Indian Rails Plan to Maintain Elevators, Escalators

Delhi Metro Rail Corp. (DMRC) in New Delhi, India, plans to use the Public-Private Partnership (PPP) model to promote enhanced installation and service operation of elevators and escalators along priority corridor rail stations, The New Indian Express reports. The plan is called a first-of-its-kind financial model to fund such work. Delhi Metro has awarded the first contract PPP contract, in which Johnson Lifts of Chennai, India, will design, manufacture, supply, install, test and commission elevators and escalators, and will maintain them for 15 years. Under this plan, DMRC will release monthly payments of lease and maintenance charges once the elevators and escalators become operational. Release of maintenance payments will be linked to key performance parameters defined in the contracts. All upkeep and maintenance will be handled by the contractor during the 15-year period. The plan calls for quality, efficient and high-capacity elevators and escalators. It also calls for installation of closed-circuit camera systems.