Nitin Gadkari confirms December launch for Dwarka expressway
The much-anticipated Dwarka Expressway is nearing its grand debut, with Union Minister for Highways and Road Transport, Nitin Gadkari, confirming its projected full operation by the end of December this year. This ambitious infrastructure project, touted as India’s first access-controlled eight-lane expressway, is poised to bring seamless connectivity between Mahipalpur in Delhi and Kherki Daula in Gurugram. As this monumental infrastructure spectacle inches closer to reality, the National Capital Region stands on the cusp of a real estate revolution. The Dwarka Expressway is poised to metamorphose into a vital corridor for inter-regional movement, paving the way for augmented connectivity, and laying a strong foundation for future progress and prosperity.
Vivek Singhal, CEO, Smartworld Developers, said, “Dwarka Expressway stands on the threshold of attaining the status of an illustrious infrastructure marvel in the Delhi-NCR region. The government’s steadfast dedication to infrastructure development and the seamless connectivity it provides to Delhi, Gurgaon, and Manesar has propelled this area to the forefront of the sought-after markets in Delhi NCR. The locality boasts exceptional connectivity, enhanced infrastructure, and a dynamic blend of retail and residential developments, making it an alluring and financially rewarding investment opportunity for experienced investors and prospective residents alike. The swift progress in infrastructure deserves commendation for its role in bolstering investor confidence and attracting prospective homebuyers, ultimately contributing to this remarkable achievement.”
Encompassing an impressive 29 kilometres, the Dwarka Expressway occupies a pivotal role within the formidable Rs.60,000-crore Delhi Decongestion Plan. With an estimated budget of approximately Rs.9,000 crore, the project encompasses 23 kilometres of elevated roads, supplemented by nearly 4 kilometres of tunnel construction. The expressway’s remarkable progress is underlined by the impressive 99.3% completion rate of its Gurugram segment. The recently finished cloverleaf section ensures uninterrupted vehicular movement along crucial routes. Aman Nagar, JMD, Paras Buildtech, commented, “The inauguration of the Dwarka Expressway is poised to bring about a transformation in the commercial real estate landscape of the area. The region’s improved connectivity and infrastructure are expected to draw businesses and investors, leading to an increase in the demand for commercial real estate. The shortened travel time between Delhi and Gurgaon is anticipated to facilitate access to both markets, generating fresh prospects for growth and expansion. Consequently, the demand for office and retail space is expected to escalate, with businesses vying to establish a foothold in the area. As the local economy burgeons, a corresponding rise in the demand for amenities and services is projected to create openings for investors and developers to construct retail and hospitality projects.” As per the latest report by CREDAI, NCR stands out amongst the top eight cities with a remarkable 16% year-on-year increase in housing price and Dwarka Expressway taking the lead with an astounding 59% YoY rise.
Ravish Kapoor, MD, Elan Group, said, “Dwarka Expressway has emerged as one of the most promising areas, with its strategic positioning, exceptional connectivity, and flourishing corporate landscape significantly bolstering its allure for real estate investments. We anticipate further appreciation in property value due to the ongoing enhancement of infrastructure. Once the entire expressway becomes operational, housing prices will likely further increase. The limited supply of luxury homes and the rising demand are other significant reasons that have led to a surge in demand. At Elan, we are committed to delivering luxury homes to fulfil the aspirations and rising demands of new-age buyers.”
Rahul Singla, director, Mapsko Group, commented, “Dwarka Expressway marks a significant milestone for Gurgaon’s infrastructure development, enabling smoother and more efficient traffic flow for the residents. The announcement by Union Road & Highways Minister is a testament to the government’s commitment towards enhancing connectivity and reducing congestion.”
Rail Vikas Nigam Ltd receives LOA from MGVCL for Rs.322.08 crores
Rail Vikas Nigam Limited (RVNL) has received Letter of Acceptance from Madhya Gujarat Vij Company Limited (MGVCL) for “Full Turnkey Contract (Design, Supply and Installation) for Development of Distribution Infrastructure work for Loss reduction at Dist. Vadodara under Revamped Reforms – Based and Results-linked Distribution Sector Scheme.The project cost is Rs.322,08,79,834/-
Construction phase begins for MAHSR corridor’s track infra
The laying of track works have been initiated for the Mumbai-Ahmedabad High-Speed Rail (MAHSR) corridor with the start of the construction of the first reinforced concrete (RC) track bed in Surat.
Inspired by Japanese Shinkansen, the project has introduced the J-slab ballastless track system in India. The track system comprises pre-cast track slabs which support fastening devices and rails, with around 300 mm thickness, and is constructed in-situ for both up and down track lines on viaduct tops, with a width of 2,420 mm.
The RC anchors of 520 mm diameter and 260 mm height are provided to maintain precise alignment for train operations at speeds of up to 320 kmph. In material procurement, activity is underway and over 14,000 MT of JIS rails and 50 molds for casting track slabs have already been delivered.
As per National High Speed Rail Corporation (NHRCL), dedicated factories with cutting-edge technology and infrastructure have been established to manufacture track slabs, ensuring highest quality and safety. NHRCL will use specialized construction machinery includes rail feeder cars, slab laying cars, and cement asphalt mortar (CAM) laying cars.
Reliance Infra’s JV Mumbai Metro One Pvt Ltd wins major arbitration award
Mumbai Metro One Private Limited (MMOPL), a joint venture of Reliance Infrastructure Limited with Mumbai Metropolitan Regional Development Authority (MMRDA) (where the Company holds 74% and MMRDA holds 26%), operating the Metro Line between Versova – Andheri – Ghatkopar Corridor in Mumbai, is in receipt of the Arbitral Award in the matter of arbitration between MMOPL and MMRDA for various disputes. Award#1 is in favour of MMOPL for Rs.992 crore & Award#2 is against MMOPL for Rs.103 crore including interest till date.
PM Gati Shakti: 100 infra projects worth Rs.5.89 lakh crore recommended for approval so far this fiscal
As many as 100 big ticket infrastructure projects of different ministries worth Rs.5.89 lakh crore have been recommended for approval under the PM Gati Shakti initiative so far this fiscal, a senior official said on Monday. These projects have been recommended by the Network Planning Group (NPG) constituted under the PM Gati Shakti initiative launched in October 2021.
The NPG has achieved the milestone of appraising 100 projects in 54 meetings, Sumita Dawra, Special Secretary (Logistics), Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade, said.
The inter-ministerial NPG meets every fortnight and appraises infra projects to ensure multi-modality, synchronisation of efforts, and comprehensive development in and around the project location.
The initiative was launched to develop an integrated infrastructure to reduce logistics costs. All logistics and connectivity infrastructure projects, entailing investments of over Rs Rs.500 crore are routed through the NPG. The NPG’s approval is required before clearance of the project by the Public Investment Board (PIB) or Department of Expenditure under the finance ministry.
The maximum number of projects recommended by the group are related to roads, railways and urban development.
A total of 40 road projects with a total investment of Rs.3.65 lakh crore, 40 railway projects worth Rs.95,704 crore and 8 urban development projects valued at Rs.79,016 crore have been approved. The Ministry of Road Transport and Highways has planned over 1,400 kilometres of roads to date and the Ministry of Railways has planned over 13,000 km of track length using the National Master Plan (NMP), Dawra said.
The NMP has a number of layers of geospatial data showing all physical and social infrastructure of an area and land records in one place. It has been designed for faster planning and better design so that the impact of an investment is maximised.
“In case of Detailed Route Survey (DRS) done by the Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas, it used to take 6-9 months to prepare 46 reports manually, but now using NMP through electronic DRS with the click of a button, the reports get created, which has made the process simpler and faster,” she said.
The NPG has representations from various connectivity infrastructure ministries/ departments involving their heads of network planning division for unified planning and integration of the proposals.
All these departments approach the NPG first for approval before making a DPR (Detailed Project Report) at the planning stage. After the NPG’s clearance, the project follows the normal procedure of approval by the finance ministry and the Cabinet. Over 1,400 layers of data, including those related to land, ports, forest, and highways, are available on the portal. Usage of the portal by different ministries, including social sector departments and states, are increasing and it is helping in proper planning of projects, she said.
Neo Metro project gets Rs.40,150-cr a speed boost from UKMRC
Uttarakhand Metro Rail Corporation (UKMRC) has expedited the work on Dehradun-Haridwar-Rishikesh Metro Corridor, being built at an estimated investment of Rs.40,150 crore.
The upcoming metro corridor would provide interconnectivity to all the three cities. The Haridwar-Rishikesh Metro line will run parallel to the National Highway that connects the two cities. The initiative is expected to improve connectivity and enhance the pedestrian flow and footfall between Rishikesh and Haridwar.
The Corporation has announced plans to build state-of-the-art rapid transit systems in Dehradun, Haridwar, and Rishikesh in an effort to reduce traffic congestion in the state. It was informed that the nation’s first Neo Metro would be deployed on two corridors in Dehradun, while the country’s first Pod cab will be introduced in Haridwar. The project is aimed at significantly increasing the state’s eco-friendly, efficient and cost-effective transport system.
SJVN Green Energy Ltd receives LOA for 3 solar power projects with total capacity of 320 MW
SJVN Green Energy Limited (SGEL), a Wholly owned subsidiary of the Company has received Letter of Awards from Assam Power Development Corporation Limited (APDCL) for three Solar Power Projects of cumulative capacity 320 MW. SGEL had participated in three separate tariff based competitive bidding tenders of APDCL i.e. 50 MW, 70 MW and 200 MW. The 50 MW and 70 MW projects are under solar park category and have been allotted at a tariff of Rs.3.92/Unit and the 200 MW is to be developed anywhere in Assam and has been allotted at a tariff of Rs.3.90/Unit.
These three Solar power projects shall be developed on Build Own and Operate (BOO) basis. The projects are expected to generate cumulative 628 MUs in the 1st year and the cumulative energy generation over a period of 25 years would be about 14591 MUs. As per RfS the Projects shall be commissioned in a period of 18 Months from the date of signing of PPA and expected to be commissioned by March 2025. The PPA shall be signed between APDCL and SGEL for 25 years. Tentative cost of Construction / Development of these 320 MW projects is around INR 1900 Crores.
The commissioning of these Projects is expected to reduce 7.14 Lakhs Tonnes of carbon emission and would contribute in Government of India’s mission of reduction in carbon emission.
Kanpur Central Metro station completes lowering of third TBM
Kanpur Central Metro station work is progressing well, and the process of lowering all the parts of the third tunnel boring machine (TBM) in the launching shaft has been completed. On 26 August, 2023, the last part of the TBM ‘Tail Shield’ was lowered into the 18-mtrs. deep, 21-mtrs. long and 25-mtrs. wide launching shaft.
The TBM machine is the third machine, which has been used in this project and the first TBM machine to be used on the Kanpur Central-Transport Nagar underground section.
In addition, with this machine, a 1,250-mtrs. tunnel will be constructed in the ‘Upline’ from Kanpur Central to Nayaganj. Further, another TBM machine will be lowered in a 4.24 km stretch in Kanpur Central to Transport Nagar underground section for tunneling in the ‘downline’. After being lowered into the launching shaft, these parts of the TBM will be aligned in the shaft and mechanical components, and wires will be connected to complete the machine. Once completed, the TBM machine will be positioned on the ‘upline’ for construction of a 1,250-mtr-long tunnel, which is likely to be launched in the coming days.
