Interview Insights:
Introduction: Shri Gupta has taken over the charge of Chairman & Managing Director, Mumbai Railway Vikas Corporation Ltd. (MRVCL) on 20.04.2022. Before joining MRVCL, He was Director (Way & Works) Konkan Railway Corporation Ltd. He is an Indian Railway Service of Engineers (IRSE) officer with Masters of Technology (Soil Mechanics & Foundation Engineering) from IIT, Delhi having experience in Planning, Procurement, Monitoring and Management of Major Rail Infrastructure Projects.
He has also been part of executing team for projects like Dedicated Freight Corridor, Udhampur Shrinagar Baramulla Rail Link Project, etc. and have played a key role in Maintenance and Renewal of Civil Engineering Infrastructure (Track, Bridges, Buildings, Stations, etc.) as well as Maintenance and Operation of track maintenance and track renewal machines over Indian Railways. He has also imparted training to Indian Railway Civil Engineering Officers and Officials of Public Sector Undertakings/Private Sector in field of Railway Engineering., while working as Professor in Indian Railways Premier Institution, IRICEN.
Rail Analysis: Please brief us more about MUTP-3 & 3A Projects including the latest progress for these projects? Which technology and services are being used in these projects?
Shri Subhash Chand Gupta: MUTP-3 includes Quadrupling of Virar-Dahanu Road Section on Western Railway, building of new Suburban Corridor between Panvel-Karjat on Central Railway, a new Suburban Elevated Corridor link between Airoli-Kalwa on Central Railway, Trespass Control on Mid Section on Central & Western Railway and procurement of AC EMU rakes (Vande Metro Suburban rakes) in MUTP-III & 3A both.
The other notable works in MUTP-3A are extension of Harbour Line between Goregaon-Borivali, 5th & 6th line between Borivali-Virar, 4th line between Kalyan-Asangaon, Quadrupling of Kalyan-Badlapur section, Kalyan Yard Remodelling for segregation of long distance and suburban trains, CBTC, station improvement works, maintenance facilities for to be procured Vande Metro Rolling Stock, etc.
“The total sanctioned cost of MUTP-III & 3A is Rs.44,637 crore. The implementation of MUTP-III & 3A will be beneficial in creation of additional capacity by developing new Suburban Corridors and these new Suburban Corridors will be helpful in development of new CBDs.”
The all new Vande Metro Suburban rakes will be state of art rakes to be manufactured under “Make in India” concept which will help in a great way in reduction of fatalities due to trespassing and falling of passengers from trains as these rakes will have automatic door closure facility.
MUTP III & 3A Plan
The Airoli-Kalwa Elevated Corridor will help in decongestion of Thane Station in a great way. The new Suburban Corridor between Panvel-Karjat will not only reduce travelling time between CSMT-Karjat, but will also create a viable alternative route between CSMT-Karjat.
Similarly, Kalyan Yard Remodelling, Quadrupling of Kalyan- Badlapur section, construction of 4th line between Kalyan-Asangaon, Quadrupling of Virar-Dahanu Road, etc. will help in creating separate path for Mail Express and Suburban trains, thereby enabling Central & Western Railway administration to start new services which at present is very difficult due to over saturation of line capacity. With dedication and commitment of team MRVC, the projects under MUTP-III are progressing at a rapid pace and we are hopeful to complete these as per planned schedule. The project under MUTP-3A also have now started on field and we are hopeful that the same momentum will be maintained in the times to come.
Rail Analysis: What is your opinion on the future of Railways and Metro Infrastructure in India by 2030?
Shri Subhash Chand Gupta: Indian Railways is one of the largest mass transport system which provides quick, cheap, comfortable and reliable freight and passenger services in comparison to other transport sectors. Indian Railways is in a transition stage. Major inputs are being provided to enhance speed, capacity & comfort and improve safety and security.
Many major infrastructure works are being carried out in Railways and more and more metro lines are also being constructed across most urban areas in India. Smooth and integrated state of the art traffic facilities will be available for commuters.
“Now the decision to procure Vande Metro Suburban rakes reflects government’s long term vision for suburban Railway network and emphasises their commitment to provide world class transportation facilities to commuters.”
Rail Analysis: What are the opportunities Mumbai Suburban Rail Projects will create for the industry? What will be the role of local manufacturers?
Shri Subhash Chand Gupta: The emphasis is totally on “Make in India” guidelines of DPIIT, so everything being done at MRVC is with the same concept in mind.
Virar Carshed
Thus, the industry will benefit from most of the works being undertaken by MRVC. On completion of major infrastructure projects by MRVC, it will provide fastest connectivity in Mumbai Metropolitan Region which will open opportunities for employment and setting up more business and industry.
Rail Analysis: Any additional insights you would like to share with our readers?
Shri Subhash Chand Gupta: The vision behind MRVC was to create a World Class Railway System that could serve as a lifeline of Mumbai.
“We aimed to provide safe, reliable and convenient mode of transportation for millions of suburban commuters. Over the past 24 years, MRVC has achieved significant milestones from the induction of new EMU rakes to the development of various infrastructure projects and the journey continues.”
1.4 km Rail Flyover on Thane-Diva line
The current infrastructure projects of MUTP-III & 3A like Panvel-Karjat additional suburban corridor, Virar-Dahanu Road Quadrupling Station improvement works, Kalyan-Badlapur 3rd line, procurement of air conditioned rakes, etc. will transform the way people travel in Mumbai in the years to come.
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