DMRC Phase 3 to be fully commissioned by 2018
Despite the many challenges, we have made tremendous progress in Phase 3 of Delhi metro, with most of the corridors nearing completion. It is expected that all the sections will be commissioned by 2018, says Mr. Mangu Singh, Managing Director, DMRC, in an interview with Maria R.
How challenging has construction of Phase 3 of DMRC been?
The third phase of Delhi Metro has undoubtedly been the most challenging. We have had to deal with a plethora of issues such as land acquisition under the amended land rules, contractor related challenges, which were completely unforeseen, and of course the additional responsibility of introducing several new age technologies such as the Communication Based Train Control (CBTC) system, rolling stock equipped with Unattended Train Operations (UTO), and platform screen gates.
However, despite all the challenges, we have made tremendous progress and most of our corridors are nearing completion. Close to 30 km of new lines have already opened, and many more sections are undergoing trials. We are hopeful of commissioning all the sections in another year’s time. It’s been a memorable experience so far. We have all learnt a lot and will try to further improve our performance in the subsequent phases.
Phase 3 has 28 underground stations and the total length of the underground corridor is around 54 km. How challenging was the underground construction?
Underground construction is always a major challenge, and when it has to be done in a crowded city like Delhi, the challenges get further complicated. In the third phase, we have constructed a longer underground stretch as compared to the first and second phases combined. About 30 tunnel boring machines were almost simultaneously used to carry out the tunneling work. There were many areas such as old Delhi where the tunneling had to be done below dilapidated and old buildings. The Ring and the Outer Ring Road also have crowded stretches where we had to go underground below the markets and congested residential areas. However, I am glad to share that we could complete the work without causing any damage to even one structure anywhere in the entire city. Round the clock monitoring through custom made monitoring devices was done and precautionary measures taken wherever needed.
What methodologies and technolo- gies were used to complete the project, safely and timely?
Apart from our focus on construction, we encourage our engineers to go for advanced training programmes, and also visit construction sites in other cities so that they can keep abreast of the latest technologies across the world. The second phase of Delhi Metro’s construction gave us many lessons and, therefore, the contract conditions for the next phase were carefully drafted and many new requirements as per the latest technologies available were drafted. As regards safety, the Safety Health and Engineering (SHE) manual was redrafted and updated.
Incorporation of new technology to improve the overall quality and safety of works is a constant process and in every phase of construction, we have tried to bring in changes as per the latest technologies available in the market. We then incorporate these in our contracts and also work very closely with our contractors to ensure that the changes are introduced and implemented adequately.
Has DMRC started planning for Phase 4?
Incorporation of new technology to improve the overall quality and safety of works is a constant process in every phase of construction, and we have tried to bring in changes as per the latest technologies.
We are still awaiting all the necessary approvals for Phase 4. However, we have started our preliminary planning. Nodal officers have been appointed for the proposed corridors and we are also working on further improving the contract conditions for the next phase.
It has been reported that DMRC is grappling with limited resources and lack of workforce. What will be your strategy for Phase 4 to avoid such a crunch and not miss the deadline?
As a trendsetter for constructing sustainably and on stipulated deadlines, how is DMRC guiding the many ongoing metro projects across the country?
We are happy that our success has sparked a Metro revolution across the country. Many more cities have now gained the necessary confidence to go ahead with Metro projects. We have consistently tried to be a guiding force for all the upcoming Metros by providing consultancy to almost all of them. We have also executed the Jaipur and Kochi Metros and are currently engaged in similar roles with Noida - Greater Noida, Mumbai and Vijaywada metro projects. Many of our engineers are now holding senior positions in other Metro projects and utilizing the experience gained here. Our endeavor always will be to extend all possible cooperation to the new Metro projects coming up across the nation.
How is your experience working with Metro Man Dr. E. Sreedharan and then taking over the reins of DMRC as its Chief?
Working with Dr. Sreedharan has been an experience of a lifetime. I have learnt a lot from a personality like him. Stepping into his shoes has been a challenge but I am relishing the challenge, so far. It’s a matter of great satisfaction that despite a lot of hurdles and challenges we have almost neared the completion of Phase 3 and are a readying ourselves for the subsequent phases.
NBM&CW August 2017
