Page 44 - Construction_Opportunities_August_2024

INFRASTRUCTURE Tamil Nadu Chief Minister MK Stalin expressed frustration recently and the Chennai-Cuddalore-Mamallapuram route, is expected
TICKER TAPE
TN CM STALIN URGES UNION MINISTER TO BOOST
FUNDING FOR STATE RAILWAY PROJECTS.
to impact the progress of several important projects in Tamil
Nadu. Additionally, the reduction of `285.64 crore for doubling
projects, such as the Villupuram-Dindigul and Chennai Beach-
over the reduction in fund allocation for Southern Railway projects.
Chennai Egmore routes, will likely hinder the development of these
In a letter to Union Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw, Stalin urged
for increased funding to support new railway lines, doubling
essential infrastructure projects. Stalin also urged for expedited
action on pending railway works in Chennai and surrounding
projects, and customer amenities in the state. Stalin highlighted
a significant decrease in funding, noting that the allocation for
EMU services, and MRTS lines. He emphasized that these critical
Southern Railways in the regular budget for the financial year
2024-2025 has been considerably lower than the Interim Budget’s areas, specifically concerning the Kilambakkam bus terminus,
projects should not face delays due to funding shortages. The
provisions. The reduction of `674.8 crore for new line projects, Chief Minister called for immediate attention to ensure these vital
including key works such as the Sriperumbudur-Guduvanchery line railway projects proceed without further hindrance.
CABINET GREENLIGHTS MAJOR INFRASTRUCTURE feature three underground stations connecting key areas such as
PROJECTS WORTH `33,727 CRORE Market Yard, Bibwewadi, Balaji Nagar, and the Katraj suburbs. The
In a significant move to enhance the country’s transportation project is expected to be operational by February 2029.
infrastructure, the Union Cabinet chaired by Prime Minister
Narendra Modi recently approved five major projects totaling an Thane Integral Ring Metro Rail Project
investment of `33,727 crore. The projects include the development The Thane Integral Ring Metro Rail Project received approval
of new civil enclaves at Bagdogra Airport in West Bengal and Bihta with an estimated total cost of `12,200 crore. The 29-kilometer
Airport in Bihar, as well as extensive metro rail expansions in Pune, ring corridor comprises 26 kilometers of elevated tracks and 3
Thane, and Bengaluru. kilometers underground, encompassing 22 stations. The metro line
will connect prominent areas including Naupada, Wagle Estate,
Airport Developments in Bagdogra and Bihta Dongripada, Hiranandani Estate, Kolshet, and Saket. The project
The Cabinet approved proposals from the Airports Authority of is slated for completion by 2029.
India (AAI) for the development of new civil enclaves at Bagdogra
Airport in Siliguri, West Bengal, and Bihta Airport in Patna, Bihar. Bengaluru Metro Rail Project Phase-3
The estimated costs for these projects are `1,549 crore and Two corridors of Bengaluru Metro Rail Project Phase-3 were
`1,413 crore, respectively. The proposed terminal building at approved, extending over 44.65 kilometers with 31 stations at a
Bagdogra Airport will span 70,390 square meters and is designed total estimated cost of `15,611 crore. The corridors include:
to accommodate 3,000 peak hour passengers, with an annual • Corridor-1: From JP Nagar 4th Phase to Kempapura along
capacity to handle 10 million passengers. Key components of the Outer Ring Road West, spanning 32.15 kilometers with
the project include the construction of an apron capable of 21 stations.
accommodating 10 parking bays for A-321 type aircraft, two link • Corridor-2: Details of the second corridor were not specified
taxiways, and multi-level car parking facilities. in the announcement.
“This development is poised to significantly enhance Bagdogra Upon completion by 2029, Bengaluru will have an active metro
Airport’s operational efficiency and passenger experience, network of 220.20 kilometers. The Phase-3 expansion aims
reinforcing its role as a pivotal air travel hub for the region,” to connect previously underserved western parts of the city,
said Ashwini Vaishnaw, Minister of Information Technology and integrating key areas such as the Peenya Industrial Area, IT hubs
Information & Broadcasting, during a briefing after the Cabinet along Bannerghatta Road and Outer Ring Road, manufacturing
meeting. units on Tumkuru Road, and prominent educational institutions like
Similarly, the new integrated terminal building at Bihta Airport will PES University and Dayananda Sagar University.
cover 66,000 square meters and is designed to handle 3,000
peak hour passengers, catering to 5 million passengers annually. Economic Impact and Future Outlook
The facility is planned for future expansion to accommodate up Highlighting the government’s commitment to infrastructure
to 10 million passengers per annum as demand increases. development, Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw stated, “Within a short
timeframe since June this year, in the initial few meetings of the
Metro Rail Expansions in Pune, Thane, and Bengaluru Cabinet, around `1.54 lakh crore worth of infrastructure projects
The Cabinet also approved significant expansions of metro rail have been approved. Including today’s approvals, it has
networks in three major cities to improve urban mobility and reached around `2 lakh crore. These projects will generate more
reduce traffic congestion. employment opportunities and drive economic growth.”

Pune Metro Phase-1 Extension The approved projects are expected to not only improve
An extension of Pune Metro Phase-1 from Swargate to Katraj has transportation facilities across the respective regions but also
been sanctioned, covering a distance of 5.46 kilometers at a contribute significantly to economic development by creating jobs
total cost of `2,954.53 crore. The extension, known as Line-1B, will and facilitating smoother movement of people and goods.

44 CONSTRUCTION OPPORTUNITIES|AUGUST 2024