Romain Hilaire

Assystem Stup has been appointed as a general consultant to support the development and modernisation of rail routes within India’s central rail zone. The zone features the very first Indian rail routes built in 1853 and with lines connecting Mumbai, Pune, Itarsi and Nagpur, it is also one of India’s largest and most heavily used.

Railway development represents a key opportunity to decarbonise the country’s transport sector, with high quality public transport links directly contributing to reductions in traffic congestion, local air pollution and atmospheric greenhouse gas emissions.

Between 2023 and 2024, India’s government has allocated a record sum of Rs 2400bn ($US 32.9bn) to upgrade and modernise key routes, including Rs 375bn for new rolling stock and fleet modernisation.

Central Railways, the government body which operates the central zone, appointed Assystem Stup as general consultant due to its record of strong technical delivery and large-scale infrastructure project management. The company’s expert teams will work with Central Railways to facilitate the coordination and support of the zonal and divisional tiers.

The all-encompassing project will see Assystem Stup demonstrate its project management prowess from the initial appraisal stage through to completion. The company’s teams will manage project progress reviews, implementation monitoring, technical advisory services, and financial advisory insights, as well as being responsible for managing contractors, legal, and commercial aspects.

To support future phases of the central rail zone’s development, Assystem Stup’s teams will also be supporting the development of the programme management systems in addition to managing and refining the procurement and bid process for lots within this large development programme.

Anil P. Nikam, Regional Director, Assystem Stup, said: “We take immense pride in our role as general consultant for this major project. Our commitment to technical excellence and infrastructure mastery drives us as we lay the tracks for progress. Assystem Stup is honoured to be the engine of modernisation for India’s central rail zone, a key project which will help to enhance cost-effective low-carbon public transport in the region.“

The enchanting landscapes of Karnataka and Andhra Pradesh in India are poised to become more accessible, thanks to an ambitious initiative by the National Highways Logistics Management Limited (NHLML). Under the Parvatmala Programme, NHLML has embarked on a journey to transform transportation and tourism in the states, unlocking significant economic activity, through the strategic development of multiple ropeway projects, and has selected Assystem Stup as a key partner.

Pre-feasibility Studies: Paving the Path for Sustainable Development

The cornerstone of NHLML’s Parvatmala Programme lies in conducting pre-feasibility studies that delve deep into the viability and potential of ropeway installations. The partnership with Assystem STUP for these prefeasibility studies marks a significant milestone in the realisation of this ambitious program.

Assessment and Data Collection: Laying the Groundwork

The first step towards transforming a vision into reality involves a comprehensive assessment and data collection process. Assystem STUP’s experts undertook reconnaissance surveys and on-site visits to gather essential data about potential project sites. This invaluable groundwork was complemented by an analysis of secondary data, including tourism trends and local demographics.

Traffic Projection: Anticipating Demand

An integral aspect of the prefeasibility study is the analysis of historical and anticipated tourist footfall. By extrapolating trends and considering future tourism projections, Assystem STUP experts estimated the expected demand for the ropeway services in the designated regions.

Proposed Technology: A Blend of Innovation and Pragmatism

Selecting the right technology for the ropeway systems is a decision that carries profound implications for safety, capacity, and environmental impact. Assystem STUP’s experts meticulously evaluated various ropeway technologies and determined the most suitable ones for the specified regions.

Cost Estimation: Realistic Financial Perspectives

The financial aspect of any project is a critical determinant of its feasibility. Assystem STUP’s prefeasibility study provided an initial estimation of project costs, encompassing both construction and operational expenses.

Techno-Economic Viability: A Holistic Assessment

At the crossroads of technology and economics lies the vital assessment of techno-economic viability. Assystem STUP’s role extended to aiding the relevant authorities in assessing the overall feasibility of the ropeway projects.

Vikas Chopra, Chief Operating Officer, Assystem Stup said: “Through partnership and precision, NHLML and Assystem STUP are not just developing ropeway systems; they’re crafting pathways to a more accessible, sustainable, and promising future for the states of Karnataka and Andhra Pradesh. We are proud to be deploying our expertise to support the first stage of this exciting project.”