Latest news with #SYSTRA


Time of India
4 days ago
- Business
- Time of India
AP govt ties up with SYSTRA, TYPSA for metro phase-1 execution
Vijayawada: The Andhra Pradesh government signed Memorandums of Agreement (MoAs) with SYSTRA Consultancy and TYPSA Consultancy to serve as general consultants for the Visakhapatnam and Vijayawada metro rail projects, respectively. As general consultants, SYSTRA will assist APMRCL in planning, design, and construction supervision of the Visakhapatnam metro rail project, while TYPSA will oversee the Vijayawada metro project. The MoAs were exchanged in the presence of Municipal Administration and Urban Development (MAUD) minister P Narayana and representatives of SYSTRA and TYPSA at the APCRDA regional office in Vijayawada. Speaking on the occasion, Narayana said the state government has already issued a tender notification for Phase-1 of the Visakhapatnam metro project, and a separate tender notification for Phase-1 of the Vijayawada metro project will be issued within a week. He stated that the government is committed to completing Phase-1 of both metro projects—Visakhapatnam at a cost of Rs 11,498 crore and Vijayawada at Rs 10,118 crore—within the next three years, with support from the Centre. Narayana noted that the metro projects were included in the AP Reorganisation Act, 2014, and would be developed as joint venture (JV) projects. The state and Centre will each contribute 20% of the project cost, while the remaining 60% will be sourced through soft loans from foreign banks, with the Centre providing guarantees. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like The Simple Morning Habit for a Flatter Belly After 50! Lulutox Undo For Phase-1 of the Visakhapatnam metro project, the state's 20% share of Rs 2,863 crore will be sourced through VMRDA, while the Centre will provide Rs 2,018 crore. An additional Rs 847 crore will be required for acquiring 99.75 acres of land. For Phase-1 of the Vijayawada metro project, which includes two corridors totaling 38.4 kilometers—Corridor-1 from PNBS to Gannavaram (25.95 km) and Corridor-2 from PNBS to Penamaluru (12.45 km)—a total of Rs 1,152 crore will be needed to acquire 91 acres of land.


New Indian Express
4 days ago
- Business
- New Indian Express
AP signs MoUs with TIPSA, SYSTRA to fast-track metro projects in Vizag, Vijayawada
VIJAYAWADA: The Andhra Pradesh Metro Rail Corporation (APMRC) on Friday signed Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) with leading consultancies TIPSA and SYSTRA to provide design, supervision, and technical support for metro rail projects in Visakhapatnam and Vijayawada. The MoUs were signed in the presence of Municipal Administration and Urban Development Minister Dr P Narayana at the APCRDA office in Vijayawada. As per the agreements, TIPSA will oversee design and supervision for the Vijayawada Metro Rail project, while SYSTRA will handle technical aspects and execution support for the Visakhapatnam Metro Rail. Speaking on the occasion, Minister Narayana said the projects are being taken up as part of commitments under the Andhra Pradesh Reorganisation Act. He blamed the previous regime for stalling metro progress and claimed the current administration is fast-tracking the initiatives. He said 20% of the cost will be borne by the Central government, 20% by the State, and 60% through a low-interest loan facilitated by the Centre. Vizag Metro's Phase 1 spans 46.23 km, with tenders already invited. Vijayawada Metro's 35.04 km Phase 1 tenders will be floated shortly. To optimise space, double-decker corridors have been planned—20 km in Vizag and 4.7 km in Vijayawada.


Khaleej Times
24-06-2025
- Business
- Khaleej Times
GCC Railway in progress: How cross-border networks can overcome legal, social hurdles
The ambitious 2,117km GCC Railway, poised to interlink the key cities of the six Gulf Cooperation Council member states, is steadily progressing. However, as the project moves forward, it might face a complex array of challenges inherent in cross-border high-speed rail (HSR) initiatives, according to SYSTRA, a global leader in public transport and mobility solutions with a significant role in the Etihad Rail project. Cross-border HSR networks are lauded for their transformative potential, promising reduced travel times, bolstered economic growth, enhanced regional integration, and a sustainable transportation alternative. Yet, their nature introduces significant complexities, particularly concerning national disparities in standards, operations, financial frameworks, regulations, and geopolitical considerations. Technical hurdles One of the primary challenges lies in harmonising diverse technical standards. SYSTRA highlights the need to align varying safety, environmental, and accessibility regulations across the participating nations. In addition, implementing efficient customs and immigration processes for both passengers and freight is crucial to avoid excessive delays at borders. Legal harmonisation encompassing contracts, procurement, insurance, and dispute resolution, also presents a significant hurdle. Distinct national regulations in these areas necessitate bilateral and multilateral agreements, which can extend project timelines and escalate costs. Other considerations include effective risk sharing and robust governance structures. Environmental and social considerations The environmental and social dimensions are integral to the success of cross-border HSR projects. It is necessary to coordinate comprehensive Environmental and Social Impact Assessments (ESIA) and mitigation actions, while respecting differing national laws. Public engagement strategies must also be carefully coordinated. Issues such as land expropriation, potential ecological impacts, and community resistance can significantly delay or even derail projects. Therefore, early and ongoing assessment, effective stakeholder engagement, robust mitigation measures, and strong international cooperation are vital to ensure sustainable and equitable outcomes. Stakeholder cooperation The success of the GCC Railway hinges on seamless coordination among a multitude of stakeholders. This includes strong governmental collaboration for high-level decisions and funding approvals. Integrating recommendations and regulations from supranational bodies, akin to the EU or international railway agencies like UIC, is also crucial. Another hurdle may be aligning the differing procedures and operational standards of railway operators and infrastructure managers. The identification and early engagement of all concerned stakeholders are critical to navigate the differing interests, regulations, funding mechanisms, institutional setups, and cultural contexts. Robust governance structures, clear communication channels, joint decision-making bodies, and a strong commitment to transparency and collaboration are essential to overcome these challenges. Political will: The ultimate driver Ultimately, the long-term success of the GCC Railway, like any major international infrastructure project, is deeply intertwined with political considerations. The need for strong political will to forge bilateral or multilateral agreements and align national priorities cannot be overstated. Cross-border regulatory harmonisation, enabling seamless operations and interoperability standards, is a direct outcome of this political commitment. Without sustained political resolve and collaboration at all levels, such complex international endeavors risk significant delays or failure to achieve their intended benefits. Notable examples of political and environmental concerns delaying projects include the Lyon-Turin HSR and the setbacks faced by the Kuala Lumpur-Singapore HSR due to political renegotiations. As the GCC nations press ahead with their ambitious rail vision, addressing these multifaceted challenges through coordinated efforts and unwavering political commitment will be key to unlocking the full potential of this transformative regional connector.