TUV India wins Safety Assessment contract for Bhopal and Indore Metro Projects

Bhopal, India (Metro Rail Today): In a significant development for the Bhopal and Indore Metro projects, TUV India has emerged as the lowest bidder for the Independent Safety Assessor (ISA) contract BH-IN-11. The Madhya Pradesh Metro Rail Corporation Limited (MPMRCL) awarded this contract, marking a crucial step in ensuring the safety and efficiency of the metro systems.

The Independent Safety Assessor, appointed by MPMRCL, will undertake an independent safety assessment and audit of various aspects crucial to metro operations. This includes the Signaling & Train Control system, interfaces with rolling stock, platform screen door system at underground stations, and other systems such as track, 750 V third rail traction, and automatic fare collection (AFC).

The bidding process revealed TUV India Pvt. Ltd. as the lowest bidder, quoting Rs 6.68 Crore for the Independent Safety Assessor contract. The financial bids of other contenders were Bureau Veritas (India) Pvt. Ltd. at Rs 6.78 Crore and TUV SUD South Asia Pvt. Ltd. at Rs 16.47 Crore. This competitive pricing positions TUV India favorably, reflecting its commitment to delivering quality safety assessment services for metro projects in Bhopal and Indore.

Upon appointment, the Independent Safety Assessor's immediate goal will be to conduct an independent safety assessment for the priority corridor (1st stretch) of both the Bhopal and Indore Metro systems. This assessment is crucial for obtaining approval from the Commissioner of Metro Railway Safety (CMRS) and initiating commercial operations. The contract duration is set at 3.5 years, ensuring ongoing safety oversight during various phases of the metro system's life cycle.

As the metro projects in Bhopal and Indore progress, the role of the Independent Safety Assessor becomes pivotal in ensuring that safety standards are adhered to at every stage, from design and manufacturing to testing, commissioning, and operation. The chosen ISA will play a key role in verifying the safety and quality levels of the Signaling & Train Control system and its interfaces with other subsystems, contributing to the overall success of the metro projects.

The Independent Safety Assessor's activities will encompass a comprehensive safety assessment of multiple components, including Signaling & Train Control, Platform Screen Door, Rolling Stock, and interfaces with other subsystems. This thorough evaluation will follow international standards such as EN 50126, EN 50128, EN 50129, IEC 61508, IEC 62267, IEC 62290-1,2, and other relevant standards to ensure the highest safety standards are met.

The Independent Safety Assessor's collaborative approach involves discussions with the Engineer/Employer during the safety audit process. The draft safety audit report will be reviewed and revised based on input from all stakeholders, including the S&TC contractor. This iterative process ensures that safety requirements are met, and any necessary corrective actions are implemented promptly.

TUV India's successful bid for the Independent Safety Assessor contract underscores its commitment to safety and quality in metro operations. As Bhopal and Indore move closer to the realization of their metro dreams, the expertise of TUV India is poised to play a crucial role in ensuring a safe and reliable metro system for the citizens.