Urban rail systems in India are evolving rapidly to keep up with global technological advancements. Metro projects are now being planned with a focus on sustainability and effective execution across key stages of development. This involves better planning, design and engineering of projects as well as effective construction. The process requires a strategic and systematic application of digital systems.
Various stakeholders such as consultants, contractors and government authorities are working to optimise project duration, reduce costs and mitigate the challenges associated with delays and cost overruns. Besides, as urban transportation systems expand across Indian cities, there is a growing need to plan and integrate metro systems with other modes of transport during the initial planning and design stages.
Digital tools such as building information modelling (BIM), common data environment (CDE), Maximo and data analytics software are increasingly being deployed by consultants in the planning stage. However, there is still room for greater adoption of these technologies by project contractors.
Comprehensive planning
Metro rail authorities are making progress in addressing gaps in the early stages of project development. They are focusing on improving the planning phase to streamline subsequent stages. At present, limited time of only two to three months is given for the preparation of detailed project reports (DPRs). However, the process of DPR approval takes a year or more.
There are many important planning considerations necessary for successful project implementation without delays. A key requirement is planning metro networks with existing road infrastructure, instead of resorting to replacement or demolition. Maharashtra Metro Rail Corporation Limited’s Pune and Nagpur metro projects are key examples of effective planning and implementation. Further, determining the location and type of station is a critical part of early planning. Extensive and detailed surveys play a major role in identifying public utilities on-site, ensuring the design of metro corridors with the necessary right of way and minimal obstructions.
Advanced design and engineering process
New technologies are increasingly being leveraged for the design and engineering of metro rail projects in India, with consultants deploying advanced software that enhance coordination and monitoring of different drawings in a centralised system. For instance, BIM was implemented by Techture Consultants for the Delhi metro project, ensuring timely project delivery. It enabled designers to visualise the complex geometry of the rail network and helped engineers develop advanced rebar models. It also allowed parametric modelling for structures such as viaducts and stations, resulting in a 33 per cent reduction in construction costs. Meanwhile, Systra deployed BIM for the construction of the Mumbai metro Line 3, optimising design, detecting and resolving potential issues, and streamlining communication between various stakeholders. This contributed to savings of around Rs 25 billion on project construction while improving its quality.
Another key tool is CDE, an inbuilt workflow management system that facilitates the preparation and management of drawings and technical documents from different stakeholders. It also promotes transparency, allowing easy access to project data, as well as online viewing and sharing of documents, drawings and models (and commenting on them) via computers and mobile phones. Projects such as the Delhi-Meerut regional rapid transit system and Delhi Metro Phase IV are using CDE for efficient designing processes. The Nagpur metro rail project has also deployed CDE to store 3D BIM models and drawings, linking data to project schedules on the Prima Vera server and SAP’s enterprise resource planning system.
Another technological platform increasingly being used by metro authorities and consultants is IBM’s Maximo. Maha Mumbai Metro Operation Corporation Limited uses Maximo for engineering management of Mumbai metro lines based on the geographical aspects of fixed assets on-site. It also leverages software for planning, corrective and preventive scheduling, operations and maintenance, and supply chain management, among other purposes. Its application programming interface-based manager is configured for condition monitoring, predictive analytics and related dashboards.
Streamlining construction with sustainable initiatives
The standardisation of construction processes is crucial for avoiding delays in metro rail projects, and optimising both time and cost. One such important method is precast construction, which helps achieve high quality structural design. Emerging software solutions further streamline construction activities. Hyderabad Metro Rail Limited leverages the Tivoli MAXIMO EAM 7.5 suite for its various construction coordination modules, such as labour management, equipment, materials and procurement management, work management and job planning.
The use of appropriate structural elements also ensures smooth operation. For instance, arch-gutters were used in Agra metro, along with proper bearings, noise barriers, etc. Further, standard codes for foundations and seismic zones are essential for assessing the span of the metro configuration and the height of piers, thereby addressing reinforcement needs.
In terms of sustainable project implementation, environmental, social and governance-based assessments and reporting are being integrated into the planning stages. Obtaining environmental clearances, a major challenge, requires planning that aligns with natural elements on site. Delhi metro serves as a global benchmark, having become the first metro rail project to receive carbon credits for reducing greenhouse gas emissions. It has incorporated regenerative braking in its project implementation plan, which has helped reduce emissions.
Multi modal integration is another key element for sustainable urban rail networks. The Government of India has recommended the formation of a Unified Metropolitan Transport Authority by the states. It will help in enhancing last-mile connectivity by integrating metro services with road and para-transit-based modes.
Other energy management and conservation initiatives are also being undertaken to reduce the electricity requirements of metro rail projects. They need to be well integrated in the planning and design stages for proper execution. The use of renewable energy is a major focus area, with several metro projects transitioning to clean energy sources. Bangalore Metro Rail Corporation Limited has installed a 1.5 MWp rooftop solar photovoltaic system across five stations on the reach-4 extension section. It has also proposed to install a 20 MWp system across identified locations at Phase 2 stations and Phase 1 depots. This is expected to save Rs 148.1 million per annum at the current energy tariff. Meanwhile, L&T Metro Rail (Hyderabad) Limited, operating the Hyderabad Metro Rail project, plans to meet 100 per cent of its energy requirements through solar power. It aims to achieve carbon neutrality by 2040 and water neutrality by 2035. Another project that is harnessing solar energy is the Kolkata metro, which operates solar plants with a total capacity of 4.2 MWp across various service buildings and carsheds.
The way forward
The Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs aims to set up 5,000 km of operational urban metro routes across 100 cities by 2047. This requires a huge impetus for associated construction projects. Going forward, increased investments are expected to accelerate technology adoption and enable efficient decision-making in the planning and design phases of metro projects. Effective collaboration will become more achievable with the introduction of standard guidelines for construction. The sector will also witness the integration of new-age technologies such as artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning across planning, design and construction processes. The Delhi Metro Rail Corporation is leading this transition with its plan to incorporate AI-based tools for its Phase IV project. w
With inputs from representatives from Tata Consulting Engineers, AECOM, Aarvee Associates and Arcadis, at a recent India Infrastructure conference