Global Urban Rail Developments and Contributions to Sustainable Development Goals

Hamburg, Germany: Investment in Sustainable Urban Mobility

• Project Overview: The European Investment Bank (EIB) and Hamburger Hochbahn have finalized a €173 million loan agreement to procure 41 new DT6-F metro trains from Alstom.
• Implementation Details: These trains are scheduled for deployment on metro lines U1 to U4, commencing in 2028. This constitutes the largest single investment in the history of Hamburger Hochbahn.
• Alignment with Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs):
  1. SDG 11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities): This investment directly supports target 11.2 by expanding access to safe, affordable, accessible, and sustainable public transport systems.
  2. SDG 13 (Climate Action): By modernizing the fleet with more efficient trains, the project contributes to reducing greenhouse gas emissions from urban transport.
  3. SDG 17 (Partnerships for the Goals): The EIB financing exemplifies a strategic partnership to fund critical infrastructure that aligns with sustainable development objectives.

Nagpur, India: Enhancing Infrastructure with Advanced Technology

• Project Overview: Maharashtra Metro Rail Corp has awarded Siemens Ltd two contracts valued at Rs7.73 billion for the implementation of Communication-Based Train Control (CBTC) signalling and telecommunications.
• Scope: The project covers the 43.8 km, 32-station Phase 2 of the Nagpur Metro Rail.
• Alignment with Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs):
  1. SDG 9 (Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure): The deployment of advanced CBTC technology represents a significant upgrade to regional infrastructure, fostering innovation and resilience.
  2. SDG 11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities): The expansion of the metro network will enhance connectivity and provide a sustainable transport solution for the growing urban population.

Milano, Italy: Metro Network Expansion

• Project Overview: A €362 million contract has been awarded to the ETERIA consortium to construct a 3.3 km bored tunnel extension of metro Line 1.
• Implementation Details: The project, expected to take over six years, will extend the line from Bisceglie to Baggio. Optional future extensions are also under consideration.
• Alignment with Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs):
  1. SDG 11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities): The extension improves public transport accessibility for residents in western districts, making the city more inclusive and sustainable.
  2. SDG 9 (Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure): This constitutes a major investment in developing quality, reliable, and sustainable regional infrastructure.

Kaduna, Nigeria: Development of New Light Rail Infrastructure

• Project Overview: The federal government has allocated N100 billion for the development of a light rail line in Kaduna, in collaboration with the state government.
• Timeline: A groundbreaking ceremony is planned for September.
• Alignment with Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs):
  1. SDG 11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities): The project is a critical step towards establishing a formal, sustainable public transport system to manage urban growth.
  2. SDG 9 (Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure): This initiative focuses on building new, quality infrastructure to foster economic development and improve quality of life.
  3. SDG 8 (Decent Work and Economic Growth): The construction and operation of the light rail line will create jobs and stimulate economic activity.

Madrid, Spain: Automation for Enhanced Efficiency

• Project Overview: A joint venture of Systra and Ardanuy has been contracted to provide technical assistance for the conversion of metro Line 6 to Grade of Automation 4 (GoA4) unattended automatic operation.
• Significance: This is the first project to automate an existing metro line in Spain.
• Alignment with Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs):
  1. SDG 9 (Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure): The adoption of GoA4 automation showcases a commitment to technological innovation in public infrastructure.
  2. SDG 11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities): Automation is set to improve the operational efficiency, safety, and reliability of the transport system, contributing to its long-term sustainability.

Toruń, Poland: Modernization of Tram Infrastructure

• Project Overview: Trakcja has been awarded an 80.8 million złoty contract to modernize 2.9 km of tram track.
• Scope: The project includes the reconstruction of a loop, a traction substation, and other supporting installations.
• Alignment with Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs):
  1. SDG 11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities): Upgrading the tram network ensures the continued viability of a key sustainable transport asset for the city.
  2. SDG 9 (Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure): The project focuses on maintaining and upgrading existing infrastructure to ensure its resilience and effectiveness.

New York, USA: Fleet Modernization for a Greener Transit System

• Project Overview: Alstom is set to supply Kawasaki Rail Car with traction equipment for 435 R211 metro cars ordered by the New York MTA.
• Impact: This delivery is part of a larger framework that will result in over 80% of the NYC Transit fleet being equipped with Alstom’s propulsion technology.
• Alignment with Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs):
  1. SDG 11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities): Modernizing the rolling stock of a major global city’s transit system improves service reliability and the overall sustainability of urban mobility.
  2. SDG 13 (Climate Action): The new, more efficient traction equipment will reduce the energy consumption of the fleet, contributing to climate action goals.

1. Which SDGs are addressed or connected to the issues highlighted in the article?

SDG 9: Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure

• The article extensively covers the development and modernization of transport infrastructure. Projects like the construction of new metro lines in Milano and Kaduna, and the modernization of tram tracks in Toruń, directly contribute to building resilient infrastructure.

SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities

• All projects mentioned are located in major cities (Hamburg, Nagpur, Milano, Kaduna, Madrid, Toruń, New York) and focus on improving public transportation systems. This is central to making cities more inclusive, safe, resilient, and sustainable by providing alternatives to private vehicle use.

SDG 13: Climate Action

• By financing and expanding electric-powered public transport such as metros and trams, these projects contribute to reducing greenhouse gas emissions from the transport sector. The European Investment Bank’s loan to Hamburg, noting the project aligns with its policy objectives, implies a focus on climate-friendly investments.

2. What specific targets under those SDGs can be identified based on the article’s content?

Under SDG 9: Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure

• Target 9.1: Develop quality, reliable, sustainable and resilient infrastructure, including regional and transborder infrastructure, to support economic development and human well-being, with a focus on affordable and equitable access for all.
  • The article details multiple projects aimed at creating or upgrading sustainable transport infrastructure. The contracts awarded for new metro lines in Milano (3.3 km extension) and Nagpur (43.8 km Phase 2), and the funding for a light rail line in Kaduna, are direct actions towards developing this infrastructure.

Under SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities

• Target 11.2: By 2030, provide access to safe, affordable, accessible and sustainable transport systems for all, improving road safety, notably by expanding public transport.
  • The core of the article is the expansion and modernization of public transport. The purchase of 41 new metro trains in Hamburg, the construction of 32 new stations in Nagpur, and the automation of Madrid’s Line 6 are all measures to expand and improve the quality and accessibility of sustainable transport systems for urban populations.

3. Are there any indicators mentioned or implied in the article that can be used to measure progress towards the identified targets?

Yes, the article provides several quantitative and qualitative indicators that can be used to measure progress towards the identified targets, particularly for Target 11.2.

Indicators for Progress Measurement:

1. Financial Investment: The article specifies the financial commitments for various projects, which serve as an indicator of the scale of investment in sustainable infrastructure.
   • Hamburg: €173m loan
   • Nagpur: Rs7.73bn in contracts
   • Milano: €362m contract
   • Kaduna: N100bn in funding
   • Toruń: 80.8m złoty contract
2. Infrastructure Expansion (Length): The physical expansion of the transport network is a direct measure of progress.
   • Nagpur: 43.8 km of new metro lines
   • Milano: 3.3 km western extension
   • Toruń: 2.9 km of modernized tram track
3. Infrastructure Expansion (Facilities): The number of new access points to the public transport system is a key metric.
   • Nagpur: 32 new stations
4. Fleet Expansion and Modernization: The number of new vehicles indicates increased capacity and service quality.
   • Hamburg: 41 new DT6-F two-car metro trains
   • New York: 435 R211 metro cars to be equipped with new traction systems
5. Technological Upgrades: Modernization efforts indicate an improvement in the quality and efficiency of the transport system.
   • Madrid: Conversion of Line 6 to GoA4 unattended automatic operation
   • Nagpur: Implementation of communication-based train control (CBTC) signalling

4. Table of SDGs, Targets, and Indicators

Source: railwaygazette.com