Page 44 - Construction_Opportunities_September_2024

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INFRASTRUCTURE NCRTC UNVEILS MEERUT METRO AT RRTS DEPOT IN DUHAI, of funds for Polavaram and two industrial nodes as a historic

GHAZIABAD
milestone for Andhra Pradesh, instilling renewed confidence in
the state.
The National Capital Region Transport Corporation (NCRTC)
officially unveiled the ‘Meerut Metro’ at the RRTS Depot in Duhai,
Naidu emphasized the importance of securing approvals for
Phase 2 and addressing any concerns that may arise. He criticized
Ghaziabad, recently. The new metro system features three-car
trainsets with ergonomic seating arrangements that include both
the previous YSRC government for halting the project for over 15
2x2 transverse and longitudinal seating, providing comfortable
months, attributing significant setbacks to poor decision-making.
accommodations for over 700 passengers, including 173 seats.
The Meerut Metro emphasizes safety and efficiency, with platform
conceived by Sir Arthur Cotton but faced numerous challenges
over the years. He noted that after the state’s bifurcation and the
screen doors (PSDs) installed at all stations to synchronize with Naidu recalled the project’s origins, stating that Polavaram was
metro operations and manage crowds effectively. Selective project’s designation as a national project, the TDP government
door openings via push buttons are designed to reduce energy made significant progress, completing 72% of the work. Naidu
consumption. personally visited the dam site 28 times and conducted 82 virtual
Shalabh Goel, Managing Director, NCRTC highlighted reviews to ensure progress.
the transformative impact of the Meerut Metro on the city’s The project has achieved key milestones, including the completion
transportation infrastructure. He noted that the metro will of the diaphragm wall in a record 414 days, installation of spillway
significantly reduce travel times, ease traffic congestion, and spur gates, and construction of the coffer dam. The state government
economic growth by providing a modern, reliable transit system. has already invested `11,762 crore in the project and `4,114 crore
In line with the Make in India initiative, all trainsets for the Meerut in rehabilitation efforts, without waiting for federal funds.
Metro are being manufactured domestically in Savli, Gujarat. To Naidu criticized the 2019 government change, stating that the
date, five trainsets have been delivered to NCRTC. These trainsets new administration’s actions, such as terminating the project’s
boast a design speed of 135 kmph and an operational speed of contractor, led to significant delays. He argued that if gaps in the
120 kmph, featuring a sleek, lightweight design with stainless steel coffer dam had been addressed in 2019, the project could have
construction and energy-efficient regenerative braking systems. been completed by 2021.
They also support automatic train protection (ATP) and automatic In addition to discussing Polavaram, Naidu praised the Union
train operations (ATO). government’s allocation of three industrial corridors to Andhra
Safety features include a passenger emergency communication Pradesh. The Kopparthi Industrial Node will be developed over
system, fire extinguishers, alarms, and talk-back systems. The metro 2,596 acres with a `2,137 crore investment, creating 54,000 jobs.
trains will offer reserved seating for female passengers and senior The Kurnool Industrial Node will span 2,621 acres with a `2,781
citizens, and all stations and trains are designed to be universally crore investment, attracting `12,000 crore in investments and
accessible, with facilities for medical stretchers and wheelchairs. generating 45,000 jobs. The Krishnapatnam Node will receive a
The Meerut Metro will operate along the existing RRTS infrastructure `1,800 crore investment, and tenders for the Nakkapalli Pharma
from Meerut South to Modipuram. At four key stations—Meerut Hub are underway.
South, Shatabdi Nagar, Begumpul, and Modipuram—commuters
can transfer to Namo Bharat train services, optimizing infrastructure BIHAR CM NITISH KUMAR REVIEWS EXPANSION WORK AT
use and reducing construction costs. PATNA AIRPORT
Spanning 23 km with 13 stations, the Meerut Metro includes 18 Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar visited Jayaprakash Narayan
km of elevated tracks and 5 km of underground sections. The International Airport in Patna recently to review the ongoing
metro is expected to cover this distance in approximately 30 expansion project, which includes the construction of a new
minutes. Construction is advancing rapidly, with underground terminal. Kumar urged officials to expedite the completion of
tunnel work completed and finishing touches underway at the work and chaired a review meeting to assess the project’s
underground stations. Track laying is in progress on completed progress.
tunnels and viaducts, with viaduct construction nearly finished up According to a statement from the Chief Minister’s Office, the
to Modipuram station. expansion, estimated to cost `1,400 crore, was presented by M.
Goel expressed confidence in meeting the project timeline and Suresh, Chairman of the Airports Authority of India (AAI). Suresh
thanked the governments of India and Uttar Pradesh for their assured that the new terminal would be completed within the next
ongoing support, which has fostered a development-focused five months, increasing the airport’s capacity from 30 lakh to one
environment for the project. crore passengers annually. The new terminal will add six parking
stands, raising the total from five to eleven.
CM ANNOUNCES POLAVARAM PHASE 1 COMPLETION BY Kumar emphasized the importance of enhancing airport facilities
2027 and connectivity. “Improve water drainage arrangements and
Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu has announced that Phase enhance connectivity to ensure passengers can reach the airport
1 of the Polavaram project is set to be completed by the end of quickly,” he directed. He also pledged state support for any
2027. In a statement, Naidu expressed gratitude to Prime Minister additional needs during the construction phase.
Narendra Modi, Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman, and In addition to the Patna airport expansion, the state government is
Jal Shakti Minister C.R. Patil for allocating `12,157 crore for the also working on expanding airports in Gaya and Darbhanga and
project’s first phase. He described the Union Cabinet’s approval initiating new airports in Purnea, Raxaul, Rajgir, and Bhagalpur.

44 CONSTRUCTION OPPORTUNITIES|SEPTEMBER 2024