India’s first four-car train set for the Mumbai Monorail was previewed and inaugurated today by Mr. Ratnakar Gaikwad, Metropolitan Commissioner, Mumbai Metropolitan Region Development Authority (“MMRDA”) on behalf of His Excellency, Mr. Ashok Chavan, the Honourable Chief Minister of Maharashtra State, India at Scomi Group’s (“Scomi”) manufacturing facility in North Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.
Scomi, a leading provider of urban transit systems across the globe is currently working on the 1st Indian monorail in Mumbai. The Mumbai Monorail project which is expected to be completed by 2011 is a 20-kilometer route between Jacob Circle and Chembur with one central depot and about 18 user-friendly and highly secured stations. Each monorail, which comprises of 4 coaches, will have a capacity to accommodate about 600 passengers thereby carrying nearly 0.3 million commuters on a daily basis in the proposed route.
The Mumbai Monorail is also a green project, as it saves 200 tonnes of CO2 a day on the monorail. The structure does not obstruct much sunlight and does not trap excessive emission apart from being quieter than other modes of transportation.
Commenting on the inauguration of the first four-car monorail for India, Mr. Ratnakar Gaikwad, MMRDA Commissioner said, “The inauguration ceremony of the country’s first four-car monorail train at the manufacturing facility of Scomi Group in Malaysia is a significant moment for all Mumbaikars and Indians back home. With the creditable work being done by the Scomi and Larsen & Tourbo (“L&T”) consortium, we look forward to beginning operations of the Mumbai Monorail by mid-next year. It has been MMRDA’s long-term goal to provide world-class infrastructure to Mumbaikars. We are confident that the Mumbai Monorail Project will complement Mumbaikars’ commute by giving them a comfortable and safe mode of transportation.”
MMRDA was set up on the 26th January, 1975 under the Mumbai Metropolitan Region Development Authority Act, 1974 Government of Maharashtra as an apex body for planning and co-ordination of development activities in the Region. This Authority is responsible for the development of Mumbai Metropolitan Region (“MMR”) which comprises a Megacity of Mumbai - the capital of Maharashtra State - and the rapidly growing hinterland.
Speaking on this proud moment, Syahrunizam Samsudin, President of Scomi Engineering said, “Scomi is privileged to have MMRDA Commissioner, Mr. Ratnakar Gaikwad, Principal Secretary to the Government of Maharashtra, Mr. Thomas C. Benjamin and officials of the Maharashtra Government with us in Malaysia to grace the inauguration of India’s first four-car train set for the Mumbai Monorail project. The Mumbai Monorail project is a significant and commendable step undertaken by the State Government of Maharashtra through the MMRDA to improve the traffic and transportation scenario in Mumbai. The timely completion of the first train is the culmination of the sheer hard work and determination demonstrated by the Scomi team who have worked relentlessly towards the accomplishment of this prestigious Mumbai Monorail Project. With our state-of-the-art manufacturing facility which undertakes in-house production and system testing, we look forward to meeting the global expectations entrusted upon us by our clients.”
“We would like to take this opportunity to thank MMRDA for their unwavering support and guidance on the Mumbai Monorail project. After the successful trial-run of the first monorail car in Mumbai early this year, we have been steadily working towards meeting the project deadline set by our client MMRDA. Scomi plans to complete and dispatch one train every month starting from July 2010 from our manufacturing facility in Malaysia. We will ensure that by early 2011, all the 15 trains for the Mumbai Monorail project shall be ready in Mumbai to begin trial runs before operations commence,” continued Syahrunizam.
The world-class ISO 9001 certified manufacturing facility in the Rawang Industrial Zone, Malaysia (30 km from Kuala Lumpur) is capable of undertaking in-house production and system testing. The comprehensive facility is fully fitted with high-tech equipment necessary for the various manufacturing needs.
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This advanced facility enables the company to manufacture, repair and assemble various "rolling stock" and parts for the rail industry; for the production of their in-house monorail designs; and other types of rail vehicles of potential partners. In addition, the facility also serves as a testing centre where prototypes and finished products are placed under stringent testing methods to ensure quality meets set standards. The testing facility includes a 1-km monorail test track built around a 22-acre land for in-house testing and improvisation.
Scomi is accelerating its continued growth as a world-leading manufacturer of innovative transportation solutions especially in Monorail systems and focusing on emerging markets such as India, China, Gulf States and Brazil. The Group has plans to target other segments like the low-floor city buses that run on CNG as a part of its complementary business model to contribute to the Indian urban transportation growth.
Notes and Media Contacts:
Please be informed photography and videography will be restricted inside Scomi’s North Kuala Lumpur Facility and will only be allowed at scheduled areas. We apologise for the inconvenience.
About Scomi Group Bhd
Scomi Group Bhd, which is listed on the Main Market of Bursa Malaysia Securities Bhd and its Group of Companies are involved in three core businesses: Oilfield Services, Public Transportation and Marine Services. The Group offers Drilling Fluids & related engineering services, Drilling Waste Management solutions, distribution of related oilfield products & services, marine vessel services, machine shop services, urban transportation solutions involving monorail systems and busses, supply of industrial and production chemicals and carbon dioxide (CO2) separation. With offices at 68 locations in 33 countries, Scomi derives most of its business from its international operations, which is backed by almost 50 years of experience in the industry servicing numerous local and multinational companies. For further information, please visit: http://www.scomigroup.com.my/
About MMRDA
Establish in 1975, the Mumbai Metropolitan Development Authority (MMRDA) has been a planning and coordinating regional development in this vibrant city of Mumbai and its metropolitan region. Since its inception, MMRDA is engaged in long-term planning, promotion of new growth centers, strategic projects and financing infrastructure development. MMRDA endeavours to make Mumbai Metropolitan region a destination for Economic activity by promoting infrastructure development and improving the quality of life. Development of Bandra- Kurla Complex, launching of the Mumbai urban infrastructure project, Mithi river development project, Mumbai urban transport project, Mumbai Metro project, Skywalks, India’s first Monorail, Nirmal Abhiyan, Multi-modal corridor, Iconic tower, Nariman point Redevelopment, Rental housing, Innovation park, Water resources, Power generation, Funicular Railway, Establishment of National research and training institute are some of the most significant achievements and initiatives credited to MMRDA. For further information please log on to www.mmrdamumbai.org/