Bhopal, the capital city of Madhya Pradesh, is on the brink of a revolutionary change in its transportation system with the Bhopal Metro Rail Project. Aimed at addressing the growing demands of urban transportation, this under-construction Mass Rapid Transit System (MRTS) promises to not only ease traffic congestion but also improve air quality and provide a robust, efficient transit solution for the city's burgeoning population.
Project Overview
The Bhopal Metro project, executed by the Madhya Pradesh Metro Rail Corporation Limited (MPMRCL), encompasses two primary lines: the Orange Line and the Blue Line. The project is overseen by DB, Geodata and Louis Berger, serving as the general consultants.
Key Details:
· Client: Madhya Pradesh Metro Rail Corporation Limited (MPMRCL)
· General Consultant: DB, Geodata & Louis Berger
· Project Scope: Includes elevated and underground stations, depots, elevated sections, underground tunnels, and Ramps.
Phase 1 Lines
Orange Line:
· Route: AIIMS to Karond Circle
· Elevated Section: 13.35 km
· Elevated Stations: 13
· Inter Change Station: 1
· Underground Tunnel: 3.39 km
· Underground Stations: 2
Blue Line:
· Route: Bhadbhada Square to Ratnagiri Tiraha
· Elevated Section: 14.16 km
· Elevated Stations: 13
Over All layout of Bhopal Metro rail
Viaduct Structure
The Bhopal Metro features a 27.51 km viaduct structure, using PSC segmental box girders for most sections and post-tensioning girders at depot ramps. For railway crossings, steel open web girders are employed. The viaduct's sub-structures vary based on road alignment and utilities, incorporating single piers, two-legged portal piers, and cantilever piers. Foundations are chosen based on soil conditions, with options including open/mat footings and piles and pile caps.
Station Design
The stations are designed with a balanced cantilever structure, featuring a length of 140m and width of 21m. Most foundations are open, though some utilize pile foundations. The stations integrate several critical components, such as concourse lever piers, track supporting girders, and platform level structures. A unique interchange station at Pulbogda will facilitate seamless transitions between the Orange and Blue lines.
Stations are equipped with modern amenities including:
· Entry/Exit buildings with Foot Over Bridges (FOBs)
· Automatic fare collection systems
· Side platforms for efficient passenger movement
· High surveillance and safety features
The Station concourse contains automatic fare collection system in a manner that divides the concourse into distinct areas. The 'unpaid area' is where passengers gain access to the station, obtain travel information and purchase tickets. On passing through the ticket gates, the passenger enters the 'paid area’, which includes access to the platforms. However, it is planned in such a way that maximum surveillance can be achieved by the ticket hall supervisor over ticket machines, automatic fare collection (AFC) gates, stairs and escalators. Ticket machines and AFC gates are positioned to minimize cross flows of passengers and provide adequate circulation space. Refer fig 6 typical plan of concourse level of stations.
Underground Alignment
As in other metro projects in India, most of the alignment in Bhopal metro project is kept as elevated to minimise land acquisition & cost. Length of underground sections is restricted to congested areas where elevated construction is not feasible. Older dense part of a city having narrow roads & sharp turns doesn’t allow Elevated rail alignment without major demolitions. Underground alignment length is 11% of total alignment (3.39km out of 30.6km). Underground alignment is located between Aara machine near Bhopal talkies and Bada bagh.
Salient features of underground stations:
· Two number of stations: Bhopal railway station & Nadra bus stand station.
· Both stations to be 3-level air-conditioned stations; each with two spacious entry-exits.
· 12-feet wide staircases, escalators & lifts to serve large passenger numbers.
· Modern passenger safety features like Platform screen doors.
· 8-feet wide emergency-exit staircases. Separate staircase & lift for fireman.
· Fire alarm & firefighting systems.
· Multi-Modal integration: Bhopal metro station is directly connected to Bhopal railway junction. Nadra bus stand station is connected to Nadra ISBT via subway.
· Architectural design: Stations have flooring and wall cladding in granite. Stations reflect local culture through display of murals & artwork.
Construction Methodology:
· Bottom-Up Construction: Utilizing secant piles for primary retaining, followed by excavation and construction of bottom slabs, concourse, and roof slab.
· Tunnelling: Executed using twin bored tunnels with sophisticated Tunnel Boring Machines (TBMs), featuring a finished diameter of 5.8m and a maximum depth of 23m. Ramps will be constructed by cut-and-cover methods.
Metro Rail Depot Overview
The Metro Rail Depot is essential for train stabling, maintenance, operation control, and testing. It includes various facilities to ensure efficient and smooth operations:
Stabling and Maintenance
· Stabling Shed: Equipped with adequate stabling lines and platforms to accommodate train racks, facilitating regular checks and operational requirements.
· Maintenance Facilities: Integrated with the depot cum workshop, encompassing both heavy and light maintenance. These facilities include a washing plant, inspection tracks, and a workshop for major repairs, including under-floor wheel lathe.
· Inspection Shed: Features under-pit and train roof access with a three-level inspection facility for comprehensive maintenance.
Cleaning and Testing
· Cleaning Shed: Equipped with a washing apron, permanent way office, store siding, and workshop including a welding plant.
· Depot Ramp: Facilitates the movement of incoming and outgoing trains, featuring an automatic wash plant.
· Test Track: Fenced area dedicated to testing new rolling stocks.
Administration and Control
· Administration Building: Includes a creche, medical room, prayer room, and various specialized rooms for training, server operations, and signaling repairs. Also houses a canteen.
· Operation Control Centre (OCC): Manages the entire Metro Rail network, supported by a depot control center, crew booking center, and training institute with a simulator room.
Utilities and Security
· Central Store Depot: Features separate storage for paints, inflammables, lubricants, and a goods platform with a ramp.
· Receiving Substation: Receives power from the grid at 132 kV / 220 kV, stepping it down to 33 kV for distribution.
· Effluent and Sewage Treatment Plants: Ensures proper collection and treatment of effluent and sewage.
· Security: A permanent boundary wall at least 3 meters high with a concertina coil fence, lights, and CCTV cameras.
This streamlined infrastructure ensures that the Metro Rail Depot effectively supports the operational, maintenance, and administrative needs of the metro system.
Fig 11: Depot Layout
Conclusion
The Bhopal Metro Rail Project stands as a beacon of modern urban infrastructure, poised to transform the city's transportation landscape. With state-of-the-art facilities, thoughtful design, and a commitment to sustainability, the Bhopal Metro promises to enhance the quality of life for its residents, offering a cleaner, faster, and more efficient way to navigate the city.
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