Needs to follow ‘mandatory parameters’ to get funds for metro projects

New Delhi: The Centre has issued "mandatory parameters" for electrical components used in metro rail system like lifts, escalators, tunnel ventilation and environmental control system with an aim to achieve standardization and indigenization. If state governments seek Centre's financial assistance in executing metro projects, they have to follow these parameters said by an official of the Housing and Urban Affairs ministry. According to the ministry, the parameters intend to achieve uniformity among the technical specification of electrical items used by different metro rail systems for having standardized procurement and indigenization.

Electrical systems used in metro rail systems include lifts, escalators, tunnel ventilation, and environmental control system, power supply and traction system and electrical and mechanical system underground and elevated said by the official.

The official said all state governments will have to follow these parameters if they want central government's financial assistance in executing metro rail systems. These specifications have been issued under 'Make in India initiative’.

As per the ministry's parameters, various types of lights depending on the location of installation should be provided at underground metro stations. It stated that "All Lights being provided at underground stations and parking shall be of the LED type for energy efficiency. Distribution of the Lighting shall be such that up to 50 percent of the lighting is fed by UPS System with a back-up of not less than 30 mins in case of power supply failure". About lifts in the metro rail system, it stated that minimum 13 passengers (1000 kilogram) capacity should be preferred "Procurement shall be governed by ensuring minimum 50 percent local content in compliance to public procurement (Preference to Make in India)," it also stated. The ministry said environment control system (ECS) constitutes the air-conditioning system ventilation system and station smoke management to ensure supply of fresh air for the physiological needs of passengers and authority staff under standardized specifications.