+
Sudhir Chiplunkar, COO, L&T Metro Rail (Hyderabad)
RAILWAYS & METRO RAIL

Sudhir Chiplunkar, COO, L&T Metro Rail (Hyderabad)

The Hyderabad Metro Rail project has seen the transformation of L&T from a contractor to a concessionaire, and is touted to be the world’s largest metro project in PPP mode with technology as a key USP. Transit-oriented development (TOD) also plays a significant role in L&T’s operations and maintenance (O&M) model. That said, the pandemic-induced restrictions coupled with lack of last-mile connectivity, low ridership and increased operational cost have led to losses in operations. L&T Metro Rail Hyderabad has reportedly been making a loss of about Rs 5 crore a day, while its earnings are just Rs 1 crore a day; L&T is reportedly in talks with the state government to help overcome its losses. Sometime last year, reports also indicated that L&T was looking to exit the project as part of its overall plans to move away from non-core businesses.

In conversation with SERAPHINA D’SOUZA, while Sudhir Chiplunkar, COO, L&T Metro Rail (Hyderabad), opted not to comment on how the organisation is strategising to overcome pandemic-related losses, he spoke on technology adoption in the railways and metro sectors, how these sectors have progressed, and more. Excerpts:

You have over three decades of experience in the implementation of mega railway and metro projects. How have you seen these sectors evolve in the past decade?
I have been with the metro sector for the past nine years, before which I was with the Indian Railways. As far as metro is concerned, there is tremendous thrust on adoption of new technologies in every aspect of the project, right from the concept stage to commissioning. In fact, our Indian metro system today is on a par with any other metro system in the world, whether it is the signalling system (CBTC), modern lightweight aluminium built rolling stock or the adaptation of BIM. Right from the project stage to asset management, we are focused on digitisation.

Click here to know more…

The Hyderabad Metro Rail project has seen the transformation of L&T from a contractor to a concessionaire, and is touted to be the world’s largest metro project in PPP mode with technology as a key USP. Transit-oriented development (TOD) also plays a significant role in L&T’s operations and maintenance (O&M) model. That said, the pandemic-induced restrictions coupled with lack of last-mile connectivity, low ridership and increased operational cost have led to losses in operations. L&T Metro Rail Hyderabad has reportedly been making a loss of about Rs 5 crore a day, while its earnings are just Rs 1 crore a day; L&T is reportedly in talks with the state government to help overcome its losses. Sometime last year, reports also indicated that L&T was looking to exit the project as part of its overall plans to move away from non-core businesses. In conversation with SERAPHINA D’SOUZA, while Sudhir Chiplunkar, COO, L&T Metro Rail (Hyderabad), opted not to comment on how the organisation is strategising to overcome pandemic-related losses, he spoke on technology adoption in the railways and metro sectors, how these sectors have progressed, and more. Excerpts: You have over three decades of experience in the implementation of mega railway and metro projects. How have you seen these sectors evolve in the past decade? I have been with the metro sector for the past nine years, before which I was with the Indian Railways. As far as metro is concerned, there is tremendous thrust on adoption of new technologies in every aspect of the project, right from the concept stage to commissioning. In fact, our Indian metro system today is on a par with any other metro system in the world, whether it is the signalling system (CBTC), modern lightweight aluminium built rolling stock or the adaptation of BIM. Right from the project stage to asset management, we are focused on digitisation. Click here to know more…

Next Story
Infrastructure Transport

Railway Board Approves Budgam–Delhi Parcel Train

The Railway Board has approved the launch of a Joint Parcel Product–Rapid Cargo Service (JPP-RCS) for the Jammu division. The train will operate daily between Budgam railway station in the Kashmir Valley and Adarsh Nagar in Delhi.The service will comprise one seating-cum-luggage rake and eight parcel vans. To support traders, loading and unloading facilities will be provided at Bari Brahmana station. Initially, the cargo service will run on a pilot basis, with security arrangements ensured by state police.Officials said the initiative is designed to increase the railways’ share in the cour..

Next Story
Infrastructure Energy

PFC Secures EUR 150 Million Loan from KfW to Fund RDSS Projects

Power Finance Corporation (PFC) has signed a loan agreement worth EUR 150 million with Germany’s KfW to finance projects under the Government of India’s Revamped Distribution Sector Scheme (RDSS).The funding will support initiatives aimed at improving the operational and financial efficiency of power distribution companies across the country.Parminder Chopra, CMD, PFC, said, “PFC has been at the forefront of financing and enabling reforms in India’s power distribution sector. This new line of credit will help in realising Government’s vision of ensuring reliable, affordable, and sust..

Next Story
Infrastructure Energy

PM Launches Rs 68.80-Bn Buxar Thermal Power Plant, Key Projects in Bihar

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday inaugurated a series of projects in Bihar, including the Rs 68.80-billion Buxar thermal power plant from Gayaji district.The thermal power plant is expected to significantly enhance power generation, strengthen energy security, and cater to the rising electricity demand in the region.The Prime Minister also flagged off two new trains – the Amrit Bharat Express between Gayaji and Delhi, and the Buddhist Circuit train between Vaishali and Koderma, aimed at improving connectivity and tourism across key Buddhist destinations.In the healthcare sector, he ina..

Advertisement

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Get daily newsletters around different themes from Construction world.

STAY CONNECTED

Advertisement

Advertisement

Advertisement

Talk to us?