Arul Murugan 5000.

Arul Murugan 5000.

???

Arul Murugan 5000.
Congrats.
But it's 5001.

Congrats.
But it's 5001.

He has 4999, 5000 and 5001 :lol:.

Prabhu: 5000th post in the thread. Did you think he has a beer brand in his name? J/K

Seeing the ppt on screen , I hope they don't rename Chennai metro as Amma Metro. Then phase 2 approval will be considered.

Seeing the ppt on screen , I hope they don't rename Chennai metro as Amma Metro. Then phase 2 approval will be considered.
They won't rename it.
Just like the laptops and mixies she gave this will have her photo on it.
Choose: Amma's pic or Thatha's [KK] pic ???

He has 4999, 5000 and 5001 :lol:.

Prabhu: 5000th post in the thread. Did you think he has a beer brand in his name? J/K

Ha ha :lol: congrats Arul :)

They won't rename it.
Just like the laptops and mixies she gave this will have her photo on it.
Choose: Amma's pic or Thatha's [KK] pic ???

I guess Thatha was a bit decent with regard to the "Free Colour TV". The TV showed Tamil Nadu Arasu Vanna Tholaikatchi at startup and a sticker stuck which read the same. That's all. No mention of Kalaignar, or DMK for that matter.

PSDs are expensive, so they are not installed at all stations. They are preferred in u/g station because of an additional advantage - they help reducing the air-conditioning losses because u/g stations are open to tunnels which means that tunnels also get air-conditioned unnecessarily. After PSDs, air-conditioning gets restricted only to the stations, thus saving energy. Elevated stations do not have air-conditioning so PSDs won't help in that respect.

If PSDs are expensive and the main advantage (apart from Safety) is to reduce air-conditioning losses, why dont they go for doors at the ends of stations where the tunnels meet stations. Just before the train enters the station, a door would open, allowing the train to enter, and close once the train halts at the station. The other door would open before the train starts and close once the train has left the station. This would help avoid A/c losses and restrict anti social elements as well. And this would be way cheaper than PSDs.

If PSDs are expensive and the main advantage (apart from Safety) is to reduce air-conditioning losses, why dont they go for doors at the ends of stations where the tunnels meet stations. Just before the train enters the station, a door would open, allowing the train to enter, and close once the train halts at the station. The other door would open before the train starts and close once the train has left the station. This would help avoid A/c losses and restrict anti social elements as well. And this would be way cheaper than PSDs.

This also acts as a safety barrier when there is huge rush. There are instance of people being pushed from behind and falling on tracks of metro and getting killed when the trains arrive. There was a instance in Delhi metro where a lady was pushed to the track and lost her leg after being run over by a train. I think they should install that in suburbs also

I guess Thatha was a bit decent with regard to the "Free Colour TV". The TV showed Tamil Nadu Arasu Vanna Tholaikatchi at startup and a sticker stuck which read the same. That's all. No mention of Kalaignar, or DMK for that matter.
The lappies are also the same with ELCOT all over, except JJ's face on the top cover.
This also acts as a safety barrier when there is huge rush. There are instance of people being pushed from behind and falling on tracks of metro and getting killed when the trains arrive. There was a instance in Delhi metro where a lady was pushed to the track and lost her leg after being run over by a train. I think they should install that in suburbs also

Not needed in suburban. MRTS, yes, but suburban, don't think so.

This also acts as a safety barrier when there is huge rush. There are instance of people being pushed from behind and falling on tracks of metro and getting killed when the trains arrive. There was a instance in Delhi metro where a lady was pushed to the track and lost her leg after being run over by a train. I think they should install that in suburbs also

That's a good point Arun. Yes PSDs would ensure that does not happen. Then it makes sense to have PSD on OH lines as well, costs permitting.

If PSDs are expensive and the main advantage (apart from Safety) is to reduce air-conditioning losses, why dont they go for doors at the ends of stations where the tunnels meet stations. Just before the train enters the station, a door would open, allowing the train to enter, and close once the train halts at the station. The other door would open before the train starts and close once the train has left the station. This would help avoid A/c losses and restrict anti social elements as well. And this would be way cheaper than PSDs.

There is a danger of "tunnel door" not opening in time and getting smashed by a train entering the station. Putting something in way of a trains is always risky. If PSDs don't open, at least there won't be any accident.

That's what I was thinking,
Someone told me MEtro stations are like airports, A/C, and all.

UG stations need to be air conditioned.

UG stations need to be air conditioned.

They are.

These platform screen doors are going to be provided by Faiveley Transport, a French company.

http://www.faiveleytransport.com/products/market-segment/metro

http://i.imgur.com/U28vE.jpg

http://www.thehindu.com/todays-paper/tp-national/tp-tamilnadu/article2669826.ece

Whether the city keeps its date with the slated inauguration of a 10-km stretch of the Metro Rail system under construction by 2013 or not, a section of residents will remain unhappy anyway.

Many of them live in north Chennai amid the dusty bylanes of Royapuram, the flood-prone zones of Tondiarpet or the heavily congested streets of Tiruvottiyur. Though Tiruvottiyur-Airport was one of the first corridors identified way back in 2003 for implementing the Metro Rail system, the proposed extension of the Metro up to Tiruvottiyur now is in limbo.

The State Cabinet cleared the 9-km link between Washermenpet, where an underground Metro station is set to come up, and Wimco Nagar in Tiruvottiyur, last year. The extension project awaits Central government clearance, which is a funding partner in all the five Metro Rail systems that are currently being built in cities across the country.

But senior government sources say that the possibility of approval is bleak. The State government itself has shifted its attention towards monorail, citing huge investment cost and traffic flow problems during the construction phase of Metro Rail. The approval of the project is essentially a “political decision”, sources said.

“Unless the present government pursues the project, it will not be sanctioned,” says Delhi Metro Managing Director E.Sreedharan. “It is very easy to get sanction. All that the State government has to do is write a letter to the Centre stating that it is still committed to its 20 per cent stake in the project.”

He points to the second and third phases of the Delhi Metro project, which were approved in a matter of months. “The Centre is keen to consider metro systems even in cities with a population of two million.” Chennai with a population of over seven million clearly requires a larger metro rail network, he says.

CMRL's project report also shows that extending Corridor-I of the Metro up to Tiruvottiyur would increase ridership of the overall system by 30-40 per cent.

Sumit Chatterjee, Director (Urban Transport), Ministry of Urban Development said: “Right now, we are in no position to rush through with the [Tiruvottiyur] extension. Phase-I construction is on. It is expected to be completed only by 2015-16. It can be considered only after this phase is completed.”

Stressing that many other Metro systems are competing for funds, he said: “We have to prioritise. It all depends on what is raised by CMRL as its immediate requirements.” MoUD would be releasing Rs.2,100 crore for the Chennai metro project this fiscal, he added. The Centre's contribution in the Tiruvottiyur corridor is only around Rs.600 crore.

A.T.B. Bose of the North Chennai People's Rights Federation said: “We feel left out and neglected. None of the major public transport projects cover north Chennai.” Even among the 100 AC Volvo buses that operate in the city, the routes of less than five cover significant parts of north Chennai and only one reaches Tiruvottiyur.

He alleged that the Metro Corridor-I which was originally supposed to go up to Tollgate was modified to ensure there were underground sections in Anna Nagar and Poonamallee. “An elevated corridor was supposed to come up even in those areas. In order to save the houses of a few influential persons, the government opted for an underground section and project cost escalated. Parts of the alignment that fell in north Chennai were dropped to compensate,” he added.

Even as residents await a decision on the Tiruvottiyur Metro link, people like R.Tamil Selvi, who lives in Royapuram, say they have been dreaming about a metro rail corridor in their part of the city since 2004. “We suffer due to traffic congestion every day. Lower income groups have also begun moving from Mint and Washermenpet towards Tiruvottiyur due to the increase in property prices. We can only live with hope of having a Metro one day.”

I guess Thatha was a bit decent with regard to the "Free Colour TV". The TV showed Tamil Nadu Arasu Vanna Tholaikatchi at startup and a sticker stuck which read the same. That's all. No mention of Kalaignar, or DMK for that matter.

I guess he was playing it safe in placing his photo on all the buses and not on the TVs which got broken when it stopped working in few days:lol:

^ Why does CMRL need CG approval?

^^ Bcos the cost is shared this way. 20% by SG, 20% by CG and 60% from JBIC as soft loan

OTA

http://img35.imageshack.us/img35/8262/img0904rj.jpg
By ceeznic (http://profile.imageshack.us/user/ceeznic) at 2011-11-29

Near Kathipara

http://img15.imageshack.us/img15/3059/img0902md.jpg
By ceeznic (http://profile.imageshack.us/user/ceeznic) at 2011-11-29

http://i.imgur.com/U28vE.jpg

http://www.thehindu.com/todays-paper/tp-national/tp-tamilnadu/article2669826.ece

Whether the city keeps its date with the slated inauguration of a 10-km stretch of the Metro Rail system under construction by 2013 or not, a section of residents will remain unhappy anyway.

Many of them live in north Chennai amid the dusty bylanes of Royapuram, the flood-prone zones of Tondiarpet or the heavily congested streets of Tiruvottiyur. Though Tiruvottiyur-Airport was one of the first corridors identified way back in 2003 for implementing the Metro Rail system, the proposed extension of the Metro up to Tiruvottiyur now is in limbo.

The State Cabinet cleared the 9-km link between Washermenpet, where an underground Metro station is set to come up, and Wimco Nagar in Tiruvottiyur, last year. The extension project awaits Central government clearance, which is a funding partner in all the five Metro Rail systems that are currently being built in cities across the country.

But senior government sources say that the possibility of approval is bleak. The State government itself has shifted its attention towards monorail, citing huge investment cost and traffic flow problems during the construction phase of Metro Rail. The approval of the project is essentially a “political decision”, sources said.

“Unless the present government pursues the project, it will not be sanctioned,” says Delhi Metro Managing Director E.Sreedharan. “It is very easy to get sanction. All that the State government has to do is write a letter to the Centre stating that it is still committed to its 20 per cent stake in the project.”

He points to the second and third phases of the Delhi Metro project, which were approved in a matter of months. “The Centre is keen to consider metro systems even in cities with a population of two million.” Chennai with a population of over seven million clearly requires a larger metro rail network, he says.

CMRL's project report also shows that extending Corridor-I of the Metro up to Tiruvottiyur would increase ridership of the overall system by 30-40 per cent.

Sumit Chatterjee, Director (Urban Transport), Ministry of Urban Development said: “Right now, we are in no position to rush through with the [Tiruvottiyur] extension. Phase-I construction is on. It is expected to be completed only by 2015-16. It can be considered only after this phase is completed.”

Stressing that many other Metro systems are competing for funds, he said: “We have to prioritise. It all depends on what is raised by CMRL as its immediate requirements.” MoUD would be releasing Rs.2,100 crore for the Chennai metro project this fiscal, he added. The Centre's contribution in the Tiruvottiyur corridor is only around Rs.600 crore.

A.T.B. Bose of the North Chennai People's Rights Federation said: “We feel left out and neglected. None of the major public transport projects cover north Chennai.” Even among the 100 AC Volvo buses that operate in the city, the routes of less than five cover significant parts of north Chennai and only one reaches Tiruvottiyur.

He alleged that the Metro Corridor-I which was originally supposed to go up to Tollgate was modified to ensure there were underground sections in Anna Nagar and Poonamallee. “An elevated corridor was supposed to come up even in those areas. In order to save the houses of a few influential persons, the government opted for an underground section and project cost escalated. Parts of the alignment that fell in north Chennai were dropped to compensate,” he added.

Even as residents await a decision on the Tiruvottiyur Metro link, people like R.Tamil Selvi, who lives in Royapuram, say they have been dreaming about a metro rail corridor in their part of the city since 2004. “We suffer due to traffic congestion every day. Lower income groups have also begun moving from Mint and Washermenpet towards Tiruvottiyur due to the increase in property prices. We can only live with hope of having a Metro one day.”

This is very bad if it happens.. Being a person born and brought up in N Chn, am annoyed with this indiffernce showed to ppl of N Chn. I have commuted all mi earlly days in this worst Thirovottiyur High Road which hardly has a width of 25 Ft in some places and yet transports more than 1 Lakh ppl. Its real hardship to travel this 10 KM from Thirovottiyur Bus stand to New Washernmenpet - It will take atleast 45 Mins during Peak Hours. They should carry out this in Phase 1 time itself i.e 2015. Somehow SG should find Fund for this. I dont mind if they increase transport charge one more time to do these kind of good projects.

In Chennai metro rail homepage noticed slightly some change in external view of Chennai metro rail.now it looks even more attractive. can anybody feel the difference?

In Chennai metro rail homepage noticed slightly some change in external view of Chennai metro rail.now it looks even more attractive. can anybody feel the difference?

WOW!!!! this modified one looks really awesome!!!!!! posting them here for the general convenience of fellow forumers.

Thanks a lot for sharing this info!!! :banana:

http://i.imgur.com/iN8Rt.jpg

http://i.imgur.com/13id5.jpg

^^ The station in the background of the train in the pics is that of an underground station from washington metro.

^^The modified rolling stock looks absolutely fabulous!!!

Great Job CMRL and Alstom design team!!!!

The doors appear to be internally sliding (previously it was externally sliding). The front face with curved bottom appears to have changed. The only thing remaining on my wish list is the roof line now. The place where the pantograph (link connects the train to the electrical line above) makes the roof line choppy. But it is freaking awesome now!!!

I had sent a detailed email to CMRL earlier suggesting changes similar to the ones implemented now. I had also sent them an image identifying specific changes that would improve the aesthetic appeal of the rolling stock. I am not saying the changes are the result of my email. Atleast I can see that they have had similar thoughts within the design team. It is absolutely fabulous!!!

Do I have to host the image on the web to post it? Can I just upload it to SSC somewhere and link it here. Sorry! I know this question have been asked several times.

Posted later...
I checked the FAQ and learnt the instructions to upload an attachment. However, my profile does not allow me to post attachment. Can the mods allow me to do that plese?

^^ Please refer to this page for uploading picutres,

http://www.skyscrapercity.com/showthread.php?t=600498

And, can you also post the old rendering if you have it? It would help to see and compare the changes. Thanks!

Are those the actual coaches???

Looks cool.. You can see interiors in blue colour..

If the windows are made seamless like belowand may be add some curve to he sides, it would greatly add to the aesthetics.

That said, by far... this new rendering is the best of all.


This looks slightly similar to Line 2 of Paris..

http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/2/24/MF01NationLTR.JPG/800px-MF01NationLTR.JPG

http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/2/22/Rame-MF2000-en-stationnemen.jpg/800px-Rame-MF2000-en-stationnemen.jpg

^^ I like.

^^[B][SIZE="4"]
Posted later...
I checked the FAQ and learnt the instructions to upload an attachment. However, my profile does not allow me to post attachment. Can the mods allow me to do that plese?

Upload your pic to http://imgur.com (it supports both from ur computer as well as from web and also multiple pics at a time) and after upload it will give you
the [ IMG ] links on the RHS that you can copy and paste it here. Uploading the attachment is disabled to all users in SSC.

^^Thanks everyone.

Here is the email I had sent to CMRL. I did get a response from them that they had forwarded it to the concerned team. I had sent 8 images to them along with this email. One of the image is the one I have embedded below.

Dear Sir/Madam,
First of all I would like to thank you for maintaining a site that is informative and worthy of the Chennai Metro project. I am a well wisher of this project and I am eagerly following the progress of construction over the web. Our beloved city Chennai deserves such world class infrastructure, considering it is growing at such a rapid pace.

I have noticed the renders of the rolling stock that is on your website and elsewhere. The rolling stock is quite modern compared to MRTS and suburban trains. However, I believe we can still make some improvements to it both aesthetically and functionally. I have listed them below for your consideration.


Front Face: The front face has a curved appearance and a nose/lip like protrusion at the bottom. This makes it look like a toy. With simple structural changes and painting schemes, it can be made more slanted like modern trains. The bottom portion of the curve doesn't look good on the train.
Flushed Doors: The doors are protruding outside instead of closing flush with the body. It would be better if they close flush like most modern Metro rolling stocks (refer attachments)
Digital Display inside the train: The interior renders doesn't show the presence of a digital display for announcements including current stop, next stop, arrival of junction etc. This will certainly be very beneficial for regular patrons, but more importantly for visitors and tourists of Chennai. (refer attachments for interiors)
Seat Design: The seat appears to be a flat bench style seat. A curved placeholder for each person is preferred as it will prevent sliding during starting and stopping.
Roof Line: In some of the renders I noticed that the roof line is not straight and smooth as it is shown in your newsletter. The place where the AC unit or the Electrical Pantograph resides appear to spoil the smooth line on the top. Simple design changes at this time can ensure that the roof line remains straight and smooth.

I have also added used an image of chennai metro from Alstom's factsheet and made some comments and attached that image. Hopefully it clarifies some of the suggestions I have made above.

Most of the suggested changes can be incorporated without any incremental costs.

I hope you take these suggestions into consideration.

Many thanks and best regards,
XXXX


Here is the image with comments I had sent to CMRL.
http://i.imgur.com/EBHDr.jpg

thanks coolmukund for uploading the picture also modern india for your wonderful suggestion.

Still the rake does not looks awesome or wow for me.

If it rolls out with stainless steel shinny body, it will look like a mobile kitchen.:nuts:

IMHO two more points will make it awesome

1. Color for exterior side. Like Paris metro
2. Borders for doors and window looks ugly.

Paris metro just use three colors

CMRL rakes have red, black, blue, grey, stainless steel.

^^Thanks everyone.

Here is the email I had sent to CMRL. I did get a response from them that they had forwarded it to the concerned team. I had sent 8 images to them along with this email. One of the image is the one I have embedded below.


Good stuff MI! Just curious, did you receive a reply from them?

ModernIndia, I observed your suggestions on the coach of the BLR Metro yesterday.
While the doors don't project out, the bottom support is always projecting out ...

Ennakaennavoa intha high bunda Ethirparpallam too much aa theriyardhu. We are travelling in the rickety Beach tambaram local train for the last 30 years. All our dreams where to get a seat to sit and at the most a window seat. " Pudhu metro Pudhu train Pudhu Mono kalakara chandru".

^^Anekho, The only response I got from CMRL is that they had sent it to the concerned team.

Arul Murugan,
What borders for doors are you talking about? Are you referring to the glass not being flush with the body, similar to the Paris metro design. Absolutely, that will make it even better, along with larger windows if possible.

There is scope for improving the painting scheme as well.

But I'm absolutely happy with this design and the painting schme as it stands today. Very clean design. Chennai's rolling stock with stainless body and lesser "glass content" appears to have been designed to handle a larger crowd inside the carriage, compared to the Paris Metro.

I also believe that the pocket doors (sliding into the walls) prevent a larger width for the window behind the seats. They can certainly make the height of the windows to be consistent with that of the door.

ModernIndia, I observed your suggestions on the coach of the BLR Metro yesterday.
While the doors don't project out, the bottom support is always projecting out ...


Srikanth,
Sorry. Just noticed your post.

In case of BLR Metro and Delhi Metro, the doors do project out, in the sense that they are not flush with the rest of the body. However, the guide rails both on top and the bottom are linked and made into one contiguous line. This certainly lessens the impact of the projections and doesn't appear odd at all. In case of CMRL's original design/render, the top section was seamless. But the bottom ones were left partial and choppy.

^^ Our city has long summer with lots of sunshine. In such a case, a large window will let in lot of sunlight (veyyil) enhancing the glass house effect. So, the A/c then has to be extra powerful leading to current wastage.

I feel a normal window size would be enough for us. The huge windows that we see in some European Metros and Light rails may not suit chennai

^^ If the windows are tinted, I don't think summer is an issue. Think about all the glass clad buildings still saving energy and staying green.

Tinted windows, yes. Always. But the GH effect is not great in UG areas.

^^Anekho, The only response I got from CMRL is that they had sent it to the concerned team.

Arul Murugan,
What borders for doors are you talking about? Are you referring to the glass not being flush with the body, similar to the Paris metro design. Absolutely, that will make it even better, along with larger windows if possible.

There is scope for improving the painting scheme as well.

Chennai's rolling stock with stainless body and lesser "glass content" appears to have been designed to handle a larger crowd inside the carriage, compared to the Paris Metro.
.

Yes, it would be better if it flush and there should be no projection for glass borders like Paris metro.

Also instead of bare stainless steel, colour paint or stickers?? will make it to look more attractive.

Just for comparison.

Old Model
http://i.imgur.com/xgexY.jpg

New Model
http://i.imgur.com/iN8Rt.jpg

School to give piece of land for Metro Rail
2 structures on campus figure in list of heritage buildings



http://www.thehindu.com/multimedia/dynamic/00853/01DECThaxl04_St_Geo_853233e.jpg

The management of St. George's Anglo Indian School and Orphanage, Poonamallee High Road, has agreed to part with a piece of vacant land measuring 1,902 sq metre for Pachaiyappa's College Metro Rail Station.

Two structures on the school campus figure in the list of heritage buildings, according to the Justice E.Padmanabhan Committee Report.

A committee headed by the Chief Secretary would meet on Friday to discuss the acquisition of land. “Our management has agreed to the acquisition of land for the CMRL station,” said R.Paul Victor Samuel, headmaster of the school. The red brick school buildings are located in an area of 21 acres, with a boarding home, dormitory, kitchen and vast playgrounds.

The school would be commemorating 300 years of existence in 2014.

The decision to acquire land from the school was taken following protest by students of Pachaiyappa's College against the proposed acquisition of four acres on the college campus.

Resistance from students of Pachaiyappa's College also led to a delay in commencement of work of the Metro Rail station. The commencement of work for construction of the station near the college was scheduled in the last quarter of 2011. The structures to be constructed include the exit, entry, ventilation shaft and station.

The negotiations with Pachaiyappa's College by State government authorities are under way and Pachaiyappa's College is likely to lose only 37 cents in the revised plan.

According to the earlier plan, no land was required from the St.George's Anglo Indian School and Orphanage.

Decision to acquire land from the school was taken following protest by students of Pachaiyappa's College



http://www.thehindu.com/todays-paper/tp-national/tp-tamilnadu/article2679681.ece

^^ Good to see cooperation

Station should be named after this school after this gesture..

School to give piece of land for Metro Rail
2 structures on campus figure in list of heritage buildings



http://www.thehindu.com/multimedia/dynamic/00853/01DECThaxl04_St_Geo_853233e.jpg



http://www.thehindu.com/todays-paper/tp-national/tp-tamilnadu/article2679681.ece

Station should be named after this school after this gesture..
Amen !!!

I agree. And let's hope the rowdies of Pachaiappa's don't agitate for the name as well.

I agree. And let's hope the rowdies of Pachaiappa's don't agitate for the name as well.
If they give the land willingly, then don't name it after them. If they don't ..... still don't name it after them ..

Station should be named after this school after this gesture..

Precisely..Yes!!

^^listen2people
Good suggestion. You should write to CMRL about this. Hopefully they will listen2You. :) Should definitely not name the station after "anti-growth-do-nothing-useful-and-stay-rowdy" college. I am trying to send an email to the school management appreciating their gesture. If you find the contact info, post it here. We can all send a note to them.

Added later.
Here you go: The email address is stgeoschool@yahoo.com and the principal's name is Mr.R.Paul Victor Samuel. I will also send an email to CMRL about the station and we can nominate a name like "St. George's station" or something like that. Hopefully CMRL will keep a plaque in the station documenting the history of this controversy and invite the principal to open the station when it becomes a reality.

Good job ModernIndia in digging the email. I too will send them the email and encourage others to do the same (just takes 2 mins).

Update:

Tried to send but seems the email id is not valid and got undeliverable message.

Here is the email I sent to the school
Dear Mr. R.Paul Victor Samuel,
Today I came across a news in "The Hindu" regarding your schools decision to give a part of your land to CMRL. I am moved by this gesture and I applaud you and the management team for this decision. This decision by your school management is a strong vote in favor of infrastructure growth in Chennai and hopefully, others in similar situation will follow your lead. We all have to collectively contribute towards Chennai's growth.

I am also sending an email to CMRL requesting them to name the station after your school.

Thanking you,
Yours sincerely,
XXXX

If you are getting an error, use this link instead

http://www.stgeorgesaischool.org/content/contact-us

If you are getting an error, use this link instead

http://www.stgeorgesaischool.org/content/contact-us

email sent! :)

http://www.deccanchronicle.com/sites/default/files/imagecache/article_horizontal/article-images/metrodoors.jpg.crop_display.jpg

In a first in the country, the 19 underground stations of Chennai Metro Rail would have platform screen doors (PSDs), a system available only in developed and developing countries in the West and Southeast.

PSDs would increase energy efficiency and optimize passenger safety, besides keeping anti-socials at bay.

Senior CMRL (Chennai Metro Rail Limited) officials said PSDs would avert freak mishaps as they are at the edge of a platform and open only when a train arrives.

The timely opening and closing also minimizes the energy consumed for air-conditioning the stations around nine metres below ground.

The doors being at the edge increase passenger-holding capacity of platforms. The system also eliminates unauthorized entry.

CMRL officials said there would be special doors for workers to access tunnels for maintenance and repair.

CMRL has also proposed different ticketing systems — tokens for people travelling once and SMART cards for regulars. It is also considering enabling SMART card recharges online.

Source: http://www.deccanchronicle.com/channels/cities/chennai/open-shut-metro-stations-have-platform-screen-doors-312

^^ Only the underground stations ? They should install it for the overhead stations too.

^^listen2people
Good suggestion. You should write to CMRL about this. Hopefully they will listen2You. :) Should definitely not name the station after "anti-growth-do-nothing-useful-and-stay-rowdy" college. I am trying to send an email to the school management appreciating their gesture. If you find the contact info, post it here. We can all send a note to them.

Added later.
Here you go: The email address is stgeoschool@yahoo.com and the principal's name is Mr.R.Paul Victor Samuel. I will also send an email to CMRL about the station and we can nominate a name like "St. George's station" or something like that. Hopefully CMRL will keep a plaque in the station documenting the history of this controversy and invite the principal to open the station when it becomes a reality.

Yesterday I sent an email to CMRL. I suggested St George School Metro Station. I felt like there should be "school" in it. It is a great honor to the school. Yet to get reply from CMRL..Thanks for giving me contact info of School principal. I will send an email (forwarding my CMRL email also) to principal. We also should encourage Principal to demand the station should be named after the school. my email to CMRL...here
Dear Sir:

I have been following the progress of Chennai Metro through CMRL's official website and other online forums.


I am from Chennai and currently working in New Delhi.


Firstly, I wish to thank you for providing information on development of Chennai Metro.


I hope, in future, all the government projects will take you as role model for providing information to the public.


I am well aware that students of Pachaiyappa College have been protesting against land acquisition inside their campus premises for metro related works.



In the midst, I have come across the following news item in today's (02/12/2011) Hindu newspaper.


http://www.thehindu.com/todays-paper/tp-national/tp-tamilnadu/article2679681.ece


If my understanding is correct, St George school is providing a land parcel for constructing the complete station on its campus.


This noble gesture should be appreciated.


I urge the authorities concerned to appreciate this gesture by renaming the station to "St George School Metro Rail Station".


Calling the station as "Pachaiyappa's College Metro Rail Station" is not justified as the students protested aggressively against metro related construction in their campus.


Though they are free to exercise their democratic right, they, according to my opinion, by agitating against this, lost the honour of having Metro station after their college name.


Sir,


I hope you and other authorities in Chennai Metro agree with this humble opinion of mine.


Kindly consider my suggestion.


Thanks & Regards,
XXX

New Delhi
110020

@listen2people: That's a great initiative. Thanks. I hope the CMRL authorities will do as you said.

I have joined the brigade, sent email to CMRL.. My 2 paise.. :)

High court clears way for Vadapalani metro station


http://epaper.timesofindia.com/Repository/getimage.dll?path=TOICH/2011/12/04/3/Img/Pc0031600.jpg

A stumbling block in the construction of the Vadapalani station of the Chennai metro rail project has been removed with the Madras high court clearing the way for land acquisition.
The first bench of Chief Justice M Y Eqbal and Justice T S Sivagnanam vacated an interim stay in the matter and directed the owner to vacate the land within four weeks, on the condition that Chennai Metro Rail Limited (CMRL) deposit Rs 25 lakh in his account in a nationalized bank. The same shall remain as a deposit until further court orders.
The matter arose when the owner, whose family occupies the property was issued a notice from the tahsildar’s office in May 2011 to vacate the premises.
Maintaining that it was classified ‘grama natham’ land in the revenue register, the owner moved court. While the term ‘grama natham’ broadly refers to land allotted for a housing site in a village; earlier high court judgments have established that this land does not vest with the government. The government has no right over this land.
On its part, the government maintained that it was a poromboke land as per the permanent land register. Disposing of the original plea in June 2011, the court directed the tahsildar to hold an enquiry and pass orders. Since the tahsildar and the district collector, on an appeal, directed the petitioner to vacate the land, he again approached the court and an interim stay was granted on the eviction in October 2011.
Passing orders, the bench observed that to resolve the issue of the classification of land, the original records would have to be perused and thereafter, a decision taken on merits. Neighbouring land owners, who had raised a similar contention, had agreed to vacate the land and their entitlement for compensation remains to be decided by the court.

http://epaper.timesofindia.com/Default/Scripting/ArticleWin.asp?From=Archive&Source=Page&Skin=TOINEW&BaseHref=TOICH/2011/12/04&PageLabel=3&EntityId=Ar00302&ViewMode=HTML

Traffic is getting even worse in Mount road....Once if the UG works commences ut'll create hell a lot of problems...I started at 10 45 from LIC at night...I reached tambaram oly by 12 15 tht too in a two wheeler which is considered to be the saviour for the chennaitees.....And from tam to perungalathur it took me another 20 mins...My god i really don knw whats happening the city....oly metro for all parts cud reduce this traffic....As the govt hiked bus fares there's no crowd in the buses instead ppl opted to take their own vehicles....Expectin the works to get completed very soon..In another 5 years chennai will become like tokyoin congestion......

^^ Even after all these hikes, transport in Chennai is cheap.
If people don't want to take buses, they can take suburban network or MRTS.
After UG work starts, only stations will have traffic.
Tunneling will happen below your feet, and you won't even know .

^^ Even after all these hikes, transport in Chennai is cheap.
If people don't want to take buses, they can take suburban network or MRTS.
After UG work starts, only stations will have traffic.
Tunneling will happen below your feet, and you won't even know .

Parrys - Vandalore stretch is considered to be one of the most important stretches in the whole city....Traffic is at the peak during eve hours....And Suburban is not well connected to these roads if one needs to go by train from TVS stop he needs to take a bus/share auto to Nungambakkam which is time consuming.....The entire anna salai stretch is very crowded......It was more than thousands of ppl standing at LIC stop...And the traffic was very bad....MRTS is badly connected as well.....And now the fare is not the same..ppl who paid 600 for the passes now gotta pay 1000 per month which is almost the same like other cities lik delhi/bangalore....

Parrys - Vandalore stretch is considered to be one of the most important stretches in the whole city....Traffic is at the peak during eve hours....And Suburban is not well connected to these roads if one needs to go by train from TVS stop he needs to take a bus/share auto to Nungambakkam which is time consuming.....The entire anna salai stretch is very crowded......It was more than thousands of ppl standing at LIC stop...And the traffic was very bad....MRTS is badly connected as well.....And now the fare is not the same..ppl who paid 600 for the passes now gotta pay 1000 per month which is almost the same like other cities lik delhi/bangalore....
Nope.
Overall, Chennai is still cheaper.
Even if it is now on par with other parts of the country, is there anything wrong?
With rising costs of fuel, how you expect everything to be cheap.
Buses, MRTS, Suburban are not ill connected, they are ill-utilised.

Be positive, cribbing isn't going to take you anywhere.
We all know Mount Road is a really important road, but do wait.
Once the elevated Metro work is done, traffic will reduce.
Once UG stations are done, it'll further reduce.
Once entire tunnel is done, there shouldn't be traffic.

^^Well said. But one thing, once Metro is completely operational, Traffic density would hit the next peak and what we see today will be the case in 2015. So what Govt needs to do is to make ppl utilize Metro to the max. Say for example, They should make it mandatory for all Mofussil buses to originate from Alandur, and make people take Metro from CMBT to Alandur (may be include Metro cost in the ticket). For buses diverting at SIDCO Industrial estate (ECR buses), let the buses start from SIDCO, let those passengers alight at SIDCO station and transfer. That way all Mofussil buses are taken off the road between CMBT and SIDCO/Alandur. Beyond that point the roads are quite wide and almost signal-free. So no issues.

Similarly, all 70/170/114 buses towards Tambaram/Velacherry, etc should stop at CMBT and not proceed beyond that. Let people get down take Metro from there to Guindy/Alandur. If they are to travel till Tambaram, they shall take a bus from Alandur again. With CUMTA in place, they dont have to buy ticket in each place. Single ticket will do for the whole travel. One section will start lamenting that they have to alight and board more than once for a single route travel. But they will effectively save more than 30 mins of bus travel time between CMBT and Alandur (Metro will do this stretch in 15-20 mins max). With this in place, almost all buses would be taken off-the road.

Similar pattern can be done for all IT company buses, they should not be allowed beyond Guindy/Alandur and they shall originate from CMBT/Koyambedu. IRR should be completely free from Bus traffic.

Similarly, the Airport metro should be used very effectively. People travelling towards city should be convinced to use Metro to the nearest point of their destination and from there they may take a cab. All air passengers who plan to take a train from Central/Egmore should take Metro.

I would like to add a small pt. you have mentioned "People travelling towards city should be convinced to use Metro to the nearest point of their destination and from there they may take a cab". I see a big issue here. yesterday i decided to travel from Ennore to mi Relation house in Royapetta in public transport. You know how much it costed me nearly 60 Rs which is more If i have used Mi bike. It also took me Nearly 2 Hours(Home-Relation Home) which is also way more. Keep Safety, Environmental & other factors aside because as a common typical Indian I give my priorities to Money, time, Safety, Comfort & Environment which would be case with most people also i guess atleast at the moment. So lets see where the cost shoot up.
It was a Green Board Bus So Ticket charge is 15 Rs.
I got down at Royapetta Hospital and took Auto from there to a place near Gopalapuram Ground which is hardly a Kilometer away. The Auto fare was 45, Initially he asked for 30 and On the way i halted for 2 mins in a sweet stall to get some sweets and finally he demands 50 Rs. Finally i gave 45 Rs and managed to save 5 RS.
Am sure not all of our house/office are near walkable distance from any public transport services so this Auto/Cab plays a very vital role but unfortnately there is no regulation and uniformity on this front in the city which is sick. I barely see a Auto which is running in the city with the Meter ON.

^^Well said. But one thing, once Metro is completely operational, Traffic density would hit the next peak and what we see today will be the case in 2015. So what Govt needs to do is to make ppl utilize Metro to the max. Say for example, They should make it mandatory for all Mofussil buses to originate from Alandur, and make people take Metro from CMBT to Alandur (may be include Metro cost in the ticket). For buses diverting at SIDCO Industrial estate (ECR buses), let the buses start from SIDCO, let those passengers alight at SIDCO station and transfer. That way all Mofussil buses are taken off the road between CMBT and SIDCO/Alandur. Beyond that point the roads are quite wide and almost signal-free. So no issues.

Similarly, all 70/170/114 buses towards Tambaram/Velacherry, etc should stop at CMBT and not proceed beyond that. Let people get down take Metro from there to Guindy/Alandur. If they are to travel till Tambaram, they shall take a bus from Alandur again. With CUMTA in place, they dont have to buy ticket in each place. Single ticket will do for the whole travel. One section will start lamenting that they have to alight and board more than once for a single route travel. But they will effectively save more than 30 mins of bus travel time between CMBT and Alandur (Metro will do this stretch in 15-20 mins max). With this in place, almost all buses would be taken off-the road.

Similar pattern can be done for all IT company buses, they should not be allowed beyond Guindy/Alandur and they shall originate from CMBT/Koyambedu. IRR should be completely free from Bus traffic.

Similarly, the Airport metro should be used very effectively. People travelling towards city should be convinced to use Metro to the nearest point of their destination and from there they may take a cab. All air passengers who plan to take a train from Central/Egmore should take Metro.

All metro/MRTS/mono systems should connect to the Central bus Stand, such that, buses can be shifted out.
Say in Chennai. Instead of CMBT to Tambaram, increase buses from Tamabram to Mount, and Mount to CMBT can be done in Metro.

People who crib about bus fares won't be able to afford either the meto or mono fare. It will be 2X the cost.

People who crib about bus fares won't be able to afford either the meto or mono fare. It will be 2X the cost.
Exactly.
They should sit in Volvo's to understand pricing.

Once Metro starts, the Feeder Buses should become active, else Metro will become MRTS.
Also one thing.
If companies start plying mini-buses from station , it can improve the whole scenario,atleast on weekdays the usage might be good.

Everyone needs a good hike in the salary every year but want the fares of public transportation to be the same as it was 10years back. Won't you guys like to reach your destination minus sweat and grime. For that matter earnings of Chennaiites have gone up only. Stop cribbing. Pay the price for service. I certainly am not vouching that the city services are too good. To maintain a decent level frequency even your city transportation co should be able to recover the cost.
In Bombay inspite of having an at-par fares BEST is still in loss, atleast that's what the report says.

MTC has been running at a loss. How can you expect them to maintain buses?
You can't expect CMRL to offer a ticket from Central to Vadapalani at Rs. 7.

The November newsletter is here!

http://chennaimetrorail.gov.in/newsletter/November.pdf

I would like to add a small pt. you have mentioned "People travelling towards city should be convinced to use Metro to the nearest point of their destination and from there they may take a cab". I see a big issue here.

What I meant was about usual Air travellers who take a prepaid cab to their destination. Suburban Tirusulam station is around 1.25 kms from the arrival area which is too much to walk, especially with heavy luggage. To avoid these hiccups people prefer prepaid cabs by paying between Rs 400 to 1200. Take my case, whenever my brother visits (from Mumbai) either I pick him up or he takes a cab, which costs around Rs. 600 to my home at Annanagar west. He arrives within 1 hour. If he resorts to taking a bus, he has to walk at least 0.75 kms from the arrival area to the bus stop on GST. And it takes at least 1.5 hours to arrive at ANW. Once Metro is operational I would urge him to take a ride from Airport to Alandur, switch trains and take Line 2., get dropped at Thirumangalam station, which is 1 Km from my house. This might take not more than 1 hour, but think about the cost savings.

Money, time, Safety, Comfort & Environment.........

So what if each Chennaitee thinks the same way?? If chennai has 10 million population by 2025 then we will have not less than half a million cars and 10 million two wheelers on the roads by 2025.. Autos, commercial vehicles, buses excluded. Is that fine with you? And don't forget, Petrol will cost not less than Rs.150 by 2025. It was Rs. 27 in 2001. In just 10 years it has tripled. But Metro is going to cost you the same 20-30 bucks in 2025 bcos it basically needs only electricity. Now tell me which one is cheaper? At that point you would say "I'm ok to spend even double the cost, but want to travel comfortably and on-time". Grade separated Rail networks are the only way possible for that to happen. What you are speaking is just today's issues. What I'm talking is what Metro would do to the city 10 years down the lane.

.......which would be case with most people

And my priority is exactly the opposite. Environment, Comfort, Safety, Time and then Money. I'm ok to spend Rs. 50 daily (my current fuel bill is Rs. 4000 a month) if I get all the above priorities and will be happy if it still saves the Environment.

I got down at Royapetta Hospital and took Auto from there to a place near Gopalapuram Ground which is hardly a Kilometer away. The Auto fare was 45, Initially he asked for 30 and On the way i halted for 2 mins in a sweet stall to get some sweets and finally he demands 50 Rs. Finally i gave 45 Rs and managed to save 5 RS. Am sure not all of our house/office are near walkable distance from any public transport services so this Auto/Cab plays a very vital role but unfortnately there is no regulation and uniformity on this front in the city which is sick. I barely see a Auto which is running in the city with the Meter ON.

Agreed. According to folks from various parts of the country (my north indian, andhra, karnataka and kerala colleagues and friends), Chennai has just 3 curses.

1 - Climate (nobody can change that).
2 - Not many speak Hindi here (May change with the next gen).
3 - Autorikshaws (I dont think it would change unless the CM takes another bold decision ;))

Good to see CMRL displaying concepts like Segment launching, Guide wall construction, etc. Wish they publish their artifacts on their site so that budding engineers and people who are interested shall learn. :)

^^ This newsletter was very informative, good the see the TBM's are being shipped. It says only two are being shipped, hope there are more to come.

^^ This newsletter was very informative, good the see the TBM's are being shipped. It says only two are being shipped, hope there are more to come.

it says 3rd one shipping by dec end for nehru park. it seems central-thirumangalam UG line will be ready first.
What are the other places they launch TBM apart from shenoy nagar,Nehru park & washermenpet?

it says 3rd one shipping by dec end for nehru park. it seems central-thirumangalam UG line will be ready first.
What are the other places they launch TBM apart from shenoy nagar,Nehru park & washermenpet?

TBMs will also be launched at May Day park at Chintadripet AFAIK.

Ideally to complete the underground stretch in time, TBMs should also be launched at Central Station (for corridor 2) and saidapet (for corridor 1).

The following two points were told about the TBMs:


a) Two Tunnel Boring Machines (TBMs) will be shipped from China to Chennai during first half of December 2011, after which it will be taken to site for launching. These two TBMs will be launched at Washermenpet and Shenoy Nagar.
b) Factory Acceptance Test of TBM for Nehru Park is completed and expected to arrive in the last week of December 2011.


Does this mean that only one tunnel is going to be bored per side from the launching station? Ain't there supposed to be two tunnels parallel to each other from both ends of the station?

There will be two parallel tunnels always. Probably the TBMs after finishing their "up" tunnel will turn back and start drilling the "down" tunnel.

How many TBS are there?
There are two lines of two tunnels each right?

I guess many more TBMs will arrive in future. In Delhi, 14 TBMs were being used simultaneously to construct 35 km of underground lines in Phase-II. Going by that, we may see around 10 TBMs working in Chennai in next few months.

JUST went through information about delhi metro.it is really amazing. when all the phases are over it will be the largest in the world. it will be close to 500KM. the delhi metro is able to get the required approvals and sanctions very easily from central government. the state govt is very much serious to make the delhi metro the main source of transport rather than bus transport which is very good.

since both have congress govt both state and central the approvals become very easy. the coordination is also very good. recently i saw a news article which said for they got the approval in just 15 days from central govt. funds is always not a constraint for any govt if its serious about work.

can we expect chennai metro also to become one like that. but ours is just for 45 KM.

Does this mean that only one tunnel is going to be bored per side from the launching station?

Nope, those 2 TBMs from China will be soon be joined by 2 other ones at the same launch site and will drill in parallel. The one at Nehru Park will also be joined by another one.

In total 11 TBMs will be deployed (all are expected to be in town by the end of January)

Afcons + Transtonnelstroy - 5 TBMs
Line 1+2: UAA-01 - Washermenpet to Egmore station including 5 stations
Line 2 : UAA-05 - Shenoy Nagar to Thiurmangalam including 4 stations

Gammon + OJSC Mosmetrostroy - 4 TBMs
Line 1: UAA-02 - Government Estate (New Sec.) to Thousand Lights including 3 stations
Line 1: UAA-03 - New Gemini to Saidapet including 4 stations

L&T + SUDG - 2 TBMs
Line 2: UAA-04 - Nehru Park to Pachaiyappa's College including 3 stations

UAA-0x is the contract number. The places mentioned above are also the approx locations from where the TBMs will be launched.

JUST went through information about delhi metro.it is really amazing. when all the phases are over it will be the largest in the world. it will be close to 500KM.

Largest in the world outside of China. Shanghai and Beijing will both have much more than 500km by the time Phase IV of Delhi Metro gets completed. Of course, this doesn't take away anything from the great achievement of DMRC.

I guess many more TBMs will arrive in future. In Delhi, 14 TBMs were being used simultaneously to construct 35 km of underground lines in Phase-II. Going by that, we may see around 10 TBMs working in Chennai in next few months.

What is the speed of a TBM (approx)?

What is the speed of a TBM (approx)?
Depends on the type of soil.
Chennai should have softer soil than Delhi or Bangalore and hence the TBMs should work faster no?

What is the speed of a TBM (approx)?

Approx 10 mts a day

Approx 10 mts a day
That's in Bangalore right?
Chennai soil is different.

So 22 km can be finished in 200 days by 11 TBM's? Even if they operate in suboptimal conditions, is it safe to assume that the tunneling work will be over by this time next year (assuming the tunneling starts by mid Jan)?

So 22 km can be finished in 200 days by 11 TBM's? Even if they operate in suboptimal conditions, is it safe to assume that the tunneling work will be over by this time next year (assuming the tunneling starts by mid Jan)?

my earlier post

^^

For 24KM UG, 10TBM is really good.

On an average 8m can be drilled by single TBM as per Delhi metro construction case study.

With 10TBM is action, 80m of length can be drilled for one day. So 300days should be sufficient with 10TBM? even if we consider delays we can make it as 365 i.e exactly one year.

So under ground schedule will be like this?

2012 Jan - TBM arrival (from today good 140days are there for April.. already near Saidapet works are in full swing for 6.2m wide *17m ht pit to lower TBM)
2012 April - excavation starts
2013 April - excavation ends (365days to excavate 24KM)
2012end to 2014Dec - for stations, track laying, signals etc., (good 730days are there)

So if everything goes smooth by 2014 UG section should be ready. Not long! just 1146days to go.:)

But St.Thomas mt-IRR-Central schedule is 2013.

On elevated part can we expect schedule to be like this?

by 2012 end - all via ducts to be completed (except Airport part, it is dealt by AAI so we can forget... for us till Alandur it should be ready :))

2012-2013mid - stations completion, signal, tracks
2013-Aug/Sep - trial run
2013 end - 12.3KM St.Thomas mt to Koyamedu stretch will be opened.

^^

But it has to drill 48KM (up and down) and not 24KM.

And 11TBM will drill 88m per day. So it will take 545days. :nuts: With hell of delays we can assume it will take full 2years to complete 24KM tunneling two way. i.e Jan 2012 start, they will completed by Jan 2014 only. They should start the station works in parellel then only Dec 2014 UG section can open.

Nope, those 2 TBMs from China will be soon be joined by 2 other ones at the same launch site and will drill in parallel. The one at Nehru Park will also be joined by another one.

In total 11 TBMs will be deployed (all are expected to be in town by the end of January)

Afcons + Transtonnelstroy - 5 TBMs
Line 1+2: UAA-01 - Washermenpet to Egmore station including 5 stations
Line 2 : UAA-05 - Shenoy Nagar to Thiurmangalam including 4 stations

Gammon + OJSC Mosmetrostroy - 4 TBMs
Line 1: UAA-02 - Government Estate (New Sec.) to Thousand Lights including 3 stations
Line 1: UAA-03 - New Gemini to Saidapet including 4 stations

L&T + SUDG - 2 TBMs
Line 2: UAA-04 - Nehru Park to Pachaiyappa's College including 3 stations

UAA-0x is the contract number. The places mentioned above are also the approx locations from where the TBMs will be launched.

Wow.. thanks for the detailed info. Waiting to see the TBMs in action...

^^ What is the use of giving multiple contracts for underground drilling/viaducts, etc. ?

^^
Belief : Faster Execution

At any pooint of time only a number TBM's are available. So multiple contracts are always better for more efficency and effective contract Management. The Delhi Metro Project Management under Mr.Sreedharan has developed a blue print for all other metro's to follow.

Underground network will not be impacted by the flooding that happens often in Chennai? Just curious how it will be handled/avoided

can we expect chennai metro also to become one like that. but ours is just for 45 KM.

That's just a start. Probably in next 20 years, Chennai metro might be 250 km long (if Amma controls her monorail fantasy). Delhi metro also started with 65 km for first phase and then scaled up the project size in subsequent phases.

Largest in the world outside of China. Shanghai and Beijing will both have much more than 500km by the time Phase IV of Delhi Metro gets completed. Of course, this doesn't take away anything from the great achievement of DMRC.

+1. Both Beijing and Shanghai will have around 800-900 km of metro by 2020.

Underground network will not be impacted by the flooding that happens often in Chennai? Just curious how it will be handled/avoided

Lot of cities face flooding but still run their subways normally. It should not be a different case for Chennai.

still amma comes in alternate terms she not only stops metro but wont be showing much progress in mono but just mouth implementation and also there wont be any infra projects (new) flyovers,roads etc:bash::bash:

^^

I kindly request you to visit flyover thread instead of making some troll kind of post here. :)

^^

Arul,
Did I miss something in that thread. I dont see any new flyover projects planned or started except for the already under-execution Tirumangalam or Vandalur and Urapakkam ROBs getting ready which anyway will come under NHAI/SR. Could you please be more specific about what infra project we are talking about here before branding somebody's post as troll :).

And when the 45Km stretch is over what would be the ridership per day approx?????And could anyone tel me what is the daily ridership in our suburb railways????

^^

Arul,
Did I miss something in that thread. I dont see any new flyover projects planned or started except for the already under-execution Tirumangalam or Vandalur and Urapakkam ROBs getting ready which anyway will come under NHAI/SR. Could you please be more specific about what infra project we are talking about here before branding somebody's post as troll :).

I have quoted my post again. Please refer Flyover thread again.:)

Wow.. thanks for the detailed info. Waiting to see the TBMs in action...

well, its sad that TBMs from China aren't taxed heavily. That would have forced Herrenknecht to manufacture TBMs in their Chennai factory instead of manufacturing it in China.

Metro rail tunnel work picks pace

Work on the underground sections of CMRL (Chennai metro rail limited) is gaining momentum with three tunnel boring machines (TBM) scheduled to arrive by the month-end.

According to informed CMRL sources, the two TBMs meant for taking up dredging work at Washermanpet and Shenoy Nagar will arrive by mid December, while the third one meant for dredging Nehru Park area and for which the factory acceptance test has been completed would be shipped from China to Chennai the month end.

Though authorities have not fixed a date for starting the tunnel boring works thus far, CMRL officials said the work would be started by end of February or early March.

The gigantic TBMs will arrive in parts and since it will require nearly two months to assemble them, the tunnel boring work is likely to begin by February end or early March, officials reasoned referring to the successful completion of soil tests for the underground stretches. Several subways like the one near Saidapet police station have been ‘temporarily’ closed to make way for the work of the underground stretch.

The contract was awarded to five firms for the tunnelling work on the five stretches. As per the proposal, dredging will be taken up simultaneously from the two ends.

Meanwhile, factory acceptance test for precast segment moulds has already been completed in Korea and China and they are ready for shipment, officials added.

The precast yard of tunnel segments are being set up at Vanagaram, Thiruneermalai and Muttukadu. Likewise, diaphragm wall construction is in progress at Washermanpet, Egmore, May Day Pak, KMC and Shenoy Nagar stations.

Source (http://www.deccanchronicle.com/channels/cities/chennai/metro-rail-tunnel-work-picks-pace-940)

https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-a5p89zrMfy0/Tt9dmigfZWI/AAAAAAAAAtU/3loI3Eerv6w/s800/Chennai%252520Central%252520Railway%252520Station.jpg

SRC: https://picasaweb.google.com/105512979403786937805/GeoPhotos#5683364171444348258

The contract was awarded to five firms for the tunnelling work on the five stretches. As per the proposal, dredging will be taken up simultaneously from the two ends

Source (http://www.deccanchronicle.com/channels/cities/chennai/metro-rail-tunnel-work-picks-pace-940)

Is that information correct? was the contract awarded to five firms?

http://www.thehindu.com/todays-paper/tp-national/tp-tamilnadu/article2696847.ece

The Chennai Metro Rail Limited has begun issuing notices to property owners in some localities asking them to seal borewells and open wells. This direction comes ahead of the preparation for the tunnelling work, which is set to begin next year.

Tunnel boring of 6.6 metre diameter twin tunnels are slated to be taken up from March 2012, a release from the CMRL said.

“In a few locations where the Metro alignment goes beneath residential areas, it is necessary to close borewells and open wells within a restricted zone of 16.5 metre on both sides from the centre of the alignment for tunnelling,” CMRL Chief General Manager (Public Relations) S.Krishnamoorthy said.

The release said alternate borewells would be provided. In case the owner prefers not to have an alternate borewell, a compensation of Rs.1 lakh has been promised.

Closure of borewells would be carried out only after making alternative water supply arrangements to affected houses, the release said. “Tunnelling will not lead to any environmental problems, nor have any impact on groundwater in the locality. The CMRL will take precautionary measures to ensure structural stability of the buildings,” Mr. Krishnamoorthy said.

The underground Metro corridors would be constructed at a depth of nine metre beneath the ground. Even residences that fall directly on top of the alignment would not experience any noise impact.

The Chennai Metro Rail project has two corridors – Washermenpet to Airport and Chennai Central to St.Thomas Mount. A portion of the Metro alignment on Corridor-I, between Washermenpet – Saidapet ramp, and on Corridor-II, between Central and Thirumangalam ramp, runs as underground tunnels.

Oy64gXv-l4A

Just found this video about tbm,first it is saying about parts and from 4 th min onwards you can see tbm boring

https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-_NbabTqRoFQ/TuDpOdnyDHI/AAAAAAAAG8k/1XzK7h4LKZk/s1094/Capture.jpg

Source: Dinamalar, Chennai Edition, dated 08-Dec-2011

Translation:

After months of uncertainity, the final design of the Metro Route to the airport has been finalized. Next week, AAI and CMRL will sign an understanding agrrement
As per the finalized plan, the Metro lines will go 'underground' from Radisson hotel. It will be underground for about 500 m until the Courier post office. After that, the metro will again become elevated and run along the median.
A short distance before the Flyover in front of the airport, the line will again deviate towards the rights and go into Airport housing quarters and reach the airport
The airport metro station will be above the current Subway from Thirusulam railway station, near the current airport police station
The station will be built by AAI itself. The airport will be linked to terminals via walkalators
Once the understanding is signed, AAI will have to handover the needed land to CMRL who will then start the construction

Tunnel Boring start date shifted to March 2012 from Dec 2011. Is that due to delayed delivery of TBM?

Oy64gXv-l4A

Just found this video about tbm,first it is saying about parts and from 4 th min onwards you can see tbm boring

Good one.. very informative.

Oy64gXv-l4A

Just found this video about tbm,first it is saying about parts and from 4 th min onwards you can see tbm boring

Nice one, thx for the video

@ natarajan:

TFS. This looks like the one from the machine manufacturer.

CG field Dhool Kelappudhu.

Can anyone post the Discovery Channel video on English Channel ?

That was also very detailed.

Just found this video about tbm,first it is saying about parts and from 4 th min onwards you can see tbm boring

:cheers:

But the last part of the video was showing about brick i.e concrete laying part. Every TBM is equipped with such concrete laying machine or this video is more advanced one? Those who have seen Delhi metro UG construction can clear this doubt. Thanks in advance.:)

Those are pre-fabricated blocks, and yes ALL the TBMS are equipped to lay those blocks forming the walls of the tunnels, and also they would be water proof.

Some similar videos

http://dsc.discovery.com/videos/mega-engineering-tunnel-boring-machines.html

http://www.yourdiscovery.com/video/extreme-engineering-malaysias-smart-tunnel-inside-t/

I am waiting for the day to walk inside a TBM.

Some similar videos

http://dsc.discovery.com/videos/mega-engineering-tunnel-boring-machines.html

http://www.yourdiscovery.com/video/extreme-engineering-malaysias-smart-tunnel-inside-t/

I am waiting for the day to walk inside a TBM.

Kannan sir,

I just remembered the videos from Extreme engg about Flood water tunnels in Malaysia(I remember seeing them 3-4 yrs back). Found something similar..

Dono whether you are referring the same.

On a side note, this concept of controlling flood water can be coupled with drainage water management and recycling in India. Orey kallula rendu maangai.

For e.g, Such drain tunnels can be constructed under Cooum/Adyar rivers. In such way we wont pollute river, also we will use recycled water paving way to beautification of Cooum/Adyar.. Proper planning will also create multi level transport corridors inside it...

#Dream_AbdulKalam

Part 1:
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Part 2:
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Part 3:
w4MelscxP3A

Part 4:
tTTIQq2Nerw

2 tunnel boring machines to start work on Jan 15 for Chennai Metro Rail project


9 Huge Chinese-made tunnel boring machines will soon be in action in Chennai for the Metro Rail project. Two machines are expected to arrive in the city in a couple of weeks. They are likely to be launched from January 15 at Washermenpet and Shenoy Nagar where two underground stations are coming up as part of the project, according to a source in the know.

Eleven machines will be used to excavate the underground sections. Of this, eight machines are being supplied by the German company Herrenknecht, which has already transported two machines from its plant in China.

Chennai, home to ten million inhabitants, has over three million vehicles creating daily traffic congestion. To improve the public transport, the Chennai Metro is being implemented with two metro corridors with a total length of 45 km.

Chennai Metro Rail Ltd (CMRL), which is implementing the rail project, has awarded two of the major contracts amounting to $569 million to a joint venture comprising Indian infrastructure group Afcons and the Russia-based Transtonnelstroy. The contracts include the design and construction of nine underground stations and nearly 9 km of tunnels.

The two contracts cover a 5.5 km length from Egmore to Washermenpet (five stations) and a 3.1km length from Thiurmangalam to Shenoy Nagar (four stations).

According to a press release issued by CMRL, factory acceptance test of precast segment moulds has been completed in Korea and China. The pre-cast yard for tunnel segment is being set up at Vanagaram, Thiruneermalai and Muttukadu.

Meanwhile, CMRL has started issuing notices to property owners in a few areas where the project is being implemented to seal the bore wells and open wells. This is ahead of the preparation for the tunnelling work.

The metro project runs on two corridors – Washermenpet in North Chennai to the airport, and Chennai Central to St Thomas Mount. A portion of the Metro rail alignment between Washermenpet and Saidapet, and between Central and Tirumangalam runs as underground tunnels. Tunnel boring of 6.6 metre diameter twin tunnels are slated to be taken up from March 2012, says a press release issued by the company.

In a few locations where the alignment goes under residential areas, it is necessary to close existing bore and open well within a restricted zone of 16.5 m on both sides from the centre of alignment for tunnelling.

An alternative borewell will be provided close to the houses or in case it is not required, a compensation of Rs 1 lakh will be given to the owners. The underground metro corridors are constructed at a depth of nine metre beneath the ground.

Tunnelling will not lead to any environment problems not have any impact on ground water in the locality. The company will take precautionary measures to ensure safety of the building and structures, the release said.

http://www.thehindubusinessline.com/industry-and-economy/logistics/article2701416.ece

[QUOTE=wlbkng;8648359


Brilliant videos .Hats off to Malaysian authorities.

Like GQ project we should create good artificial lakes and dams and store enough water.Need not fight or beg with our neighbours.

Thank u sir for posting these nice videos

@ wlbkng:

Thanks for the videos. I am seeing them after a long time.

I was referring to English channel connecting UK & France. I think TBM was first used there under water.

@ wlbkng:

Thanks for the videos. I am seeing them after a long time.

I was referring to English channel connecting UK & France. I think TBM was first used there under water.

There you go!

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@Arul - If you saw this month's CMRL news letter, you can see the cast for these pre-fabricated blocks are also being shipped.

The videos here posted here is very informative on TBM and tunnelling technology.... Thanks you Natarajan1986 & kannan infratech for posting excellent informative videos.

TBM's have been used in India much before for various water, sewage and oil and gas projects, etc.

Excellent videos on Kuala Lumpur, wlbkng.

Thanks for sharing :)

http://a7.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-ash4/378969_201621359922735_154701661281372_473164_250563316_n.jpg


CMRL TBM

Huge Chinese-made tunnel boring machines will soon be in action in Chennai for the Metro Rail project. Two machines are expected to arrive in the city in a couple of weeks. They are likely to be launched from January 15 at Washermenpet and Shenoy Nagar where two underground stations are coming up as part of the project, according to a source in the know.

Eleven machines will be used to excavate the underground sections. Of this, eight machines are being supplied by the German company Herrenknecht, which has already transported two machines from its plant in China.


Pic Courtesy: CMRL FB

http://a7.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-ash4/378969_201621359922735_154701661281372_473164_250563316_n.jpg


CMRL TBM

Huge Chinese-made tunnel boring machines will soon be in action in Chennai for the Metro Rail project. Two machines are expected to arrive in the city in a couple of weeks. They are likely to be launched from January 15 at Washermenpet and Shenoy Nagar where two underground stations are coming up as part of the project, according to a source in the know.

Eleven machines will be used to excavate the underground sections. Of this, eight machines are being supplied by the German company Herrenknecht, which has already transported two machines from its plant in China.


Pic Courtesy: CMRL FB

Superb.

Pulse raising

^^ News article related to it..

http://www.thehindubusinessline.com/industry-and-economy/logistics/article2701416.ece

CHENNAI, DEC.:
9 Huge Chinese-made tunnel boring machines will soon be in action in Chennai for the Metro Rail project. Two machines are expected to arrive in the city in a couple of weeks. They are likely to be launched from January 15 at Washermenpet and Shenoy Nagar where two underground stations are coming up as part of the project, according to a source in the know.

Eleven machines will be used to excavate the underground sections. Of this, eight machines are being supplied by the German company Herrenknecht, which has already transported two machines from its plant in China.

Chennai, home to ten million inhabitants, has over three million vehicles creating daily traffic congestion. To improve the public transport, the Chennai Metro is being implemented with two metro corridors with a total length of 45 km.

Chennai Metro Rail Ltd (CMRL), which is implementing the rail project, has awarded two of the major contracts amounting to $569 million to a joint venture comprising Indian infrastructure group Afcons and the Russia-based Transtonnelstroy. The contracts include the design and construction of nine underground stations and nearly 9 km of tunnels.

The two contracts cover a 5.5 km length from Egmore to Washermenpet (five stations) and a 3.1km length from Thiurmangalam to Shenoy Nagar (four stations).

According to a press release issued by CMRL, factory acceptance test of precast segment moulds has been completed in Korea and China. The pre-cast yard for tunnel segment is being set up at Vanagaram, Thiruneermalai and Muttukadu.

Meanwhile, CMRL has started issuing notices to property owners in a few areas where the project is being implemented to seal the bore wells and open wells. This is ahead of the preparation for the tunnelling work.

The metro project runs on two corridors – Washermenpet in North Chennai to the airport, and Chennai Central to St Thomas Mount. A portion of the Metro rail alignment between Washermenpet and Saidapet, and between Central and Tirumangalam runs as underground tunnels. Tunnel boring of 6.6 metre diameter twin tunnels are slated to be taken up from March 2012, says a press release issued by the company.

In a few locations where the alignment goes under residential areas, it is necessary to close existing bore and open well within a restricted zone of 16.5 m on both sides from the centre of alignment for tunnelling.

An alternative borewell will be provided close to the houses or in case it is not required, a compensation of Rs 1 lakh will be given to the owners. The underground metro corridors are constructed at a depth of nine metre beneath the ground.

Tunnelling will not lead to any environment problems not have any impact on ground water in the locality. The company will take precautionary measures to ensure safety of the building and structures, the release said.

400 borewells, 57 open wells to be closed

Nearly 400 borewells and 57 open wells will be closed down in the city to facilitate the construction of underground tunnels for the metro rail.

According to senior CMRL (Chennai metro rail limited) officials, about 30 opens wells and 258 bore wells in Mannadi, 14 and 99 in Chintadaripet and 13 and 40 in Shenoy Nagar will be closed down as they fall within the design of the underground tunnel of CMRL.

CMRL has already issued appropriate orders and accordingly officials of CMRL and Chennai Metro Water have started issuing notices to owners of (buildings) to close down the open and bore wells in the four city pockets.

It may be noted that CMRL has proposed to construct alternate borewells or pay Rs 1 lakh compensation, as desired by owners of the structures, for the wells closed down to make way for the underground tunnel.

An estimate will be prepared and required funds allotted once the residents express their willingness within 15 days from the date of receipt of the notice, senior CMRL officials told DC.

However, the numbers (of wells) vary and the nature of compensation or alternate arrangements will vary accordingly as in some households the bore wells are dug inside the open well or the open wells would be dry and remain unused, officials reasoned.

In some households, both open and deep borewell would be put to regular use and hence the compensation would naturally be high, officials pointed out. CMRL has assured not to close down the existing open well or borewell before creating alternate arrangements.

Source (http://www.deccanchronicle.com/channels/cities/chennai/400-borewells-57-open-wells-be-closed-334)

Metro will run under your house

Metro rail will literally come home for a few Chennaiites. Its tunnels would run under certain houses in George Town, Mannadi, Chintadri-pet and Shenoy Nagar.

A section of the curved underground tunnels would cut through buildings in the aforesaid city pockets. However, there was no reason to panic as the tunnels would be nine metres beneath the surface, senior CMRL (Chennai Metro Rail Limited) officials told DC. They said protective girders and diaphragm walls would keep the tunnels intact.

In fact, people above would not feel even a single vibration when engineers bore holes in the ground as fully-computerised boring machines will alter speed according to the nature of the soil. The machines are equipped to excavate without disturbing the structures above.

CMRL had identified as many as 240 spots in George Town/Mannadi, 110 in Chintadripet and 53 in Shenoy Nagar for the underground metro route, officials said.

Chennai Metro Water and CMRL would jointly serve notices to people under whose houses the metro will run to close down their bore wells. The residents have to inform their decisions within 15 days of receipt of the notices to enable CMRL to dig alternative bore wells or pay `1 lakh compensation.

Source (http://www.deccanchronicle.com/channels/cities/chennai/metro-will-run-under-your-house-346)

Near airport

http://img11.imageshack.us/img11/1774/dsc00843jp.jpg

Guys please update CMBT - Koyambedu, Vadapalani two tier flyover, L&T's stretch from Ashok Nagar to STM and Saidapet to OTA sections.. Its been so long since we have seen visual updates.

DP, Vinoth, CP, Mukund, Vijay and others pls get some snaps. Its been sooo long :)

Guys please update CMBT - Koyambedu, Vadapalani two tier flyover, L&T's stretch from Ashok Nagar to STM and Saidapet to OTA sections.. Its been so long since we have seen visual updates.

DP, Vinoth, CP, Mukund, Vijay and others pls get some snaps. Its been sooo long :)

I'll try the Koyambedu - Pillar stretch this weekend.

Vaiducts have started topping the Guindy side of Kathipara flyover...
Hasn't DP yet updated the pics????
Waiting for them!!!!!

I also see a Gantry being mounted at the Halda junction, facing towards Guindy station.

Guys please update CMBT - Koyambedu, Vadapalani two tier flyover, L&T's stretch from Ashok Nagar to STM and Saidapet to OTA sections.. Its been so long since we have seen visual updates.

DP, Vinoth, CP, Mukund, Vijay and others pls get some snaps. Its been sooo long :)

Well, I have covered only sections where there were significant progress. Due to heavy traffic I could not cover CMBT-Koyambedu section. Will try that in the weekend. And, pic quality is not great, apologies for that..

It was a total chaos today in Annanagar. So many traffic changes. Traffic police were overwhelmed by traffic. Saw a lot of volunteers from nearby schools. I volunteered near the 18th main road section where the whole 100ft road traffic and Mogappair traffic have been diverted. It will take some time for things to settle down..

Near Thirumangalam station: View from Hot chips side. Only one part of the road is available for traffic. Same is the case opposite to Blue star.

http://i.imgur.com/EqyBw.jpg
http://i.imgur.com/d0ZR0.jpg

Portals near CMBT entrance getting shape.
http://i.imgur.com/XFOWW.jpg

Status of parapet wall construction in front of SAFGV
http://i.imgur.com/lV2Oa.jpg

Parapet wall construction almost complete between SAFGV and MMDA signal
http://i.imgur.com/TMCS0.jpg


Gap in viaduct near Arumbakkam station getting filled up
http://i.imgur.com/NcA3R.jpg

More pics to follow...

The gap near Arumbakkam station covered up.

http://i.imgur.com/Jh6zy.jpg

Works have begun to cover the next gap. Phew this little work has taken more than 2 months for SOMA. Very poor speed of work. L&T completed similar work near OTP in just a week's time.

http://i.imgur.com/PQJYb.jpg

Status of CCCL work - Between Ambika Empire and Vadapalani signal

http://i.imgur.com/YLdbY.jpg
http://i.imgur.com/PIugM.jpg

A couple of pillars are topped up. For some reason I don't like the shape.. it doesn't gel well. let's see how the viaducts would look like..
http://i.imgur.com/7p2gR.jpg

Status of work between Vadapalani signal towards Lak.Sruthi signal
http://i.imgur.com/Y3gnL.jpg
http://i.imgur.com/y3AB1.jpg

Remaining pics are not worth uploading, either too shaken or not covering what I intended to. Will try covering L&T sections tomorrow..

Thanks for the treat Prabhu

Thanks for the pics Prabhu! :cheers:

Thanks for bringing the updates Prabhu :). I think this is the first update of Thirumangalam in SSC.

^^ You're right.. I just realize that.. Let me get some updates from Blue star and other areas in Annanagar stretch..

Thanks Prabhu for the pictures. Two weeks before happen to see that METRO RAIL works (i guess soil test) in going near to Madras High court. CMRL barricades are installed from Court entrance to till Highcourt bus stand also major portion of Highcourt bus stand acquired by CMRL and barricades are placed into the bus stand.

superb updates prabhu. Thanks!

Nice pics :cheers:

On 26th August morning, Client of India Chennai metro project inspected Machinery Manufacturing Subsidiary of STEC, as accompanied by Mr. YANG Junlong, General Manager, Mr. LU Yuanqiang and Mr. MA Chaoguang, Deputy General Managers, Shanghai Urban Construction Group; Mr. SHEN Chengming, Project Manager of India Chennai metro project; Mr. ZHANG Minqing, General Manager, Mr. GONG Wei, Secretary of Party General Branch, Machinery Manufacturing Subsidiary of STEC.

The Client visited exhibition hall of the subsidiary first, then listened to the overview of development and product range introduced by Mr. ZHANG Minqing, General Manager of the subsidiary, after that, visited the shield manufacturing shop and inspected shield manufacturing for Chennai Metro.

In the conference room, subsidiary technician presents the design principle, configuration specification, safety device etc. of shield machine to be destined for Chennai Metro in detail. They exchanged with each other about shield manufacturing progress.

First China-made TBM exported to India passed the ex-works acceptance

On 15th Nov., STEC's independently R&D EPBM exported from China for the first time to India—a Mixed-ground machine destined for India has been accepted by a tri-party delegation composed of Cilent and Supervisor of India Chennai metro project, purchaser of shield machine Larson and Shanghai Urban Construction Group, to be delivered to India this December.

This EPBM No.1 with a diameter of 6.68m was planned to be used in India Chennai metro project, just as the same “China-made” TBM of STEC for Stonecutters Island Project, Hongkong—as main structural components of the China-made Φ4.72m EPBM, i.e. shield cut-in opening, support cradle installed within the shaft as well as the fixing of flexible tubing and electrical wiring being underway in orderly manner.

Since last year, STEC-made TBM has been exported to Singapore, Hong Kong, India etc., over 9 sets in total, with its high quality gaining recognition from the industry in succession.

http://english.stec.net/english/english_detail.asp?id=882

The gap near Arumbakkam station covered up.

Wonderful progress !!
And nice pictures prabhu007 !

Thanks prabhu for thirumangalam & 2nd avenue pictures.

Aaarambichitaangaya thirumba... ennamo runwayla train vidara maathiriye pesuraanga.. don't know if IBN is quoting an old news, but this is getting worse.



IBN Chennai | Updated Dec 16, 2011 at 10:31am IST
Chennai Metro will derail Airport safety: DGCA

New Delhi: A safety assessment carried out at the Chennai Airport to explore the viability of the upcoming Metro Rail link has identified several risks.

Not only did the assessment, as per Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) norms, identify substantial risks to aircraft operations but also cites grave security concerns.

The assessment, done on various parameters set by DGCA, concluded that there is over 95 per cent risk in allowing the Metro Rail link construction in its current format.

"The DGCA report highlighted how the Metro Rail will bring an impacting change of airport and aircraft operations, how new disaster management rules will have to be laid down, new procedures for missed approaches will have to be figured out," a DGCA official said.

The report also concluded that the electromagnetic effect from the moving train, performance loss of an aircraft, sabotage probabilities and other such critical risks will become paramount.

On a scale of 1 to 7, with 7 being the most substantial risk, DGCA rated '7' to all of these parameters, highlighting the grave danger for giving approval to the Metro project in its current format.

"While Metro Rail offered to cover the surface of the moving train with concrete, they have not specified how strong it will be. A superficial cover will serve no purpose. If the concrete box fails to take the load of the landing aircraft, it will bring in contact 25,000 volts of the Metro line with the aircraft resulting in disaster," the official said.


http://ibnlive.in.com/news/chennai-metro-will-derail-airport-safety-dgca/212323-62-130.html

Traffic diversion near Blue star signal.

http://i.imgur.com/WZOld.jpg

Station area covered up...
http://i.imgur.com/DbZuN.jpg

This part of the work to be completed within 6 months, and then road will be put back in shape on this side and the other part would be taken up..that would take another 6 months minimum. Simply conveys that we should put up with this traffic chaos for the next 1 year minimum!! Actual work will start only in Jan, till then trees would be felled, road surface would be scrapped and utility diversion would take place. Residents in this area have been informed about 2 days power and water cut when the utility lines are transferred. News yet to be published though. The gentleman on the centre of this pic is the supervisor who gave all the info. He did not want to disclose his name, nor show his face, but he was quite informative. Thanks to him :)

http://i.imgur.com/L4hxC.jpg

Good investigative reporting Prabhu :cheers: Surely this going to get to the nerves of Annanagar residents.

Excellent coverage Prabhu! Much appreciated :cheers:

Thank you all.. Folks, any updates from the Saidapet-OTA section?

Chennai Metro will derail Airport safety: DGCA

http://ibnlive.in.com/news/chennai-metro-will-derail-airport-safety-dgca/212323-62-130.html

^^

:ohno:

Chennai Metro will derail Airport safety, says Directorate General of Civil Aviation


A safety assessment carried out at the Chennai Airport to explore the viability of the upcoming Metro Rail link has identified several risks. Not only did the assessment, as per Directorate General of Civil Aviation norms, identify substantial risks to aircraft operations but also cites grave security concerns.

The assessment, done on various parameters set by Directorate General of Civil Aviation, concluded that there is over 95 per cent risk in allowing the Metro Rail link construction in its current format.

"The Directorate General of Civil Aviation report highlighted how the Metro Rail will bring an impacting change of airport and aircraft operations, how new disaster management rules will have to be laid down, new procedures for missed approaches will have to be figured out," a Directorate General of Civil Aviation official said.

The report also concluded that the electromagnetic effect from the moving train, performance loss of an aircraft, sabotage probabilities and other such critical risks will become paramount.

On a scale of 1 to 7, with 7 being the most substantial risk, Directorate General of Civil Aviation rated '7' to all of these parameters, highlighting the grave danger for giving approval to the Metro project in its current format.

"While Metro Rail...offered to cover the surface of the moving train with concrete, they have not specified how strong it will be. A superficial cover will serve no purpose. If the concrete box fails to take the load of the landing aircraft, it will bring in contact 25,000 volts of the Metro line with the aircraft resulting in disaster," the official said.

http://www.ndtv.com/article/tamil-nadu/chennai-metro-will-derail-airport-safety-158363

Status near Hot chips signal where L&T works begin. One pillar is just in skeleton stage till now. The other pillars are ready. Soma works are damn slow in this region. The portals are still not completed.

http://i.imgur.com/cqbWb.jpg

Status near the park opposite to Hot chips

http://i.imgur.com/pRBbc.jpg

The big square pillar-top in front of Hot chips is ready

http://i.imgur.com/0me0f.jpg

Near BSNL office. Segments till P26 are ready. Segment P25-26 is in progress now

http://i.imgur.com/FgKPo.jpg

In front of Kasi theatre.. skeleton work is complete for this pillar. Not sure if they are going to use portals for the viaduct to cross from centre of the road towards RHS of Adyar river bridge

http://i.imgur.com/fiPQA.jpg

Piling has started in the area RHS of Adyar river bridge

http://i.imgur.com/nrOdl.jpg

All pillars have reached good height in the Adyar river. Will be interesting to see how segment launching is done here. With lose soil and filth running below, i pity the L&T folks working here..

http://i.imgur.com/IOL6I.jpg

Piling work for the portal next to Adyar river (Ekkattuthangal side) is going on...

http://i.imgur.com/NW0Yx.jpg

SIDCO Station - all wide pillars are almost ready. Topping up of viaduct concrete is going on

http://i.imgur.com/f0Xbz.jpg

Piling work in progress just before the Kathipara flyover (Ekkattuthangal side)

http://i.imgur.com/EI5Tx.jpg

One thing that we can note in all the pics - Dirty posters all around!! Why dont we take this up to CMRL authorities and ask them to do a clean-up drive?

"While Metro Rail...offered to cover the surface of the moving train with concrete, they have not specified how strong it will be. A superficial cover will serve no purpose. If the concrete box fails to take the load of the landing aircraft, it will bring in contact 25,000 volts of the Metro line with the aircraft resulting in disaster," the official said.


What a big deal?? CMRL would not simply cover the top of the tunnel (or a pit??!!) like a ceiling in our houses. They will definitely cover it up in a way to withstand aircraft weight. Why is media so obsessed with telling negative and useless news everytime?? Instead they could just convert this post into a constructive idea and convey that to the CMRL authorities. Phew!!

Is really track laying work started? if yes..:banana:

or if it is related to some other technical work then media... :bash:

The caption says Metro rail track laying works started,

http://tm.dinakaran.com/pdf/2011/12/16/20111216b_004101011.jpg

Dinakaran

Aaarambichitaangaya thirumba... ennamo runwayla train vidara maathiriye pesuraanga.. don't know if IBN is quoting an old news, but this is getting worse.



http://ibnlive.in.com/news/chennai-metro-will-derail-airport-safety-dgca/212323-62-130.html

IMHO after OTA let Metro run all the way under ground and terminate at Anna Terminal airport with under ground station. Later it can be extended to bye-pass side and new Airport terminal can be built.

If the metro line terminate at Airport as elevated line, it cannot be extended anywhere in future. IMHO elevated part for MAA will be utter chaos because of limited space availability.

I hope either they don't build Alandur-Airport part or let them build it in UG.

One thing that we can note in all the pics - Dirty posters all around!! Why dont we take this up to CMRL authorities and ask them to do a clean-up drive?

Superb updates prabhu.:cheers: But please resize the pictures so that it comes within the box of forum.

IMHO after OTA let Metro run all the way under ground and terminate at Anna Terminal airport with under ground station. Later it can be extended to bye-pass side and new Airport terminal can be built.

If the metro line terminate at Airport as elevated line, it cannot be extended anywhere in future. IMHO elevated part for MAA will be utter chaos because of limited space availability.

I hope either they don't build Alandur-Airport part or let them build it in UG.

+1. It is better to have the station UG so that the ground area can be utilized for parking and other services.

Superb updates prabhu.:cheers: But please resize the pictures so that it comes within the box of forum.

Thanks Arul. Sure, will do that in the future posts.

Is really track laying work started? if yes..:banana:

or if it is related to some other technical work then media... :bash:

The caption says Metro rail track laying works started,

http://tm.dinakaran.com/pdf/2011/12/16/20111216b_004101011.jpg

Dinakaran

Those tracks are temporary ones used for the machine installing parapet walls....again its media :bash:

Nice Photo updates :)


Ever since the first spell of rains, the progress, especially Between ashok nagar and Kathipara have considerably slowed down.

The status as seen in the photographs have been the same for quite sometime.

1. Almost nothing going on in front of Hot chips near Ashok Pillar
2. Piling near Kasi Theatre also not moving much
3. 3 Pillars have come up on adayar river. The skeleton for the fourth pillar was under progress when the rains came. The river washed away the temporary embankments around the pilllars. Works have stopped since.
4. Piling for portal in ekaduthangal also going on for some time now
5. Pillars construction near Kathipara, especially in front of Police quarters also stopped. One Pillar came up and the other is in skeleton stage. No works there too

Hopefully all these pick up again soon.

But to be fair,, some work is going on in few other places - Span erection opposite RTO offices, Portal construction beyond the K.K.Nagar Telephone exchange, ashok Nagar station construction. etc.

Am just not sure, how the works are progressing compared to the planned schedule.

MMRDA ropes in public transport operators for smart card plan

MANASI PHADKE Tags : MMRDA, Railways, K Vijayalakshmi Posted: Wed Dec 14 2011, 03:02 hrs Mumbai:

Public transport
The Mumbai Metropolitan Region Development Authority (MMRDA) has set the ball rolling for setting up a smart card-based single ticket system for all modes of transport in the Mumbai Metropolitan Region. All public transport operators, except Railways, have confirmed their participation in the project.
The MMRDA has invited requests for qualifications for setting up an integrated ticketing system that will enable commuters to travel across the proposed monorail, Metro rail and public transport buses in Mumbai, Thane, Kalyan-Dombivli and Navi Mumbai with a single smart card. The agency hopes to rope in the Central Railway and Western Railway as well.
“We are still waiting for the Railways’ confirmation. So initially, we will go ahead with having an integrated ticketing system for public bus transport, monorail and Metro,” said K Vijayalakshmi, additional chief, Unified Mumbai Metropolitan Transport Authority, which is implementing the project through MMRDA.
__________________

^^

:ohno:

Chennai Metro will derail Airport safety, says Directorate General of Civil Aviation


A safety assessment carried out at the Chennai Airport to explore the viability of the upcoming Metro Rail link has identified several risks. Not only did the assessment, as per Directorate General of Civil Aviation norms, identify substantial risks to aircraft operations but also cites grave security concerns.

The assessment, done on various parameters set by Directorate General of Civil Aviation, concluded that there is over 95 per cent risk in allowing the Metro Rail link construction in its current format.

"The Directorate General of Civil Aviation report highlighted how the Metro Rail will bring an impacting change of airport and aircraft operations, how new disaster management rules will have to be laid down, new procedures for missed approaches will have to be figured out," a Directorate General of Civil Aviation official said.

The report also concluded that the electromagnetic effect from the moving train, performance loss of an aircraft, sabotage probabilities and other such critical risks will become paramount.

On a scale of 1 to 7, with 7 being the most substantial risk, Directorate General of Civil Aviation rated '7' to all of these parameters, highlighting the grave danger for giving approval to the Metro project in its current format.

"While Metro Rail...offered to cover the surface of the moving train with concrete, they have not specified how strong it will be. A superficial cover will serve no purpose. If the concrete box fails to take the load of the landing aircraft, it will bring in contact 25,000 volts of the Metro line with the aircraft resulting in disaster," the official said.

http://www.ndtv.com/article/tamil-nadu/chennai-metro-will-derail-airport-safety-158363

I'm certain that they would have hired a consultant to do a feasibility study before taking up a project such as this. How come this issue is coming up now?

If we see more of such a scenarios, what is the point in appointing a consultant to do a feasibility study prior to initiating a project like Chennai Metro.

But an underground station with a walkalator leading to the new terminals would be good.

CRML should be further stringent in steps they take so that our political imbalances can't affect project deliveries.

How can Chennai Metro will derail Airport safety???????????

If Delhi the capital of India with President, PM, Ministers, VVIPs, foreign regularly visited by head of states can go for airport metro then why not Chennai???????

They should allow Chennai Metro for airport link.

^^ anidel... I am not sure if you actually understood the reason for safety concern. The primary concern is related to "missed approaches", meaning overshooting/undershooting the runway during take off/landing operations.

This is related to the new runway which runs almost perpendicular to the Metro line near the airport. I believe their concerns are valid. Running the metro rail underground for a short distance near the runway will resolve this issue.

This has always been a concern right from day 1 and AAI and Chennai airport authorities have consistently pointed this out. I am glad that those responsible for airport safety are considering these aspects and raising their voice at the right time, instead of waiting for a mishap to happen.

tbm arrived in chennai and the boring to start in feb 15:banana:

^^ anidel... I am not sure if you actually understood the reason for safety concern. The primary concern is related to "missed approaches", meaning overshooting/undershooting the runway during take off/landing operations.

This is related to the new runway which runs almost perpendicular to the Metro line near the airport. I believe their concerns are valid. Running the metro rail underground for a short distance near the runway will resolve this issue.

This has always been a concern right from day 1 and AAI and Chennai airport authorities have consistently pointed this out. I am glad that those responsible for airport safety are considering these aspects and raising their voice at the right time, instead of waiting for a mishap to happen.

These issues caused considerable delay and the problem was resolved when CMRL agreed to go completely underground where the metro crosses the secondary runway approach funnel and reemerge above ground closer to the terminal. Infact someone (I think Arul) posted the detailed diagram in this thread. Only then was the contract awarded to Lanco Infra. Infact this was the last contract to be awarded. I dont know what is the problem now.

^^
https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-rGWodItSWFk/TuwM6REBwaI/AAAAAAAAG80/1x1YpVDk_04/s873/Capture1.jpg

http://epaper.dinamalar.com/PUBLICATIONS/DM/DINAMALAR/2011/12/17/Article//005/17_12_2011_005_003.jpg


Source: Dinamalar, Chennai Edition, dated 17-Dec-2011

Translation:

The TBMs for tunelling at Shenoy Nagar and Washermanpet have arrived at Chennai Harbour from China
The assembling and support components (motors, Conveyor belts, Steel supports, generators etc) were brought to shenoy Nagar yesterday evening in 3 containers
The main TBM parts also will arrive at Shenoy Nagar in a week
Since each TBM is around 170 Tonnes, they can be transported in huge trucks only at night.
The machines arrived earlier than scheduled and hence the actual tunnel boring will start as early as Feb 15
The machines will drill 15 metres of tunnel per day
The machine at shenoy Nagar will cover Anna nagar tower, Thirumangalam areas
The machine at Washermanpet will cover Washermanpet, Mannadi, High Court till Central station

^^Common man, more specifically enthusiasts like us get fascinated about TBM's as it is one such piece of equipment where we aren't given entry to see or go near it.

Even fighter aircrafts too can be seen from near in Air Shows.

Wish we have a TBM Museum or static display for shorter period of time when its work is over.... Did expect model display of it in EXCON 2011, but didn't see one :(

Don't blame the media either as such reports gets attention of readers and their circulation improves.:)

Those tracks are temporary ones used for the machine installing parapet walls....again its media :bash:

What type of TBM's is CM using? Slurry or EPBM?

I don't understand the missed landing part. Even now if they miss and land in GST, all passengers have no chance. When the intent is now to go underground, how can it termed highest possible risk?

Source : http://www.robbinstbm.com/event/excon-2011/

In 2012, a new 6.65 m (21.8 ft) Robbins EPB will tackle mixed ground conditions in densely urban Chennai.

The southeastern Indian city is a rapidly growing technological and industrial center with a population of more than 8.2 million people. Owner Chennai Metro Rail Limited (CMRL) has commissioned two new rail lines to help with traffic congestion, totaling 45.1 km (28.0 mi) in length.

The Robbins EPB will excavate two 1 km (0.6 mi) tunnel sections of Lot UAA-01 on Line 1, extending from the Washermanpet area toward Chennai International Airport. The EPB, for contractor Afcons Infrastructure Ltd, will excavate variable ground consisting of granite, sand, silt, and clay with boulders up to 300 mm (12 in) in diameter.

The mixed ground EPB design will utilize a combination of 17-inch diameter disc cutters as well as soft ground tools. Specialized, small grippers located around the circumference of the machine’s shield will allow for cutterhead stabilization in harder ground, and in addition will react the forces needed to pull the cutterhead back from the face.

Following shipment to the jobsite in January 2012, the TBM will be assembled and launched from a 28 m (92 ft) deep starting pit.

Source : http://www.robbinstbm.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/08/Robbins-Newsletter_Q3_2011_emaildistribution.pdf

What type of TBM's is CM using? Slurry or EPBM?

Chennai Metro will be using EPBM...

I don't understand the missed landing part. Even now if they miss and land in GST, all passengers have no chance. When the intent is now to go underground, how can it termed highest possible risk?

Well, the aircraft reaching GST on a missed approach/landing is a different scenario altogether. What we are conversing here is about the Metro line, if overhead, would be a hindrance to the aircraft, and on an unfortunate day may result in a serious mishap. After various rounds of discussions and arguments, the latest design is that the metro would run UG, but unlike other UG areas (9-12m below ground) this part will run just below the surface, so the top area would be covered with a concrete box. The question now is, will the concrete box be able to hold the aircraft weight, in case the aircraft runs over it. If CMRL answers this with the technical specifications of the box, and if the specs look good to withstand aircraft weight, the matter can be put to rest. Else, CMRL has to redesign the box accordingly. Simple.

^^Common man, more specifically enthusiasts like us get fascinated about TBM's as it is one such piece of equipment where we aren't given entry to see or go near it.

Even fighter aircrafts too can be seen from near in Air Shows.

Wish we have a TBM Museum or static display for shorter period of time when its work is over.... Did expect model display of it in EXCON 2011, but didn't see one :(

Let the TBM be assembled, and let the works begin. We shall start an initiative, write to CMRL authorities for organizing a visit to the UG work site, a la Industrial visit. Definitely media would be allowed inside, so we shall try to convince them for one such visit. I'm sure they would agree, and this will be a win-win situation for them, if media writes about such visit, CMRL would get a good name..

Those tracks are temporary ones used for the machine installing parapet walls....again its media :bash:

Exactly!! These are temp tracks.. Metro rail tracks would be two way, and moreover, before the real tracks are laid, the ballast concrete structure should be in place. Something similar to this

http://www.delhimetrorail.com/Photo_Gallery/thumb/cthumb28.jpg

I feel TBM's customized and they won't be used in other places in the designed area which they are built to operate. Hence after such works is over TBM can be kept in static display (say Delhi's TBM's). Such exhibits helps to create enthusiasm in minds of young to these technologies as well as fill the thirst of curiosity for enthusiasts like us

Also i remember reading a article in print media that in one of the UG metro construction sites in our country (i.e TBM shaft area and tunnelled area) is a restricted space where media too weren't allowed.

Let the TBM be assembled, and let the works begin. We shall start an initiative, write to CMRL authorities for organizing a visit to the UG work site, a la Industrial visit. Definitely media would be allowed inside, so we shall try to convince them for one such visit. I'm sure they would agree, and this will be a win-win situation for them, if media writes about such visit, CMRL would get a good name..

TBMs are here! :banana:

Exactly!! These are temp tracks.. Metro rail tracks would be two way, and moreover, before the real tracks are laid, the ballast concrete structure should be in place. Something similar to this

http://www.delhimetrorail.com/Photo_Gallery/thumb/cthumb28.jpg

The metro tracks are ballast less though.

Frame has been put up to support the portal work between BSNL office and udhayam, where the viaduct deviates towards the Government Peripheral Hospital compound.

Overhead power lines look ugly!

Some pics taken last week ....

http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7033/6525763993_889215b12d_b.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/69876940@N04/6525763993/)
I3503[1] (http://www.flickr.com/photos/69876940@N04/6525763993/) by Venks Varadharajan (http://www.flickr.com/people/69876940@N04/), on Flickr

One of the portal pillars near ESI Udhayam
http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7151/6525764001_5f46f55cd0_b.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/69876940@N04/6525764001/)
I3496[1] (http://www.flickr.com/photos/69876940@N04/6525764001/) by Venks Varadharajan (http://www.flickr.com/people/69876940@N04/), on Flickr

Pillars along the ESI compound - near udhayam signal

http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7003/6525749555_9c000eecf9_b.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/69876940@N04/6525749555/)
I3491[1] (http://www.flickr.com/photos/69876940@N04/6525749555/) by Venks Varadharajan (http://www.flickr.com/people/69876940@N04/), on Flickr

http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7028/6525749563_c4c6046833_b.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/69876940@N04/6525749563/)
I3495[1] (http://www.flickr.com/photos/69876940@N04/6525749563/) by Venks Varadharajan (http://www.flickr.com/people/69876940@N04/), on Flickr

Portal preparation - near BSNL Udhayam theatre slum ...

http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7145/6525749571_33d4bc789c_b.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/69876940@N04/6525749571/)
I3498[1] (http://www.flickr.com/photos/69876940@N04/6525749571/) by Venks Varadharajan (http://www.flickr.com/people/69876940@N04/), on Flickr

http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7155/6525763941_918cf8fc22_b.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/69876940@N04/6525763941/)
I3499[1] (http://www.flickr.com/photos/69876940@N04/6525763941/) by Venks Varadharajan (http://www.flickr.com/people/69876940@N04/), on Flickr

http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7035/6525763949_4b0f0d95c8_b.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/69876940@N04/6525763949/)
I3500[1] (http://www.flickr.com/photos/69876940@N04/6525763949/) by Venks Varadharajan (http://www.flickr.com/people/69876940@N04/), on Flickr

http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7169/6525763967_b00936836b_b.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/69876940@N04/6525763967/)
I3497[1] (http://www.flickr.com/photos/69876940@N04/6525763967/) by Venks Varadharajan (http://www.flickr.com/people/69876940@N04/), on Flickr

Ashok pillar Station .. opp Udhayam theatre..

http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7154/6525749537_aff9afc7f0_b.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/69876940@N04/6525749537/)
I3487[2] (http://www.flickr.com/photos/69876940@N04/6525749537/) by Venks Varadharajan (http://www.flickr.com/people/69876940@N04/), on Flickr

http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7155/6525749547_e22ceb4471_b.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/69876940@N04/6525749547/)
I3488[1] (http://www.flickr.com/photos/69876940@N04/6525749547/) by Venks Varadharajan (http://www.flickr.com/people/69876940@N04/), on Flickr

http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7141/6525749553_d81f7870dc_b.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/69876940@N04/6525749553/)
I3489[1] (http://www.flickr.com/photos/69876940@N04/6525749553/) by Venks Varadharajan (http://www.flickr.com/people/69876940@N04/), on Flickr

The metro tracks are ballast less though.

Oh yeah.. not sure what they call those concrete wall like structure. May be guide walls?? :)

Super updates DP!! DP's back!!! :)

Thanks DP.. These look exactly like how it was 2 months ago!! Like Vijay said, there is barely any progress in this sector in the last 2 months. Now that the monsoon is over, hope the work starts again.

Borers for Metro Rail tunnels arrive

http://www.thehindu.com/multimedia/dynamic/00867/18THSHENOY_NAGAR_867605f.jpg
IN PLACE: The Metro Rail site in Shenoy Nagar Park, which got the first consignment of tunnel boring machine components on Friday. Photo: V. Ganesan

Two Tunnel Boring Machines (TBMs) that would be used to build the underground section of Metro Rail have arrived from China. The process of transporting the machines, which were shipped to the Chennai port as five to six separate segments, to the launch sites has commenced.

In due course, nine more machines would arrive in the city and all 11 TBMs would be deployed simultaneously to build the 24-km underground section of the Metro Rail network over the next three years.

To minimise the impact on traffic, the components are being transported at night. Shenoy Nagar Park, which is one of the five TBM launch sites, received its first consignment on Friday.

Chennai Metro Rail Limited Managing Director K. Rajaraman said work on building the launch shafts (through which the TBM would be eased to a depth of nine metre beneath the ground) is on in many locations. “Apart from Shenoy Nagar and Washermenpet, such shafts would be built in May Day Park in Chintadripet, Nehru Park in Poonamallee High Road and Saidapet. The component assembling and operational trial of the TBMs would go on simultaneously,” he said.

Full-fledged underground tunnelling is expected to begin around mid-February, he added.

30-storey tall

Each TBM weighs around 140 tonnes. The entire assembly stretches to a length of nearly 90 metre. When placed vertically, it would be as tall as a 30-storey building.

TBMs are specially designed machinery used to build tunnels with a circular cross-section. They are deployed especially in urban settings where ground excavations can lead to large-scale disruptions.

Each TBM has one or two large metal cylinders (shields) mounted on a trailing support mechanism. The front of the shield has a rotating cutting wheel, which will do the tunnelling.

The Chennai Metro Rail project has two corridors – Washermenpet to Airport and Chennai Central to St.Thomas Mount. A portion of the Metro alignment on Corridor-I, between Washermenpet – Saidapet ramp, and on Corridor-II, between Central and Thirumangalam ramp, runs as underground tunnels. Of the 36 upcoming Metro stations, 20 would be underground.

http://www.thehindu.com/news/cities/chennai/article2725976.ece

Crossposting
Traffic Arrangments @ Anna Nagar
https://fbcdn-sphotos-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-ash4/394398_308718129161981_118055624894900_1050516_2105595869_n.jpg

Source: I ♥ Chennai (https://www.facebook.com/mycitychennai)


For all the confused commuters of Anna Nagar -

Chennai City Traffic Police

The CMRL is going to execute the underground station work at 3 places from Thirumangalam to Chintamani on 2nd Avenue, Anna Nagar. Due to this work the movement of traffic on II Avenue, 100 feet road and Shanthi Colony will be changed from 15.12.2011.

1) The 13th Main Road Anna Nagar will be made one way for the entire stretch from 18th Main Road upto II Avenue with entry from 18th Main Road and no entry from II Avenue.

2) The 100 feet road will be made one way from II Avenue up to 18th Main Road junction with entry from II Avenue and no entry from 18th Main Road.

3) The vehicles coming from Padi fly over towards Koyambedu will take left into Anna Nagar 18th Main Road and join 13th Main Road and turn right onto 2nd Avenue and take left towards 100 feet Road to reach Koyambedu.

4) The vehicles coming from Koyambedu intending to go towards Anna Nagar Roundabout will pass through Thirumangalam junction, take right at VI Avenue and again right onto 13th Main road turn left at II Avenue to reach their destination or they can turn into Shanthi Colony IV Avenue to reach Anna Nagar Roundanna.

5) Motorists intending to go to SBOA School from 18th Main Road should take 13th Main Road and 17th Main Road to reach 100 feet Road to their destination.

6) Motorists from Mogappair intending to go to Koyambedu and Anna Nagar should take left on 100 feet Road and go via VI Avenue and 13th Main Road to reach II Avenue turn right towards Koyambedu or left towards Anna Nagar round about.

7) The route from Koyambedu to Padi remains unaltered.

8) Motorists coming from SBOA School intending to go to Anna Nagar will take left to 100 feet Road via 18th Main Road, 13th Main Road to reach II Avenue turn right towards Koyambedu or left towards Anna Nagar round about.

9) The stretch in between Chintamani up to Anna Nagar roundabout will be made as one way with entry from Chintamani and No entry from 3rd Avenue.

10) The stretch in between Anna Nagar roundabout up to Thirumangalam will be made one way with entry from Thirumangalam and No entry from III Avenue.

11) Motorists coming from Chintamani along II Avenue intending to go to Thirumangalam, will turn left onto III Avenue and take right into Shanthi colony to reach their destination.

12) Vehicles from Anna arch intending to go to K-4 P.S. Roundana will take the route via Shanthi colony, V Avenue (Blue Star), right onto II Avenue to reach their destination.

13) The stretch in between Shanthi colony and Blue star (V Avenue) will be made one way with entry from Shanthi colony and No entry from II Avenue.

14) 3rd main road between Shanthi colony and II Avenue will be made one way towards II Avenue.

15) 6th Main road between Ayappan temple and Shanthi colony will be made one way towards Shanthi Colony.

16) The Shanthi colony stretch between III Avenue up to V Avenue Junction will be made one way with entry from III Avenue.

17) Two-way traffic will be allowed on the Shanthi colony stretch in between V Avenue up to 100 feet road.

18) The existing 3 MTC bus stops located at Anna Nagar roundana, Blue Star and 12th Main road on II Avenue towards Thirumangalam, will be shifted to the parallel road IV Avenue (Shanthi colony) in front of 3rd main road, V Avenue and 12th main road respectively.

A small doubt:

Why should the Metro UG line go upto runway of Chennai Airport???
Isn't it possible for them to go underground under GST Road and end at the Airport International Terminal building??

I had the very same question. Seems Govt has allocated land inside airport campus rather than out of NHAI's part.. Not sure what's the reason for that..

^^ I guess Since it is just cut and cover and not a real UG (using TBM), they decided to do it in vacant land instead of the road.

We should wait more 2 years (2013) to see metro running in Chennai.

I heard that Fort - Velachery suburban trian line will be converted to metro in future. is it true?

Thanks DP.. These look exactly like how it was 2 months ago!! Like Vijay said, there is barely any progress in this sector in the last 2 months. Now that the monsoon is over, hope the work starts again.

L&T is concentrating on the straight stretchs, As Most of the work on the staright stretch from mount- koyambedu has been completed. They are conceentrating on the Airport- Saidapet stretch. Also work is going on brisk pace in Alandur- mount stretch.

We should wait more 2 years (2013) to see metro running in Chennai.

I heard that Fort - Velachery suburban trian line will be converted to metro in future. is it true?

It is on the cards but no steps taken for the same

A small doubt:

Why should the Metro UG line go upto runway of Chennai Airport???
Isn't it possible for them to go underground under GST Road and end at the Airport International Terminal building??

Cost factor - Elevated metro costs 180 crs per KM and UG costs 300 crs per km. Earlier there was plan to run the metro at ground level near the runway which will be lower than the Signal near Trident hotel. Airport authorities did not like the plan. After revise planning it was planned to run the metro at a height lower than the ground level. It will be a cut and cover operation.

Can anyone capture the TBM shipment made to the UG metro. bangalore media gave a good coverage of the TBM from the time they arrived at the chennai port to the launch of the tunnelling. But here there is hardly any news about it.

http://www.thehindu.com/todays-paper/tp-national/tp-tamilnadu/article2730465.ece

With the city receiving its first batch of Tunnel Boring Machines that will be used to build the Metro Rail network's underground section, it is only a matter of time before massive subterranean holes begin to take shape beneath the surface.

While motorists would never get to see any of the tunnels for the next 3-4 years, the impact of the construction work would be clearly felt by most residents. Large-scale diversions, such as the one that came into effect in Anna Nagar, would be in place in at least 19 other locations.

Bangalore's Namma Metro has an underground section that is only 8.8-km long. Yet, ever since construction began in January this year, traffic flow has been severely affected in many parts there. Chennai's underground corridor, in comparison, is much larger.

Sanjay Arora, Additional Commissioner of Police – Traffic (in-charge) says: “We are preparing for a long-haul scenario. Each location where an underground station is set to come up will be blocked for more than a year after the area-specific diversion plan kicks in.”

He says that all plans would be uploaded on to Chennai City Traffic Police's Facebook page well ahead of time and pamphlets would be distributed on the spot.

Private traffic wardens are also set to be deployed round the clock in 23 locations. “Given the scenario, we will try our best to minimise the impact on traffic flow,” Mr.Arora adds.

But much of the ‘pain' would be due to underground station construction. Tunnelling, on the other hand, would have little or no impact at the surface level. Chennai Metro Rail Limited Managing Director K.Rajaraman says that people will not even know that holes are being drilled beneath the surface.

Out of the 11 TBMs that would eventually be in operation, the first one would be launched from Washermenpet.

The tunnelling would be controlled by precision electronic systems. The cutting rotor (shield) of each TBM would also be supported by a 78 metre long trailing assembly, consisting of components that provide mechanical support and help remove the excavated material.

To put it simplistically, the TBM works similar to an earthworm with cycles of digging forward and dragging the rear end afterwards. A series of hydraulic systems push the TBM forward (excavating the soil), while the rear end of it is braced against the tunnel wall. When the TBM head has excavated to its maximum length, the ‘shield' and the rear end is pulled forward.

Elaborate measures would be put in place for collection, transfer and disposal of an estimated 1.85 million metric cube of excavated soil. Nearly four lakh truck trips would be required in a span of 4-5 years, which translates to 218 trips per day. “We have been allotted several abandoned stone quarries beyond Tambaram,” Mr.Rajaraman says.

At its peak, the Metro Rail tunnelling operation would churn out enough debris to rival the amount of solid waste generated by the city.

Apart from logistical issues, there are also a number of concerns regarding the proposed permanent changes to entry/exit arrangements at major mass-transit systems near underground Metro stations. For example, station floor plans reveal that the Central Metro Station, which would be the largest in the city, would alter approaches to at least four modes of transport – Central railway station, Park MRTS station, Moore Market suburban station and public transit buses.

Experts say that many of these approaches have not been well thought out. Rumi Roy of the Delhi Development Authority says: “In Delhi, for example, the old Delhi railway station is very difficult to access from the nearby Metro station.”

“Once the ground is dug up for an underground Metro, it will stay that way for a long time. Integration has to be well thought out. We have to design systems that would last many decades,” she adds.

Image present in the above article..
http://www.thehindu.com/multimedia/dynamic/00869/20THMETRORAIL_869148f.jpg

http://img46.imageshack.us/img46/2669/wr279406.jpg (http://imageshack.us/photo/my-images/46/wr279406.jpg/)

Metro starts work on walls for tunnels

CHENNAI: As tunneling work for metro rail is about to begin in a couple of months, Chennai Metro Rail has started setting up units to make pre-cast concrete tunnel walls at Muttukadu, Tiruneermalai and Vanagaram.

Underground tunnels of metro rail will be reinforced with concrete walls which will shore up the tunnels as it passes underneath busy roads and buildings across the city. These walls will be made in segments using specially designed moulds and will be transported to work site so that they can be installed simultaneously when machines start boring.

The machine will bore a particular length, then the pre-cast walls will be installed in the bored portion before the machine resumes work. A senior official of metro rail said 12 sets of pre-cast segment moulds have arrived after they were factory-tested in China and Korea. "One set has six cast moulds. The tunnel walls will be made of six pre-manufactured concrete segments. These segments will be interlocked and installed when a machine completes boring a particular length of the tunnel," he added.

Metro rail has started work to build diaphragm walls to lower tunnel boring machines at Egmore, Washermanpet, Shenoy Nagar, May Day Park and Kilpauk Medical College. Two tunnel boring machines, which have arrived from China, will be lowered at Washermanpet and Shenoy Nagar where diaphragm walls will be completed earlier than other locations. More machines are expected to arrive soon.

Around 22 diaphragm wall panels are made and a guide wall has been completed at May Day Park, while 24 diaphragm wall panels at Shenoy Nagar and 19 others at Washermanpet have been installed. The boring machines will be lowered at these locations when the diaphragm walls are constructed and a pathway tunnel designed to guide the machines to the boring spot is completed.

Work to build underground stations is progressing at a brisk pace along Poonamallee High Road for the Central-Tirumangalam underground section and along Anna Salai for Washermanpet to Saidapet underground stretch. Soil investigations are complete and barricades have been set up to identify and move utilities like electrical junction boxes, water supply pipelines and others.

Workers started to barricade a median opposite Ripon Building on Sunday while work has begun to construct guide walls near Central railway station. Guide walls have been constructed for more than 100 metres near Kilpauk Medical College. Metro rail has also started shifting electrical junction boxes from Anna Nagar Tower station.

In the Washermanpet to Saidapet underground stretch, soil investigations have been completed at Government Estate, LIC and Thousand Lights station locations. Metro rail officials have started identifying utilities at LIC, Thousand lights, Teynampet, Chamiers Road and Saidapet stations to move them before work begins.


Source (http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/chennai/Metro-starts-work-on-walls-for-tunnels/articleshow/11175101.cms)

Arrival of TBM

Pic Courtesy: Dinamalar

https://fbcdn-sphotos-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-snc7/s320x320/379520_205591742859030_154701661281372_482225_707314973_n.jpg

Image present in the above article..
http://www.thehindu.com/multimedia/dynamic/00869/20THMETRORAIL_869148f.jpg

WOW!!!! That is HUGE!!!

Great developments. chennai metro rocks

We should wait more 2 years (2013) to see metro running in Chennai.

I heard that Fort - Velachery suburban trian line will be converted to metro in future. is it true?

False

Nov 26th update

H9X1LjyNrAE

மெட்ரோ ரயில் சுரங்கம் தோண்டும் மிஷின்கள்இயக்குவதற்கு சீனா இன்ஜினியர்கள் வருகை (http://www.dinamalar.com/News_Detail.asp?Id=371035)



TBM Engineers coming on Jan 2012 to setup & operate the TBM.

I found this online which explains how TBM works. Its an animation page.

http://digitalized.co.uk/tbm.html

I hope Anna Univ Mech engineers along with L&T design dept make visits to this site,take crucial engineering details and try working out designs and diagrams.. We should learn atleast some fundamentals in 2012 about TBMs..

In 2nd avenue i got to take a snap of the recent developments

http://i43.tinypic.com/9rsl5y.jpg

I hope Anna Univ Mech engineers along with L&T design dept make visits to this site,take crucial engineering details and try working out designs and diagrams.. We should learn atleast some fundamentals in 2012 about TBMs..

There is a TBM assembly and cutting disk factory in Tiruvallur, so I guess the 'fundamentals' can be learnt from there.

http://businesstoday.intoday.in/story/e-sreedharan-delhi-metro-interview/1/21128.html

ES: DMRC is in business, really, but not normal business. We are in the transport business, which is also a social service.

Just to give some background, sir, for the 20th anniversary of Business Today, we are publishing a special anniversary issue in which we are inviting opinions from people like yourselves. Thank you very much for giving us this opportunity. We would like this to be a free-wheeling chat and know your thoughts on the future of public transport in India. How you think it will evolve? What are the bottlenecks? What are the challenges and what are the possible solutions, especially keeping in mind that migration into urban centres is only going up. And various estimates say 70 per cent of India's population will be probably in cities by 2050 or so. How do we ensure that people's lives move in a smooth manner?

ES: My personal view is that urbanisation should be encouraged, mainly because it facilitates access to benefits - health facilities, education, law and all that - by larger sections of the country. In villages, providing all these facilities is a very big task. This is exactly why China is encouraging urbanisation - so that a larger section of the population can be covered with limited resources. So I don't think that in our country, we should try to discourage urbanisation.
Having said that, we have to tackle the problems of urbanisation, such as providing civic amenities, housing, water supply, drainage and lighting.

Public transport is among all these, because all economic activity and social life depends on easy access to public transport. Now, if everybody starts having their own two-wheelers and cars, city roads will get clogged. So it is necessary to have public transport systems in cities.

Recently, the Planning Commission set up a committee on urban transport for the twelfth five-year plan. I happened to be its chairman. We have strongly recommended that in urban transport, public transport should be encouraged in a big way. Today, this is not happening. We have a rudimentary form of public transport, mostly run by private enterprises. There is very little government initiative, and it's basically in only road transport, not rail. We have recommended that in every city with more than two million people, we should start planning metro service. Metro has a large carrying capacity, and it is energy-efficient. The cost of carrying a passenger per kilometre in a metro system is one-sixth or one-fifth the cost of a road transport system. A rail-based system is fast, viable, safe and comfortable.

Today, there are 19 cities in the country with more than two million people. And I think there are about 14 cities with three million people, and seven cities with more than five million. So we have requested that all cities with five million population should get a metro immediately. Fortunately, that has started everywhere, except Ahmedabad, where things are still in the detailed project report stage. Delhi has completed its project. Bangalore has opened a section. Work is on in Chennai, Kolkata and Mumbai. Cities with three million must also get a metro immediately. In cities with two million people, we must plan in another two years. These are the recommendations.

The question was whether less populous cities should all have metro or rail-based systems as the backbone of their public transport. We still need road-based bus feeder and complementary systems. That is unavoidable.

Today, the biggest problem is that road-based public transport is not viable, or is becoming unviable. In most of the cities, it runs at a terrible loss. Delhi Transport Corporation, or DTC, is an example - its government subsidy is Rs 3 crore a day. DTC has bought a lot of huge buses, and many are not running full all the time.

For the best system in the country, today 30-33 per cent of its cost is just taxes. When you buy a bus, there is a tax. When you register the bus, there is a tax. Fuel is taxed. Everything is taxed. The result: buses are becoming unviable. A city like Delhi today needs something like 25,000 buses in addition to the metro that is coming up. Buses should be available in any nook and corner of the country. Only then will the number of private vehicles come down. It is essential to reduce the number of private vehicles. Lot of disincentives must be introduced. But before you create a disincentive, you must provide an alternative. A public transport system must be available.

But our planners are not looking at it. Delhi has made a good start with the metro system. Now at least the government is committed. Four phases of metro system are in place. Three phases are over, and I think the fourth phase will be complete by 2021. By then, the city will expand so much that it will need another phase. An ideal situation in Delhi would be if every home and workplace were within half a kilometre of a metro station.

That would apply to the other cities with more than five million people as well.

ES: It is required. We have to bring in huge investment in urban transport. We have made practical suggestions to the Planning Commission for how the money to be raised.
A number of measures could be mentioned. One is that a non-lapseable, non-fungible urban transit fund be created by state and central governments. Out of this, allocations should be made - so much for metro, so much for road transport, so much for road improvement. We have found that it is easy to raise this money, provided there is political will. People are prepared to pay if they get service. You will be surprised to know how many requests come in, asking why are don't you raise the metro fare. People think it is cheap. And it is. It's one of the cheapest metros in the world. In Singapore or Hong Kong, it costs four to five times more. In Dubai, it is ten times more. But it is necessary to keep fares low so everyone can afford the metro.

Will profitability come through volumes?

ES: Yes, of course. And you should not think profitability in urban transport. You should not treat it as a business, which, of course, the government is doing. All state governments, municipalities, everyone considers urban transport business. It's not a business. It's a social service. You don't expect profit out hospitals and schools - they are a basic amenity that you have to provide in every city. This is my view. So, to make it easy, taxes on buses should be reduced.
We should tax those who pollute the city.

You mean car drivers?

ES: Yes, cars and autos.

Also the industrial units also around the city?

ES: No, no. We assume that city planning will move industrial units away from the city. Sometimes that may not be possible. But we have suggested something like a green tax on vehicles. The tax that car owners pay is so little. And in a place like Delhi, people have two or three, or even five, cars per house. Keeping cars should not be cheap. There should be parking constraints. People should not be able to park anywhere and everywhere. They should pay high fees to park. Old vehicles that pollute badly should pay a green tax. For whoever wants to purchase their first vehicle, you can be lenient. For the second vehicle, the registration fee should be doubled. That is the sort of disincentive to have for personal vehicles. But before that, public transport must be available, and for that, investment is necessary.
Investment is not at all difficult, provided there is a will to raise the money.

There has been a recent proposal by the Delhi government to introduce a congestion tax in some parts of the city.

ES: Yes, by the Municipal Corporation of Delhi.

And also to raise parking fees in some areas. So, would you say that is a step in the right direction?

ES: Yes. Parking fees should be raised. The cost of land is high. You can't allow vehicle owners to lock up this valuable space in the city. We should encourage people to use public transport.

What is your view on a tram system as a sort of feeder or supplement to the metro and road systems? Delhi had trams long ago. Kolkata still has them.

ES: Tram systems have undergone a change now. Today it is called LRT (Light Rapid Transit). It is essentially a tramway sharing the right of way with the road. These operate in most European countries. But these are systems in cities that are spread out, with wide roads. If you are going to share right of way with other road vehicles here, trams will cause bottlenecks. You can have trams if the roads are wide and you can segregate a portion for the tramway. But our cities are not planned that way. So I do not advocate LRT here. Instead, it should be light metro. The only thing that is different is: on the ground, it is elevated, rather than underground.

How is light metro different from regular metro?

ES: The capacity of heavy metro is 90,000 passengers per hour in one direction. In a light metro, it would be only about 25,000. Many cities are planning medium metro, such Chennai and Bangalore. That is about 45,000 to 50,000 PHPDT, or 'peak hour, peak direction traffic'. Cities such as Mumbai and Delhi require heavy systems.

Is this a viable system? Indian cities are growing rapidly, so won't the light metro become congested?

ES: No, no. You always make a provision to expand the system. If a line gets congested, you can build a parallel line and siphon traffic to that. That is what every city has done. If you see London, so many lines criss-cross. They weren't all built at the same time. Many came up in the last six years. As the city grows, you increase the network. Add lines. You can't plan one line for 90,000 passengers. Then it is an investment that is not fetching any money. As the city grows, the network should expand.

Bangalore was planning a monorail system some time ago. I don't think it was very successful. What are your views on that?

ES: Monorail is a system ideal for a picnic spot, a park or a religious place. The investment in a monorail is same as for light metro, but the operating cost is three times as much. So it cannot be viable. So many monorails have been planned because of the monorail lobby. If you ask technocrats, nobody recommends monorail. It is only politicians.

You see what is happening in Chennai now. They were planning a metro. When Jayalalithaa became Chief Minister, we gave a presentation, and she agreed and work began on it. Everything was decided. Suddenly, she made a U-turn. She announced 300 km of monorail, instead of metro. Fortunately, her term came to an end, and the DMK came to power. They reversed the decision and reinstated the metro. About 77 km of metro is under construction. Now Jayalalitha is back, and says there will be no expansion of the metro. She wants monorail again. There is no logic there, according to me. The carrying capacity of a monorail is one-third that of a metro. The cost is the same. The operating cost is double. How can it be viable?

They all talk about it being on BOT (build, operate, transfer) basis. You will never succeed that way. A monorail is under construction in Mumbai now. It's going to be a white elephant. No doubt about it. They already spent about Rs 100 crore per kilometre. Light metro costs the same, and has a higher carrying capacity. How is it going to be viable? Monorail is not a solution for urban transport. It is alright as a tourist attraction.

Would it be viable for cities with a population of a million, such as Coimbatore?

ES: How can it be? It cannot. The cost is the same. You can go for a metro.

So small cities should go for light metro?

ES: They should. We are bringing a new technology here. DMRC is taking the lead. It's called Maglev technology, which is same as light metro, but costs less than a normal metro, Operating costs are 30 per cent lower. We are trying to bring that here.

Is this the same as the one in Shanghai?

ES: Yes, the Shanghai airport line. But that is high speed - 400 km per hour. For urban transport, the speed is 100 km. This has been successful in Japan. It is being successfully implemented in South Korea now. We are trying to bring this technology to India.

Which part of the city will have this line?

ES: We want to try it on the Najafgarh to Dwarka line. It is a 6 km line. We want to perfect it there, so it can be used in other areas. This is what we are proposing to the government.

There has been a lot of debate about the BRT system in Delhi. Especially because existing roads were split into two, instead of building a separate corridor for buses. The government says it is a success, but people say it is a failure. There is distress among public as well.

ES: From a planner's point of view, it is a success. But if you ask the commuter from the road, as opposed to one in the bus lane, it is an ordeal. It's an ordeal for cars and two-wheelers. There are bottlenecks. Even if the light is green, vehicles cannot move. At every junction, there are two bus stops. At the entry and exit of all junctions, there is a terrific jam. In between, there is not much of a jam. It has not been a success. But can be made into one by planning differently. They should not have huge buses, and buses should be freely available. There are not enough of them. Buses should cover all areas. Having the BRT for a small length is of no use. Having a BRT for 6 km doesn't benefit anyone. It should cover at least half the city. But this city does not have wide roads.

Would you say afresh corridor should be built for the BRT, rather than taking away one line from the existing road?

ES: They should should paint marks and enforce discipline. A physical barrier should not be there. That is not done in many countries. And the most important thing: bus stops should not be near junctions. They should be at least 100 metres away.

In cities with five to 10 lakh people, what kind of transport do you recommend?

ES: Buses. We have proposed only public buses. Large numbers of buses. These must be freely available. It will not be profitable - the government has to subsidise it. According to me, there should be no sales tax on any bus used for public transport. There should be no road tax. At present, the road tax on buses is crippling. The government thinks it is getting revenue. But it's like killing the goose that lays golden eggs. They should make it attractive for government departments and private operators to run buses. You can't wish away a bus system. They are a necessity in smaller cities.

But when buses are operated by private, people face many problems. Buses stop where there are no stops. They lack discipline.

ES: That is because there is no measure to bring in discipline. Unfortunately, our agency that should enforce discipline is not upright and honest. If any bus driver is booked for a violation, he can easily get out of it by paying a bribe. We have to change the whole system. It is working well in Bangalore. It is making a profit, too.

One last question. The Kolkata metro is the oldest in the country. I rememeber riding in the first metro, in the early 1980s. It took almost twenty years to build. It is in poor shape now.

ES: Very bad shape.

If a metro system is built, and people use it, and then it degenerates, what are the lessons to learn?

ES: Kolkata's metro has not degenerated. It has been planned wrong from the start. They planned wrong, and use the wrong type of signalling and rolling stock. They didn't introduce modern trains and signalling.

This was available when they launched?

ES: It was available the world over. We decided we will do it in our own Indian fashion, get the coaches from ICF. The coaches were manufactured in ICF. Rickety old coaches. They are not air-conditioned. The rudimentary signalling of Indian Railways was adopted.
It was done by Indian Railways. Urban transport is not their responsibility or role. It is the role of the urban development ministry. The railways don't want to part with it, I don't know why, although they incur an operating loss of nearly Rs 100 crore a year. It is a prestige issue for them.

We have given them a proposal to upgrade and modernise the Kolkata metro. We have made an offer saying that we can give a project report and see what it is going to cost. We have even suggested that if we modernise and upgrade the Kolkata metro, a private party could invest. The railways may not need to spend at all. A private party will be interested, because the basic infrastructure is all there. Stations and tunnels are available. And that accounts for 65 per cent of project cost. Any new investor has to put in only the remaining 35 per cent. In Kolkata, the traffic is heavy. They only need to change the fare level. That metro can be brought up to world standards in three to five years. But a beginning should be made.

So, for any city planning a metro, what are the five most important things to keep in mind?

ES: The main thing is to choose the route correctly, where there is maximum traffic demand. Then there should be judicious decisions whether to build elevated or underground. One should also remember that underground costs three times as much as an elevated system for construction. Besides, the operating cost is 50 per cent more, and the security risk is five times more. A terrorist in an underground section can do five times more damage than on an elevated portion. All this must be taken into consideration. There should be a judicious mix of elevated and underground.

We should not go for a posh or luxurious metro. The country can't afford it. We should go for a functional metro, but ensure comfort, speed and safety. Not huge stations with chandeliers and fancy architecture. Delhi's metro does not have costly stations. They are just functional.
I could have made these stations like Moscow's. Nobody would have stopped it. But these are all dead investments. It should be functional. We should be able to complete it without cost or time overruns. We should be able to operate the system economically. And I think we have done that remarkably well in Delhi. Our operating expenditures are half of what other metros are spending the world over. Of course our revenues are also low, because of our fares. Metros should be financially operationally viable at least. They should not depend on government subsidy to run the system.

For all the metros coming up in the country, we have done the project report. Everywhere, we have ensured that we can manage comfortably. Now it depends on the execution. We are not doing that. There are separate organisations for it. If they mess up, the cost will go up. Time and cost overrun can make the metro financially unviable. It is very important to finishing projects on time and within the estimates.

TBMs arrived and,

Georgetown Residents don't want Underground Metro in their area..Gone to High Court foa a stay... TV news.

^^ Only to be shown doors, hopefully..

False

Thanks for clearing confusion. Conversion to the Velachery rail line to metro will do a huge investment, and a wastage. So metro should built as 2 lines like present plan. But I suggest the elevated Velachery line should remain, extend towards St. Thomas Mount for connect with Chengalpattu line (and like a circular railway running Fort - Velachery - St. Thomas Mount - Numgambakkam - Fort), and well conect stations with bus.

Residents move HC seeking restoring of original CMRL alignment

Chennai, Dec 22 (PTI): Uneasy over prospects of Chennai Metro-Rail operating just 33 feet below their homes, residents of parts of George Town and Seven Wells areas in North Chennai have moved the Madras High Court, seeking restoration of the original alignment of the Metro Rail. When the petition filed by George Town Building Owners Welfare Association came up for hearing today, Justice N Paul Vasanthakumar issued notice to the Centre and Tamil Nadu government and Chennai Metro Rail Limited (CMRL). Submitting that a modification in alignment has brought these densely populated areas in the corridor of metro-rail, the association claimed that between 3,000 to 5000 houses would be affected due to the deviation. The association feared the giant tunnel boring machine operating about 33 feet below its members' homes would pose a grave danger to the lives of those occupying the buildings. CMRL in a Nov 28 last notice directed owners and tenants in these areas to close existing and abandoned bore and open wells within a restricted zone of 16.5 metres on either side of the proposed alignment. The petition claimed CMRL’s plan to use the chemical, Bendrite, to compress loose soil surrounding the underground railway line would block water sources, besides depriving residents of bore and open wells. Seeking to forbear authorities concerned from proceeding further on the proposed alignment, the petitioner wanted a Court direction on restoration of the original alignment via Old Jail Road and Prakasam Road. CMRL said the average depth of the tunnel would vary from 15 to 17 metres from the rail level with a 6.2 metre outer diameter and 5.8 metre inner diameter. The tunnel will start from a depth of nine metres from the surface level. The tunnel boring machines are designed to bore the without disturbing the buildings, CMRL said. PTI GR APR APR

Source (http://ibnlive.in.com/generalnewsfeed/news/residents-move-hc-seeking-restoring-of-original-cmrl-alignment/941436.html)

TBMs arrived and,

Georgetown Residents don't want Underground Metro in their area..Gone to High Court foa a stay... TV news.

It's not that they don't want UG metro. They don't like the change in the alignment. The original alignment was to run below Old Jail Road and Broadway Road. Now they are just going from Mint terminus to Mannadi in a straight line which will go below densely populated area. I don't know what prompted for the change in alignment. Reduced cost?

Thanks for clearing confusion. Conversion to the Velachery rail line to metro will do a huge investment, and a wastage. So metro should built as 2 lines like present plan. But I suggest the elevated Velachery line should remain, extend towards St. Thomas Mount for connect with Chengalpattu line (and like a circular railway running Fort - Velachery - St. Thomas Mount - Numgambakkam - Fort), and well conect stations with bus.

Well there was some possibilities discussed earlier of CMRL taking over MRTS for operational purposes. If it is yes, the MRTS stations will be hosting CMRL logo and I believe they will be running air-conditioned coaches as well.

Thanks for clearing confusion. Conversion to the Velachery rail line to metro will do a huge investment, and a wastage. So metro should built as 2 lines like present plan. But I suggest the elevated Velachery line should remain, extend towards St. Thomas Mount for connect with Chengalpattu line (and like a circular railway running Fort - Velachery - St. Thomas Mount - Numgambakkam - Fort), and well conect stations with bus.

Please follow Chennai MRTS thread.

The extension of MRTS line to St.Thomas mt is under construction and it will get completed in 4-5years.

^^
When i travelled thru irr except last 1 km part ,remaining were completed.Only stations and track laying are pending.

CMRL Metro work updates inside CMBT..
Enjoy the pics...


http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7014/6559201185_73d59bd3d3.jpg
http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7148/6559200459_5bc8e93392.jpg
http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7154/6559199101_857b260b1c.jpg
http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7145/6559197215_9d1946818e.jpg
http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7002/6559196001_9975e4809f.jpg
http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7010/6559194299_39d6db33bf.jpg
http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7151/6559193167_21415d4e73.jpg
http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7160/6559192253_be630c08b2.jpg

^^ Thanks Anand!

Nice pics Anand.. Keep up the good work!!

Median at the CIPET/ Ambal Nagar station in between Hilton and Olympia Tech Park is being readied. The wide pillars for the station are almost complete and so is the viaduct above those pillars.
http://i.imgur.com/eUoTD.jpg

Metro rail in talks with defence ministry for land

http://epaper.timesofindia.com/Repository/getimage.dll?path=TOICH/2011/12/25/2/Img/Pc0021100.jpg
GATHERING STEAM: CMRL has identified small tracts of land at seven locations in city

The Chennai Metro Rail Limited (CMRL) is in talks with defence authorities in the city in order to get land for building underground stations.

“We will need a few hundred metres of land in different parts.Thoughthe alignment runs along the centre of main roads, metro will have to use the defence land to build entry and exit ways for underground and elevated station buildings,” said a senior metro railofficial.

Sources said CMRL has identified small tracts of land at seven locations, including Teynampet and Alandur, for the construction of stations and other facilities. A few rounds of talks have already taken place. Now, CMRL is in discussion with the ministry of defence as there are some formalities that need to be completed in order to acquire or usedefenceland.
In return,thestate government will have to identify and transfer alternative land to the defence ministry. “Discussions are going on atthe ministry-level to finalise these aspects,” theofficialsaid.

When the metro rail project was envisaged, the alignment and the stations were designed in such a way to minimize acquiring private land. While some land would be permanently taken over for metro rail use, others like parks would be given back after works were completed, an officialsaid.
Metro will take over land from Southern Railway, Airports Authority of India, Bharat Sanchar Nigam Ltd, Life Insurance Corporation, Kendriya Vidyalaya and Central Institute of Plastics and Engineering.
Metro railwill need roughly 185 acres to construct two corridors – Washermanpet to airport via Anna Salai and Central to St Thomas Mount via Poonamallee High Road and 100 Feet Road. Out of this, 142.52 acres will be acquired from the state government and 16.95 acres from the central government.


http://epaper.timesofindia.com/Default/Scripting/ArticleWin.asp?From=Archive&Source=Page&Skin=TOINEW&BaseHref=TOICH/2011/12/25&PageLabel=2&EntityId=Ar00203&ViewMode=HTML

A film to showcase metro rail benefits


The National Film Development Corporation (NFDC),on behalf of the state government, has prepared a documentary on metro rail to create awareness among Chennaiites on the need for the project and the unavoidable traffic diversions with which the public will have to cooperate.

Of late, the city has been seeing an increase in traffic diversions due to the metro rail project. Actress Anuja Iyer (of ‘Ninaithale Inikkum’ and ‘Unnaipol Oruvan’ fame) will anchor the film.

“The documentary, made in Tamil and English, runs for nearly 20 minutes. Postproduction workison andthe documentary will be screened in theaters and public places. It has been shot by ad filmmaker Poogundran. It took two days to film thedocumentary,” said Iyer.

As the work on the project will continue till 2015,thedocumentary will focus on a range of things it would impact. “I will be touching upon the points like why such a project is required, and how it willhelp usin thefuture. Shot at landmark spots with heavy traffic like the Egmore railway andtheKoyambedu market area, it will also show actual construction sites of metro rail. While including complaints from people, the documentary will stress on how the agencies have taken caretokeep the green cover of thecity asundisturbed as possible. It would say that no tree would be felled unless it is absolutely necessary,” Iyer said.
A senior metro rail official said that the film would help the corporation educate the people about the benefits of the project and to address any concerns they would have.

http://epaper.timesofindia.com/Default/Scripting/ArticleWin.asp?From=Archive&Source=Page&Skin=TOINEW&BaseHref=TOICH/2011/12/25&PageLabel=2&EntityId=Ar00204&ViewMode=HTML

Median at the CIPET/ Ambal Nagar station in between Hilton and Olympia Tech Park is being readied. The wide pillars for the station are almost complete and so is the viaduct above those pillars.


Once the median is ready, will they remove the temporary barricades and allow normal traffic on the entire road? That will ease traffic situation a bit.

^^ yeah that should help a bit. But the real problem is wherever it gets smaller, traffic piles up. Traffic sense of the public to be blamed

Once the median is ready, will they remove the temporary barricades and allow normal traffic on the entire road? That will ease traffic situation a bit.

I think the reason they are completing the median here is that after it is done, they can open the lanes there and barricade the lanes at the ends of the road for station ramps and approaches.

http://i.imgur.com/tTlc0.jpg

Edit: Adding a labelled pic for better understanding. Kindly excuse me for my poor choice of colors.
http://i.imgur.com/qL6br.jpg

1. Vadapalani - Arumbakkam
http://i.imgur.com/oEtfu.jpg

2. Lakshman Shruthi - Ashok Nagar
http://i.imgur.com/TBm4F.jpg

Sreedharan confident of Metro reaching other cities

http://www.thehindu.com/multimedia/dynamic/00874/25ndnai01_sreedhara_874743e.jpg



A remarkable journey:The outgoing Delhi Metro Rail Corporation Managing Director, E. Sreedharan, at his office in New Delhi.- Photo: V. V. Krishnan

As the “Metro Man”, the Managing Director of Delhi Metro Rail Corporation Dr. E. Sreedharan, prepares to hang up his boots at the end of this year, he says he is reasonably satisfied with his experience of giving Delhi a world class public transport system, and over how the Delhi Metro has become the model inspiring similar systems in all parts of the country.

“On the whole, not only have we been able to give a good transportation system, we are doing so at a very low price to the Government. We have been able to keep down congestion on roads and also low pollution levels. Delhi Metro is the only metro in the world earning carbon credits. I have good reason to be proud of the system I have created,” says Dr. Sreedharan.

With the success of the metro in the Capital, most other States in the country took to the idea of having such a system in place. Bangalore's Namma Metro opened for commuters in October this year: “Their model is practically the same as the Delhi model, so it will succeed; I have no doubt about it. They are a little behind schedule, and their cost is going up a little bit, but…ultimately…it will be a great asset to the city,” he says.

Several other cities including Chennai, Kolkata, Hyderabad, Mumbai, Jaipur and Kochi are working on building their own rapid transit system. Union Urban Development Minister Kamal Nath recently announced that a metro system will come up in all cities with population of over 20 lakh. Will metro models in other States be as successful?

The key, says Dr. Sreedharan, lies in having the right kind of organisation: “You require a dedicated, committed team. If the man in-charge is only on deputation for a small period, what dedication will he have? There should be someone full time, completely cut off from State Government politics.”

He says further: “ metro requires very dynamic situations…because each day is so expensive. Each day in a metro is in terms of crores. A delay of one day leads to a loss of one to one and a half crore.”

[B]Speaking about the Chennai metro rail project, for which DMRC was initially the interim consultant and later took over the role of prime consultants, Dr. Sreedharan says that while Phase- I of the project took off well, the proposed Phase-II has come to a standstill after the change of Government earlier this year: “Things picked up well [in Phase- I], contracts have been awarded, there are problems here and there, but by and large, the Chennai project has been doing well. We [DMRC] told them [Chennai] immediately, once you start planning Phase-I, you have to start planning for Phase-II also.”

Last year, the DMRC submitted a detailed project report to Chennai Metro Rail Limited (CMRL) for a 9 km extension of line 1 between Washerman Pet and Wimco Nagar, but the proposal has not been processed yet. In a letter written to the Chief Secretary of Tamil Nadu earlier this month, a copy of which he shared with The Hindu , Dr. Sreedharan noted: “Chennai has a population of 8.30 million as of 2008…For this level of population a large metro network is inevitable as the public transport system in the city. Unfortunately, after the new Government has come into power there has been a violent shift in policy and it is understood that the State Government is now planning monorail systems to cover the entire city. Being closely associated with urban transport planning for 14 years I have to caution the Government that monorail is not an ideal choice for urban transport. At best it can only function as a feeder system.”


Speaking further, he said: “Now Mumbai has started with monorail, they are finding it so difficult. Chennai also will have the same difficulties. They should take advice from transportation planners.” He also says it is the right time for Tamil Nadu to start planning for metro systems in “big cities” like Coimbatore and Madurai.

While Union Minister Kamal Nath is encouraging the coming up of metro systems, he has also been stressing the importance of looking at “innovative method of funding” and promoting the involvement of private players. Dr. Sreedharan has a different view: “I go by simple common sense and logic. A metro is a social service. We have to provide metro at lowest fare to largest number of people. Unless a business is financially viable, no private party will get involved…[A private party] wants a return of 16-18 per cent, while in a metro the IRR [internal rate of return] is only 2 per cent and 3 per cent…Sometimes they will succeed, sometimes it will not succeed. In Hyderabad, a lot of land has been promised to them. In Mumbai, no land has been promised. I don't know how they will make two ends meet.”

Even in a public private partnership model, he says, the PPP operator “is not going to pay from his pocket. He will have to make money from the public”.

On the whole though, Dr. Sreedharan is optimistic about the future of metro systems in India: “I am very optimistic that the metro will reach all cities of India, but it has to be the Delhi Metro model if it has to spread fast. If left to the State Governments, things will not take off.”

The DMRC is looking forward to the beginning of Phase- III construction within the coming month. “The Delhi Metro has excellent future” according to the Metro Man. “We have already started the DPR for Phase- IV, we have identified the corridors and [will soon] send it to the Delhi Government for approval. As soon as it is cleared, we will begin the survey.” But a truly public transport system, he adds, will depend on integration of the Delhi Metro with a good bus service and feeder bus system.

As he retires as the chief of the DMRC on December 31, the architect of the Delhi Metro network says he wants to lead a quiet life post retirement: “After 58 years of professional life, I think I have to hang my boots. I have decided to go back to my ancestral village property and lead a quiet life away from all professional activity,” he concludes.



http://www.thehindu.com/todays-paper/tp-national/tp-newdelhi/article2748610.ece

Nice article ^^
I'm gonna scream if Jaya talks about a 'monorail system covering the entire city' again !

After a brief slack, the construction seems to have picked up again in the Ashok Pillar area. I went through the stretch yesterday after almost 10 days.

A few new developments I noticed:
1. Parapet wall building machine has been launched at the end near Kasi theatre
2. Contruction of both the portals progressing fast near the K.K. Nagar Telephone exchange. The steel skeleton is ready for one portal.
3. Viaduct / span construction from the Kasi theatre end has already reached the Telephone exchange. If the Portals are completed fast, they can continue the spans across the road till the Udayam Theatre junction.
4. Drilling started right next to the Adayar river bridge approach at the kasi theatre end.
5. At the other end of the bridge near Ekaduthangal, the side road (leading to the old lower bridge) has been cordoned off and they have acquired land next to it - Front part of the Amway building and almost the whole of the adjacent building (used to have Unipro car service center long time back) have been taken over and barricaded. Piling already started.

Pretty soon, the section over Adayar river including the portals for crossing from the median will be in full swing.

Last week, I also went past the St. thomas Mount subway. I was surprised to see the land acquisition progress there. The Entire stretch from GST road near alandur staion to the subway has been taken over. I was worried about the dense cluster of multi-storied buildings. But everything has been razed down all the way till the station. Place looked like a war zone. Couldn't believe they actually succeeded in acquiring such huge properties.

After a brief slack, the construction seems to have picked up again in the Ashok Pillar area. I went through the stretch yesterday after almost 10 days.

A few new developments I noticed:
1. Parapet wall building machine has been launched at the end near Kasi theatre
2. Contruction of both the portals progressing fast near the K.K. Nagar Telephone exchange. The steel skeleton is ready for one portal.
3. Viaduct / span construction from the Kasi theatre end has already reached the Telephone exchange. If the Portals are completed fast, they can continue the spans across the road till the Udayam Theatre junction.
4. Drilling started right next to the Adayar river bridge approach at the kasi theatre end.
5. At the other end of the bridge near Ekaduthangal, the side road (leading to the old lower bridge) has been cordoned off and they have acquired land next to it - Front part of the Amway building and almost the whole of the adjacent building (used to have Unipro car service center long time back) have been taken over and barricaded. Piling already started.

Pretty soon, the section over Adayar river including the portals for crossing from the median will be in full swing.

Last week, I also went past the St. thomas Mount subway. I was surprised to see the land acquisition progress there. The Entire stretch from GST road near alandur staion to the subway has been taken over. I was worried about the dense cluster of multi-storied buildings. But everything has been razed down all the way till the station. Place looked like a war zone. Couldn't believe they actually succeeded in acquiring such huge properties.
Wow! cool.. Photos edutheengala?

Super updates!! Yeah, any photos? :)

I could not take any photos. I'll try to take some in the coming days.

http://www.thehindu.com/news/cities/chennai/article2755598.ece

Delhi Metro Rail Corporation Managing Director E.Sreedharan has urged the State government to pursue the Phase-II expansion of the Chennai Metro Rail network. Opining that there has been a “violent shift” in policy ever since the new government came to power in the State, he said the plan to cover the entire city with a monorail system is “misguided”.

In a letter to the Chief Secretary Debendranath Sarangi, Mr. Sreedharan said that though three possible corridors have already been identified by DMRC, principal consultant for the Chennai Metro project, the official go-ahead for starting the detailed project report for the next phase is still awaited.

DMRC has also submitted a DPR for extending Corridor-I from Washemenpet to Wimco Nagar, a distance of nine km, at an estimated cost of Rs.2,240 crore on December 20, 2010. “It is understood that for want of directive from the State, CMRL has not processed this extension, though badly needed, to the Government of India for inclusion in Phase-I,” he said.

“With Chennai's population exceeding eight million, a large Metro network is inevitable as the backbone of the public transport system. Monorail can, at best, only function as a feeder system,” Mr.Sreedharan, who is set to retire this month, said.

The fare of MRTS+Suburban are not on par with Metro or Monorail. In future there will be another complaining raising that metro, mono fares are costly compared to suburban. This was not the case with Delhi and Bengaluru since they didn't have extension suburban network like Mumbai or Chennai.

=========================================================

From below fare system, Metro ride from Guindy to Central will cost 15 rupees. But ride on suburban train will cost 6 rupees.

Metro - 300 days * 15rupees * 2 way = 9000rupees per year
Suburban - 300 days * 6rupees * 2 way = 3600 rupees per year and it will cost only 1500 rupees with Indian railways worst season ticket concept..:bash:

so majortiy of commuter will pickup suburban which will save 7500 rupees for him a year.

The travel time will be same in both. We can say that since suburban is using age old dabbas, more than 6 rupees is not justified. But atleast it should be some where near to 15 rupees, for equally distributing the usage.

Though one can argue that metro runs on Anna Salai and suburban travels other route, but still hubs like Central, Fort, Broadway, Park, Park Town, Egmore will contribute major patronage compared to stops like DMS, thousand lights etc.,

========================================================

This will perfectly fit for monorail too. Especially Tambaram-Velacherry because cheap option via St.Thomas mt will be available in 2-3years, so monorail charging 20rupees per trip will make no end to end passengers to prefer it. It has to solely depend on intermediate commuters.

It is high time CMRL and SG wakes up and pressure IR to leave the fare system to metro body.

^^ Arul two things to be considered apart from ticket pricing..

1. IR also going to increase ticket prices

2. Metro is AC coach, Suburban is not..

From my recent trip,

1. The construction on the stretch between Koyambedu to airport is going with great speed.
2. The stations seem to accommodate 6-car. You can make this out in the 7 wide pillars that come up at station locations.
3. The width of the road on all stretches has been reduced to half or less for the construction.
4. I always wondered about how they will go around Kasi theater in a narrow curve. Saw that they are running the tracks over the Police Training Center so that the curve is not there.
5. On the stretch from Pillar to Koyambedu, they are constructing on the side of the road and not in the middle of the road. :nuts:
6. The beams over the pillars can be seen in most stretches except between Olympia Tech Park and the airport stretch. In fact, pillar construction is going on in the Kathipara flyover loop.
7. Underground construction on Anna Nagar road near Thirumangalam can be seen.

Overall nice progress. Thanks to everyone for contributing pics and sharing updates. :cheers:

^^ Arul two things to be considered apart from ticket pricing..

1. IR also going to increase ticket prices

2. Metro is AC coach, Suburban is not..

Even if IR increase the fare by 25% (which is very unlikely, we can expect 10% hike), 6 rupees will just become 8rupees approx. 3600 will become 4800 and still with season ticket concept it will be 2000rupees.. Still one can save 7000rupees a year.:lol:

Yes metro is AC coach, but when it comes to daily commuters they will find which is cheap. My point is not to reduce the metro fare... but there should increase in suburban fare. The fare difference b/w suburban and metro should be some where b/w 15-20% for that AC comfort. Note: travel time will be same.

Now the suburban fare is 140% cheaper than Metro. :nuts:

From below fare system, Metro ride from Guindy to Central will cost 15 rupees. But ride on suburban train will cost 6 rupees.

Metro - 300 days * 15rupees * 2 way = 9000rupees per year
Suburban - 300 days * 6rupees * 2 way = 3600 rupees per year and it will cost only 1500 rupees with Indian railways worst season ticket concept..:bash:

so majortiy of commuter will pickup suburban which will save 7500 rupees for him a year.

The travel time will be same in both. We can say that since suburban is using age old dabbas, more than 6 rupees is not justified. But atleast it should be some where near to 15 rupees, for equally distributing the usage.

Though one can argue that metro runs on Anna Salai and suburban travels other route, but still hubs like Central, Fort, Broadway, Park, Park Town, Egmore will contribute major patronage compared to stops like DMS, thousand lights etc.,

========================================================

This will perfectly fit for monorail too. Especially Tambaram-Velacherry because cheap option via St.Thomas mt will be available in 2-3years, so monorail charging 20rupees per trip will make no end to end passengers to prefer it. It has to solely depend on intermediate commuters.

It is high time CMRL and SG wakes up and pressure IR to leave the fare system to metro body.


Actually the suburban season ticket is much cheaper. It costs ~ Rs 265.00 per quarter between Chromepet - Guindy, Rs 1060.00 P.A. So Guindy - Park may cost a little bit more, as you say Rs 1500.00 P.A.

If these are to come anywhere near metro / mono fares, they will have to be at least trebled. Can't happen, the suburban stations will go up in flames. Bad idea to cut the foot to fit the shoes.

The fare mismatch will stay. Metro / mono will be a premium service in Chennai / Mumbai. They will initially be patronized only by commuters from areas which don't have suburban connectivity. The only way this could have been avoided was to fully implement the MRTS as the metro of Chennai, which I believe was the original plan.

The fare of MRTS+Suburban are not on par with Metro or Monorail. In future there will be another complaining raising that metro, mono fares are costly compared to suburban. This was not the case with Delhi and Bengaluru since they didn't have extension suburban network like Mumbai or Chennai.

=========================================================

From below fare system, Metro ride from Guindy to Central will cost 15 rupees. But ride on suburban train will cost 6 rupees.

Metro - 300 days * 15rupees * 2 way = 9000rupees per year
Suburban - 300 days * 6rupees * 2 way = 3600 rupees per year and it will cost only 1500 rupees with Indian railways worst season ticket concept..:bash:

so majortiy of commuter will pickup suburban which will save 7500 rupees for him a year.

The travel time will be same in both. We can say that since suburban is using age old dabbas, more than 6 rupees is not justified. But atleast it should be some where near to 15 rupees, for equally distributing the usage.

Though one can argue that metro runs on Anna Salai and suburban travels other route, but still hubs like Central, Fort, Broadway, Park, Park Town, Egmore will contribute major patronage compared to stops like DMS, thousand lights etc.,

========================================================

This will perfectly fit for monorail too. Especially Tambaram-Velacherry because cheap option via St.Thomas mt will be available in 2-3years, so monorail charging 20rupees per trip will make no end to end passengers to prefer it. It has to solely depend on intermediate commuters.

It is high time CMRL and SG wakes up and pressure IR to leave the fare system to metro body.

Wat u've said is 100% true and none will deny this...But as a matter of fact the aim to reduce oly the congestion and not to be on par wid the suburb system.....Road traffic will be reduced to a great extent...And nowadays none cares about money for transporation all they need is comfort and time saving,,,,I hope its not the same wid suburb rails....And at the same time ppl still travel in buses and in their own vechicles....If one puts petrol for 70 rs and travel up-down from st.thomas mt to Beach wont he be able to do tht in a metro/mono.....If u ask me i would say i travel in a metro....Cost wont be an affecting factor for almost everybody.....Though Trains are available from cgl-beach i still c lot of ppl travelling in bus from the same place.....so this is not the case to be concerned abt...If one is not aware of the metro he wudn step in....But if some feels its better and affordable ppl opts for it....So in my opinion Metro wud cater everyone irrespective of all barriers

they need is comfort and time saving,,,,I hope its not the same wid suburb rails....

this is not true. Metro or Mono or Suburban is going to take same running time.. And comfort no one bothers when it comes to city transport. Comfort may find bottom place on preference

1. Running time
2. Connectivity
3. Cost effective
4. Amenities (like two wheeler parking, safety etc.,)
5. Comfort

If people were expecting comfort, then MTC might not even see 55lakhs commuters daily when almost many family owns two wheeler in Chennai. (City has more than 25lakhs two wheelers for 48lakhs population.. i.e only city limits and not metro boundary). The top 4 points made suburban to become huge hit in Chennai and 2,3 only made MTC to become big hit.

I have no doubt on the corridors where suburban is not running. Surely metro will become hit. But my point was specific to existing suburban connectivity like Guindy/St.Thomas mt-Central/Egmore/Fort flow etc.,

So my point is the fare structure for metro, mono, MTC, suburban should be reasonably relative and not like 140% cheap or 200% costlier.

^^
I hope present regime accepts sreedhar proposal for phase II metro since monorail is (build ,operate and transfer) No one is funding us .so we can utilize phase II work and start so that we may get it near 2018 .IF they reject this offer they are just dumping development of our city.:ohno:
It will be great as both mono and metro will be progressing !! In phase II they can cut short one path from mylapore to poonmalle as mylapore to vadapalani

Why there is a sudden discussion about Fare Structure?

People comfortable with suburban will not shift to Metro or mono, Only people who are spending more than 800 rupees for monthly transport (mostly MTC, bike, car,office bus users)will shift to metro.......

Chennai Heat will make any kind of AC travel comfortable, If IR come up with AC coaches then it can compete with metro otherwise both IR and metro/mono will have its own customers....

I dont think IR will give fare decision rights to anybody other than IR.

It would be really good if state government operates suburban network, We can increase speed, frequency and more trains, AC coaches too

Success of metro and mono depends on expansion and supporting infrasturcture like skywalks,minibus, share autos and safety... Standalone Metro of 45 kms will not be profitable, State government should go for Chennai metro phase 2 and monorail should act as a feeder service to metro. Mono can built on most congested routes where metro is not possible.... I think even though state government is not approving metro phase2, mono route is designed as an feeder service to metro and MRTs. So State Government will be approving Metro Phase 2 may be after successful tender of monorail or completion of initial one route i.e. 2014/2015 :bash: