Latest news with #DPR
New Indian Express
4 hours ago
- Business
- New Indian Express
Tunnel road DPR cuts tunnelling timeline to 24 months
BENGALURU: Tunnelling for Bengaluru's proposed Tunnel Road project, initially estimated to take 33 months, has now been slashed to 24 months in the final Detailed Project Report (DPR). While experts call the projection unrealistic, official from Bengaluru Smart Infrastructure Limited (B-SMILE) say the reduced timeline is possible due to the deployment of eight high-speed Tunnel Boring Machines (TBMs), as opposed to the earlier plan to use six medium to average-speed TBMs. The draft DPR had pegged the total project completion time at 61 months, of which 33 months were dedicated to tunnelling. The final DPR, however, brings down the overall project duration to 50 months, with just 24 months assigned for boring through 16.7 km. Speaking to TNIE, BS Prahallad, Director of B-SMILE, said, 'We initially planned for six TBMs with an average cutting speed of 90 metres per month, but the timeline was too long. To reduce the duration, we decided to both add more machines and upgrade to high-speed cutting models. Each high-speed TBM can cut a minimum of 200 meters per month—that's 2.4 kilometers per year, assuming ideal conditions.' 'One high-speed TBM can cut approximately 4 km in two years, and since the total tunnelling required is a little over 32 km, eight machines can complete it in two years,' he explained. Experts, however, voiced their concerns with regard to timeline. Ashish Verma, professor of transportation systems engineering at IISc, said, 'The type of rock or surface you encounter during tunneling is not always predictable. These uncertainties are rarely factored into the timelines. Based on Bengaluru's past experience, especially with Metro tunneling, unexpected challenges are common. Government inefficiency and delays in land acquisition also contribute significantly.' 'If adding two TBMs saves nine months, why not add two more and claim it'll be done in a year? It is disappointing that the DPR has arbitrarily determined the construction period. If the assumptions in the DPR are unrealistic, which it is, there will be no credible contractor or developer who will bid for the tenders because of the unrealistic timelines. Has the BBMP considered the cost implications of additional TBMs?', questioned Satya Arikutharam, an independent mobility expert.
New Indian Express
7 hours ago
- Business
- New Indian Express
Tunnel road DPR cuts project timeline to 24 months
BENGALURU: Tunneling for Bengaluru's proposed Tunnel Road project, initially estimated to take 33 months, has now been slashed to 24 months in the final Detailed Project Report (DPR). While experts call the projection unrealistic, official from Bengaluru Smart Infrastructure Limited (B-SMILE) say the reduced timeline is possible due to the deployment of eight high-speed Tunnel Boring Machines (TBMs), as opposed to the earlier plan to use six medium to average-speed TBMs. The draft DPR had pegged the total project completion time at 61 months, of which 33 months were dedicated to tunneling. The final DPR, however, brings down the overall project duration to 50 months, with just 24 months assigned for boring through 16.7 km. Speaking to TNIE, BS Prahallad, Director of B-SMILE, said, 'We initially planned for six TBMs with an average cutting speed of 90 metres per month, but the timeline was too long. To reduce the duration, we decided to both add more machines and upgrade to high-speed cutting models. Each high-speed TBM can cut a minimum of 200 meters per month—that's 2.4 kilometers per year, assuming ideal conditions.' 'One high-speed TBM can cut approximately 4 km in two years, and since the total tunneling required is a little over 32 km, eight machines can complete it in two years,' he explained. Experts, however, voiced their concerns with regard to timeline. Ashish Verma, professor of transportation systems engineering at IISc, said, 'The type of rock or surface you encounter during tunneling is not always predictable. These uncertainties are rarely factored into the timelines. Based on Bengaluru's past experience, especially with Metro tunneling, unexpected challenges are common. Government inefficiency and delays in land acquisition also contribute significantly.' 'If adding two TBMs saves nine months, why not add two more and claim it'll be done in a year? It is disappointing that the DPR has arbitrarily determined the construction period. If the assumptions in the DPR are unrealistic, which it is, there will be no credible contractor or developer who will bid for the tenders because of the unrealistic timelines. Has the BBMP considered the cost implications of additional TBMs?', questioned Satya Arikutharam, an independent mobility expert.
Hindustan Times
a day ago
- Business
- Hindustan Times
Modi's Maldives visit has changed equations
Prime Minister (PM) Narendra Modi visit to the Maldives recently as the guest of honour at the island nation's independence day holds significance on multiple fronts. First and foremost, the State visit brings a diplomatic score for India, following Maldives President Mohamed Muizzu's anti-India electoral campaign. Gradually restoring warmth in Delhi-Male is crucial, particularly as ties with close neighbour like Bangladesh have altered over time since a year. The success of Modi's visit to Male is notably outcome-oriented, coming at a time when his neighbourhood first policy gets questioned over cooling relations with neighbours. PM Modi attended the 60th Independence Day celebrations of Maldives at the Republic Square in Male as the Guest of Honour.(DPR PMO) Second, the archipelagic nation remains an irreplaceable strategic partner and the both nations follow Colombo Security Conclave arrangements. Concurrently, India is actively preparing to expand its market presence in the Maldives, currently engaged in Free Trade Agreement (FTA) talks. This is vital to counterbalance the growing influx of Chinese goods. Last and most important, Maldives holds a special place for India's burgeoning upper-middle class, serving as a top-tier honeymoon destination and a favoured locale for Bollywood stars and celebrities over weekend--a status bolstered by Maldives' charm. During his visit to Maldives, PM Modi signed eight bilateral accords, unveiled a $ 565 million credit line ( ₹480 crore) and announced a reduction in repayments of an earlier credit line from $ 51 million to $ 29 million annually. The credit line will be utilised for the projects like hospital developments, housing development, sport infrastructure and school, according to President Muizzu's media response. In the line of FTA, the two nations tabled the talks of a bilateral investment treaty with the fast-paced capacity-building nation during the visit. Maldives was once among the least import-dependent island nations in the world, but it has now become highly reliant on imports for supplies. And depends on tourism for revenue. Despite India's vast arable land, wide range of essential products and close proximity, bilateral trade between India and Maldives remains lower than expected. The trade volume reached $ 548 million in 2023, showing a boost from approximately $ 300 million in 2021. The growing Maldivian dependence on duty-free Chinese imports threatens to undercut Indian exports, as Indian goods face tariffs while Chinese products do not, potentially leading to a loss of market share for India in the Maldives. India is concerned about the erosion of its traditional trading position and geopolitical influence in the region. Male's visa-free access for Indian business tourists has sparked interest within the Indian business community. In terms of financial cooperation, India has much to offer the Maldives. During external affairs minister S Jaishankar's state visit to Male in August 2024, India and Maldives signed an agreement to implement India's UPI system across the Maldives. Former President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih, belonging to the Maldivian Democratic Party stated that approximately $ 450 million of the $ 800 million Lines of Credit extended by India during his administration from 2019 to 2023 remained unused at the end of his term and urged the incumbent to effectively utilise these remaining funds in ways that benefit the public. In the recent past, India has built a cricket stadium in Kandahar and helped Afghan cricket to develop. President Solih, who religiously follow cricket once requested India to help the island nation develop its cricket infrastructure and coach young people. The nation is a member of Asian Cricket Council and an affiliate of the International Cricket Council. India's support could be game changer in establishing a professional cricket brigade in the island nation. During PM Modi's two-day State visit, India has presented 72 vehicles to the Maldives National Defence Force. Improving defence ties with Male is a boost to bilateral ties. Despite calls for the removal of Indian defence systems from the island, India has been training Maldives' defence personnel, and carrying out naval exercises with the archipelagic nation. India is also supporting Male to enhance its capacity for EEZ surveillance and maritime domain awareness through the provision of ships and assets. However, Maldives under Muizzu will continue to depend on China and to some extent Turkey for defence hardware. In the election, President Muizzu secured votes for his league People's National Congress with an anti-India campaign but eventually recognised the benefits India brings to Maldives. In his 2019 address to the Maldivian parliament Majlis, PM Modi announced India's support for the conservation of Maldives' historic Friday Mosque, known as Hukuru Miskiy, a unique coral-stone mosque. Moving forward, a sustained partnership between Male and Delhi is crucial to address environmental challenges, health care needs, and youth engagement through cricket, regardless of political changes in Male. This article is authored by Ayanangsha Maitra, journalist and programme coordinator, Center of Geoeconomics for the Global South, UAE.
News18
a day ago
- General
- News18
Mumbai: Metro Line 3 Set To Launch, City Plans Underground Walkways
Last Updated: The first such pedestrian subway is already in the works—a 1 km stretch linking Acharya Atre Chowk Metro station to Mahalaxmi Racecourse and the Coastal Road's parking facility. Mumbai's first fully underground Metro Line, the Aqua Line, is all set for its full launch this August. Stretching 33.5 km from Aarey to Cuffe Parade, it covers 27 stations and connects key hotspots like Mumbai Central, Churchgate, BKC, and CSMT. Already, the partial stretch from Aarey to Worli's Acharya Atre Chowk is buzzing with nearly 60,000 daily commuters. City planners are now dreaming bigger than just underground train rides. In a recent high-level meeting, officials from BMC, MMRCL, MMRDA, and Indian Railways came together to discuss a seamless pedestrian network connected to the metro stations, as per TOI. Why Is This Important? Metro Line 3 runs from Aarey to Cuffe Parade, covering 33.5 km and 27 stations, passing through key locations like Mumbai Central, Churchgate, BKC, and CSMT. Currently, about 60,000 people use the partial line daily. With the full corridor opening soon, better connectivity around stations is essential. The idea is to build underground pedestrian subways within a 500m to 1km radius of stations. These walkways will be equipped with escalators and lifts, ensuring accessibility for everyone. One of the first proposals is a 1km-long subway from the Acharya Atre Chowk station to Mahalaxmi Racecourse and the Coastal Road's parking facility near Haji Ali. A 160-metre arm will also connect to nearby open areas. Officials have already started mapping out routes, with a Detailed Project Report (DPR) expected in four months. What Could This Mean for You? If implemented citywide, this plan could cut down road traffic, make commuting smoother, and encourage walking. view comments First Published: July 29, 2025, 13:19 IST Disclaimer: Comments reflect users' views, not News18's. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy.
New Indian Express
a day ago
- Business
- New Indian Express
Redressal on pending ORR project unlikely by July 31
Meanwhile, NHAI sources said that the finalisation of the K Raveendran Nair, one of the landowners, alleged that the DPR, a prerequisite to initiating compensation disbursal, remains incomplete. He alleged that the government has committed a huge violation by acquiring land for a project that didn't get the necessary approvals. 'For PPP projects, it is mandatory to obtain consent from 70 per cent of the landowners and this hasn't happened in the case of the ORR project. The 3a notification issued is illegal,' he alleged. 'I have an RTI document that can prove that the project hasn't made any progress in the last two years and the government has no rights to acquire land,' he added. Last December, the Centre had asked the state to revise the DPR by adding SGST exemptions and amendments to mining laws. The state submitted the revised DPR in January 2025. The I4,767 crore-worth ORR project is aimed at decongesting city traffic and improving connectivity to the Vizhinjam International Seaport. 'We met all authorities concerned and they have assured us to sort out the issues and start disbursal of compensation by next month. The PWD secretary informed us that the project will get the approval after the NHAI visit,' said Chandramohanan Nair, chairman, Outer Ring Road Vizhinjam-Navayikulam Janakeeya Samiti.
