GUATEMALA CITY (TIP): A delegation from Delhi Metro Rail Corporation (DMRC) comprising of Mr Sandeep Gemawat, Sr. General Manager/Business Development and Mr. Shiv Om Dwivedi, General Manager/Business Development visited El Salvador to conduct a comprehensive survey of the proposed 22 km metro line project from 19-21 March 2024.

Established in 1995, the Delhi Metro Rail Corporation (DMRC) is a fully government-owned company with the primary objective of planning, designing, and implementing the metro system in Delhi, the National Capital Territory of India. Equally owned by the Government of India and the Government of the National Capital Territory of Delhi, DMRC operates with significant autonomy to navigate the technical complexities of constructing a vast metro network within a challenging urban landscape and tight timelines. Today, DMRC manages and maintains 392.448 km of metro network with 288 stations in Delhi and the National Capital Region (NCR), conducting 5262 train trips daily. Furthermore, with 85 km of metro network under construction in Phase-IV, DMRC’s network is set to expand to 478 km upon completion. In addition to its operational network, DMRC operates a successful consultancy wing, offering expertise in metro railway projects both domestically and internationally. With a dedicated team of professionals, DMRC serves as a comprehensive solution provider, and is renowned for its exceptional technical capabilities in the field of metro rail infrastructure development. With a team of highly skilled engineers, architects, and technicians, the DMRC continues to push the boundaries of excellence in urban transportation, setting benchmarks for metro systems worldwide. DMRC is catering to an impressive volume of passengers, with an estimated daily ridership of around 6.5 million individuals.

The visit was convened after signing of an MoU between Lakshmi Capital, and the Ministry of Public Works and Transportation of the Republic of El Salvador on 16 February 2023 for construction of 22 km metro line project (extending from initial proposal of 11 kms) in San Salvador. The MoU was signed by Hon’ble Minister Romeo Rodríguez of Ministry of Public Works, Government of Republic of El Salvador and Transportation and Mr. Russell Alexander Luther Rodas of Laxmi Capital in the presence of Ambassador of India in Guatemala, Dr. Manoj Kumar Mohapatra.

During their visit, while engaging with key stakeholders, government officials and local authorities, the delegation had meeting with Mr. Ibrahim Bukele, the Hon’ble Advisor to the President of El Salvador. In this meeting, they had the opportunity to share their insights and expertise regarding the metro line project. They conducted site visits and technical assessments to gather essential data and insights necessary for the successful planning and execution of the metro line project. The team engaged in detailed discussions and site inspections to assess the feasibility and optimization of various aspects of the metro line project such as route alignment, station design, signaling systems, rolling stock procurement, and safety protocols. The DMRC has also entered into a Non-Disclosure Agreement with Lakshmi Capital to elevate their collaboration and cooperation in the technical aspects of the project to a higher level. The team also conducted a presentation for the officials of the Government of El Salvador to inform them about their working plan, their assessment of the survey and the proposed implementation of the metro project.

Ambassador Dr. Manoj Kumar Mohapatra also participated in the survey and played a crucial role in enhancing collaboration between the DMRC team, Lakshmi Capital, and the Government of El Salvador. During the welcoming of the delegation from the Delhi Metro Rail Corporation to El Salvador, he expressed confidence that the team’s vast expertise, capabilities and experience in other countries would significantly contribute to advancing efforts to enhance public transportation infrastructure and improve connectivity in El Salvador. Appreciating the proactive approach of the Salvadoran government and their dedication to strengthening infrastructure in the country, he expressed gratitude for their confidence in India’s capabilities. The DMRC team assured their commitment to sharing their knowledge and closely collaborating with partners to ensure the successful implementation of this transformative project. The Government of El Salvador welcomed the visit of the delegation and termed it as a significant step forward in an effort to enhance public transportation infrastructure and improve connectivity in El Salvador.

Following thorough technical discussions by the DMRC team, a Concession Agreement is scheduled to be signed in the first week of April 2024 with a goal to complete the project within 3-4 years. Technical expertise of DMRC will be vital in drafting the Concession Agreement and addressing financial aspects. Additionally, this visit will facilitate valuable exchanges of best practices, lessons learned, and innovative solutions for metro rail projects, enhancing collaboration between the parties. Furthermore, following the signing of the Concession Agreement, a delegation from the Government of El Salvador is scheduled to visit the DMRC office in New Delhi to gain firsthand experience of the metro train operations in the city.