HARYANA Rail Infrastructure Development Corporation (HRIDC) has appointed a consortium of SMEC and Rail India Technical and Economic Service (Rites) to provide general consultancy services for the Haryana Orbital Rail Corridor (HORC) in India.

SMEC and Rites will provide consultancy services during the project implementation, construction and operations and maintenance phases of the HORC project, which is funded by the Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank (AIIB).

The broad-gauge, double-track HORC will run from Palwal via Sohna, Manesar and Kharkhouda to Sonipat largely following the Western Periphery Expressway to the west of Delhi.

The 160km/h freight and passenger line will have 20 stations, including 14 new stations, and will connect with the Dedicated Freight Corridors (DFC) at Prithala and to Indian Railways’ services at Palwal, Patli, Sultanpur, Asaudha and Harsana Kalan stations.

SMEC’s services include the critical study of the detailed project report, bid process management, project planning and management and construction supervision.

Bangladesh

The Dhaka Mass Transit Company (DMTCL), under the Bangladesh Ministry of Road Transport and Bridges, has appointed a consortium of SMEC, Egis and Oriental Consultants Group to provide a feasibility study, engineering design and procurement support for the Dhaka Metro Line 5 South project.

The 17.4km line, funded by the Asian Development Bank, will run from Aftabnagar Center via Balirpar and Gabtoli to Aftabnagar West with 14 stations. The line is expected to carry nearly one million passengers when it opens. The project comprises 12.8km of tunnels, 12 underground stations, 4.6km of viaduct, four elevated stations, and a depot.

The partners will consult on the feasibility study, engineering design and procurement support over three years.

DMTCL awarded a contract for the 20km MRT Line 5 North section in November 2020.

For detailed data on metro projects around the world, subscribe to IRJ Pro.