Chennai Metro Project [Archive] - Page 7

pdykid

June 9th, 2010, 03:56 PM

State-run BHEL and France’s Alstom have joined hands to jointly bid for the Rs 14,000 crore Chennai Metro Rail Project.

“We have signed an in-principle agreement with Alstom for the Chennai metro project,” BHEL Chairman and Managing Director B.P. Rao told reporters here. He, however, said that equity participation by both the firms is yet to be finalised. “The agreement has been signed between us, but the equity portion is yet to be decided,” Mr. Rao said.

The Chennai Metro Rail Project, which got Cabinet approval in January 2009, will cover a total length of over 45 km, connecting Washermanpet and Chennai Airport and Chennai Fort and St Thomas Mount, with both corridors partially running underground.

Chennai Metro Rail Corporation Limited, a special purpose vehicle owned jointly by the Centre and the Tamil Nadu government on a 50:50 basis, is executing the project.

BHEL, along with Alstom, will bid to provide the necessary machinery for the project.

Meanwhile, BHEL is engaged in manufacturing equipment for power projects, defence and the auto sector as well. It currently manufactures equipment that can generate 15,000 MW of electricity, which the company plans to scale up to 20,000 MW by the end of the 2012 fiscal.

http://beta.thehindu.com/business/companies/article450915.ece

Madurai gilli

June 9th, 2010, 07:12 PM

When will the METRO Train service be launched for Public ?

Abhishek901

June 10th, 2010, 08:50 PM

First section will open in 2013 if everything goes fine.

chennaidesi

June 10th, 2010, 10:26 PM

O.K. How old are you Madurai_Gilli?

Assume you are 30 years old and just got married, when you are 40 years old you can make a trip to Chennai and take you son and daughter for a ride in Metro for sure
between Koyembadu and Ashok Nagar(which is just a small part of first phase).:lol:

Just i wanted to convey you this message don't keep any high expectations, probably in four years there will be a train running at least in the elevated section but how will be quality of stations etc please don't think any fancier than the current MRTS stations.

chronicsurfer

June 10th, 2010, 11:19 PM

Come on Chennaidesi, don't be so cynical! He was just eager, like the rest of us to know when we can see trains running on parts of the stretch.

I mentioned this in one of my earlier posts -- When I was a kid, they called the MRTS, 'Parakkum Rail (Flying Train)' and I dreamt of seeing something akin to a Shinkansen zip past overhead. Then they plied EMUs to my disappointment (and probably to that of few other kids). Then I saw the Delhi Metro happen here. Soon, the Airport Express trains would zip past overhead on my way to work. So what if I couldn't see it in Chennai, I am happy that I get to see it here.

We all know projects get delayed for different reasons. Delhi Metro set a benchmark (it had it's free-hand) and now other cities are following it. Hopefully, one day all our projects will achieve the standards of Delhi Metro, if not a 100%, atleast 80%. The change has happened in less than 15 years. We are living in good times, let's sit back and see the change unfold! Peace.

pdykid

June 11th, 2010, 10:42 AM

So far CMRL doing their best and the current Govt very supportive too as they initiated and realize this project.

If there is Govt change, if they meddling around with CMRL in any way. Obviously there will be a delay; otherwise CMRL can deliver in time.

mugunthsboa

June 11th, 2010, 04:02 PM

chennaidetroit

June 11th, 2010, 07:00 PM

mugunthsboa

June 11th, 2010, 07:35 PM

Mugunthsboa - I had to really agree with Chennaidesi on what will be for Metro. I will give it another year with Japan with all its financial problems I really doubt that project will go any further than a yea. And also Central government stopped funding new Metro projects. So cost overruns which will happen for sure may not be paid. Seeing with the glasses of MRTS metro has all marks for failure. I wish I am proved wrong.

LOL.Its an international bank commitment. And can you please post ur source where it says Central govt (CG) is going to stop its support? I dun really think so.Do you know the speed in which this infrastructure project was cleared by the CG when compared to others?

satchitananda

June 11th, 2010, 08:22 PM

I do share the anxiety on the need of ontime completion.

The Japanese PM has gone on records that the financial situation in Japan is worsening. I am not sure if this will affect their current commitments to this project. But future phases will surely feel the pinch unless we can tap other resources.

The biggest worry if there is no on-time completion, is the serious cost overruns and for a project of this magnitude, it will be in 1000's of crores.

Would it be possible to create more accountability from CMRL (and the governments on this issue) ??

Abhishek901

June 13th, 2010, 12:31 PM

LOL.Its an international bank commitment. And can you please post ur source where it says Central govt (CG) is going to stop its support? I dun really think so.Do you know the speed in which this infrastructure project was cleared by the CG when compared to others?

Planning commission has said that building metro is very expensive, it should be done on a PPP basis, especially when expected ridership is not "very" high.

vijayvmail

June 13th, 2010, 02:14 PM

Today I happened to drive along the IRR from Beyond Koyambedu towards Ashok Nagar.

Around 10-15 pillars have come up in the stretch near Koyambedu. When I had gone past the place last month, I could see only about 2-3 completed.

At least that stretch seems to be going on pretty well.

But that stretch of IRR is a mess right from the under construction Koyambedu flyover. There are no proper lane markings, the pavement side of the road is full of sand and is occupied by parked vehicles. And the traffic sense of the motorists, as in other places of the city, is absolutely horrible. No one seems to be bothering about such 'mundane' things as signals anymore.

robertashok

June 13th, 2010, 03:26 PM

I believe if the 20000 Rs Infra bond has a very good response above 1 lakh tax benefit, then no need for getting money from abroad to a huge scale.

think_different

June 13th, 2010, 07:04 PM

CHENNAI: The need for a modern ticketing system and integration of the Metro Rail stations with the other modes of public transport for better connectivity was emphasised by participants at the public hearing here on Wednesday for the proposed Chennai Metro Rail project.

The forenoon session at Aminjikarai had participants from areas including Thirumangalam, Anna Nagar, Shenoy Nagar and places near Kilpauk Medical College and Hospital.

Residents wanted user-friendly approach roads to the proposed stations and proper interchange station facility to be provided in the project. A Chennai Metro Rail Limited (CMRL) official said an efficient system, evolved after taking note of the deficiencies of the other transport systems, would be implemented with proper interchange stations.

Rajamohan, a resident of Mogappair, regretted that Mogappair, one of the fast developing areas, did not figure in the project. He suggested that the route be slightly diverted to include Ambattur Industrial Estate and Mogappair. The official assured that the areas would be covered in the second phase of the project.

On queries about the ticketing system, the official said an integrated ticketing solution — ‘smart card’ — would be introduced to facilitate travel across different modes of public transport. Bus terminals would be established to connect the metro rail stations.

Residents also raised concerns over use of ground water for the project as it might affect the water table in the city. In response, an official said that the ground water would be used judiciously after consulting the State Pollution Control Board and Chennai Metrowater.

About the noise pollution, particularly during the construction of the underground stations, the official said a modern technology of tunnel boring machines would be deployed to minimise the noise levels to near zero.

Several residents also raised their concern over the stability of the buildings, acquisition of their property and security issues at the meeting. A CMRL official said that the construction of the underground stations would not affect the buildings and proper security measures would be adopted in the stations.

Some of the other queries include the location of the stations and notice period for acquiring private property. The officials said the project envisaged minimal acquisition of private lands and properties. Specific details about exact locations of the stations, private property acquisition, compensation and rehabilitation measures would be discussed in the next series of meetings scheduled in June.

A similar public hearing was held in the afternoon for the residents of Velachery, Saidapet and Guindy in which participants sought clarification about various aspects of the project and the compensation to those affected by it.

Note : I dont know about posted date

http://www.globalshiksha.com/Residents-seek-modern-ticketing-system/ugc/143895816550010

mugunthsboa

June 13th, 2010, 08:30 PM

Planning commission has said that building metro is very expensive, it should be done on a PPP basis, especially when expected ridership is not "very" high.

How do you say the expected rider ship is not high? It passes through most of the arterial routes in Chennai (both the lines) unlike MRTS.
Moreover, the special purpose vehicle created as a joint consortium of the CG and the SG will be more responsible and committed.

darkprinz

June 14th, 2010, 03:10 PM

Planning commission has said that building metro is very expensive, it should be done on a PPP basis, especially when expected ridership is not "very" high.

Many thought in similar way when a/c volvos where introduced by mtc.. but it is recieved well now .. :)

Abhishek901

June 14th, 2010, 09:32 PM

How do you say the expected rider ship is not high? It passes through most of the arterial routes in Chennai (both the lines) unlike MRTS.
Moreover, the special purpose vehicle created as a joint consortium of the CG and the SG will be more responsible and committed.

Many thought in similar way when a/c volvos where introduced by mtc.. but it is recieved well now .. :)

I deliberately stressed on Very high in my post. Even the world's busiest metros - Moscow and Tokyo which carry more than 80 lakh passengers every day (which is much higher than Mumbai suburban) run into losses. There are only 5 metros in world (including Delhi metro) which run "operational profits", that is, daily revenues are more than daily expenses but there is not even a single metro in the world which runs into "Net profit", i.e., successfully recovering construction cost over the life of the metro.

Metro are bound to make net loss. You cannot recover your construction costs. Only 5 metros are able to cover just the daily cost. And for that you need very high passenger turnout and high focus on property development (like malls in the stations, advertisements, etc). Even the revenues from such properly developments depend directly on the passenger loads because the rental in such properties are proportional to the number of footfalls/ridership.

That's why comparison with buses is futile. Even if a bus service runs at a frequency of 1 minute with 60 passengers in each bus, then it will carry 60 x 60 = 3600 passengers per hour per direction. While capacity of a single heavy metro line ranges from 40,000 to 90,000 passengers per hour per direction.

mugunthsboa

June 14th, 2010, 10:14 PM

I deliberately stressed on Very high in my post. Even the world's busiest metros - Moscow and Tokyo which carry more than 80 lakh passengers every day (which is much higher than Mumbai suburban) run into losses. There are only 5 metros in world (including Delhi metro) which run "operational profits", that is, daily revenues are more than daily expenses but there is not even a single metro in the world which runs into "Net profit", i.e., successfully recovering construction cost over the life of the metro.

Metro are bound to make net loss. You cannot recover your construction costs. Only 5 metros are able to cover just the daily cost. And for that you need very high passenger turnout and high focus on property development (like malls in the stations, advertisements, etc). Even the revenues from such properly developments depend directly on the passenger loads because the rental in such properties are proportional to the number of footfalls/ridership.

That's why comparison with buses is futile. Even if a bus service runs at a frequency of 1 minute with 60 passengers in each bus, then it will carry 60 x 60 = 3600 passengers per hour per direction. While capacity of a single heavy metro line ranges from 40,000 to 90,000 passengers per hour per direction.

Every metro is built on a practical estimation of utility.Incase of chennai, no body would like to have the bitter tonic of MRTS again.This project will be very well integrated to the other modes of transport in the city.
And am sure this phase of the metro is going to have "very" :lol:high patronage.Going by your statistics(I still dont know the source for your data) there is no reason to think that metro will be a loss in Chennai, while its successful in New Delhi(Remember Chennai is denser than New Delhi.)Given the hot climate here and the traffic in the anna salai that moves inch by inch in the peak hours, I wont be surprised if this project sees higher rate of increase in ridership than anyother city.
Just like Dark Prinz says, its just a common pessimistic notion just like in the case of MTC Volvo.

robertashok

June 15th, 2010, 02:52 AM

Worldwide the Transportation business is subsidized one.

sridhar_n

June 15th, 2010, 08:47 AM

Abhishek, you are right. Not all metros run in profit - coz of their huge capital cost. But patronage is what determines the success of the project. Just as all govt projects, they go on revenue model and not on profit model.

Chennai metro should in all probability, have good patronage. The govt has also to work on feeder services etc to help increase the patronage. I also wish the tickets are priced realistically and unlike MTC ticket prices - agreed it will be subsidized, but let the subsidy not ruin the revenue of the project.

darkprinz

June 15th, 2010, 10:43 AM

I deliberately stressed on Very high in my post. Even the world's busiest metros - Moscow and Tokyo which carry more than 80 lakh passengers every day (which is much higher than Mumbai suburban) run into losses. There are only 5 metros in world (including Delhi metro) which run "operational profits", that is, daily revenues are more than daily expenses but there is not even a single metro in the world which runs into "Net profit", i.e., successfully recovering construction cost over the life of the metro.

Metro are bound to make net loss. You cannot recover your construction costs. Only 5 metros are able to cover just the daily cost. And for that you need very high passenger turnout and high focus on property development (like malls in the stations, advertisements, etc). Even the revenues from such properly developments depend directly on the passenger loads because the rental in such properties are proportional to the number of footfalls/ridership.

That's why comparison with buses is futile. Even if a bus service runs at a frequency of 1 minute with 60 passengers in each bus, then it will carry 60 x 60 = 3600 passengers per hour per direction. While capacity of a single heavy metro line ranges from 40,000 to 90,000 passengers per hour per direction.

Thats what others are also trying to say ..the routes of metro is through some of the busiest corridors Anna salai and PH road ....:cheers:

We have to wait till it gets implemented before we judge it will be profitable or not ...:nuts:

And my statement on MTC volvo was just to day that u may not know how it will fare out after implementation ... that was no comparison between buses and metro dude ...:lol:

Indiadreams

June 15th, 2010, 07:37 PM

Abhishek901

June 15th, 2010, 08:20 PM

Every metro is built on a practical estimation of utility.Incase of chennai, no body would like to have the bitter tonic of MRTS again.This project will be very well integrated to the other modes of transport in the city.
And am sure this phase of the metro is going to have "very" :lol:high patronage.Going by your statistics(I still dont know the source for your data) there is no reason to think that metro will be a loss in Chennai, while its successful in New Delhi(Remember Chennai is denser than New Delhi.)Given the hot climate here and the traffic in the anna salai that moves inch by inch in the peak hours, I wont be surprised if this project sees higher rate of increase in ridership than anyother city.
Just like Dark Prinz says, its just a common pessimistic notion just like in the case of MTC Volvo.

Which data are you talking about ? Metros being loss making or the passenger capacities. If it the former, then you can easily google it. If it is the latter, I can calculate that for you.

In yellow line of Delhi metro, the maximum length of trains is 8 cars (coz the stations can accomodate max 8 car train) and maximum achievable frequency is 90 sec because of ATO (automated train operation). Capacity of an 8 car train of Delhi metro is about 2250. With a frequency of 90 sec, i.e., 40 trains per hour, the carrying capacity per hour (per direction) is 2250 x 40 = 90,000 which is one of the highest in the world. For other lines it ranges from 45,000 to 65,000.

Abhishek, you are right. Not all metros run in profit - coz of their huge capital cost. But patronage is what determines the success of the project. Just as all govt projects, they go on revenue model and not on profit model.

Chennai metro should in all probability, have good patronage. The govt has also to work on feeder services etc to help increase the patronage. I also wish the tickets are priced realistically and unlike MTC ticket prices - agreed it will be subsidized, but let the subsidy not ruin the revenue of the project.

Yes, patronage determines the economic and social success of the metro. But we need finances also to build the metro. All the benefits which metro will generate like less traffic, less pollution, more comfort, etc. will help the country and society but metro as a company will not receive anything from those benefits. It only needs cash flow for its sustainability.

BTW, these are the views of Planning commission and not mine. I was just explaining their viewpoint in my first point and not mine. Acc to me, metro should be built even if it means financial burden because transport is a public good and should not be thought like a company. It earn economic benefits which should be factored in along with financials when we talk about feasibility of a project. Thinking of metro as only a profit generating venture by planning commission is myopic.

Kathir

June 15th, 2010, 11:04 PM

BTW, these are the views of Planning commission and not mine. I was just explaining their viewpoint in my first point and not mine. Acc to me, metro should be built even if it means financial burden because transport is a public good and should not be thought like a company. It earn economic benefits which should be factored in along with financials when we talk about feasibility of a project. Thinking of metro as only a profit generating venture by planning commission is myopic.

Exactly.. It is not a business. It's a public transport system. If the patronage (study) is good, if it takes out more vehicles from road which in turn reduces pollution, traffic congestion, if it makes the travel more comfortable, then it should be implemented no matter what the construction cost is. Taxes are also meant for meeting a country's infra needs.

In thinking other way, as it takes more vehicles out of road, which in turn reduces the fuel consumption, this is of more help to our economy. And as it also reduces the pollution, this helps in reducing the carbon footprint which is the need of today.

Thinking public transport in the lines of profit/ ROI is total ****shit.

raghussc

June 15th, 2010, 11:57 PM

Exactly.. It is not a business.

Thinking public transport in the lines of profit/ ROI is total ****shit.

Isn't that statement scary for PPP models ? Does this mean that Reliance Infrastructure took a very big bad decision?

Elsewhere in the world, are there any PPP metro project(s) that are on the way to be profitable including recovering the capital costs ? :ohno:

occupiedinthought

June 16th, 2010, 12:16 AM

I think typically that's where viability gap funding comes in. For line 1 in Mumbai metro, the reliance consortium actually quoted the lowest viability gap required which helped them to bag the project.

In other words, viability gap is the amount invested by the goverment (through WB loans, JNNURM etc) to ensure that the project is financially viable...Atleast that's my understanding

Mumbai Monorail Line 2 is supposed to have a negative viability gap (according to the planning agency - not sure how true that is), because the line is supposed to dense areas not served by suburban rail.

So to answer your question, the viability gap should help Reliance recover some of its cost. I am still unsure on how they plan to recover parts of the construction cost.

Prodigist

June 16th, 2010, 12:55 AM

Indiadreams

June 16th, 2010, 02:44 PM

In other words, viability gap is the amount invested by the goverment (through WB loans, JNNURM etc) to ensure that the project is financially viable...Atleast that's my understanding

VGF is a grant from Govt to make the project finacially viable. It is upto the Govt to find the source of funding and is not linked to loans. In case of Delhi Metro model, JBIC (or any other multilateral development agency) gives loan (70% of total cost for all metros in India) at a nominal interest rate (Delhi Metro got the least at 1.5%) with a guarantee from Indian Govt. The loan has to be repaid after a moratorium of 10 years. Since Metro operations will not be able to generate sufficient cash, Govt will end up paying back.

Obviously, public projects need not have economic returns. Social returns more than compensate it.

Abhishek901

June 16th, 2010, 09:17 PM

Isn't that statement scary for PPP models ? Does this mean that Reliance Infrastructure took a very big bad decision?

Elsewhere in the world, are there any PPP metro project(s) that are on the way to be profitable including recovering the capital costs ? :ohno:

Reliance will be able to generate funds not only from ticket sales but also from property development and ads like DMRC. Besides that there might be some vested interests also. As an example, this metro line might be passing close to Reliance's properties, thus jacking up their real estate value, which is a hidden benefit.

PPP models haven't been tries much in metros. London Underground experimented with PPP which badly failed and central govt had to shell out additional billions of pounds. But every case might not be the same.

cityrider82

June 17th, 2010, 04:59 PM

Yes, Even Chicago CTA Metro running with huge loss.. even CTA itself putup same ads inside the trains stating they are running with huge losses and they need immediate attention from chicago municipality to get loan... and i believe CTA charges $2 or $3 to travel just a station and they are not able to get there operational income to run...
Think about the size of chicago/patroage count/ticket price still they are endup with huge loss everyday....

mugunthsboa

June 18th, 2010, 01:27 AM

think_different

June 18th, 2010, 02:47 PM

http://www.dinamalar.com/video_Inner.asp?news_id=234&cat=32

CM visit.... sorry deputy CM visit the metro area

Indiadreams

June 18th, 2010, 03:59 PM

Reliance will be able to generate funds not only from ticket sales but also from property development and ads like DMRC. Besides that there might be some vested interests also. As an example, this metro line might be passing close to Reliance's properties, thus jacking up their real estate value, which is a hidden benefit.

PPP models haven't been tries much in metros. London Underground experimented with PPP which badly failed and central govt had to shell out additional billions of pounds. But every case might not be the same.

I believe there is no property development revenues in Line 1. There is hardly any space for that. If at all, there may be 2-3 shops in andheri, weh and Ghatkopar stations. But yes, ad revenues will be there.

s_yajaman

June 18th, 2010, 04:40 PM

Exactly.. It is not a business. It's a public transport system. If the patronage (study) is good, if it takes out more vehicles from road which in turn reduces pollution, traffic congestion, if it makes the travel more comfortable, then it should be implemented no matter what the construction cost is. Taxes are also meant for meeting a country's infra needs.

In thinking other way, as it takes more vehicles out of road, which in turn reduces the fuel consumption, this is of more help to our economy. And as it also reduces the pollution, this helps in reducing the carbon footprint which is the need of today.

Thinking public transport in the lines of profit/ ROI is total ****shit.

+100 to that. PT enables economic activity with lower environmental costs. Even if it does not make profit on its own (as long as it does not bleed operationally), it should be invested in. Roads in a city are not profitable by themselves (Bangalore spends a few hundred crores each year maintaining roads), but we can't not spend on maintaining them. Parks and lakes are not economically viable but add to the quality of life. We can't see everything with a profitability lens.

A city of 5 or 6 million needs a MRTS. Else it will come to a standstill. Trying to keep up with a growing car population by widening roads is futile. In 1999 Hyderabad went on a road widening and flyover building spree (claiming to build for the future). Today it is back to traffic jams on those same flyovers. 10 years and we are back to square one.

Srivathsa

ChennaiIndian

June 19th, 2010, 02:13 AM

http://www.deccanchronicle.com/chennai/tiruvottiyur-metro-get-delhi-green-signal-625

Chennai, June 18: Deputy chief minister M.K. Stalin on Friday said the decision to extend the Metro Rail up to Tiruvottiyur would be taken after getting the detailed project report from Delhi Metro Rail.

After conducting site inspection at the ongoing works for Metro Rail in the Ashok Nagar and Vadapalani area along with senior officials, Mr Stalin told reporters that the construction of railway stations, signalling work and underground rail network would begin by the end of this financial year.

“The works have been taken up in four phases and tenders for various works are at an advanced stage of finalisation. All the works will be completed by 2015 and the rail network between Washermanpet and the airport and Anna Nagar and St Thomas Mount will be opened for public,” he said.

After getting financial assistance from the Central government and funds from Japan, the state government commenced civil works for the Metro Rail corridor in December 2009. In the 23-km corridor from Washermanpet to the airport, 11 railway stations will be constructed below the ground and there will be six elevated stations.

...

ChennaiIndian

June 19th, 2010, 02:14 AM

http://www.hindu.com/2010/06/19/stories/2010061961580200.htm

Stalin inspects three construction spots

CHENNAI: Work on the Chennai Metro Rail project is apace and will be completed by 2015 as planned, according to Deputy Chief Minister M.K. Stalin.

Addressing mediapersons on Friday, after inspecting three locations where the construction work for the project is on, he said a detailed project report by the Delhi Metro Rail Corporation on the possibility of extending the Metro Rail Project to Tiruvottiyur was expected by the end of this month.

“Once the report is ready, the government will take a decision on the issue,” he said. Work on phase I of the project, covering a stretch of 4.5 km from Koyambedu to Ashok Nagar is progressing as per schedule.

Work on phase II, the 4.4. km stretch from Ashok Nagar to St. Thomas Mount, has commenced, while work on the 5.2 km stretch from Saidapet to the Officers Training Academy has just begun, as part of phase III of the project. The plan for the elevated corridor for phase IV, from the Officers Training Academy to the Chennai airport is being finalised, Mr. Stalin said.
...

Kewl Batty

June 22nd, 2010, 01:20 PM

When did that Happen? :eek: BEML supplying coaches for CMRL too? They have completed only PQ for coaches AFAIK. Tender is not up yet. Or did I miss something here?. So far CMRL awarded only 3 contracts - 1 to SOMA and 2 to L&T.

How do you see that happening?
We have won the tender to supply coaches for Chennai Metro. We are bidding for the Hyderabad Metro as well.
There are metros coming up in many other cities. We hope to bag the order for an additional 63 coaches for Namma Metro. Even if we lose a bid for some metro, we can be the contract manufacturer for the winner because we have the infrastructure. At the rate of one coach per day or 25 per month, we have the capacity to manufacture 300 coaches per year. There is an expected investment of Rs 1 lakh crore on Metros across the country in the next 10 years. We are looking to garner about 20 per cent of this.

Source:- http://www.bangaloremirror.com/article/10/2010062220100622052511669685b66d6/Green-striped-coaches-for-Namma-Metro.html

satchitananda

June 22nd, 2010, 03:30 PM

When did that Happen? :eek: BEML supplying coaches for CMRL too? They have completed only PQ for coaches AFAIK. Tender is not up yet. Or did I miss something here?. So far CMRL awarded only 3 contracts - 1 to SOMA and 2 to L&T.

Thats true.. Wonder if it was wishful extrapolation by BEML or (mis)interpretation of the Paper.. or worse still already concluded deal behind the table...

:( .. As long as we get world class coaches from a reputable company.. on time .. every time..

mugunthsboa

June 22nd, 2010, 07:44 PM

Which data are you talking about ? Metros being loss making or the passenger capacities. If it the former, then you can easily google it. If it is the latter, I can calculate that for you.

ofcos for both man.

robertashok

June 23rd, 2010, 06:42 AM

When did that Happen? :eek: BEML supplying coaches for CMRL too? They have completed only PQ for coaches AFAIK. Tender is not up yet. Or did I miss something here?. So far CMRL awarded only 3 contracts - 1 to SOMA and 2 to L&T.

BEML are looking for orders from Chennai Metro
please refer the below link
http://business.rediff.com/report/2010/jun/22/bangalore-metro-to-chug-along-from-oct.htm

seku

June 23rd, 2010, 05:46 PM

frenz, are there any plans to integrate the ticketing system of all rail networks ?
we know that there will be an interchange in st thomas mount and beach/fort. say if one has to travel from tambaram to mylapore (tambaram to mount in SR + mount to mylapore in MRTS), hw the ticketting will be 1. one ticket (too optimistic :nuts:) 2. two tickets but in originating station "same" counter itself... (realistic :) ) 3. two tickets to be taken individually at the respective station ( will b pathetic :bash: )

ps. not sure whether it has been answered alrdy...

ChennaiMyCity

June 24th, 2010, 12:14 PM

At present there is no plan to integrate the multi-mode transportation ticketing. But talks are on the desk.:ohno:

mugunthsboa

June 24th, 2010, 10:21 PM

At present there is no plan to integrate the multi-mode transportation ticketing. But talks are on the desk.:ohno:

Dude check ur title. its controversial. LOL. And thats your First post :lol:
I hope u know what i pointed out.

vijayvmail

June 25th, 2010, 07:47 AM

Yesterday night I drove along the IRR to Koyambedu bus stand. I could see very good progress along the way especially in the stretch between Vadapalani and the bus stand. I could count around 20 completed pillars and around 9-10 more under various stages of construction (Iron frame constructed, concrete being poured in casts etc).

The pillars have also started showing up near the Ashok Pillar stretch of IRR. And work was going on even during the night.

The barricades and the area could be maintained a bit more neater. But overall, the progress is very good and encouraging.

Does anyone have any idea when they're going to take up the Flyover-cum-metro construction at the vadapalani junction?

dhandapanik

June 25th, 2010, 08:41 AM

Pillars for the future of Chennai - Chennai Metro!
http://lh5.ggpht.com/_ojCmtD9M3bQ/TCROFAXAplI/AAAAAAAAF7k/6nbLmEtPkTE/s640/DSC03680.JPG
Saw more than 10 pillars near koyambedu.

ChennaiIndian

June 25th, 2010, 11:22 PM

Dude check ur title. its controversial. LOL. And thats your First post :lol:
I hope u know what i pointed out.

No bro, "namma" (our) carries the same meaning in Tamil and Kannada. So, Chn Metro can be affectionately called Namma Metro on the lines of Blore Metro. Probably, "Nam Metro" will make the Tamil scholars currently in Kovai feel a bit happy :lol:...appo kooda "Metro" irukae...adhuku enna panradhu? :nuts:

ChennaiIndian

June 25th, 2010, 11:23 PM

arun82

June 26th, 2010, 12:03 PM

Today I saw SOMA preparing the Segment casting machine near Ambica palce. With quite a number of pillars being completed they will start with segment casting . They have completed the piling work from Ashok nagar to the signal before vadapalani. So they are left with piling near Vadapalani signal to Ambica palace.

L&T has brought in one piling machine and is near Ambal nagar. They are barricading the median from Ambal nagar to Olympia Tower. Also they are barricading from Halda junction to SPic building. They are also demolishing the central median in these places.

No work has commenced in the depot near Koyambedu market

vijayvmail

June 26th, 2010, 02:41 PM

:cheers: Great to hear that. My observation is, the bridges/flyovers etc. kinda structures involving multiple things usually take more time. Luckily, in this part of Chennai, utility shifting is less...otherwise, we wouldn't have seen this kinda progress :).

My feeling is that since this is undertaken completely by private enterprises like SOma and L&T, the work will be a bit faster. For such private enterprises, delays will be more costly. It will affect them financially and will also affect their reputation. So, performance will be a bit better.

That is my guess and my hope too

Murali Bala

June 27th, 2010, 10:07 PM

New Joinee - Folks it has been great reading the progress.
Is there any Milestones - Timeline published as Delhi Metro from commencement to completion of this project.

mugunthsboa

June 27th, 2010, 11:43 PM

My feeling is that since this is undertaken completely by private enterprises like SOma and L&T, the work will be a bit faster. For such private enterprises, delays will be more costly. It will affect them financially and will also affect their reputation. So, performance will be a bit better.

That is my guess and my hope too

+1 Vijay.

vivekajithfan

June 28th, 2010, 03:20 AM

I heard from various sources tat the line from koyembedu to ashok pillar will be completed around 2011 and the movement will start from den?Any one can confirm dis?

Kewl Batty

June 28th, 2010, 08:30 AM

^^ Yes, February 2011 is the deadline for that stretch for SOMA.

You can see that here (http://www.soma.co.in/RailProjects/3.html)

Indian Sun

June 28th, 2010, 10:04 AM

^^ I don't think Feb 2011 is a realistic deadline - 2013 is more like it.

Kathir

June 28th, 2010, 10:32 AM

^^

Dude, Soma's part is only the viaduct. we can expect that to be completed by Feb 2011.
For the rest - track/ electrification/ station, it is 2013.

ChennaiMyCity

June 28th, 2010, 01:21 PM

Yesterday happen to visit Chennai Airport . I saw lot of barricades having the picture of New airport - this will look like this , look like that etc.

Similary it would be nice to see the pictures on the barricades instead of big yellow board and just word CMRL .

Did anyone notice that on any of the stretch ?

Btw: is there any logo designed for CMRL ?

Kewl Batty

June 28th, 2010, 02:27 PM

^^ I don't think Feb 2011 is a realistic deadline - 2013 is more like it.

It is realistic as pointed by Kathir. Coz SOMA's job is to erect pillars and cast viaduct. No track work, no station, no electrification. They got their tender awarded by feb 2009. The contract is only for 2 years.

^^

Dude, Soma's part is only the viaduct. we can expect that to be completed by Feb 2011.
For the rest - track/ electrification/ station, it is 2013.

Station tenders have not come up so far. Even Rolling stock and under ground sections tenders should have been up by now. I dont know why they're not up yet. PQ is over for all those 3 works long back.

Mabbe we can expect these three tenders next month.

Yesterday happen to visit Chennai Airport . I saw lot of barricades having the picture of New airport - this will look like this , look like that etc.

Similary it would be nice to see the pictures on the barricades instead of big yellow board and just word CMRL .

Did anyone notice that on any of the stretch ?

Btw: is there any logo designed for CMRL ?

Barricades are provided in road to make commuters aware of the traffic diversion to avoid accident and not to be a distraction by itself. It is not advisable to have renders or any other pictures which will distract commuters.

You can check the logo of Chennai metro rail -- here (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Chennai_metro.png) - also available in d website of CMRL

satchitananda

June 28th, 2010, 09:22 PM

SOURCE: http://www.thehindubusinessline.com/2010/06/29/stories/2010062950951800.htm (http://www.thehindubusinessline.com/2010/06/29/stories/2010062950951800.htm)

The Chennai-based Consolidated Construction Consortium Ltd has bagged contracts totalling Rs 180 crore for constructing 10 elevated stations for Chennai Metro Rail project.

According to a press release from Chennai Metro Rail Ltd, CCCL has bagged two tenders for the construction of the elevated stations which witnessed stiff competition with 11 bidders participating. One tender for Rs 139.54 crore was for the design and construction of five elevated stations at Koyambedu, CMBT (Chennai Mofussil Bus Terminus), Arumbakkam, Vadapalani and Ashok Nagar/KK Nagar.

The other tender is valued at Rs 94.99 crore for the design and construction of five elevated stations at Little Mount, Guindy, Alandur, OTA (Officers Training Academy) and SIDCO.

According to sources in the know, CCCL is in the design stage of the projects with work expected to start in November.

Chennai Metro Rail is a joint venture of the Tamil Nadu Government and the Central Government which is implementing the Rs 14,000-crore metro rail project in Chennai.

The State Government is funding Rs 3,034 crore, the Centre Rs 2,920 crore and the agreement has been signed with the Japan International Cooperation Agency for a loan assistance of Rs 8,646 crore.

The project envisages a 45 km rail-based public transport system spread over two routes.

One is a 23-km stretch linking Washermanpet in North Chennai to the airport. A proposal is under consideration to extend this link further north up to Tiruvottriyur.

The other link is a 17-km stretch connecting the Central Railway Station to the Saint Thomas Mount through Anna Nagar and Koyambedu.

Work on the project started in June 2009 and is expected to be completed by 2015.

The awards for the project are being tendered out in stages.

Parts of the contracts for constructing the elevated viaducts for the rail lines have been awarded to Hyderabad-based Soma Enterprise Ltd and Larsen & Toubro.

---------------------------

GOOD NEWS ON STATIONS -:cheers:

ChennaiIndian

June 28th, 2010, 09:55 PM

http://www.thehindu.com/news/cities/Chennai/article490699.ece

The entire project, estimated to cost Rs 14,000 crore, consists of two corridors

With the Chennai Metro Rail Limited planning to open the elevated stretch between Koyambedu and St.Thomas Mount by 2013, things are moving fast.

After awarding tenders for design and construction of three elevated viaducts (excluding stations) from Koyambedu to Ashok Nagar, Ashok Nagar to St.Thomas Mount and from Saidapet to Officers Training Academy, the company on Monday awarded tenders for design and construction of 10 elevated stations.

The Consolidated Construction Consortium won the tender for all elevated stations in the face of stiff competition among 11 bidders. The stations are Koyambedu, CMBT, Arumbakkam, Vadapalani, Ashok Nagar/K.K Nagar, Little Mount, Guindy, Alandur, O.T.A., and SIDCO.

While one tender is for Rs.139.54 crore for Koyambedu, CMBT, Arumbakkam, Vadapalani, and Ashok Nagar/K.K Nagar stations, the other is for Rs.94.99 crore for Little Mount, Guindy, Alandur, O.T.A., and SIDCO stations.

The project, estimated to cost Rs 14,000 crore, consists of two corridors. The first from Washermenpet to the airport, a distance of 23.1 km, and the second on a stretch of 22 km from Chennai Central to St. Thomas Mount.

...

Kewl Batty

June 28th, 2010, 09:56 PM

^^ Hey, tats cool.

Actually I forgot tat they had put up tender for stations and I had uploaded pictures of them here :D Poor memory.

ChennaiIndian

June 28th, 2010, 10:59 PM

Elevated metro stations to come up at 10 places

http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/chennai/Elevated-metro-stations-to-come-up-at-10-places/articleshow/6103582.cms

CHENNAI: Access to the Chennai Mofussil Bus Terminus (CMBT) in Koyambedu is going to be hassle-free for metro rail commuters. They will be able to walk right up to their buses from the elevated station that the Chennai Metro Rail will build inside the bus terminus.

City-based Consolidated Construction Consortium Limited (CCCL) has won contracts to build 10 elevated stations of Chennai Metro Rail including the one at the CMBT. These stations will be located on the Koyambedu-Alandur stretch of Corridor 2 and the Little Mount-Officers' Training Academy (OTA) stretch of Corridor 1.
The work was awarded to the company in the form of two contracts for five stations each on June 22. CCCL bagged the tender in spite of competition from 11 other bidders.

Metro Rail will have two corridors with a combined length of 45km-- one from Washermanpet to the airport and the other from Central station to St Thomas Mount via Koyambedu. The total cost is estimated at Rs 14,600 crore.
The tender for the design and construction of elevated stations at Koyambedu, CMBT, Arumbakkam, Vadapalani and Ashok Nagar/KK Nagar is worth Rs 139.54 crore, while the second tender to design and build at Little Mount, Guindy, Alandur, OTA, and SIDCO is worth Rs 94.99 crore.

...

vijayvmail

June 29th, 2010, 04:30 AM

^^
It is specified that the station at the OTA on GST road will come up Opposite the main entrance of OTA on GST Road.

With this section being elevated, I hope this does not become another Madhya Kailash. Once the IRR is fully complete till Velachery, this junction is going to witness a large increase in Traffic. I'm sure that in another year, this place will require a flyover. Now with the elevated Metro line and the OTA Metro station nearby, it will become a bottleneck.

Has anyone talked about this intersection? This particular stretch of GST has multiple crossing within a short span. Coming from Kathipara, we first encounter the intersection with the miltary quarters road, then the IRR and then the road to Nanganallur Subway. Over time, signals in all these will lead to traffic build up.

Kathir

June 29th, 2010, 10:32 AM

Oh.. I am surprised to see that 180 crs will cover all these stations mentioned :)

Mad 4 Madras

June 29th, 2010, 11:56 AM

^^ Must be World Class, State-of-Art Tent, first of its kind in the country. :lol::lol::lol:

venkatm

June 29th, 2010, 02:31 PM

better that they build simple designs/ape N.Delhi Look at the MRTS Phase 2 stations which also cost 30 crore apiece.

arun82

June 29th, 2010, 05:54 PM

vivekajithfan

June 30th, 2010, 10:35 AM

vijayvmail

June 30th, 2010, 01:21 PM

Guys pls clear ma doubts?Why the TN gove did not plan for metro instead invested their money in constructing MRTS....I mean to say tat y did not the govt plan for elevated METRO for park-velachery?why did they go for MRTS?

What is the difference? MRTS is the same as Metro as far the utility is concerned.

The project is very poorly implemented and is handled by the railways. That's all. Otherwise, this is just like another Metro line.

satchitananda

June 30th, 2010, 04:04 PM

Guys pls clear ma doubts?Why the TN gove did not plan for metro instead invested their money in constructing MRTS....I mean to say tat y did not the govt plan for elevated METRO for park-velachery?why did they go for MRTS?

First of MRTS was planned in 80's and construction didnt start till 1991. That should tell you how old the idea is or was. Metro on the other hand is a relatively more recent phenomenon which caught the imagination of the larger public after Delhi's success.(Somehow Kolkata's example never caught on)

Also Metro, AFAIK, doesnt direcly come under Railways like say Central station.

Thirdly, Metro does require lots of investment, which our fast growing economy can handle and with the growing demand for cost effective and quick travel, Metro is a good match for current and future needs of Metropolitan areas.

darkprinz

June 30th, 2010, 04:36 PM

This was taken near ambal nagar in IRR .. this machine was working out something ..guess this is piling machine rite ???

http://i49.tinypic.com/2uq0wv6.jpg

This was near to the jafferkhanpet bridge from kathipara side

http://i47.tinypic.com/x2uftc.jpg

I saw some men working with this machine ... c above that car .. i am sure this is soil testing type ... they were doing it in the banks of coovum underneath jafferkhanpet bridge...

http://i48.tinypic.com/xl9mow.jpg

This one is near to udayam theatre ... Happy that they have started work till ashok nagar from kathipara side :banana:

http://i46.tinypic.com/2lufrr.jpg

And this is near Kathipara.the building u see in this pic far .. is new Hilton hotel ... additional note it looked very dull n old [ i meant hilton :ohno:exteriors].[IRR]

http://i45.tinypic.com/33pafs4.jpg

seku

June 30th, 2010, 05:45 PM

^^ gud updates. so this is taken by L&T. i have a question (might hav bn answered b4). how CMRL is ensuring the standards n quality of the structures built by diff builders, say soma/ L&T? any third party?

Kewl Batty

June 30th, 2010, 07:52 PM

^^ EMBYE - The General Consultants for CMRL

mugunthsboa

June 30th, 2010, 11:33 PM

What is the difference? MRTS is the same as Metro as far the utility is concerned.

The project is very poorly implemented and is handled by the railways. That's all. Otherwise, this is just like another Metro line.

MRTS doesn't have a sophisticated signaling system like Metro. This allows them to operate in short headway like 5 minutes to as low as 2 minutes in peak hours.

robertashok

July 1st, 2010, 02:24 AM

dhandapanik

July 1st, 2010, 05:47 AM

^^

In Metro,
You have AC, you cannot travel foot board(the future generation is gonna miss this :ohno:),the average speed is faster than MRTS, and you cannot travel ticketless.

In MRTS,
mostly unless there is huge crowd, you can breathe fresh air,
you can travel footboard (if you think you are not old enough,ithu valiba vayasu)
you can many a times travel ticketless and get caught one day (:bash::bash:) , pay the money for entire 3 months of travel.

robertashok,
You missed few points too.. It is managed by our beloved IR, Metro by a separate company.

MRTS go along with coovam. :) You cannot reach MRTS stations easily, where as metro can be reached easily(Hope so).

Indian Sun

July 1st, 2010, 09:22 AM

^^ U can get mugged in MRTS stations, hope it's not the same case with metro.

Kewl Batty

July 1st, 2010, 07:57 PM

^^ CMRL updated Tenders awarded page (http://www.chennaimetrorail.gov.in/CMRLTendersawarded.pdf).

Tantia Construction Limited - Prefilling of Koyambedu Depot
CCCL - 10 elevated stations in 2 packages of 5 each.

Arul Murugan

July 2nd, 2010, 04:51 PM

works started on Anna Salai too. :)

http://img85.imageshack.us/img85/9343/dsc06915p.jpg (http://img85.imageshack.us/i/dsc06915p.jpg/)

http://img705.imageshack.us/img705/912/dsc06917r.jpg (http://img705.imageshack.us/i/dsc06917r.jpg/)

Arul Murugan

July 2nd, 2010, 04:53 PM

seku

July 3rd, 2010, 03:05 AM

:banana:hooooh... more excited..... gr8 arul...

Mad 4 Madras

July 3rd, 2010, 11:07 AM

Anna Saalai stretch would be underground right?

think_different

July 3rd, 2010, 05:43 PM

http://img.dinamalar.com/data/uploads/WR_297177.jpeg

dinamalar (http://img.dinamalar.com/data/uploads/WR_297177.jpeg)

darkprinz

July 4th, 2010, 01:40 AM

^^ Looks awesome ... This much progress ???!!

sathya_226

July 4th, 2010, 08:38 AM

They are going pretty fast... i think once the pillars are up, the controversies on land acquisition etc wiill start popping up just like what happend in mumbai metro...

Mad 4 Madras

July 4th, 2010, 10:03 AM

^^ No, atleast in this stretch as it falls under Government land. Thats one reason why they took this first.

mugunthsboa

July 4th, 2010, 01:17 PM

http://img.dinamalar.com/data/uploads/WR_297177.jpeg

dinamalar (http://img.dinamalar.com/data/uploads/WR_297177.jpeg)
Really very fast.:applause:

ferrari_fan

July 4th, 2010, 03:37 PM

Anna Saalai stretch would be underground right?

Anna Salai stretch is u/g only upto Saidapet - after that it is elevated..

:)

ImBoredNow

July 4th, 2010, 06:27 PM

Thanks for the updates guys. Work is progressing at a good rate. The barricades are well placed and the traffic seems to be moving well. Seems like we are emulating the Delhi model rather than the Bangalore model in terms of construction which is great.

vivekajithfan

July 4th, 2010, 07:23 PM

Do both lines corridor 1 n 2 will cross kathipaara?I mean will it pass over the kathipara bridge?

mugunthsboa

July 5th, 2010, 12:28 AM

Do both lines corridor 1 n 2 will cross kathipaara?I mean will it pass over the kathipara bridge?

It will be a visual delight if it does:)

think_different

July 5th, 2010, 03:21 AM

CHENNAI: The Chennai Metro Rail project is likely to be extended up to Tiruvottiyur. The detailed project report submitted by Delhi Metro Rail Corporation (DMRC), the project consultants, says it is “technically feasible.”

T.V. Somanathan, Managing Director, Chennai Metro Rail, said: “The draft detailed project report has been submitted and after consultation with various government agencies, a decision will be taken soon.”

According to him, the consultants have given a “specific alignment” with “some number of stations” between Washermenpet and Tiruvottiyur, which is a nine-kilometre stretch.

In 2003, the DMRC studied seven corridors. Mr. Somanathan said that Tiruvottiyur was left out while fixing the alignment of the final two corridors because “highest priority in terms of ridership, with relation to cost, was taken up first.”

Even Panagal Park, a highly dense locality, was part of the initial study, but cost constraints meant that it was left out of the final alignment.

Emphasising that Tiruvottiyur was left out purely because of cost prioritisation, Mr. Somanathan said: “The government has, however, taken a positive view of the demands made by north Chennai residents and based on the report that we now have, consultations will be held with various agencies such as the Chennai Corporation, Highways Department and Metrowater before taking a decision.”

The work on the underground sections of the Metro Rail is set to start early next year and Mr. Somanathan cautioned that residents might have to go through some “pain” because of changes in traffic arrangement.

“Certain measures to optimally manage traffic disruptions have been devised, but citizens must also pitch in through better use of systems like the MRTS during the transition phase,” he added.

Work on Phase I of the Metro Rail, which is currently under construction, is expected to attract a traffic volume of 13 lakh commuters a day by 2026.

http://www.hindu.com/2010/07/05/stories/2010070558370200.htm

vivekajithfan

July 5th, 2010, 06:22 AM

Kewl Batty

July 5th, 2010, 09:34 AM

Metro Rail Traffic Co-ordination Committee meeting held today (http://www.chennaimetrorail.gov.in/press_releases/pre9.pdf)
The Metro Rail Traffic Co-ordination Committee meeting was held today (30-6-2010) at the Secretariat to discuss the traffic diversions necessitated by the works taking place in the Chennai Metro Rail Project. The meeting was attended by the Managing Director, Chennai Metro Rail Limited, Secretary to Government, Transport Department, Additional Commissioner of Police (Traffic), Chennai, and other senior police officials, Managing Director, MTC, Managing Director, SETC, Joint Commissioner (Works), Corporation of Chennai, Chief Planner, CMDA and other senior officials of NHAI, Highways and other Government agencies. At the meeting the various options were deliberated at length with the aim of minimising the inconvenience to the travelling public as well as to the bus passengers. Based on the discussions at the meeting, specific traffic management arrangements will be worked out by the concerned police authorities and put into effect soon.

Arul Murugan

July 5th, 2010, 09:56 AM

IRR Metro corridor pillar works

http://dkn.dinakaran.com/pdf/2010/07/05/20100705c_013101007.jpg

DKN

Arul Murugan

July 5th, 2010, 09:56 AM

Double post.

darkprinz

July 5th, 2010, 10:38 AM

Awesome Pic Arul :banana:

Can someone clarify my doubts...

1. In the above pic which side is CMBT ???

2.The elevated stations will be how much wide usually including parking ? Will it be in the median part itself .. Or will the line deviate itself to some plot in the road side [station built in a plot along the road]??

Asking because the work barricade itself have reduced the size of the road .. Imagining a station in the middle of the road ?!!!:nuts:

3. And are the decks for these pillars pre-casted? And how much time it takes for the pillars to settle before they place these things ??

:lol: Sorry for asking too many questions excited and eager to see more development in the section

vivekajithfan

July 5th, 2010, 05:52 PM

Arul Murugan

July 5th, 2010, 06:13 PM

Awesome Pic Arul :banana:

Can someone clarify my doubts...

1. In the above pic which side is CMBT ???

2.The elevated stations will be how much wide usually including parking ? Will it be in the median part itself .. Or will the line deviate itself to some plot in the road side [station built in a plot along the road]??

You can see the Anna Nagar Tower in that picture in north. Now guess it.. The picture is taken towards Koyamedu signal.

Station should be wide enough that it will cover the entire width of IRR, i.e mostly the pillars of the station will fall on two extreme ends. Forget about parking bays on IRR, PH, Anna Salai metro stations. If I am correct CMRL have to procure some land near to stations for making parking bay, it cannot be right on arterial PH, IRR and Anna Salai of the city.

Arul Murugan

July 5th, 2010, 06:33 PM

40days progress is well done by seeing the visual updates. :cheers:

May 25th 2010

http://img.dinamalar.com/data/uploads/WR_454061.jpeg

IRR Metro corridor pillar works

July 5th 2010

http://dkn.dinakaran.com/pdf/2010/07/05/20100705c_013101007.jpg

DKN

ImBoredNow

July 6th, 2010, 02:56 AM

Thanks for the pics Arul, we are making good progress.

vivekajithfan

July 6th, 2010, 05:41 AM

Tats really cool....Thanks for d pics.....40 days 15 pillars tat sounds great.....If the project goes in dis pace cmbt-ashok pillar line will be opened around next yr.....

robertashok

July 6th, 2010, 05:46 AM

Tats really cool....Thanks for d pics.....40 days 15 pillars tat sounds great.....If the project goes in dis pace cmbt-ashok pillar line will be opened around next yr.....

That was the plan earlier, seems to be realistic.
let us hope for the best.

darkprinz

July 6th, 2010, 08:59 AM

You can see the Anna Nagar Tower in that picture in north. Now guess it.. The picture is taken towards Koyamedu signal.

Station should be wide enough that it will cover the entire width of IRR, i.e mostly the pillars of the station will fall on two extreme ends. Forget about parking bays on IRR, PH, Anna Salai metro stations. If I am correct CMRL have to procure some land near to stations for making parking bay, it cannot be right on arterial PH, IRR and Anna Salai of the city.

vivek thanks for the clarification

Arul : So the station will be this much wide :eek: Atleast as u said Pillars on the sides will not affect IRR width !

But as u said CMRL has to find a way for parking then only it will be a successful project !

Any designs released on the intersection between vadapalani flyover and Metro viaduct ??? They were saying something abt parking in that if am not wrong in that old article :)

BTW this much improvement in 40 days ... !!! Sure Kudos to officials n Soma ... Sure L & T will follow the same ...:)

krishnancv

July 8th, 2010, 11:27 AM

Simultaneous construction is the key. If construction is tarted on all segments at the same time things should be up and running soon.

ChennaiMyCity

July 9th, 2010, 03:57 PM

works on for Anna Salai-Airport metro corridor too. Is the pillars going to be in right corner towards Airport from Guindy?

http://img571.imageshack.us/img571/4302/dsc06925.jpg (http://img571.imageshack.us/i/dsc06925.jpg/)

From Guindy to Airport. Before Kathipara - the track devides into two . the picture shows right track that goes to airport. This will all the go above the existing kathipara Ramp .

MyNation

July 9th, 2010, 06:48 PM

guys, i could find a board infront of Annanagar Metrozone's lawn area which says "This property belongs to Chennai Metro Rail limited"...

Any idea abt this ? are we gonna have thirumangalam station inside MetroZone ?
Whats the route the Metro is taking from thirumangalam to CMBT ? Not through IRR right ??

vivekajithfan

July 10th, 2010, 05:13 AM

Guys did u have a look at the pillars in 100ft road?Most of the pillars got cracks n in every pillar i can find a damage.......Why is dis happening?Any solution for dis?

Kewl Batty

July 10th, 2010, 09:37 AM

The press clipping # 24 says "Underground section, station works, Telecom & signalling, OHE and track works all will begin before the end of 2010-11 financial year. Pre-qualification has been done for all these but tender is not up yet for any of the above.

Press clippings (http://chennaimetrorail.gov.in/press_clippings/press_clippings.htm)

krishnancv

July 10th, 2010, 10:03 AM

Guys did u have a look at the pillars in 100ft road?Most of the pillars got cracks n in every pillar i can find a damage.......Why is dis happening?Any solution for dis?

Are you sure? If it is so clearly visible obviously people would have complained.

Kewl Batty

July 10th, 2010, 10:19 PM

Where is this casting yard for soma shown in tat picture?

http://www.chennaimetrorail.gov.in/press_clippings/PIC22.jpg

Raji7373

July 11th, 2010, 12:15 PM

Guys did u have a look at the pillars in 100ft road?Most of the pillars got cracks n in every pillar i can find a damage.......Why is dis happening?Any solution for dis?

Can anyone enlighten is this the true state of metro pillars with numerous cracks....
I am sure this should not be the real situation.

natarajan1986

July 11th, 2010, 07:08 PM

^^
i have passed through this area but i dont find any cracks :)

vivekajithfan

July 12th, 2010, 03:02 AM

Twice in a day i pass through that road.....U must hav a close look at the pillars der r some minute cracks over there....it may not be a big problem but am scared after delhi collapse......

Indian Rockstars

July 12th, 2010, 03:23 AM

Twice in a day i pass through that road.....U must hav a close look at the pillars der r some minute cracks over there....it may not be a big problem but am scared after delhi collapse......

Dude, Delhi collapse was not due to CRACKS ..it was media generated hype....Zamrudpur accident was due to over turning of launcher !!!

i hope all doubts are clear..!!!

cheers

IR

Mad 4 Madras

July 12th, 2010, 07:17 AM

^^
ZPCQampXTLY

arun82

July 12th, 2010, 09:37 AM

Where is this casting yard for soma shown in tat picture?

http://www.chennaimetrorail.gov.in/press_clippings/PIC22.jpg

It is in Vanagaram opposite to the Fish market.

zenith_suv

July 12th, 2010, 02:31 PM

Twice in a day i pass through that road.....U must hav a close look at the pillars der r some minute cracks over there....it may not be a big problem but am scared after delhi collapse......

these are normal cracks and occur as a result of wethering, they are expected in concrete overhead pillars. Nothing to sweat over.

satchitananda

July 12th, 2010, 02:37 PM

these are normal cracks and occur as a result of wethering, they are expected in concrete overhead pillars. Nothing to sweat over.

Do they happen soon after construction ? Do they have any impact on the structural integrity ?

Pardon my civil engineering ignorance.

Indian Rockstars

July 12th, 2010, 02:45 PM

^^
ZPCQampXTLY

Dude, Read my post carefully..we are talking about the Zamrudpur incident and not media news...the clip is not related to that "SIR"..Anyways thanks for putting it up :lol:

Mad 4 Madras

July 13th, 2010, 07:32 AM

^^ Dear, you must have the habit of reading posts carefully. All are discussing about cracks, and vivekajithfan was just afraid of Delhi collapse, and must not be a repetitive here be it any reason. The video I put here is about cracks and I have not mentioned it is related to the incident what you are fussing about.

RIP

Indian Rockstars

July 13th, 2010, 08:27 AM

robertashok

July 13th, 2010, 08:56 AM

^^

And it was about MEDIA blowing out without the base .

zenith_suv

July 13th, 2010, 10:14 AM

Do they happen soon after construction ? Do they have any impact on the structural integrity ?

Pardon my civil engineering ignorance.

Yes , they happen relativly soon after construction and no they do not hamper structural integrity. Few months back there was an Interview with DMRC Chief Mr. Sreedaran himself where he clarified all those things.

The DMRC officials also said surface cracks in concrete were not uncommon and there was no need to panic in the matter. “Indian standard codes for design of reinforced concrete structures allows and permits tension cracks within limits,” said Dayal.

Ultrasonic testing and rebound hammer testing would be done to check the integrity and quality of the concrete. DMRC officials said they would get load testing done wherever necessary.

http://www.tribuneindia.com/2009/20090728/delhi.htm#1

Mad 4 Madras

July 13th, 2010, 10:20 AM

humnn...read it again...what you have said and what i have posted

I posted the reason for delhi collapse only...M4M

RIP

HEHEHE...You must have added ", and must not be a repetitive here be it any reason." to those ugly red inks. Hope you are not swan.

Enjoy the thread.

Mad 4 Madras

July 13th, 2010, 10:26 AM

deleted

ChennaiMyCity

July 13th, 2010, 12:32 PM

Todays news on Hindu

seems they keep changing on alignments ...like my project.

http://www.hindu.com/2010/07/13/stories/2010071360830400.htm

Changes made to the course of the MRTS have caused concern among a section of residents. A view of the upcoming stretch between Velachery and St. Thomas Mount recently.

CHENNAI: More changes have been proposed to the Mass Rapid Transit System (MRTS) alignment between Velachery and St. Thomas Mount.

“In order to integrate the three railway lines at the St. Thomas Mount station — suburban, MRTS and Metro — and facilitate better passenger transfer, the alignment has to be revised,” said Susan Mathew, Vice-Chairperson, Chennai Metropolitan Development Authority (CMDA).

“The alignment is almost fixed and the work for a length of 3.6 km of the stretch has begun. The last part of about 1.4 km leading up to the St. Thomas Mount Station will commence after the State government acquires the land and hands it over to us.” explained R. Ramanathan, Chief Administrative Officer (CN & MTP).

“The list of properties to be acquired will be finalised by the end of July and the final alignment will be notified for public objections, if any,” added Ms. Mathew.

The alignment between Velachery and St. Thomas Mount has been changed many times now. These regular changes have caused hardships to residents, particularly those living in Tillai Ganga Nagar, Jeevan Nagar and Tiruvalluvar Nagar.

Residents' view

“This is not the first time changes have been made to this part of the MRTS alignment. It is the third time we hear about changes. Based on the earlier assurances that our properties will not be affected, we had built our houses. But they change the alignment every few years and every time a new set of people are affected,” Lakshmi Narasimhan, resident of the Tillai Nagar said. In 1983, S. Ekambaram, a 76-year-old retired TNEB engineer, was given written clarification by the CMDA that his property in Tillai Ganga Nagar will not be affected by the MRTS as it was not on the alignment line.

C.S. Rangavittal, aged 74, a retired Deputy Chief Post Master, too got a similar assurance. Based on the assurances, they had built their homes. However, after 18 years, in 2001, they, along with a few other residents in Tillai Ganga Nagar, were informed that the alignment was changed and the list of properties cleared earlier will not hold good anymore.

In 2001, the CMDA proposed a realignment of the MRTS and combined it with Inner Ring Road because it faced difficulties with land acquisition. It was accepted in 2006 by the State government and an order confirming the changes was passed. About 186 ha of land that was frozen from development till then were released.

Residents who bought properties or built houses based on the 2006 government order were surprised to note that the alignment was not finalised but changed further.

This time, the changes had to be made because the Department of Highways deviated from the approved alignment of Inner Ring Road without consulting the CMDA or the Metropolitan Transport Project (MTP - Railways).

This deviation, according to minutes of the special meeting convened by the CMDA in April 2010, ‘has caused acute problems for the MTP (Railways) to stick to their alignment.' The Department of Highways was asked to explain the reasons for this.

The deviation of the MRTS alignment is only in the order of 15 m, claims the CMDA officials.

However, this has necessitated more changes to the alignment and the shift has affected a new set of people who were earlier informed that their properties would not be affected.

After receiving a representation from the residents, the MTP (Railways) wrote a letter to the CMDA in January 2010, offering to change the alignment, but the CMDA rejected it by stating that any change would create an adverse reaction and be contrary to the government order.

However, the CMDA is currently revising the MRTS alignment in order to integrate it with the Chennai Metro Rail.

robertashok

July 14th, 2010, 02:46 AM

^^

Boss , ivanga eppothume ippadithan , project delayagrathu namaku enna puthusa.
(singamuthu style)..

Mad 4 Madras

July 14th, 2010, 09:20 AM

^^ Above news would have been posted on MRTS thread.

ChennaiMyCity

July 15th, 2010, 03:28 PM

these are normal cracks and occur as a result of wethering, they are expected in concrete overhead pillars. Nothing to sweat over.

I would like to see the pictures of those cracks for more comments.

With my knowledge on civil engineering. Cracks on beams/Pillars should not be on edges or on convex sides.

Attached images from my construction sites. These cracks are common and will be reinforced with concretes. so nothing to panic. But htis has to be attended as these tiny holes can damage the steel inside by letting the air/water in .

Iam sure Soma/L&T have experiences in taking care of these..
This cracks appear due to vibrator not used properly when filling concrete or castings not done properly.

http://www.flickr.com/photos/37938377@N08/4795758987/ http://www.flickr.com/photos/37938377@N08/4795759257/
http://www.flickr.com/photos/37938377@N08/4795759257/ http://www.flickr.com/photos/37938377@N08/4795758987/

darkprinz

July 15th, 2010, 03:53 PM

http://i28.tinypic.com/de1u7o.jpg

Today as i was travelling through IRR ... i noticed that they have increased metro the width and frequency of Metro barricade even near ashok nagar bsnl office .. guess work is progressing at genuine pace :banana:

vinblr

July 15th, 2010, 06:43 PM

Good Business going on for Infra Co's in India, thanks to real work going on in Namma Metro(Bangalore), Chennai Metro, Delhi Metro,Kolkata Metro....:)

http://i28.tinypic.com/de1u7o.jpg

Today as i was travelling through IRR ... i noticed that they have increased metro the width and frequency of Metro barricade even near ashok nagar bsnl office .. guess work is progressing at genuine pace :banana:

vivekajithfan

July 16th, 2010, 04:11 PM

Now the pace has reduced....Works r progressing at a very slow rate....A barricade was placed below kathipaara in the GST road........I think thats comin from anna salai corridor......How about the other one?Both corridors will be passing thru kathipara?

ChennaiIndian

July 17th, 2010, 12:02 AM

Cross-posting from Chennai airport thread...

Central Command Control System for air traffic by next December

...

A meeting was held with Chennai Metro Rail authorities on Thursday and the issue relating to its alignment of corridor and a station near the airport was sorted out. The level of the Metro corridor was safe as the AAI had taken into consideration the safety aspect.

...

Into_salem

July 17th, 2010, 08:40 AM

TIMES NEWS NETWORK

Chennai: The Airports Authority of India (AAI) has approved Metro Rail’s plan to build an elevated corridor to the airport along the GST Road.
The stretch near the Trident Hotel on the GST Road was a risky spot as the corridor was close to the approach of the secondary runway. Earlier, the proposed height of the elevated corridor was 27 metres. But when the AAI opposed it, the Metro Rail submitted a revised proposal for 6.5 metres.
“We conducted studies and found that the height they are planning to build will not affect the safety of the operations. So the issue has been resolved,” said AAI chairman V P Agrawal, who reviewed airport expansion works and inaugurated an extended security-hold area at the airport on Friday. Senior AAI and Metro Rail officials at a meeting on Thursday discussed the details of construction of the Metro Rail corridor and also the station on the airport premises.
Construction of the elevated corridor to the airport was delayed after the AAI objected to the elevated route citing flight safety. Following the objection, the Metro Rail authorities submitted a revised plan reducing the height of the elevated corridor near the stretch of the GST Road close to the flight approach path of the secondary runway.
“The Metro Rail will also be building a service station and its airport station. AAI will be building Metro Rail’s station at the airport,” Agrawal said.
.....

http://epaper.timesofindia.com/Default/Scripting/ArticleWin.asp?From=Archive&Source=Page&Skin=TOINEW&BaseHref=TOICH/2010/07/17&PageLabel=2&EntityId=Ar00201&ViewMode=HTML&GZ=T

coolmukund

July 17th, 2010, 09:30 AM

^^

don't (any of) you think that 6.5 meters is a bit too low considering the large number of buses and trucks/lorries that ply on this road, eventhough it is for a short length only?????

Murali Bala

July 17th, 2010, 01:01 PM

6.5 meters (21.3 ft) elevation to the top of the metro train would be as good as running on the ground. Looks strange design. Might be a small section of 100 meters will be at this elevation and then it would be back to the original elevation.

Kewl Batty

July 17th, 2010, 01:19 PM

imthiyas_niceboy

July 17th, 2010, 04:48 PM

@kewlbatty

Now thats wat i exactly wanted to say.... Congrats kewl for your 2500th post... you doing a great job man.... keep the good work.......:bow:

Initially they planned in for 27 m to cope up with the height of kathipara while crossing it and moreover i think Airport-Washermpet corridor goes above the Corridor-2. But it really doesnt make sense, because if they planned for 27 m means at wat height the OTA station would be constucted.... If its 27 m high means it is purely waste of money.....:gunz:

Kewl Batty

July 17th, 2010, 05:10 PM

^^ Hey, thanks dude.. Though I don't see the post counts much. The content matters most :) Still long way to go.

back on the topic,
Kathipara has nothing to do with 27 m near the airport. Even @ Kathipara, the metro will be only around 12 m from the ground [loops are already 5.5 m from ground, metro will be 6.75 m above the loops I guess (approx)].

I really don't know the reason for their initial plan of 27 m near airport. Only then, can comment on it.

RajBang

July 17th, 2010, 08:11 PM

friends please tell me where the metro takes diversion in ashok pillar.... thanks in advance.....

Kewl Batty

July 17th, 2010, 08:57 PM

^^ You can see all the elevated station locations @ page # 54 (http://www.skyscrapercity.com/showthread.php?t=591102&page=54) in this thread.

ChennaiIndian

July 18th, 2010, 02:10 AM

http://www.thehindu.com/news/cities/Chennai/article520889.ece

A metro line from Thiruvanmiyur to Kottivakkam and beyond, along East Coast Road (ECR), was proposed by the Chennai Metro Rail (CMRL) in a recently held steering committee meeting of the Department of Highways and Minor Ports.

This link was suggested when the final feasibility report of the elevated road from Light House to Kottivakkam was reviewed. However, the committee decided to defer it for the present and take it up later.

This metro line along ECR, however, was not identified by the Comprehensive Transportation Study conducted by the Chennai Metropolitan Development Authority (CMDA) in Feburay 2010. The two metro lines proposed by the Comprehensive Transportation Study were from Medavakaam to St.Thomas Mount and Madhavaram to Light House through Radhakrishnan Salai. Apart from this, Monorail/LRT routes were also recommended from Pallavaram to Koyambedu, Ambattur to Kilpauk, Porur to Madhavaram and Sriperumbudur to Anna Flyover.

When contacted, T.V. Somanathan, Managing Director, CMRL, said that there is no concrete proposal for a new line as of now.

...

robertashok

July 18th, 2010, 04:24 AM

It does not make sense to have a Monorail from Pallavaram to Koyamedu, as metro is already covering 90% of transport there.

why can't they extend the METRO, get it started from TAMBARAM.

srinivasvny

July 18th, 2010, 04:27 AM

if kelambakkam is connected with thiruvanmiur it wud be really nice as IT corridor will then be easily accessible from throught the city.. same for sriperumbudur to anna flyover line.

coolmukund

July 18th, 2010, 07:11 AM

6.5 m is as high as a general flyover in the city. General elevation for any over-ground structure is 5.5 metres from existing road. I don't find tat to be short for any of the vehicles presently plyin in the city.

But I wonder how did they plan for 27 meters elevation initially! That way too high!! :eek:

as far as i understand the 27m is the height of the overall structure including the overhead electrical posts and cables. that is why i was doubtful if 6.5m would be safe.......

Kewl Batty

July 18th, 2010, 07:43 AM

It does not make sense to have a Monorail from Pallavaram to Koyamedu, as metro is already covering 90% of transport there.

why can't they extend the METRO, get it started from TAMBARAM.

Nope. It makes sense! The line from Pallavaram to koyambedu would be via State Highway 113 (though partly) goin thru Porur, virugambakkam, etc and not via kathipara and IRR.

if kelambakkam is connected with thiruvanmiur it wud be really nice as IT corridor will then be easily accessible from throught the city.. same for sriperumbudur to anna flyover line.

Kelambakkam does not need metro at present. There are many more core city areas that needs to be covered at first before goin in for the outer areas. Mabbe they can think about it around 2015 when the the phase I is completely operational... I guess by then Phase II would have begun. Lets see.

SBC-YPR

July 18th, 2010, 08:40 AM

http://www.thehindu.com/news/cities/Chennai/article520889.ece

The two metro lines proposed by the Comprehensive Transportation Study were from Medavakaam to St.Thomas Mount and Madhavaram to Light House through Radhakrishnan Salai.

...

It appears that these two lines could be carried out as an extension of the existing Central-Mount line (Madhavaram-Central and Mount-Medavakkam), providing a comprehensive north-south link. Central-Lighthouse portion is already covered by MRTS.

darkprinz

July 18th, 2010, 11:30 AM

still no solution for west mambalam -tnagar ppl

No monorail.. no metro ...:ohno:

singaporeIndian

July 18th, 2010, 04:50 PM

When would the tenders for underground line be closing? I have not heard anything since the prequalification of builders was completed.

Kewl Batty

July 18th, 2010, 05:15 PM

^^ Guess they're waiting for the cabinet decision on 9 km line 1 extension. Not sure if that is gonna be underground or elevated.

Also, State highways dept has to finish foundation works for elevated expyway along Anna salai before march 2011.

Neway, underground section works would begin before the end of 2010-11 financial year. We can expect the tender to be up anytime soon.

RajBang

July 18th, 2010, 05:21 PM

^^ You can see all the elevated station locations @ page # 54 (http://www.skyscrapercity.com/showthread.php?t=591102&page=54) in this thread.

thanks kewl. how much pillars have come up by now....

how much distance we have reached??? till vadapalani soma has put pillars???

very eager to know as i am in bangalore

vivekajithfan

July 19th, 2010, 03:26 AM

friends please tell me where the metro takes diversion in ashok pillar.... thanks in advance.....

S i hope so ....Cuz i saw barricades before Ashok pillar den another one near Kasi signal.....Hope it will cum via udhayam.....

vivekajithfan

July 19th, 2010, 03:27 AM

thanks kewl. how much pillars have come up by now....

how much distance we have reached??? till vadapalani soma has put pillars???

very eager to know as i am in bangalore

Totally between cmbt n vadapalani stretch its around 20 pillars or more....

ChennaiIndian

July 19th, 2010, 05:40 AM

http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/chennai/Shield-for-metro-near-airport-to-prevent-interference-with-radar-signals/articleshow/6185330.cms

CHENNAI: The overhead electricity cable running past the airport to power the Metro Rail will soon get an induction shield to prevent it from interfering with radar signals.

The Airports Authority of India (AAI) has relaxed its objection to the elevated Metro Rail corridor along GST road, near the Chennai airport. The Chennai Metro Rail line from Officers Training Academy to the airport passes close to the flight approach path of the secondary runway. Though Metro Rail has reduced the height of the corridor to prevent it from hindering flight movement, a stretch of the line near Trident hotel continues to be a trouble spot. So, AAI has decided to make some changes to its facilities, while Metro Rail is making minor changes to its plans to resolve air safety issues.

A stretch of about 500 metres that falls under the approach path will require an induction shield as the power line for the Metro Rail as well as the movement of trains here will interfere with radar and instrument landing system (ILS) signals.

"The induction shield will prevent the overhead cables from infringing into other electromagnetic fields near the airport," said chief public relations officer of Chennai Metro Rail S Krishnamoorthy.

Sources said the shield would probably comprise a metal installation-like a tunnel through which the trains will run. Senior officials from AAI and Metro Rail visited the Trident end of the secondary runway and measured the distance between the runway and GST road.

Delhi Metro Rail Corporation (DMRC) has also built a radiation shield for its line that will enter the newly-constructed Terminal 3. "This line runs close to a runway before it goes underground to reach Terminal 3," said an airport official.

Chennai Metro Rail wants to take the elevated line inside the perimeter wall near Trident Hotel and wants AAI to construct it. "We have not finalised the alignment of the metro line from OTA to airport. Once this is finalised, AAI will build the stretch of line that will pass through airport land. Discussions are on," said Krishnamoorthy.

In addition to the Metro Rail station at the airport, AAI may also construct a glass tube linking the Metro Rail station to the airport terminal, sources said. The project is expected to cost roughly Rs 10 crore.

...

coolmukund

July 19th, 2010, 07:15 AM

thanks kewl. how much pillars have come up by now....

how much distance we have reached??? till vadapalani soma has put pillars???

very eager to know as i am in bangalore

17 pillars done in vadapalani.... 3 pillars done in front of SAF Games village..... 3 more in different stages of development/ completion at SAF Games village..... and 2 more skeletons to be seen in vadapalani site.....

Kewl Batty

July 19th, 2010, 04:33 PM

Metro Rail likely to run up to Tiruvotriyur (http://expressbuzz.com/cities/chennai/metro-rail-likely-to-run-up-to-tiruvotriyur/190939.html)

C Shivakumar First Published : 19 Jul 2010 03:56:54 AM ISTLast Updated : 19 Jul 2010 05:12:47 AM IST

CHENNAI: The Chennai Metro Rail is likely to be stretched to about 9 km after the Delhi Metro Rail Corporation gave a green signal to extend the same from Washermenpet to Tiruvotriyur here.
“The plan to extend the metro project is being examined and discussions are on with various government agencies, including the Highways department and Chennai Metropolitan Development Authority,” said TV Somanathan, the managing director of Chennai Metro Rail Ltd.
Somanathan said discussions were on after the Delhi Metro Rail Corporation submitted that it was technically feasible to extend the project to Tiruvotriyur.
“Now the project has to get sanction from various departments before it is implemented,” he added.
Deputy Chief Minister MK Stalin has said earlier that the government was working towards fulfilling the demand of residents of north Chennai for extending the metro rail up to Tiruvotriyur.
If the government gives the nod, the total stretch of the two corridors will extend to 54 km.
Meanwhile, the work on building a metro rail depot in the 25-hectare area near the Koyambedu market here has started in full swing after the project‘s contract was awarded to a Kolkata-based company.
“The area has been cleared and work is progressing along the site behind the Koyambedu wholesale market where the depot for the project is coming up. We are levelling the ground,” sources at the site said.
The land has been cleared and at some places levelled.
Somanathan said Tantia Constructions has received the tender worth Rs 20.52 crore for the works of pre-filling of Koyambedu depot phase 1 of the project.
Interestingly, two railway stations have been proposed in Koyambedu. One inside the CMBT complex which would act as an easy transit point for passengers, besides another near the market.
However, Somanathan ruled out any station would be located in the depot. “The station will be separate from the depot,” he added.

Mad 4 Madras

July 20th, 2010, 08:51 AM

most expected :cheers:

Anniyan

July 21st, 2010, 01:06 AM

Metro may shorten secondary runway, undo Rs 430-cr plan

http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/chennai/Metro-may-shorten-secondary-runway-undo-Rs-430-cr-plan/articleshow/6194020.cms

Kewl Batty

July 21st, 2010, 06:59 AM

:D Full content here...

CHENNAI: The secondary runway at Chennai airport, being expanded at a cost of Rs 430 crore, cannot be put to optimum use if Metro Rail sticks to the alignment and height of its line that is now proposed to run along the perimeter wall of the airport.

As per the current alignment, the elevated Metro Rail stretch from Officers Training Academy to the airport would pass along the median of GST road and take a minor deviation to run close to the airport’s perimeter wall near Trident Hotel. It will then move back to the centre of GST road to reach the proposed Meenambakkam station and then the airport.

As this alignment cuts across the flight approach path of the secondary runway, runway threshold may have to be displaced further and flights will have to glide down at a much steeper angle to avoid the obstruction. This reduction in runway length would make it virtually impossible to have an instrument landing system (ILS) at the far end, which will render the runway unsuitable for bigger aircraft. The airport would have to depend on the primary runway alone.

The 6,700-feet secondary runway is being extended by 4,600 feet across Adyar river. It cannot be extended further in that direction as the area is thickly populated. So, if the runway threshold is displaced for the metro line at the GST road end, the Airports Authority of India is unlikely to be able to make up for it by extending the runway at the far end. "The threshold on runway 30 is displaced by 1,083 feet, even without the elevated corridor. If the height of the Metro Rail corridor is 6.5m, add to it the height of the train and the cables; the threshold will be displaced by about 4,000 ft. Whatever they are spending on expansion will go down the drain. The petrol bunks in the vicinity complete the disaster situation," said former pilot and air safety expert Captain A Ranganathan.

What’s more, shifting the ILS to the road-end to guide pilots may not be suitable as the elevated Metro Rail may interfere with signals between ILS and aircraft. According to Krishnan, former office-bearer of the Air Traffic Controllers Guild, the only way now to save the runway would be to bring the Metro Rail down to ground level.

Kewl Batty

July 21st, 2010, 07:00 AM

Humm... I wonder why CMRL aint considering goin underground. They can invest a bit more for Safety of air travelers and metro passengers and other passer-bys.

coolmukund

July 21st, 2010, 07:31 AM

Another point is that, if the metro is going to be within the airport premises in the flight approach path, i see no problem in having the metro at the ground level in that particular stretch alone......

coolmukund

July 21st, 2010, 07:38 AM

3 top parks to close down for Metro works

They Will Be Taken Over To Build Metro Stations Under Them. But Parks Will Be Restored After Three Years

Julie Mariappan | TNN

http://epaper.timesofindia.com/Repository/getimage.dll?path=TOICH/2010/07/20/2/Img/Pc0021100.jpg

Chennai: Three of the city’s biggest and best-known parks will be lost temporarily — at least for three years — as the Chennai Metro Rail Limited will take them over to build stations under them. They are Nehru Park on EVR Periyar Salai, Thiru-vi-ka Park in Shenoy Nagar near Anna Nagar and May Day Park in Chindadripet.

The parks fall in the alignment of the two corridors of Metro Rail, one connecting Washermenpet and the airport via Anna Salai, and the other connecting Chennai Central and St Thomas Mount via EVR Periyar Salai. The groundwork for the temporary “alienation of lands” has already begun and tenders will be finalised soon.

Chennai Metro Rail confirmed to TOI that it would be taking control of the parks for a “brief period.” Said S Krishnamoorthy, chief public relations officer, Chennai Metro Rail Limited: “The state government has already granted us enter-upon permission for the three parks on a temporary basis. They will be restored to their present state once the works are over.” It was only last year that the corporation spent Rs 1.67 crore to beautify the Thiru-Vi-Ka Park.

As per official estimates, at least 1,992 sq m of the May Day Park and the adjoining playfield, falling between Chindadripet MRTS station and the new Secretariat complex on Anna Salai will be used for providing the tunnel. The stormwater drain network, basketball court, compound wall and other infrastructure on the playfield and the park will be removed for Metro Rail to construct the underground passage — a loss of Rs Rs 87.32 lakh to the corporation..

The corporation estimates that after three years, the cost of restoring the park would be Rs 1.13 crore, which will be borne by Metro Rail. “The ward committee of Ice House zone and standing committee (education) has already given the nod to collect the charges from Metro Rail. The elected council will give the green signal in the monthly session slated for July 29,” a corporation official said.

But in the case of the 8.84-acre Thiru-Vi-Ka Park and the 2.54-acre Nehru Park, Metro Rail not only has to carry out the restoration from its own funds but will also pay a lease to the corporation for using the lands for three years. The municipal administration and the water supply department will soon issue an order regarding the lease to be paid to the corporation once the amount is decided.

coolmukund

July 21st, 2010, 07:40 AM

^^

i think there was a station for anna nagar tower park also right???? is that not going to come up near (or in) the park???

darkprinz

July 21st, 2010, 10:02 AM

Humm... I wonder why CMRL aint considering goin underground. They can invest a bit more for Safety of air travelers and metro passengers and other passer-bys.

What is the alignment of Metro near airport ?? along th median or at side ???

Because if it is in middle n if we build it at Ground level then it will have to cut across GST at level !!!:nuts:

coolmukund

July 21st, 2010, 10:30 AM

^^
initially it was supposed to be along the median of the GST road on an elevated track... but now, the according to the proposed modified alignment, the elevated path (27 meters) will be on the median of GST road till the boundary of the airport near OTA. the height of the track will reduce to 6.5 meters and run inside the airport premises at this reduced height till it crosses the flight approach path of the secondary runway (near Trident hotel). after that the height will gradually increase back to 27 m and simultaneously the track will move from the airport premises back to the median of the GST road. the rest of the metro corridor 1 till the airport is as originally planned.

Mad 4 Madras

July 21st, 2010, 12:44 PM

duplicate

Mad 4 Madras

July 21st, 2010, 12:44 PM

How much will be the difference in cost from being elevated or underground? Why CMRL is stressing this hard for elevation? Can't they manage the difference say xxx crores?

Kewl Batty

July 21st, 2010, 02:21 PM

This is wat I understood from the reports came in so far. Even am not sure if this is the final plan.

It is along the median throughout GST where the overall height would be 27 meters except near tident hotel area.

Near the trident hotel area, the metro would go towards the airport side of the GST road and I guess overall height would be 6.5 meters and after that it'd again come back to the GST median @ 27 meters and have an interchange with Meenambakkam station and enter the airport terminal after that.

It is impossible to have overall metro height @ 6.5 along the median, coz it'd eat up more space on the road.

What is the alignment of Metro near airport ?? along th median or at side ???

Because if it is in middle n if we build it at Ground level then it will have to cut across GST at level !!!:nuts:

^^
initially it was supposed to be along the median of the GST road on an elevated track... but now, the according to the proposed modified alignment, the elevated path (27 meters) will be on the median of GST road till the boundary of the airport near OTA. the height of the track will reduce to 6.5 meters and run inside the airport premises at this reduced height till it crosses the flight approach path of the secondary runway (near Trident hotel). after that the height will gradually increase back to 27 m and simultaneously the track will move from the airport premises back to the median of the GST road. the rest of the metro corridor 1 till the airport is as originally planned.

Kewl Batty

July 21st, 2010, 02:27 PM

It is in Vanagaram opposite to the Fish market.

thanks dude.. Haven't seen any pic of this casting yard so far.

SBC-YPR

July 21st, 2010, 11:00 PM

^^

i think there was a station for anna nagar tower park also right???? is that not going to come up near (or in) the park???

I don't think so. It will most probably be located on (under) 2nd Avenue itself.

BTW, any idea as to the exact whereabouts of Thirumangalam station?

vivekajithfan

July 22nd, 2010, 09:29 AM

Will Our metro stations have platform dooors lik dubai,london.?.....Dis will be useful to avoid any mishaps......It wont cost much will it be implemented in our metro??

Kewl Batty

July 22nd, 2010, 10:39 AM

^^ yeah, all underground stations would have full height platform screen doors. Not sure about the elevated stations.

Kewl Batty

July 22nd, 2010, 11:20 AM

Metro Rail says it is yet to finalise height near airport (http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/chennai/Metro-Rail-says-it-is-yet-to-finalise-height-near-airport/articleshow/6198173.cms)
TNN, Jul 22, 2010, 05.09am IST

CHENNAI: Chennai Metro Rail is yet to finalise the height of the line near the airport and this would be done within the parameters to be specified by the Airports Authority of India.

In response to the TOI report on Wednesday titled Metro may shorten secondary runway, undo Rs 430 crore plan,' Metro Rail said, "CMRL and Airports Authority of India are working towards a solution where both projects attain their full potential without any compromise whatsoever on air safety. There is no displacement of the runway threshold as a result of the Metro Rail alignment."

The TOI report had raised the concern that the secondary runway might not be optimally used because of the Metro Rail alignment. Quoting an aviation expert, the report had said that if the Metro Rail stuck to the height of 6.5 m as planned earlier, the threshold of the runway would be displaced by about 4,000 ft, making it unusable by bigger aircraft.

occupiedinthought

July 22nd, 2010, 11:31 AM

^^ yeah, all underground stations would have full height platform screen doors. Not sure about the elevated stations.

Wow...it will be the only metro (AFAIK) in the country to have PSD. Neat!

Kewl Batty

July 22nd, 2010, 11:39 AM

^^ Nope! Who said so? Even Kolkata E-W metro's underground stations (mabbe even elevated coz of 3rd rail) will have PSDs.

tequila tvt

July 26th, 2010, 09:45 PM

vivekajithfan

July 27th, 2010, 03:14 AM

hi frenz... whats d project status 4 thiruvottiyur in metro rail map? how many feet road is required 4 a elevated and a underground track? how much 4 a elevated station and an elevated station?
is there any chance for thiruvottiyur to get metro rail?
coz.. i find it more complicated to get this work done in tvt bcoz of narrow roads! expecting ur valuable comments....
As u told Tiruvottiyur high road is very narrow.....Der's no possibility of elevated project der....Placing a barricade itself will occupy 90% of the road.....And i don have any ideas regarding UG..From toll gate to Tiruvottiyur the roads r very very narrow....Oly one bus can pass at a time......And i think der wont be any metro's in tiruvottiyur.....Even if they start the construction it 'll take 10 years r more to complete that complicated phase

Murali Bala

July 27th, 2010, 10:04 AM

How much will be the difference in cost from being elevated or underground? Why CMRL is stressing this hard for elevation? Can't they manage the difference say xxx crores?
------------------------------------------
Info from Delhi Metro thread - “Around 60 per cent of the Phase-III lines proposed by DMRC are underground, which is far more expensive as compared to the elevated line. Every kilometre of the underground line costs close to Rs 300 crore while the elevated line costs Rs 180 crore per km,” said a senior official.

Mad 4 Madras

July 27th, 2010, 01:07 PM

tequila tvt

July 27th, 2010, 08:20 PM

tnx vivek.. is there any other similar road like thiruvottiyur high road or route en metro rail project? or thiruvottiyur high road is the narrowest route?

wlbkng

July 28th, 2010, 12:07 AM

http://www.dinakaran.com/chennaidetail.aspx?id=11466&id1=9

Railway station above CMBT.. Two-level railway station at St.thomas mount.. More info on above link^^

Murali Bala

July 28th, 2010, 07:46 AM

Good info. I presume the Alandur station being a connecting station (Phase1 & 2)would be on Mohit stadium (Defence Polo ground area) opposite to Jothi Theatre.

ChennaiIndian

July 28th, 2010, 03:57 PM

vivekajithfan

July 28th, 2010, 06:03 PM

tnx vivek.. is there any other similar road like thiruvottiyur high road or route en metro rail project? or thiruvottiyur high road is the narrowest route?

Der's a road parallel to TVT high road.....Its suryanarayana chetty street....Dis road comes along the shore....Its more narrower dan TVT high road....May be they can go underground....Elevated not possible at all....Der wont be any space for elevated stations.....Hope they'll cum up wid good ideas......But North chennai badly needs a metro....

mugunthsboa

July 28th, 2010, 10:21 PM

Delhi has an underground metro line at the airport (T3 terminal). So, I don't think there is any reason not to do that in Chennai apart from the 'cost cutting' factor coz Central Govt doesn't have any interest in Chennai!! :lol:

CG will not have any interest in Delhi also if not for the CWGames. :lol::lol::lol::lol::lol:
Its time chennaites must negotiate for the asian games to be held here.:lol:

SBC-YPR

July 28th, 2010, 10:53 PM

Thanks for the data. AAI needs hardly around less than a km underground. Why can't CMRL take it? Even assume for a 2km stretch it would be 240 Crores extra which puts Rs.430 crore secondary runway extension project to its best use.

Instead of putting lives (who fly) on a swing in future and taking risky stand, CMRL could have gone underground. :bash:

+100 :cheers:

Der's a road parallel to TVT high road.....Its suryanarayana chetty street....Dis road comes along the shore....Its more narrower dan TVT high road....May be they can go underground....Elevated not possible at all....Der wont be any space for elevated stations.....Hope they'll cum up wid good ideas......But North chennai badly needs a metro....

My guess is that it will come up on TVT high road only - if it is UG, it can't run too close to the shore due to flooding/seepage concerns, and if it is overhead, this is the wider of the two roads, so the land acquisition would be lesser. :nuts:

Mad 4 Madras

July 29th, 2010, 07:05 AM

arun82

July 29th, 2010, 10:52 AM

Work has commenced in the metro workshed in Koyembedu...in the vacant land opp the Rohini theatre .Lots of bulldozers and excavators is in work to clear the land.

satchitananda

July 29th, 2010, 02:18 PM

Work has commenced in the metro workshed in Koyembedu...in the vacant land opp the Rohini theatre .Lots of bulldozers and excavators is in work to clear the land.

Thats real news !!!:cheers:

RajBang

July 31st, 2010, 11:45 AM

Friends any status update on koyembedu line??? any good progress????

wlbkng

August 1st, 2010, 02:12 AM

vivekajithfan

August 1st, 2010, 04:40 AM

To speed up the work in cmbt-ashok pillar strecth alll route buses i.e buses from various districts to chennai has been diverted from perungalathur to maduravoyal via bye pass.......DIs will reduce the traffic n metro work can progress at a rapid pace......

darkprinz

August 1st, 2010, 03:33 PM

Today traveled through IRR .. Sorry forgot to take my cam...Could nt take pics..

But the Work has been very promising ...and paced up..

There were some 25 pillars from SAFE to Vadapalani [near] ....

And Then there was n sign of metro work near Vadapalani jn. [May be they are waiting for flyover design]

Then after 200m work was going on ... As in the Map ... Till Petrol bunk or Lakshmi Mahal [Ashok Pillar] i found the Foundation work for the pillars was over .. and pillar skeletons were sticking out ... it was some 8 pillars ...

Am sure we can see the Pillars in this part in a week or so ...

And beyond this part till Hot chips - Ashok pillar Barricading was going on...

http://img690.imageshack.us/img690/7141/apupdate.jpg

I have a doubt How will the metro pass through Police training college - Pillar ?? Any idea ??

And added to that i actually liked the pillar design ... It wasnt just box shaped ... It had a projection part through the face center of the structure ...

And the Crest of the Pillar too was lil like curvy ..and was impressive

murlee

August 1st, 2010, 03:40 PM

Gr8 job prinz!!! [selective bolding of letters would be nice rather than complete bolding!! just a request!]

darkprinz

August 1st, 2010, 04:28 PM

sure will follow next time bro :)

think_different

August 1st, 2010, 06:58 PM

nuiFM_xnYm4

ChennaiIndian

August 1st, 2010, 07:02 PM

Does anyone know how our metro coaches will look like? Any renderings available? Recently b'lore ppl got to see their mock up train.. Any plans like that for Chennai? (Btw B'lore's design looked outdated, hope Chennai's will be better)

That's a long way to go...probably after 2 yrs. I don't know if this mock up train thing happened in other cities or not. In general, Blore has a love story going on with the Metro bcoz it is its first intra-city train system whereas the other Metroes already have these in the form of suburban trains.

Indian Sun

August 1st, 2010, 07:50 PM

^^ The mock-up was pretty unnecessary, and I didn't like the paint job. I'll be more than happy if CMRL can ensure nice looking stations and trains in the expected time.

Raji7373

August 2nd, 2010, 01:41 PM

^^+1. I did not like the train or the colour. I think it is half white...which will loose it's sheen in a year or two. Dark colours are better for Indian conditions...don't know whether we could use it. If we could, I prefer some nice elegant dark colours...for chennai metro trains.:)

seku

August 2nd, 2010, 09:42 PM

nuiFM_xnYm4

^^ nice update... :cheers: so, finally u wer taking the porur road, rt?

kathipara loop corner lanes are filled with sand. could be better used and safe for 2 wheelers, if its clean.

georgenadar

August 3rd, 2010, 03:52 AM

nice video.:cheers:

Indian Sun

August 3rd, 2010, 06:13 AM

thillai_selvan

August 3rd, 2010, 11:56 AM

Wow...it will be the only metro (AFAIK) in the country to have PSD. Neat!

Can any one tell me what is platform screen doors... Whats the speciality in it?

nandan_ks

August 3rd, 2010, 12:04 PM

Can any one tell me what is platform screen doors... Whats the speciality in it?

This link gives you complete details

http://mic-ro.com/metro/platform-screen-doors.html?print=1

RajBang

August 4th, 2010, 05:14 PM

darkprinz

August 4th, 2010, 06:07 PM

^^ From what i saw there were L&T marking in the barricade placed near ashok pillar jn itself .. [laxamn shruthi-ashok pillar]

arun82

August 5th, 2010, 03:45 PM

Thanks think_different for the video.

Friends Please tell me one thing. In IRR till which place SOMA is incharge of the work and From which part L&T work starts. because i saw in think_different video the L&T barricades are there starting from Kasi Flyover. Why is there no work taking place in L&T area???

Soma's contract area starts after the signal near saravana bhavan Ashok Pillar . L& T and SOMa has placed barricades in 100 ft apart near the signal.

Soma barricades the area where it is working. BUt L&t is currently barricading the entire contract area before commencing work. They are placing the barricades and removing the centre median.

arun82

August 5th, 2010, 03:53 PM

I am seriously skeptical about the sucess of the metro especially at the southend. If one looks at the traffic pattern of south chennai. Most of the people converge at 3 places to start their Journey into chennai. They are pallavaram, chrompet and Tambaram.

Assuming the metro station is inside airport . Will people get down at airport, walk inside the airport and board the train. The metro area is bordered on both sides by Army and airport area. So there is no scope for parking in the airport route.

Similary if a person is to travel to CMBT from Pammal . He will have to take a bus to reach airport then walk to the metro station and board the metro.

If he takes the st thomas mount route he will have to take a bus to pallavaram. board the sub urban train get down in Mount. Climb up the station board the train.

Please correct if i am wrong

darkprinz

August 5th, 2010, 04:48 PM

arun82

August 5th, 2010, 05:48 PM

darkprinz

August 5th, 2010, 07:58 PM

dr_thapalathy

August 6th, 2010, 03:40 AM

The MRTS segment, currently being operated by the Southern Railway, is likely to be taken-over by the Chennai Metro Rail Limited once the Metro becomes operational.

This will create one authority which will be in control of all the elevated rail networks in the city. Once the merger takes effect, the ‘normal' EMUs that run on the MRTS will be replaced by air-conditioned rakes that have automatic doors.

Speaking to The Hindu on Wednesday, T.V. Somanathan, Managing Director, Chennai Metro Rail, said that it made logical sense to integrate the two systems. “The MRTS is a loss making enterprise and not going to cost much to take-over. The State government has already invested two-thirds in the project. The modalities are yet to be worked out, but by the time the Metro becomes operational, the accumulated loss incurred by the Railway might have compensated for the equity invested by them.”

When a north-south-east corridor along the Buckingham Canal was conceived by the Madras Area Traffic Study Unit (MATSU) way back in the 1970s, it was estimated to cater for six lakh passengers a day. Currently, on an average, only about 70,000 commuters use the MRTS every day.

While operational expense on the network is about Rs.18 lakh per day, earnings amount to around Rs.3 lakh per day. In effect, the MRTS incurs an annual operational loss of Rs.54.7 crore. By 2013, the accumulated operational loss would have compensated for the 33 per cent investment made by the Southern Railway in Phase-II (Tirumailai to Velachery) of the project.

According to Mr. Somanathan, since the MRTS would connect to the Metro at both ends through inter-modal transit points, the ‘network effect' created by synchronised operations will be beneficial for both the networks.

“It is a part of the Ministry of Urban Development's thinking as well,” he added.

R. Ramanathan, Chief Administrative Officer (Construction), Southern Railway, said that negotiations have to start from scratch. “Right now, we are just concentrating on finishing the extension up to St.Thomas Mount.”

One of the major reasons for the failure of MRTS has been the lack of connectivity. It exists as an isolated, linear network that runs through areas of the city that are mostly institutional in character. Originally, the total length of the MRTS was envisaged to be 59.38 km, creating a circular corridor from the Chennai Beach to Ennore/Tiruvottiyur (industrial zones north of Chennai). The circular corridor was given up in light of the Metro project. The merger is aimed at providing overall integration and improving connectivity.

V. Thamizh Arasan, Head of Transportation Engineering Division, IIT-Madras, said, “It will be administratively convenient to operate a single system. Transport management will also be better under a single agency.”

According to him, commercial exploitation of stations, which has had many false starts, might have a better chance if the merger takes place.

robertashok

August 6th, 2010, 04:27 AM

Indian Sun

August 6th, 2010, 06:40 AM

occupiedinthought

August 6th, 2010, 07:20 AM

^^
A smart move that will just increase efficiency and provide for so many conveniences like ticketing etc...seriously...good job if that happens smoothly...

darkprinz

August 6th, 2010, 07:42 AM

Atleast From 2013..

I hope to see great looking mrts stations with crowds waiting for a/c metro rail infront of PSDs in large number .. and stations becoming fully operational in terms of commercial establishments too .. :banana::banana: yipieeee

coolmukund

August 6th, 2010, 08:01 AM

You got my point on dot friend....Think of this ...having spent thousands for a flight ticket will anyone think twice about shelling out a few hundreds for taxi. even a budget traveller will opt an auto...will anyone think of travelling in a metro with a 25 kg baggage...reach the destination and then take an auto,

Tell me an convient change over point between airport and guindy. All are over the Gst . Further the St thomas mount is far away from GST . So transfer in ST thomas mount is not possible.

If they reach guindy they will not change over becos CMBT is only 30 mins from there

Also on fare , Pallavaram to OTA is Rs 4 in M services and assuming it will Rs 10 for metro from OTA to CMBT. Then total cost will be Rs 14. If the same person takes the bus it will be Rs 7 to RS 9 in M Service. Rs 13 in deluxe may be 15 mins more travel time.

Am i wrong in my calculations

A Very Valid Point...... but i guess, that is why the metro is going to be stationed in front of the domestic terminal and not the international terminal..... only very few domestic passengers travel with loads of check-in baggage....... most of them travel light with just a cabin (carry-on) bag....... and it is to cater to them and the airport staff that the metro is being brought till there.......

personally though, i would have liked to have select stations in the city with check in and baggage facilities and the metro being underground at the airport till the international terminal, so that it could also cater to the the rare/ odd traveler without any people coming to see them off, apart from the usual crowd (family members of an international traveler ;) ).......

vijayvmail

August 6th, 2010, 08:12 AM

You got my point on dot friend....Think of this ...having spent thousands for a flight ticket will anyone think twice about shelling out a few hundreds for taxi. even a budget traveller will opt an auto...will anyone think of travelling in a metro with a 25 kg baggage...reach the destination and then take an auto,

Tell me an convient change over point between airport and guindy. All are over the Gst . Further the St thomas mount is far away from GST . So transfer in ST thomas mount is not possible.

If they reach guindy they will not change over becos CMBT is only 30 mins from there

Also on fare , Pallavaram to OTA is Rs 4 in M services and assuming it will Rs 10 for metro from OTA to CMBT. Then total cost will be Rs 14. If the same person takes the bus it will be Rs 7 to RS 9 in M Service. Rs 13 in deluxe may be 15 mins more travel time.

Am i wrong in my calculations

Its not only in Tokyo. but I've seen the same in New york, singapore, Washington. I've heard the same about London, Paris etc.

Why go to all places? Just go to our own thirusoolam station by around 8:30 -10:00 pm. It is much more crowded than it used to be and the good majority of passengers are those going to the airport.

Nowadays, air traffic passenger profile has changed a lot. Chennai is the gateway for so many people from the south going to Dubai, Muscat, singapore etc. These people so often take the train to reach Tambaram/ Egmore/ Central to catch trains to their hometowns. similarly, a number of people going across the country for weekends etc take the train to airport.

and this despite the fact that the trains are non A/C and thirusoolam station makes you walk quite a distance to the terminals (My legs started aching and I was drenched in sweat when I made the trip once).

With the metro station coming right next to the terminal, I believe the patronage will be more. Of course ppl with bigger bags may not take it. but the number of weekend and small business travellers has increased exponentially. Add to this, the daily workers in airport who are so far finiding it very difficult to travel to the airport.

dhandapanik

August 6th, 2010, 08:22 AM

personally though, i would have liked to have select stations in the city with check in and baggage facilities and the metro being underground at the airport till the international terminal, so that it could also cater to the the rare/ odd traveler without any people coming to see them off, apart from the usual crowd (family members of an international traveler ;) ).......

I think they are planning for Check in and baggage facilities in DMRC airport express line.

Murali Bala

August 6th, 2010, 12:45 PM

Raji7373

August 6th, 2010, 01:14 PM

[QUOTE=dr_thapalathy;61521949]The MRTS segment, currently being operated by the Southern Railway, is likely to be taken-over by the Chennai Metro Rail Limited once the Metro becomes operational.

QUOTE]

This is really good news....same way if they change the existing suburban trains to metro kind of trains and rennovate the stations it would be a boon to Chennaities. Buses should be used only for short distances & as feeders....& trains for long distances.

coolmukund

August 6th, 2010, 01:38 PM

dhandapanik

August 6th, 2010, 01:42 PM

Chennai metro will be following Standard gauge track model and MRTS is using Broad gauge track model. Whether there will be any change in the gauge model if this take over happened?

vijayvmail

August 6th, 2010, 02:10 PM

Chennai metro will be following Standard gauge track model and MRTS is using Broad gauge track model. Whether there will be any change in the gauge model if this take over happened?

I dont think there will be any change in gauges or anything. My feeling is that this will be a purely an administrative change.

They may consider change of coaches or such things in future. but other than that I guess it wil be the same network that is hopefully better maintained.

It'll be similar to Delhi metro where the network has both Broad gauge and standard gauge lines.

It is like Line 1 (MRTS) is Broad Gauge and all others are Std gauge.

SBC-YPR

August 6th, 2010, 05:49 PM

Chennai Metro taking over MRTS is a welcome move. Not sure about the technical ramifications. To start with Chennai Metro is standard guage and MRTS is broad guage. It would be great if a descision is taken earlier before laying the tracks. Velachery - St thomas mount section. With the huge shed space avialability in Velachery it can be used as as depot. Velacery can be used as a change over point for Standard / broadguage sections. It will also be sleeker Metro coloums and can avoid delays on land accusation which is troubling MRTS.

+1. And this decision may get political approval from the Ministry easily, since the ruling party in the State government and the party holding the Railway ministry are part of the same Central government.

i have one basic doubt.... ain't the traction system for metro different from those of the regular ones used by MRTS?????? if that is the case and if MRTS is being converted to Metro ( i know that the article states that Metro may take over MRTS only..... but i am being at the height of optimism here) then they will any ways have to change the track and all right....... so i don't see a problem there in case my doubt turns out to be true that is......

No. MRTS uses 25kV OHE catenary and Metro will also use the same for electric traction. No need for gauge change since Beach - Velachery can operate as an independent corridor. However, some work will have to be done at Beach station to separate MRTS operations from SR area.

I dont think there will be any change in gauges or anything. My feeling is that this will be a purely an administrative change.

They may consider change of coaches or such things in future. but other than that I guess it wil be the same network that is hopefully better maintained.

The news report mentioned that new AC rakes would be procured. I guess these will be similar to the ones used on Phase-I of Delhi Metro.

Arul Murugan

August 6th, 2010, 07:31 PM

Leo_r

August 6th, 2010, 08:41 PM

Orders for 168 Metro Coaches placed..TV news., may be with BEML.

murlee

August 6th, 2010, 08:45 PM

yes!! heard that orders have been placed for 42 trains( of 4 coaches each; 42 x 4=168 coaches).. i remember hearing the name of the french company ALSTOM...

satishanu

August 6th, 2010, 09:01 PM

Alstom Transport S.A and Alstom Projects India Ltd have bagged a Rs 1,471.3-crore contract for the supply of coaches for the Chennai Metro Rail project.

According to an official press release, the order is for 42 train sets of 4-car configuration totalling 168 coaches including the supply of spares and special maintenance tools. Alstom Transport and Alstom Projects will design, manufacture, supply, test and commission the coaches and provide training on operation and maintenance.

Provision will be made to upgrade to 6-car rake when traffic demand goes up. Each 4-car rake can carry 1,276 passengers, a first class seating section will be provided in the coach closest to the operator's cab. The maximum allowable operating speed will be 80 kmph with a maximum design speed of 90 kmph. A minimum headway of three minutes will be maintained to satisfy normal peak ridership.

The cars will be of stainless steel, air-conditioned, with 3-phase AC drive and regenerative braking system. They will be equipped with Automatic Train Protection, Automatic Train Operation and electrically-operated bi-parting automatic sliding doors to ensure the safety of passengers. The cars will operate on 25 KV through an Overhead Catenary System.

Electronic route map, public address system, passenger emergency intercoms, video surveillance and CCTV will be provided in the cars. Each rake shall have two wheelchair parking locations for the physically challenged and gang ways for easy movement of passengers from one car to another.

The Chennai Metro, a public sector enterprise, is implementing a 45-km metro rail project in the city with two interconnected lines linking North Chennai to the airport to the south and the Chennai Central to St Thomas Mount.

The Rs 14,600-crore project is funded by the Japan International Cooperation Agency, which is financing 60 per cent of the cost through a loan and the balance is shared by the Central and State Governments.

Source: http://www.thehindubusinessline.com/2010/08/07/stories/2010080752770200.htm

R2IChennai

August 6th, 2010, 11:10 PM

+1. And this decision may get political approval from the Ministry easily, since the ruling party in the State government and the party holding the Railway ministry are part of the same Central government.

No. MRTS uses 25kV OHE catenary and Metro will also use the same for electric traction. No need for gauge change since Beach - Velachery can operate as an independent corridor. However, some work will have to be done at Beach station to separate MRTS operations from SR area.

The news report mentioned that new AC rakes would be procured. I guess these will be similar to the ones used on Phase-I of Delhi Metro.

This was one of my dream, I had even posted couple of months back in MRTS section, Good well mainted stations, AC rakes and good conenctivity will be a boon for Chennai. This will make Chennai Metro's total length to 70km.
Like many said, we can use two sets of coaches one for broad gauge(thankfully Delhi has those they will keep the supply )

SBC-YPR

August 6th, 2010, 11:22 PM

Good news.

Further!

1. SR should hand over 2 tracks of Beach/Central-Arrakonam lines to Chennai Metro after quadrapling

2. 2 tracks should be hand over to CMRL in Beach-Tambaram line after GC and quadrapling

3. Except Egmore, Tambaram, Chengelpattu, St.Thomas mt, Mambalam, Avadi, Perambur, Thiruvallur, Arrakonam all other stations has to be given to CMRL.

4. Same goes with Central-Korukupet line also.

Handing over any of the above mentioned lines/stations will be difficult as they are on the same level as the regular tracks and segregation will become difficult. MRTS is easy to segregate since the line is isolated and elevated. Even then, CMRL will face problem at Fort and Beach stations.

a first class seating section will be provided in the coach closest to the operator's cab.

Source: http://www.thehindubusinessline.com/2010/08/07/stories/2010080752770200.htm

Probably the first instance of differential class seating on a Metro train in India. Kolkata and Delhi metros have single-class seating and Bangalore Metro also proposes to have single-class seating.

R2IChennai

August 6th, 2010, 11:56 PM

Handing over any of the above mentioned lines/stations will be difficult as they are on the same level as the regular tracks and segregation will become difficult. MRTS is easy to segregate since the line is isolated and elevated. Even then, CMRL will face problem at Fort and Beach stations.

Probably the first instance of differential class seating on a Metro train in India. Kolkata and Delhi metros have single-class seating and Bangalore Metro also proposes to have single-class seating.

I dont like the idea of first class seatings, what do they mean by that? all the rakes are A/C and why bother with classifying and enforcing.
I still do'nt get what would be advantage of first class will it better seats or more seats or some entertainment system per system with wifi/TV etc?

StrappingYoungLad

August 7th, 2010, 12:01 AM

I dont like the idea of first class seatings, what do they mean by that? all the rakes are A/C and why bother with classifying and enforcing.
I still do'nt get what would be advantage of first class will it better seats or more seats or some entertainment system per system with wifi/TV etc?

Maybe the first-class is where you escape the "karuvattu koodai" crowd? :)

J/K...I agree that the class-system is crap. I wonder what becomes of the vegetable and fish sellers who often used the existing train to go around the city. I wonder if they'll be permitted to bring their stuff into a closed a/c compartment.

robertashok

August 7th, 2010, 01:55 AM

Maybe the first-class is where you escape the "karuvattu koodai" crowd? :)

J/K...I agree that the class-system is crap. I wonder what becomes of the vegetable and fish sellers who often used the existing train to go around the city. I wonder if they'll be permitted to bring their stuff into a closed a/c compartment.

There was a vendor's compartment to bring those stuff in suburban line, i think it will be good, if they could provide one in metro as well

arun82

August 7th, 2010, 11:26 AM

when is the construction of the metro station and OTA airport part is going to commence. They have only 2 1/2 year to complete the job. But it is still not started.

kongutamizhan

August 7th, 2010, 05:59 PM

Maybe the first-class is where you escape the "karuvattu koodai" crowd? :)

That statement of "karuvattu koodai" crowd will not go well in a civilized society. Are you advocating that they shouldn't be travelling? If this is the mentality of public then why blame the authorities for coming up with first class?

By the way where is Subra? For once I agree with him that changes like these should be from bottoms-up :lol:

kongutamizhan

August 7th, 2010, 06:07 PM

There was a vendor's compartment to bring those stuff in suburban line, i think it will be good, if they could provide one in metro as well
^^Actually I meant to quote this on my previous post. Sorry about the mix up

darkprinz

August 7th, 2010, 07:45 PM

Kewl Batty

August 8th, 2010, 12:13 AM

How come they awarded tenders to Alstom? :eek:

Did they even put up tender for Rolling stock? After PQ, I dint see any Tender document for rolling stock at all!

Something fishy about this contract! :|

bonoslack7

August 8th, 2010, 02:29 AM

Alstom's the best in the business, good for chennai.

bonoslack7

August 8th, 2010, 02:35 AM

Differentiated seating provides revenue full stop. Its the same as ac bus:ordinary::first class metro:ordinary. Note that the ordinary bus rates are one of the lowest in India.

Mad 4 Madras

August 8th, 2010, 07:42 AM