweaking and adding to the existing infrastructure that currently makes up the nation’s highways. ***

Connected Fleets as the New Norm The automotive industry has grown considerably in recent years thanks to the Internet of Things (IoT). On top of autonomous vehicles for the general public, Verizon Connect credits the rise of the IoT in creating smarter transportation fleets that use GPS tracking to monitor road conditions, vehicle information, and driving habits in real-time. These can work in tandem with other devices like smartwatches and other sensors that can keep track of the driver’s health. Innovations like these are expected to continue with the rise of 5G networks, which will allow faster transmission of larger amounts of data, which can only translate to more precise computing and faster decisionmaking.

Even the Roads are Getting Smarter The many elements that are already on the road present various opportunities for improving not just safety, but regular road maintenance as well. CNET breaks down the many features of the future’s Smart Highway: Lines on the road will be made of adjustable lights, which can shift in reaction to changing traffic patterns and thus minimise congestion and lessen chances of accidents. Reactive road lamps turn lights on and off depending on whether there are vehicles or not to save energy. Temperature-reactive paint activates glowing warnings when the roads become covered in invisible, slippery ice.

While 5G is expected to advance the development of autonomous vehicles, its potential in advancing cars goes beyond that. Even for cars that aren’t selfdriving, increased network Moreover, there are even plans connectivity can make them run for self - healing roads. As www.urbantransportnews.com

July 2019 // Urban Transport Infrastructure

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 INFRA BUSINESS

Tram Trains: Savings in the millions by joint vehicle procurement in Germany, is designed to save money, time and resources. Tram-Train newcomers benefit from their partners’ experiences. The continuous exchange promotes the technology of dual system vehicles and the order of a large number shall reduce the price in a way to keep the TramTrains competitive towards the standard-gauge vehicles that are lower-priced in terms of procurement and homologation. Sarah Fricke Press Relation Officer The partners of the so-called Verkehrsbetriebe Karlsruhe VDV Tram-Train project are the lbtal – Verkehrs - Gesellschaft (AVG), Verkehrsbetriebe Karlsruhe (VBK), Erms – Neckar -Bahn AG (ENAG), Saarbahn ive German and one Netz GmbH, Verkehrsverbund Austrian transportation Mittelsachsen (VMS) and Schiene companies are currently Oberösterreich. Regionaltangente preparing the joint West has also shown interest in procurement of Tram-Trains. One this project. However, a decision large-scale order instead of several has not yet been taken. individual orders, one representative homologation EU-wide invitation to tender in procedure instead of several the third quarter individual procedures: This The presently six partners intend procurement concept, so far unique or order approx. 300 vehicles. In

F 32

Urban Transport Infrastructure // July 2019

March, they signed a contract to this effect. “The tender specifications for our Tram-Trains have been completed. After the summer break, we will launch the EU-wide ITT” – this is the timing stated byAVG and VBK manager Ascan Egerer. VBK and AVG as the greatest purchasers (approx. 150 vehicles) and as pioneers of dual system vehicles will carry out the award procedure jointly by order of the project partners. At present, the ordered quantities still depend on the progress of the contract negotiations regarding the future transport performances. Standard vehicle and variants The six companies jointly developed a standard vehicle that is presumed to roll off the future manufacturer’s assembly line approx. 300 times. “We tinkered a long time and approached each other as far as possible”, explains the project manager, Thorsten Erlenkötter (VBK). In the regions of Karlsruhe, Saarbrücken, Chemnitz, Neckar-Alb and Linz www.urbantransportnews.com

INFRA BUSINESS  where the operators provide transportation by city railways, all vehicles will have a nearly identical car body. The concepts in terms of propulsion, failure and safety are also nearly identical. “The expected price of a dual system vehicle (750V DC and 15kV, 16,7 Hz) amounts to 4.1 million Euro”, emphasises Erlenkötter. “This low price per unit is based on the fact that the on-off costs for the development and homologation of the standard vehicle can be distributed to a clearly higher quantity of vehicles. The variants for the respective transportation companies derive from this basic vehicle. For instance, the boarding height for a barrier-free access to the vehicles differs between the various operators’ cities. Unlike the four city railway operators participating in the project, VBK prefers the variant of a onesystem low -floor vehicle with a boarding height of 34 cm substituting the existing trams running in Karlsruhe. In addition, the project partners want to have individual furnishings and vehicles in the respective company colours. “For this purpose, we want to use a vehicle configurator – similar to the automobile industry”, says Erlenkötter. The idea to fulfil the different requirements for the vehicles by means of variants was discussed with the representatives of the manufacturers yet in 2017, long before the official project launch within the scope of workshops in order to verify the readiness of implementing such a project. The project partners contacted notable vehicle manufacturers that are part of the VDV regional city train subcommittee and got a consistently positive feedback. Hence, the way for advancing the idea was cleared. The reduction of the Tram www.urbantransportnews.com

Train vehicle price is an essential contribution to ensure the future of the Karlsruhe model and of the regional city train models of the project partners in Saarbrücken, Chemnitz and the planned model in the Neckar-Albb region. It is a fact that the Tram-Trains have become very expensive in recent years compared to standard gauge railway vehicles. On the one hand, the high costs are caused by the dual-system technology enabling them to travel on standard gauge tracks and in the cities as trams. On the other hand, the extensive homologation process is very expensive. The vehicles need a homologation for both operating modes. “We are convinced of this model that offers to the passengers connections from the region directly to the city centre without transfer and I am happy that we found a solution how to remain competitive with the TramTrains” says AVG and VBK manager, Ascan Egerer.

in the long term by placing joint maintenance orders or ordering large quantities of spare parts at lower prices.

Homologation according to the principle of conformity Standardisation includes another important advantage: The homologation will be granted considerably faster and, consequently, the passenger will benefit within a shorter time from the up-to-date, barrier-free TramTrains. “We present the first vehicle for homologation and want to obtain for all oncoming trains rolling off the assembly line a homologation according to the principle of conformity – possibly depending on the respective variants. If the individual vehicles have not to pass the process, homologation will be obtained clearly faster”, explains the project manager, Thorsten Erlenkötter. With the first Tram-Trains being in service presumably in 2025, the cooperation partners will benefit from standardisation

Timeline of the project Yet in 2019, the EU-wide ITT shall be launched, so that at the end of 2020 the contracts with the vehicle manufacturer will be ready for signature. The factory acceptance before delivery is planned for the end of 2022 and the homologation in compliance with the general specification for construction and service of tramway systems (BOStrb) and the Decree on the license for bringing into service for the railway system (EIGV) for the first 4 pre-series vehicles are planned for mid 2024. The serial delivery of the various variants shall take place between 2025 and 2034.

Maintenance contract Besides the pure vehicle procurement, the operators intend to conclude a contract with the future vehicle manufacturer for vehicle maintenance carried out by the vehicle manufacturer for 32 years. The vehicle manufacturer in turn entrusts the operators or one of the project partners with the maintenance. “Hence, we have the safety to know the maintenance costs and take a considerably lower risk with the transportation contracts”, underlines the project manager, Thorsten Erlenkötter. Project volume The project volume for vehicle procurement and the corresponding maintenance contracts amounts to just 4 bin of Euros.

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July 2019 // Urban Transport Infrastructure

 INTERVIEW

Fund would not be a problem for Jammu & Srinagar Light Metro project Exclusive Interview of Dheeraj Gupta, Principal Secretary, Housing and Urban Development Department (J&K) on Jammu & Srinagar Light Metro progress.

nnouncement of the Rs 8,500 crore mega Light Rail Transit Systems for the two capital cities — Jammu and Srinagar — is likely to transform urban transport in the state, placing Jammu and Kashmir among the few selected metros of India to have such modern corridors. The Government is all set to introduce light metro rail projects. While talking with Dheeraj Gupta, Principal Secretary, Housing and Urban Development Department, who is keenly involved in the preparation of the detailed project report (DPR) is upbeat about its social impact and giving residents of the state a masterpiece of technology to change their way of travel. Read here the excerpts from his interview:How soon will the work on the Mass Rapid Transit System (MRTS) project start? Mr. Dheeraj Gupta: We will complete the DPR in the next few weeks and submit it to the Government of India for approval. This is part of the national project under which more than a dozen cities across the country will get such light rail transport corridors. So, it is a priority project for both state and the Centre. Two Mass Rapid Transit Corporations (MRTCs) have started the groundwork.

Infra developmental projects mostly get delayed in J&K due to hurdles. Will this system overcome administrative obstacles? Mr. Gupta: The State Administrative Council (SAC) on June 7 approved the elevated corridor option for the Jammu & Srinagar light metro project. There will be minimum dislocation of people and need for land, which are the main reasons for delays in such projects. With the appointment of E Sreedharan, the metro man, for the project, we have no doubt that it will be completed in the stipulated timeframe. World class benchmarks will be adhered to while implementing the plan. What about funding such a huge project? Mr. Gupta: The first priority is getting approval from the Government of India. Options are open for multilateral funding agencies to be part of the project, apart from central assistance. The Centre too is pushing for such mass rapid transport corridors as part of futuristic vision so funds would not be a problem.

What

Urban Transport Infrastructure // July 2019

about

Metropolitan

Region Development Authorities (MRDA)? Mr. Gupta: It is part of urban development plan, to think two to three decades ahead. Jammu and Srinagar, the two capital cities of J&K, are growing rapidly. The MRDAs are for futuristic and coordinated development. The J&K Metropolitan Region Development Authorities Act, 2018, was implemented by the State Administrative Council (SAC) in December 2018 and creation of Jammu, Srinagar Metropolitan Region Development Authority is part of the effort. What role will they play in J&K? Mr. Gupta: Authorities will prepare infrastructure development plans to guide the annual investments in creating infrastructure for future needs. They will act as consultant to municipal corporations and deputy commissioners to formulate a comprehensive mobility management plan, for increasing green cover, water conservation, waste water treatment and adoption of renewable sources of energy. www.urbantransportnews.com

INTERVIEW 

Lucknow Metro has emerged as a fine example of excellence in the field of Mass Rapid Transit System

ompleting the metro rail projects ahead of the schedule, Lucknow Metro Rail Corporation (LMRC) continues to set new standards for urban public transportation in India. In an interview with Ms. Poulami Chakraborty, Kumar Keshav, Managing Director of Lucknow Metro Rail Corporation has shared his plans for future expansion and explained how growing metro is facilitating urban rejuvenation. Here are the excerpts of his interview:-

LMRC has achieved many significant milestones and engineering feats for itself in the recent past. What has been the motivation and inspiration for being in the forefront and creating a positive synergy in a government ecosystem? Mr. Kumar Keshav: Lucknow Metro has set records straight by achieving significant milestones and has many firsts for any metro rail in India. It’s the entire team of the Lucknow Metro alongside the support and affection of the people of Lucknow which keeps us inspired, upbeat and helps us achieve such milestones. The LMRC is fortunate to have an efficient team that beliefs in performance and on-time delivery. The 23 km North-South corridor www.urbantransportnews.com

is completed much ahead of its deadline and is operational too. How did you manage to achieve this extraordinary feat for LMRC? Mr. Keshav: The Lucknow Metro has made operational the 22.878-km-long corridor much ahead of the initial deadline of April 2019. We faced uncountable challenges throughout the construction phase but with strong determination along with the continuous day and night hard work of the entire team, Lucknow Metro has emerged as a fine example of excellence in the field of Mass Rapid Transit System. I would also attribute this achievement to the people of Lucknow, who has been immensely supportive of this project ever since its inception. It

Kumar Keshav Managing Director Lucknow Metro Rail Corporation

July 2019 // Urban Transport Infrastructure

 INTERVIEW is because of their patience and cooperation that we have been able to realize this dream of a Metro in the 'City of Nawabs'. Please apprise us of Phase II and other future plans of LMRC. Mr. Keshav: We have completed Phase - I in record time and now the focus is on Phase II. The 11.098 km long East-West Corridor of Phase II will connect Charbagh to Vasantkunj. The corridor will have 12 stations Charbagh (proposed), Gautam Buddha Marg, Aminabad, Pandey Ganj, Lucknow City Railway Station, Medical Chauraha, Nawajganj, Thakurganj, Balaganj, Sarfarazganj, Musabagh, and Vasantkunj. Earlier in March 2019, LMRC has cracked down on illegal parking spots. Are there any concrete and permanent measures to keep this problem at bay? Do you observe any improvement in city life after this step? Mr. Keshav: Lucknow Metro is committed for removing encroachment and illegal parking in order to provide easy access to the commuters and eliminate traffic jams around the metro stations. The Chief Security Commissioner and Security Commissioner of the LMRC along with local traffic officials are keeping a regular check on the illegal parking. Due to our efforts, the traffic around metro stations is much smoother now. What plans LMRC is having in the pipeline to enhance connectivity in the city? Any specific MoU’s in cards? Mr. Keshav: Phase I of the Lucknow Metro has already provided citizens with a comfortable, safe and time-saving mode of transportation. Once Phase II becomes operational, the total length of the LMRC

network will be around 34 km. With these two phases, LMRC will be able to provide direct connectivity to the airport, bus station as well as the city railway station and other prominent places. Thus, provides seamless and jam-free connectivity. Also, the LMRC has signed contracts with prominent players for property development, with Radio City for infotainment, with HDFC Bank for Smart Cards, besides having tie-ups with various national and international consultants and experts for providing world class services and experience to the commuters. Earlier in 2018, LMRC has received International Award for safety. Please elaborate to us, what has been the motivation behind this? How have you been able to improve this attribute further in all your projects? Mr. Keshav: Lucknow Metro has received the Silver Award from the International Royal Society for The Prevention Of Accidents (RoSPA) for Phase 1A (NorthSouth Corridor) in the Project/Infrastructure category for the year 2018. We have been working not only to provide a safer mode of transport but our priorities have been to ensure health and safety for every single

Urban Transport Infrastructure // July 2019

person associated with the execution of the project- be it staff, customers, clients or contractors. We have achieved this in Phase I and are confident enough to better it in our next projects. LMRC and HDFC bank have signed an MoU in a bid for counter-less ticketing. Please elaborate to us about this initiative? What has been the progress and how has it benefitted the common mass?’ Mr. Keshav: LMRC's tie-up with HDFC Bank is a big step towards the evolution of digital payment mechanisms for the metro commuters. The HDFC Bank facility has enabled customers of all banks to purchase metro tokens and prepaid cards easily by making it cashless. With the tie-up, the LMRC has made it convenient for commuters to purchase token, reload prepaid GoSmart cards using any debit card, credit card, or net banking facility, on the website of Lucknow Metro. Passengers using the GoSmart cards are getting facilities like free WiFi, hassle-free travel as well as freedom from standing in queues with online recharge facility. Earlier in 2018, LMRC asserted that its ridership will touch 3 lakhs daily. Do you see any improvement in the ridership of www.urbantransportnews.com

INTERVIEW ď ˇď ľ Mr. Keshav: Any smart city is incomplete without an environment-friendly, safe, and time-saving mode of the public transportation system. Lucknow Metro fits the bill of any smart city planned anywhere in the world. It is not only a safer, faster but also energy efficient system. For the safety of the commuters, LMRC has taken a number of steps such as the use of fire retardant material, fire smoke detection & protection, the use of emergency communication facilities including talkback facility for passengers within the coaches. To create a sustainable How important do you feel is environment LMRC's Metro Metro Rail for the growth of stations and Depot have been any smart cities. Your view. designed and built as 'Green' Lucknow Metro Rail? How have you achieved this? Mr. Keshav: LMRC had started public operations with the 8.5 km Priority Corridor from Transport Nagar to Charbagh. With the commissioning of the entire 22.878 km corridor from CCS Airport-Munshi Pulia, the Lucknow Metro has been recording a very high ridership and is hopeful of multiplying it manifolds in the coming months as the corridor connects prominent destinations like airport, bus station, educational institutes, and major markets.

buildings in accordance with the standards of the Indian Green Building Council (IGBC). Along with it, a Waste Composting Machine has been installed in the depot. Special arrangements have been made for visually impaired, the person with disabilities and senior citizens. Lucknow Metro has taken many initiatives such as regenerative braking in the trains which will result in saving 30-35% traction energy, use of 1% criteria for underground stations. ***

 INNOVATION & TECHNOLOGY

HydroFLEX: Britain starts testing of country’s first Hydrogen Train

Vinod Shah Head – Marketing & Communications Urban Transport News

The mainline testing of HydroFLEX marks an important step in the development of a zerocarbon emission propulsion system that could help to decarbonise Britain’s railway. The HydroFLEX pilot involves the fitment of a hydrogen powerpack to an existing Class 319 train, which would eventually allow it to run on conventional electrified routes as well as independently. This results in a highly flexible train that can operate on different parts of Britain’s rail network.

orterbrook and the University of Birmingham’ Centre for Railway Research and Education (‘BCRRE’) announce that the UK’s first hydrogen train, How HydroFLEX works HydroFLEX, will be tested on the mainline railway following a Main components of HyderoPlex successful proof-of-concept. Train are-

Urban Transport Infrastructure // July 2019

• Hydrogen Fuel Tank: Up to 20 kg of hydrogen stored in 4 high pressure tanks. • Pressure Drop Regulator lowers pressure to 8.5 bar. • Fuel Cell takes hydrogen combined with oxygen from the air to form pure water and electricity (100 kW) • Batteries: Two lithium-ion batteries pack store electrical energy. • Electrical Output: Electrical energy from the fuel cell and batteries goes through FLEX traction control system to existing class 319 equipment • Electric Motors move the train • Control System manage all power sources to ensure correct function and operation www.urbantransportnews.com

INNOVATION & TECHNOLOGY  of This partnership between the University of Birmingham and Porterbrook has been a trailblazer Sustainability and innovation are for academia and industry integral to what we do here at accelerating ideas into practical Porterbrook, and so we are application on the railway. We tremendously proud to have played look forward to the next phase of a key role in designing and building this project which will take this the UK’s first hydrogen train. This technology onto the UK railway. is a first test but we are excited about being in a position to provide Dr. Stuart Hillmansen, Senior HydroFLEX as a viable offering Lecturer, Birmingham Centre for very soon. Britain’s railway has a Railway Research and Education key part to play in reducing noted: transport emissions and we are committed to helping our customers “Our prototype shows how play an important role in delivering hydrogen powered technology can this. be incorporated within existing trains, without needing to modify Helen Simpson, Head of the drivers’ controls. It’s an exciting Innovation and Technical advance because it shows how this technology could be adopted into Services at Porterbrook, said: the mainline system to deliver The Porterbrook team are delighted emission-free public transport.” to support the testing of HydroFLEX on mainline railways. Transport Secretary, Chris We have been very pleased with Grayling said: how the train has performed on the test track and are looking forward “It is fantastic to see government to getting it out on the national rail funding helping to drive this network. Delivering the UK’s first innovative project forward, as it hydrogen train is a huge step for the progresses to the milestone of rail industry and marks a milestone mainline testing. Our First of a for green transport everywhere. Kind investment has consistently Demonstrating how mainline produced truly ambitious projects approvals for hydrogen can be developed for the benefit of delivered is the next step forward passengers and freight customers. and allows more people to see the We are absolutely committed to benefits of hydrogen. driving forward a greener, cleaner and more efficient rail network, Alex Burrows, Director at using new technology to create Birmingham Centre for Railway modern, low-emission trains which Research and Education, can handle a growing number of commented: “This is a great journeys. success story for the UK Rail Industry, which shows our Many collaborators have been capability and commitment to key to the success of HydroFLEX helping the government meet so far: decarbonisation targets. Key to this success is the close • Chrysalis Rail for installation partnership between academia • Denchi Group for traction and industry which has enabled batteries us to pool the expertise needed to • Ballard Fuel Cell Systems for rapidly progress this technology the fuel cell from concept to full-scale working • Luxfer for hydrogen storage demonstrator. tanks Mary Grant, Porterbrook, said:

CEO

www.urbantransportnews.com

• DG8 design support • Derby Engineering Unit for panels and brackets • SNC Lavalin for design and hazard identifications • Aura for exterior livery design, and • DB Cargo Crewe for the recommissioning of the unit. The HydroFLEX project has recently been awarded funding from Innovate UK through its First Of A Kind competition to take the prototype forward towards mainline testing. The same funding competition has enabled for Porterbrook to pair up with Eminox to create a catalyst converter for diesel trains, extending the green credentials of the rail leasing company. ***

July 2019 // Urban Transport Infrastructure

 OPINION

Three keys to spurring mass adoption of electric vehicles in India Government and the private sector need to focus on finance, infrastructure and SMEs if we are to drive the mass adoption of electric vehicles

n what has been billed as good news for the industry, the latest Union Budget 2019-20 announced by the Finance Minister saw a host of tax and regulatory incentives designed to spur electric vehicle use. The Budget included tax rebates of up to ₹1.5 lakh on interest paid on loans to buy electric vehicles (a total exemption benefit of ₹2.5 lakh over the entire loan period). There is three keys to spurring mass adoption of electric vehicles in India The Minister also announced customs duty exemptions on lithium–ion cells and investmentlinked tax exemptions on components used in electric vehicles and charging stations that are not made locally. This is certainly a step in the right direction. The Budget makes it cheaper to purchase electric vehicles which should give confidence to investors. It also encourages the local manufacture of many of the components needed, thereby hopefully reducing reliance on foreign imports in the long run. In order to really spur the use of electric vehicles among the consumer, we should focus our efforts on three main areas, each of which are interlinked: Finance Most automotive sales today in many countries are supported by bank financing. Very few people can afford to purchase a vehicle outright and so would go to a bank to get a loan for their vehicle purchase. Banks therefore need to

be able to offer a competitive rate for consumers otherwise they simply won’t be able to afford the purchase. The tax rebates are a step towards addressing the financing element. When consumers are able to place a lower down payment and more competitive monthly installments than traditional fossil fuel-powered vehicles then we will start to see more purchases.

Dr. Saurabh Markandeya Co-CEO, SHADO Group

Infrastructure However, even with the best financing in the world if electric vehicle users cannot charge their vehicles then they still won’t buy

Charging infrastructure is incredibly disruptive and expensive to develop especially in India’s large, congested metropolises. Space is scarce, the streets are narrow and the laying down of wires and cabling to supply the necessary electricity is very costly. Linked to infrastructure is technology. Currently it takes hours to charge the lithium-ion

Urban Transport Infrastructure // July 2019

batteries that make up most of the batteries in current electric vehicles. This is both inconvenient and challenging – there is precious little space to hold thousands of idling vehicles while they sit there charging. We need to look to alternative technologies such as ultracapacitor batteries which not only charge in minutes but last 20x longer than today’s lithium-ion www.urbantransportnews.com

OPINION  batteries. Ultra-capacitor batteries with comparable energy density as lithium-ion batteries are best suitable for EVs plying the streets of congested cities. SMEs One way to develop the necessary infrastructure but at much lower cost is through India’s SMEs. Rather than taking a ‘top down’ approach whereby the government builds and installs the electric charging network, we should incentivise and empower companies and entrepreneurs to build, own and benefit from their own charging stations. A good place to start is with Rickshaws. There are currently around 1.5 million batterypowered, three-wheeled rickshaws on the streets of India today and this is growing by approx. 11,000 new vehicles a month. By using variants containing ultracapacitor batteries that charge in minutes we can further increase this number. We should turn the users and fleet owners into real stakeholders by allowing them to invest in and own charging stations – be they on-grid (as in connected to the power grid) or off-grid (such as solar powered mobile charging stations that can be placed anywhere). With the ability to sell power to other fleets and electric vehicles, and therefore make a profit, we will quickly see the creation of an integrated charging network spring up. By engaging SMEs and ‘leaning’ on them to develop a city - or country - wide charging infrastructure, combined with financing that makes electric vehicles more affordable, we will be able to spur the widespread adoption of electric vehicles in India and, perhaps, even the world. ***

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E-bike: The future of personal and public transportation  Mannat Batra, Media Intern

In the early 2000s, the idea of using e-bike or a would have been borderline absurd for most of the people around the globe. They were certainly available; however, most people did not use them, and so they weren’t very common. But now, we are embarking in 2019 and e-bikes, like many other electronic methods of transportation, are growing more popular. An e-bike is a bicycle with a fused electric motor which can be used for momentum. Various kinds of e-bikes are available today, ranging from e-bikes that have a small motor to assist the rider’s pedal-power to powerful e-bikes which lean closer to moped-style mechanism. however, all e-bikes are endowed with the ability to be pedalled by the rider and are therefore not electric motorcycles. Moreover, all e-bikes use rechargeable batteries. E-bikes: A need today Until a few years back, many people used to look at e-bikes as a novelty. But now, more and more people are looking at electric bikes as a convenient way of tackling hills and speeding up commutes. Electric bikes have been on the edge of breaking through for years now. With the help of car companies, along with a new range of electric bikes, e-bikes are beginning to become another real option for moving the world away from the gas pump and toward a more sustainable future. It’s been obvious for a few years now that car companies see ebikes as part of their future. According to sources, within 20 years, the United States will be one of the world’s top markets for electric bicycles. Why are e-bikes the future of transportation? Today, the push for sustainability seems to be gaining momentum and driving revived interest in electricity as the power behind our movements. The pace of technology is bringing us better e-bikes every year — lighter, faster, and stronger.Also, Access to bike paths and trails is getting better. Many countries from around the globe have introduced bike paths, lanes, routes, and protected lanes for ebikes. In addition, A rapidly increasing number of cities are participating in bike shares involving e-bikes. In conclusion, e-bikes are looking like the future of transportation — and the future is approaching quickly. July 2019 // Urban Transport Infrastructure

 UNION BUDGET 2019-20

Union Budget 2019-20: Metro-railway initiatives to be enhanced by encouraging more PPP for faster development

ublic- Private Partnership (PPP) proposed by the Union Minister of Finance and Corporate Affairs, Smt. Nirmala Sitharaman, while presenting the Union Budget 2019-20 in Parliament on 5th July to unleash faster development and completion of tracks, rolling stock manufacturing and delivery of passenger freight services. The Finance Minister said that it is estimated that Railway Infrastructure would need an investment of Rs. 50 lakh crores between 2018-2030. Given that the capital expenditure outlays of Railways are around 1.5 to 1.6 lakh crores per annum, completing even all sanctioned projects would take decades. Railways received a budgetary allocation of Rs 65,837 crore and highest ever outlay for capital expenditure amounting to Rs 1.60 lakh crore in the Budget for the year 2019-20 presented on Friday,

which includes a whopping 200 per cent increase in funds for passenger amenities. Last year, the outlay for the railways was Rs 1.48 lakh crore while the Budget allocation was Rs 55,088 crore. In the interim Budget, the allocation was Rs 1.58 lakh crore. In the 2019-20 Budget, funds of Rs 7,255 crore have been allocated for construction of new lines, Rs 2,200 crore for gauge conversion, Rs 700 crore for doubling, Rs 6,114.82 crore for rolling stock and Rs 1,750 crore for signalling and telecom. The allocations have remained the same as in the interim budget presented in February. "This is a budget for 130 crore Indians, rich or poor, for entrepreneurs, for the industry, promoting new work and opportunities," said Railway Minister Piyush Goyal. The allocation for rail passenger comfort this fiscal has gone up to

Urban Transport Infrastructure // July 2019

“

I propose to enhance the metro-railway initiatives by encouraging more PPP initiatives and ensuring completion of sanctioned works, while supporting transit oriented development (TOD) to ensure commercial activity around transit hubs. --Smt. Nirmala Sitharaman Hon’ble Finance Minister Govt. of India www.urbantransportnews.com

UNION BUDGET 2019-20 ď ˇď ľ Rs 3,422.57 crore from Rs 1,657 crore in the Budget presented last year by then finance minister Arun Jaitley. In the 2017-2018 financial year, the budgetary allocation for railway passenger amenities was Rs 1,100.90 crore. Indication of the sharp rise was given in the interim Budget in which the allocation for passenger amenities jumped by 50 per cent from the amount allocated in 2018-2019. Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman, while presenting the Budget, said the railway infrastructure would need an investment of Rs 50 lakh crores between 2018 and 2030 and proposed that a public private partnership (PPP) be used to unleash faster development and delivery of passenger freight services for railway projects to boost connectivity. "Railways will be encouraged to invest in suburban railways through special purpose vehicles (SPVs) and enhance metro rail network through PPPs," she said. Government envisions using rivers for cargo transportation, which will also decongest roads and railways, Sitharaman said. Goyal said the Rs 50 lakh crore investment in railways that the Finance Minister talked about was needed to modernise stations and build passenger amenities like toilets, waiting rooms and better stations. "We have drawn up an whole programme. Some of the old projects like 100 per cent electrification, advanced signalling, station development was already there. Now, we have to worked out how to create additional capacities, so that our modal share of freight can go up, the cost of logistics start coming down and our passengers along with good amenities get more and more avenues to travel by trains to reach their preferred destination. www.urbantransportnews.com

"All this will entail more doubling, tripling, new dedicated freight corridors, some semi high speed freight corridors, very large gamut of investments in different sectors, regional connectivity, connectivity to aspirational districts. We have worked this out both through government expenditure and through publicprivate partnership," he said. Sitharaman in her speech said that given the capital expenditure outlays of the railways are around Rs 1.5 to Rs 1.6 lakh crores per annum, completing even all sanctioned projects would take decades. She proposed the use of PPP model to unleash faster development and completion of tracks, rolling stock manufacturing and delivery of passenger freight services. "Wherever there are opportunities and viability of attracting more investments and better services for the passengers, we will keep an open mind. The passengers have a right to better services. We are open to it. "If there are economically viable projects and people are willing to invest in them, then, why not. For example, if Coal India opened a new mine and they need a railway line and a siding. Why should railways invest in it? Coal India need it to move their coal, so they can invest in it. We can co-invest in them. Whenever there are opportunities which are viable we should have an open mind," Goyal said. The Finance Minister said railway stations modernisation will also be launched this year. However, what will remain the Railways' major headache would be its revenue expenditure which includes an estimated salary payout of Rs 86,554.31 crore, about Rs. 14,000 crore more than last year. The Budget estimates also allocated Rs. 267.64 crore for Nirbhaya Fund, including

provision of Rs 250 crore for Integrated Emergency Response Management System (IERM) (Video Surveillance System), and Rs 17.64 crore for Konkan Railway Corporation Ltd. Estimates under Gross Traffic Receipts for the year 2019-20 have been placed at Rs 2,16,675 crore, an increase of Rs 19,961 crore over the revised estimates 2018-19. The railway minister also said that the national transporter will invest in creating metro coaches and stock, showing confidence in its manufacturing units, which have produced state of the art coaches like in Train18 and is in the process of manufacturing Train20. "We are not selling off government assets. Everybody's jobs will be protected. Like we have IRCON, RITES, they are all corporatised government companies," he said, amidst disquiet in its production units about the railways' proposal to hive them off as one corporate entity. In fact the Budget allocation for rolling stock has increased from Rs 3,724.93 crore in 2018-2019 to Rs 6,114.82 in 2019-2020 - which was announced in the interim Budget.

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July 2019 // Urban Transport Infrastructure

FUTURE MARKET RESEARCH ď ˇď ľ

Smart Parking Solutions: Market players venturing into cloud platforms

Vinod Shah Head â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Marketing & Communications Urban Transport News

dvancements in internet of things technology is opening gateways to new opportunities for smart parking solution developers to explore. Innovations in ubiquitous computing coupled with the developments in cloud platforms are opening up new avenues for smart parking solutions companies to venture into. The

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rising popularity of data-driven operations and the benefits associated with it are causing an increase in the adoption of parking software around the world for smart parking solutions market. Wireless Infrastructure According to a recent study, the smart parking solutions market was valued at over USD 3.3 billion in 2018. IoT proliferation, coupled with the strengthening wireless infrastructure around the globe continues to uphold demand for system devices in the smart parking solutions market. The system devices segment of the smart solutions market is expected to be valued at over USD 1.4 billion in 2019. Demand for parking software is anticipated to closely follow the suit of system devices.

A huge inflow and outflow of consumer vehicles in infrastructures such as industrial parks, shopping centers, and malls, makes manual management of parking spaces complicated. Often manual management of parking spaces leads to inefficient use of resources, which further adds to operational expenses associated with vehicle parking. Deployment of appropriate software eliminates these challenges and provides an efficient system for owners to manage vehicle parking in a costefficient and methodical way.

Demand remains robust for Valet Parking Management Systems The study opines prospects for automated valet parking solutions to remain promising, as they

July 2019 // Urban Transport Infrastructure

 FUTURE MARKET RESEARCH gradually replace their conventional counterparts. Valet parking has become a popular trend in urban areas, and companies are launching automated valet parking management solutions to meet the needs of the urban population. The automated valet parking system uses a combination of technologies to aid vehicle owners in finding an appropriate parking space. Additionally, smart valet parking management solutions offer vehicle owners with the data on their parking spot’s exact location, depriving them of the relevant hassles. According to the study, smart valet parking solutions witnessed a Y-o-Y growth of 9.9% in 2018 over 2017.

The study opines that Japan holds immense growth potential for the smart parking solutions market, attributed to the rapid technological advancements coupled with efforts to minimize challenges linked with space constraints in the country. There have been significant investments by several Japanese firms in smart parking solutions in the recent past. For instance, SoftBank announced it would be launching its own application that would allow people to book and pay for parking spaces in advance. Akippa, a firm which operates an IoT-based parking lot in Japan, raised $22 million to expand its services and launch a new mobility app to further streamline the parking procedure in Japan. The report tracks the smart parking solutions market for the Continued investment of period 2018-2028. According to Government and Municipalities the report, the smart parking in Smart Parking Solutions solutions market is projected to A rapid rise in the number of grow at 9% CAGR through 2028. automobiles coupled with the scarcity of parking spaces is one *** of the leading causes of traffic congestion in urban areas. Smart These insights are based on a report parking solutions continue to gain on Smart Parking Solutions Market ground, in line with adoption of by Fact.MR. flexible payments systems, contributing to a streamlined vehicle parking ecosystem. Due to these factors government and municipalities are eyeing standardization of parking management across cities in order to offer convenience of hassle-free parking. North America will continue to maintain the largest share of the smart parking solutions market owing to the presence of some of the major OEM in the region. Further, increasing investments in smart city projects will drive smart parking solutions market growth in North America. According to the study sales of smart parking solutions in North America exceeded revenues worth USD 0.9 billion.

Urban Transport Infrastructure // July 2019

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OPINION 

Delhi Announces Plan to Make All Public Transport Free for Women. Will It Work?

use the public transport system, others are dismissing it outright. A lot of this reaction may be based on the recent national n June 10, Arvind election results or the upcoming Kejriwal, the chief elections in Delhi. minister of Delhi, Let’s put politics aside. The announced a new question is: Does free public proposal to make public transport transport improve the safety of free for women. Once cleared, the women or improve ridership in move – which will cost public transport? approximately ₹700 crore ($100 To answer this question, we million) to the Delhi need to first understand the public government – will make traveling transport system in Delhi. The on all metro trains and buses Delhi Metro has around 340 absolutely free for all women. kilometers of metro rail network. Social media has been abuzz The city has around 5,500 buses, since the announcement was including those belonging to the made on Monday. While some Delhi Transport Corporation and people are calling it a Private Stage Carriage Buses revolutionary move that will Scheme commonly known as the encourage many more women to Cluster Buses. In addition, there

O Amit Bhatt Director – Integrated Urban Transport WRI Cities India

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July 2019 // Urban Transport Infrastructure

 OPINION are around 200,000 paratransit vehicles, such as auto-rickshaws and cabs. There is also a huge number of people who walk and cycle. Now, with this background, let’s look at how free public transport for women could impact the safety, mobility and economics of the public transport system in Delhi. The Question of Safety

The official rationale behind this move is that it will improve the safety of women by getting more women to use the system. This is correct but marginally so. WRI India’s research on women’s safety in public transport found four distinct segments of the journey that impact the safety of women: access to stops, wait time, boarding and traveling. Delhi’s proposal does not fundamentally address any of the four segments. More women alone on the bus or train may improve safety in those situations, but not necessarily. We also need to understand that women do trip-chaining, which means they do multiple trips in one journey, some of which may be outside the public system. Also, they travel with dependents, such as children and parents. In addition, a lot of women do short journeys, on foot or via paratransit, that do not interact with the public transport system at all. Therefore, the proposal is unlikely to have a substantive impact on the safety and security of women in Delhi. The Question of Mobility The Delhi Metro was providing close to 2.7 million passenger rides per day before the fares were hiked in May 2017. Currently, the metro usage is around 2.3 million trips per day. It was reported that capacity will increase to around 4

million trips per day after completion of Phase 3, which has involved construction of an additional 167 kilometers of metro line. While a couple of lines are yet to become fully operational, it can be seen that the metro is not optimally used currently, and it may have a lot to do with higher fares. A study by the Centre for Science and Environment found that Delhi’s metro is the secondmost expensive system in the world. Therefore, fare rationalization will almost certainly get more riders into the system. However, we still don’t have an accurate assessment of how many women use the metro, or would use it, if fares were eliminated. Studies show that the number may be around 30% of riders. Therefore, even if the number doubles, the metro would still be transporting 3 million despite a capacity of 4 million. On the other hand, 5,500 buses carry around 4 million passengers per day or around 800 passengers per bus per day. This means that the buses are crowded, and accommodating any additional demand will be very difficult unless the fleet is augmented.

day for the same space. Similarly, roads, flyovers and other infrastructure are built for motor vehicle users without them paying the true cost. But we allexpect public transport users to pay full cost. Why? Hence, progressive cities around the world are now moving toward recovering the full cost of private transport usage through different fiscal instruments. If Delhi wants to subsidize public transport – and it should – it should take a lesson from other cities, not only generating revenue to pay for it from conventional sources like parking and vehicle registration, but looking at congestion charging and vehicle quota systems. Delhi’s plan to make public transport free for women needs more deliberation. More women in public transport is undoubtedly a good thing. But making fares free is not the same as making transport safer. Evidence suggests it will take more than free tickets to make public transport the mode of choice for everyone.

***

The Question of Finances It is estimated that the proposal might cost around ₹700-800 crore ($100-115 million) a year to the Delhi government. A lot of comments on local social media are around how much the proposal will cost tax payers. However, this is a slightly misguided conversation because we don’t charge the true cost for automobile usage and instead subsidize it at a high degree. For example, a car can easily occupy 200-square-feet of prime residential real estate by paying around ₹100 ($1.40) per day. But an office or a shop will easily pay in excess of ₹2,000 ($28.80) per

Urban Transport Infrastructure // July 2019

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OPINION 

Urban Mobility: The need and future in India As a developing nation, India cannot afford such huge investments and needs to shift from car-dependency to public transport.

Greg Moran Co-Founder & CEO Zoomcar

ndia’s rapid urbanisation has beleaguered its mobility. Owing to a hike in population and income levels, India now demands 8X more transportation facilities than compared to 1980, as per World Bank database. However, high demand poses more significant threats to the nation’s infrastructure, which hasn’t observed a similar growth rate. Let us explore the predicaments and opportunities in India’s urban mobility landscape. The challenge India grapples with a host of mobility-related challenges like pollution and traffic congestion. As per a WHO study, 14 out of top-15 most-polluted cities in the world are in India. Rising pollution levels also translate into economic losses. As per current estimates the World Bank, the losses amount to 7.7% of the nation’s GDP. Indian cities are also notoriously famous for traffic congestion. As per industry reports, vehicles in some metros move at an average speed of 17kph. The congestion on the roads doesn’t exist in silos, and its adverse effects are carried forward to productivity and economic growth. As per the BCG - Uber report, the combined

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estimate of losses caused due to congestion in the top-four metro cities of India is worth more than $22 billion per annum. The future perspective For India to unlock the next wave of growth, it is essential to ramp up and optimise mobility services. The focus has to be on promoting green, clean mobility. A chief contributor to the increasing congestion on the roads is private ownership of cars. A BCG-Uber report revealed the asset utilisation of private cars to a mere 5%. These vehicles not only have low asset utilisation, but also take up a lot of space on the roads. Besides, promoting public transport and shared mobility also has an impact on a nation’s investment in transportation. Let’s take the example of Copenhagen and Houston. While Copenhagen follows a pragmatic mix of public transport and bike lanes, Houston is heavily car-dependent. Consequently, Copenhagen spends about 7% of its GDP on transportation, while the same for Houston is 17%. As a developing nation, India can't afford such huge investments and needs to shift from car-

dependency to public transport. For this, we need to make shared mobility solutions and public transportation systems easily accessible and safe. At the same time, electric vehicles are going to be a high priority on the government’s agenda, going forward. Propelled by the EV30@30 scenario, India holds the potential of achieving 25% of market share for EVs. Several automotive players are bolstering indigenous manufacturing of EVs. On the part of the government, favourable policies for manufacturers and promoters of EV will go a long way in pushing the adoption. And shared mobility services are going to play a crucial role in enabling the adoption without the hassles of complete ownership. In a nutshell, exciting times stay ahead for India’s urban mobility, ones that will be marked with greener and cleaner modes of commute. These mediums will be convenient to access by the public and secure, even for the fringes of the demographic, including women, children and the elderly.

July 2019 // Urban Transport Infrastructure

 OPINION

Union Budget Impact: What is in it for the infrastructure sector in India?

Sandip Upadhyay Managing Director & CEO Centrum Infrastructure Advisory Limited

he Finance Minister proposed to invest Rs.100 lakh crore in the infrastructure sector over next five years, which looks like an aspirational target. However, it clearly reiterates the government focus on the sector. While this was in line with the overall target set up by the previous regime of the NDA government, but it will be dependent on the private sector’s ability to mobilise financing, which looks subdued as of now. Fresh PSU bank recapitalisation of Rs 70,000 crore will be a big positive for the banking ecosystem and it came as more than a pleasant surprise. This will go a long way in terms of getting lending back on track to stimulate growth in core sectors like Infrastructure.

The Finance Minister's speech highlighted key milestones achieved under Bharatmala scheme and rural road connectivity initiatives. The government’s renewed push to encourage innovative rollout models in road sector like hybrid annuity model (HAM) and other new models like TOT (TollOperate-Transfer) and modified BOT is well thought through and they seek to mobilise alternative financing resources through an effective asset monetisation strategy.

distribution. The infrastructure credit enhancement initiative is a fresh move, which is being contemplated for sometime now. It is very relevant from a timing perspective. However, I would closely watch out for its scope and overall envisaged rollout model since we have seen other models like takeout financing meeting limited success. FM's emphasis on IDFs, deepening of bond market and expressing intent to consolidate relationships with global pension and sovereign funds to meet longterm investment requirements of the infrastructure sector is a welcome move and should mean more potential traction and leverage through NIIF.

New initiatives to fund the dedicated freight corridor and urban transportation projects through PPP model, affordable housing projects and commitment of fresh investment in electric vehicles (FAME II) demonstrates the government's priorities in the right areas aligned with *** sustainable and impactful development within the infrastructure sector. 'One nation one grid' would mean an impetus on a national-level water and gas grid. This would effectively mean containing the inefficiencies and loses in power and water

Urban Transport Infrastructure // July 2019

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INTERVIEW 

Uber team is working towards transforming the mobility landscape of cities, with technology…

t has built its business on cars, but Uber, one of the world’s highest valued tech startups, is preparing for a future without personal cars as the primary form of transportation. The ride-hailing app company, which has crossed a billion rides in India, is betting on the future being multi-modal, shared and electric as it prepares for an initial pubic offering. In an interview, Pradeep Parameswaran, president (India and South Asia), Uber, talks about the company’s future plans. How does Uber envisage the future of mobility? Mr. Pradeep Parameswaran: The future of mobility is shared, multimodal and electric. India is in a more advantageous position to leapfrog the internal combustion engine and personal car ownership model that other countries are trying to undo. A multi-modal electric transport platform brings benefits of lower transportation costs, better asset utilization, reduced city congestion, cleaner air and greater rider convenience. Rather than relying on a personal car or any other single mode of transportation, multi-modal offers more choice and greater reliability. A platform that seamlessly provides access to all of them at affordable prices is better for users. While that’s been happening informally with people using Uber and other modes together for a long time, bringing the ability to book and pay for that ride in one app will draw millions of new users. Uber is uniquely positioned to bring all these different modes of transport together for the consumer.

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Uber CEO Dara Khosrowshahi has said, “More and more, Uber is not just going to be about just taking a car, but about moving from point A to point B in the best way." Could you explain what this will entail? Mr. Parameswaran: Having a greater variety of transportation modes at your fingertips makes it easier to live without a car. That’s why we want to provide alternatives to personal car ownership by bringing together multiple modes of transportation in our app. What Dara means by “more and more" is our vision to change how people move around a country by playing a transformational role in addressing pain points for riders and bringing efficiency to the system. For us, it is important to create a zero emission, ondemand transportation system that is available for everybody, everywhere. We want to create a world where you can take a train

or ferry to commute. Once you get to the other side, there will be a moto driver waiting for you, taking you from the train station to work and back. We recently rolled out our first-ever integration with public transit with the regional transportation district in Denver. In India we are building a robust product mix of hyperlocal innovations like UberMoto, UberAuto and UberPool to address the unique challenges of the Indian mobility landscape. Cities of the future may not have cars. You bought bikesharing service Jump last year. How is Uber thinking about bike sharing, especially in India? Mr. Parameswaran: We are working towards transforming the mobility landscape of cities, with technology at the heart of our solutions. We think having multiple mobility options connected in a platform will make cities better and future

July 2019 // Urban Transport Infrastructure

 INTERVIEW ready. By highlighting options like public transportation and bike-sharing, we can help city dwellers make smarter mobility choices, limiting the congestion and pollution caused by cars. This idea is not new. Transportation planners have been dreaming about it for a while. We launched Jump bikes, and electric pedal assist bikes in Berlin, Washington, D.C., and San Francisco. You can book them in the app today. For India, the business model for Jump will be different, but there is a use case for a similar product here. There are a few startups in India already exploring this. We are already multi-modal in our offering in India with Auto, Moto and Cars. As we continue to move forward and solve the mobility issues, we will add more products such as electric vehicles, especially two and three wheelers, that could provide cleaner, convenient and affordable transportation to all. The Uber Air project for aerial ride-sharing at scale is a highly anticipated one. When will we see flying cars in India? Mr. Parameswaran: At present, we are working with our Uber Elevate network partners globally to launch a fleet of small, electric VTOL (vertical takeoff and landing) aircraft in Dallas and Los Angeles. In the mega cities of the world, every day, millions of hours are wasted on the road. In India, congestion is a huge issue. The average commute in Mumbai exceeds a staggering 90 minutes. On-demand aviation has the potential to radically improve urban mobility, giving people back time lost in their daily commutes. We can look at a timeline of 10 years to develop and commercialize flying taxis in India.

target the rich or ridiculously rich but will have to disrupt public transport. How is Uber thinking about this? Mr. Parameswaran: Uber is not a product for the rich or the ridiculously rich, but a product available to a significant number of urbanites.

Our goal is to complement public transportation. We do not aim to replace high capacity mass transit. We believe in the power of combining the best of public transportation and ride-sharing to create more reliable, convenient, and affordable mobility options. Two important parts of realizing this vision are piloting intra-city buses in India, a service we have introduced in Egypt and Mexico, and increasing electrical vehicle adoption. When shared and electric mobility are properly combined, along with automation, we can shrink the number of vehicles on the road and reduce transportation’s climate footprint.

hyperlocal solutions to address the unique challenges experienced by consumers. At present, we are focused on reducing congestion and pollution caused by cars. We are focused on promoting usage of ridesharing and working on making electric transit options available on Uber in India. ***

Give us your five-year road map to battle competition and stay ahead in terms of innovation and users. Mr. Parameswaran: For Uber and where we are going to be five to 10 years from now, our success in India is going to play a vital part. In India, we are For Uber to be really continuously directing our efforts transformational, it can’t just to build a product mix of

Urban Transport Infrastructure // July 2019

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OPINION 

Why there is a need for free rides for all in Public Transport?

Ranjesh Kumar Station Controller Gujarat Metro Rail Corporation

ecision to make free rides in DTC and Delhi Metro for women has been both highly loved & criticized by people from different sections of our society. There has been a lot of cry about gender equality on this issue in both print & social media. Many have labelled this decision as a populist move but, as an individual I feel that main objective of this decision is not getting the attention that it deserves.

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Pollution is a serious issue & money needs to be invested in this if we want to have a better tomorrow. Forget about a” better tomorrow”, we must do more than enough just to have a “tomorrow” for ourselves. Life expectancy of individuals are likely to be decreased in coming years. Glaciers are melting & earth is likely to see massive disasters if we don’t fix things right now. Air quality index of our country is already beyond hazardous level. Out of 20 most polluted cities around the world, 13 of them are in India. When we are discussing about pollution, how can be forget about pollution level in Delhi. Teary eyes, heavy breathing & sleepless nights are not the scene of a Bollywood drama, it’s a scene which we have created through the excessive emission in our society. The Global Burden of Disease Study for 2010, published in 2013, had found that outdoor air pollution was the fifth-largest killer in India and around 620,000 early deaths occurred from air pollutionrelated diseases in 2010. To fight this issue, I strongly advocate for the free rides for all in public transports. Giving free rides to all will reduce dependency on Private transport which will eventually lead to lesser emission.

This might not sound a better idea for the financial well being of the public transport organizations, but it is the need of the hour. Metro railway is a clean technology. Giving free rides to all would mean that people are encouraged to contribute in making an emission free world. One might argue about the tax burden on common citizens of this nation. I am not saying that public transport organizations should stop earning, they can earn through Non- AFC mode of earning for example advertisements, movie shoots, birthday celebration etc. As a Metro Rail professional, I do understand that it will be difficult to cover the losses through NonAFC modes of earning but impossible is a word which we Indians don’t have in our dictionary. If we brain storm enough multiple ways of earning will be generated. ***

July 2019 // Urban Transport Infrastructure

 IN SPOTLIGHT

Meet Venkadarth Saritha, First Woman DTC Bus Driver from Telangana

There is nothing to be proud about being the only woman driving a DTC bus in Delhi. You people should ask yourself- Why other women are not taking up this job? Back home in her village in Telengana, Saritha was driving an auto to support her family – Saritha came to Delhi parents and four sisters. Then she from Telengana in moved on to drive a bus for Holy 2012 after she read Mary college in Hyderabad. But about an NGO - Azad the DTC job brought with it some Foundation, where women sense of job security. drivers were being trained. Saritha’s day starts from the She neither knew Hindi nor the roads in Delhi, but she knew Sarojini Nagar Depot at 5 am and one thing really well – how to ends at the same point at 12.30 in drive a bus. After 6-months of the afternoon. She says driving on training, Saritha was ready to Delhi roads is all about take on Delhi and its roads. But maintaining your calm. she still had to wait for 3 years to “We have to be careful of other get behind the DTC wheels. Finally, in 2015, Sarita was vehicles on the road while driving. selected from a pool of 10 women Getting angry is something we can’t applicants for the post of a driver afford. Especially because we have the in Delhi Transport Corporation responsibility of so many lives on board”, Saritha said. (DTC).

Urban Transport Infrastructure // July 2019

Saritha expected a lot from the job, she thought being the only women bus driver of DTC would have some perks but nothing of that sort happened. Even after driving for 5 years, she’s not a permanent employee. She gets paid for every kilometre she drives. The rate is Rs 6.5 per kilometre and she drives about 130 kms everyday – that’s a daily average of Rs 848. Even after putting in extra hours her earnings are not enough to support herself and look after her parents in Telengana. DTC buses are also not the most reliable piece of machinery. They break down quite often, the air conditioners fail regularly, the doors get jammed. www.urbantransportnews.com

IN SPOTLIGHT  And then, there’s the chaos that the passengers create. “The buses have a capacity to carry 40-50 people and almost 90100 people travel at a time. And passengers don’t even wish to adjust. Most men wouldn’t give seat to women even at the designated seats. I always make sure that in my bus that never happens. I even fight at times for this.”

Saritha has been awarded many times, but the harsh reality of life is that awards don’t pay for your bills. For that one needs money and financial security. “I have knocked the doors of the officials, met the transport minister of Delhi and Telengana as well, but have received no help. I was promised that I will be made permanent after 6 months on the job but the promise has not been fulfilled.” “Delhi has taught me a lot. Enough for a lifetime. Everyday there is a lesson to learn from. People start their day with listening to bhajans, I start my day with listening to bhajans (abuses) of people”, said Saritha. Kiren Bedi is saritha’s role model and she tells us that’s what she was called in back in Telengana. She isn’t married and tells us that she doesn’t even plan to get married. “I miss my parents a lot. My only dream is to live with them and look after them”, Saritha added. Taking a cue from Saritha, some women conductors have applied for the driver’s post. And Saritha is happy that soon she may not be the only women bus driver in Delhi. She can definitely do with some company on the road. www.urbantransportnews.com

Meet 63 years old Zarryl Lobo owner of 10 Electric Cars, promoting use of EVs since 18 years

At a time when the electric vehicle (EV) industry in India is still in its nascent stage and is struggling to pick up the pace due to high prices and inadequate charging infrastructure, here is a story of the 63-yearold man from Bengaluru – Zarryl Lobo, who is driving electric vehicles from past 18 years. Today, Mr. Lobo is a proud owner of 10 electric cars (e-cars) – six electric Revas and four Mahindra Electric’s e2os and loves to call him as an EV enthusiast who wishes to promote green mobility in the country and show a way forward to adopt the technology beating all the challenges. Not just that, Mr. Lobo’s electric vehicle experience motivated him so much that he also started a venture in Bengaluru called ‘Xtra Reinforced Plastic Private Limited’ with an aim to launch pocketfriendly electric vehicles for the masses in the country. Mr. Lobo’s electric vehicle journey started back in the year 2001 when he bought his first e-car, an electric Rewa for approximately Rs. 3 lakh and started using it for his daily commute to the office. And from then there was no looking back, he loved his electric vehicle experience so much that he started persuading all his family members to switch to the green mobility. Speaking about how he discovered his love for e-cars, Mr. Lobo said, I started my career as a manufacturer of electric golf carts, so the love for greener technology was always there. Towards the end of the year 2000, a friend of mine introduced me to, Chetan Maini, who made an electric car Reva and introduced India to this technology. After meeting Mr. Maini, the idea of driving electric cars excited me. So, I decided to buy the revolutionary e-car Reva and completely ditched my old petrol car. And since then my love for e-mobility has just grown. First, Mr. Lobo convinced two sons to ditch the traditional conveyance and start using electric vehicles, then, he started taking care of all his factory staff’s transport needs and gradually, Mr. Lobo begin extending his electric vehicle lessons to relatives and friends. July 2019 // Urban Transport Infrastructure

INDUSTRY EVENTS 

Event Calendar 2019 Dates

Event Name

Location

Jul. 25-26

Rail Tech 2019

Mumbai, India

Jul. 25-26

Infrastructure Vietnam 2019

Chi Minh City, Vietnam

Aug. 20-21

World Infrastructure Congress 2019

Mumbai, India

Aug. 29-30

Rail India Conference & Expo 2019

New Delhi, India

Sep. 1

ADB Transport Forum 2019

Manila, Philippines

Sep. 4-6

World Aviation Summit 2019

London, UK

Sep. 24-27

3rd Transit Oriented Development

Singapore

Sep. 25-27

Smart Cards Expo 2019

Greater Noida, India

Oct. 2-3

Bahrain Rail Congress 2019

Bahrain

Oct. 9-10

Rolling Stock Predictive Maintenance & IoT

Bahrain

Oct. -16-18

International Railway Equipment Exhibition (IREE)

New Delhi, India

Oct. 18-23

Bus World Europe

Brussels, Belgium

Oct. 28-30

Commercial UAV Expo Americas

Las Vegas, USA

Nov. 15-17

Urban Mobility India Conference & Expo 2019

Lucknow, India

Nov. 26-27

Mobility India 2019

Pune, India

Dec. 3-5

World Rail Festival 2019

Amsterdam, Netherlands

Dec. 4-6

Amsterdam Drone Week 2019

Amsterdam

Dec. 15-17

Asia Trans Expo 2019

Tehran, Iran

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July 2019 // Urban Transport Infrastructure

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