On October 29, the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) and the Government of India signed two loan agreements for rail projects, totaling JPY 203.67 billion (EUR 1.6 billion). Mumbai – Ahmedabad HSR and the phase 3 of Delhi Mass Rapid Transport System are the two projects which received JICA loans.
A JPY 150 billion (EUR 1.17 billion) loan is provided for the construction of Mumbai – Ahmedabad High Speed Rail. This is the second Japanese loan for India’s HSR project, after in September, JICA offered the first loan, with a value of JPY 89.5 billion (EUR 702.8 million). The two loans bring JICA’s financing involvement within Mumbai – Ahmedabad HSR to EUR 2.4 billion.
Under the financial agreement, India will use Japanese Shinkansen system on the Mumbai – Ahmedabad project, for the construction of a 500-km line and 12 stations between Mumbai in Maharashtra State and Ahmedabad in Gujarat State. The new rail will make transport between Mumbai, the second largest city in India, and Ahmedabad, the fifth largest commercial and industrial city, possible in about 2 hours, one-third of the time required with a conventional limited express train.
The objectives of the project are to reduce traffic pollution, strengthen connectivity, and enhance regional economic development in the target area through the construction of a mass transit system that provides frequent service.
Currently, India is in the process to hire companies after the launch of letters of invitation for consulting services, including construction supervision.
In June, India has announced the tender of initial procurement package for the construction of a PSC Bridge over National Highway, in Navsary district, Gujarat.
In September, the National High Speed Rail Corporation launched the tender on the design and construction of Sabarmati Terminal for Mumbai-Ahmedabad HSR. https://www.railwaypro.com/wp/first-tender-for-mumbai-ahmedabad-hsr-station-launched/
The line is scheduled to be completed at the end of 2023, when the facilities will be put into service. Mumbai-Ahmedabad HSR project was estimated at USD 14 billion, with 81 per cent of the funding coming from Japan.
The second project to receive JICA’s financing in India envisages Phase 3 of Delhi Mass Rapid Transport system. This October, JICA signed a JPY 53.67 billion loan (EUR 421 million) for the construction of a 116-km MRT lines. The Phase 3 of Delhi Metro includes the development of 11 lines, totaling 160 km of lines.
The 116-km of MRT lines, financed by JICA are expected to be put into commercial operation by the end of 2020. Delhi Metro Rail Corporation has launched the tender of initial procurement package for international competitive bidding on project construction.
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