Patna Water Metro Plan Extends: 2 More Cruise Terminals Planned at Kangan and Pahalwan Ghat

Narendra Shah & Editorial Team
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Patna Water Metro Plan Extends: 2 More Cruise Terminals Planned at Kangan and Pahalwan Ghat

PATNA (Metro Rail News): According to the Union Government, Patna is chosen under the National Water Metro plan that seeks to provide environment-friendly transport along the waterways in the city. Electric hybrid ships shall be used in order to meet this objective. 

Patna’s proposed Ganga water metro project is moving forward with rapid pace, and is expected to witness growth in transportation, tourism and employment. 

Two acres of land have been allotted by the State Government at both ghats to Inland Waterways Authority of India (IWAI) for implementing the plan. Full-pledged operation of this project will be connected to National Waterway -1 and the cost of its execution is supposed to be around Rs. 1200 crores. 

Extended Water Metro Plan Extended to Kangan and Pahalwan Ghat

The first phase of the plan involves setting up of the world-class river cruise terminals at Kangan Ghat and Pahalwan Ghat. The river cruise terminal at Kangan Ghat will be linked to the pontoon on Ganga through a gangway which will pass below J P Ganga Path. The pontoon is expected to be around 150 metres long and will have the capacity to berth four boats at once. 

The scope of work includes the installation of a dedicated power bunkering and auxiliary supply system to ensure operational energy management for all rolling stock operating within the terminal limits.

The upcoming water metro hubs will feature modern terminal buildings and smooth passenger walkways to make switching between road transport and boats effortless. At Pahalwan Ghat, commuters will use a uniquely designed elevated pathway, while the surrounding riverbanks will undergo stone pitching for added safety and strength.

The water metro’s reach extends far beyond Kangan and Pahalwan ghats. The Inland Waterways Authority of India (IWAI) has already spotted several promising spots for new terminals along both the Ganga and Gandak rivers. This network will build on the success of the existing IWAI terminal at Gaighat on National Waterway-1, turning these new passenger hubs into a world-class upgrade for local commuters.

Also Read: MoPSW Draws Up National Water Metro Guidelines: 18 Locations Identified Across Country

Bengaluru Advances Multilevel Rail Infrastructure With Shared Metro-Suburban Rail Corridor

Narendra Shah & Editorial Team
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Bengaluru Advances Multilevel Rail Infrastructure With Shared Metro-Suburban Rail Corridor

BENGALURU (Metro Rail News): Bengaluru is trying to build its transport infrastructure upwards instead of taking land for every new construction, with roads, suburban trains and Metro trains will share the same corridor at different levels. A 500 meter alignment will be shared near Benniganahalli between Bengaluru Metro & the Bengaluru Suburban Rail (BMRCL) to avoid acquisition of 1.3 acres of residential land. 

In Bengaluru, double-decker flyovers are present, one level carries the Metro and another is used for vehicular traffic.  As per BMRCL, a shared alignment has been adopted by Bengaluru Suburban Rail Project so both the rail systems use the same space. 

Reason behind building a double-decker metro in Bangaluru

The main reason for building a double-decker Metro corridor in Bengaluru is to use limited space more efficiently, because Bengaluru is a crowded place and the city is growing rapidly. By building every transport structure at different places, required more land and also, demolish homes intentionally and take citizens property. 

A double-decker corridor will help to allow different public transport at same time and location, allowing passengers to travel easily. 1.3 acres residential land will be untouched under this project, adopted in Benniganahali.

Kanaka Line suburban railway corridor in Bengaluru

Suburban railway corridor in Bengaluru named as Kanaka Line, part of the city. For daily commuters it provides a fast and frequent service for people who travel between Bengaluru and its surrounding areas on a daily basis. 

The viaduct K-RIDE’s Kanaka Line will connect Heelalige and Rajankunte, going to pass through Benniganahali area which will share a transport corridor with the Bengaluru Metro blue Line.

The railway will be placed on elevated level instead of building separately, it will save land, reduce property acquisition and create a convenient connection between different forms of public transports. 

Major role of Benniganahali in the project

Benniganahali plays a crucial role as a transport hub, bringing different public transport systems together while making proper use of limited land. The Metro and Suburban railway infrastructure is going to meet at Benniganahali, which makes it an important junction.

This common corridor of Bengaluru Metro Blue Line and the Suburban railway will allow two systems to run at different levels while using the same urban space. This will make Benniganahali an important multimodal transport interchange, helping commuters to connect between different transport services. 

Also Read: Bengaluru Suburban Rail Project: Cemindia Projects Emerges as L1 for ₹665.61 Cr Mathikere Project 

Gurugram Metro’s Sector 9-Cyber City Stretch Moves Ahead with ₹1,662 Cr Tender 

Narendra Shah & Editorial Team
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Gurugram Metro’s Sector 9-Cyber City Stretch Moves Ahead with ₹1,662 Cr Tender 

GURUGRAM (Metro Rail News): Gurugram Metro Rail Limited (GMRL) has invited bids for the construction of a viaduct and elevated stations between Sector 9 and Cyber City on the Gurugram Metro corridor. The estimated cost of the package is ₹1,662.53 crore, including GST, with a completion period of 30 months.

Tender information

Information Details 
Tender Number GMRL/PROJ/2026/AC-03
Estimated Cost ₹1,662.53 crore (including GST)
Completion Period 30 months
Tender Security ₹16.63 crore / USD 1.75 million
Pre-Bid Meeting21 October 2026, 11:00 hrs
Tender Submission Deadline18 November 2026, 15:30 hrs

Scope of work

The scope of work includes construction of viaduct and elevated stations from Sector 9 Metro Station (exclusive) to Cyber City Metro Station (inclusive) of Gurugram Metro Corridor between Millennium City Centre and Cyber City, Gurugram, India. 

About Gurugram Metro Project

The Gurugram Metro project is planned as a 14.2-km corridor with 13 stations connecting Millennium City Centre with Cyber City. The project has an estimated cost of around ₹1,662 crore and will include double-decker flyovers at Bajghera and Old Delhi Road.

The 13 proposed stations are Sector 7, Sector 4, Sector 5, Ashok Vihar, Sector 3, Bajghera Road, Palam Vihar Extension, Palam Vihar, Sector 23A, Sector 22, Udyog Vihar Phase 4, Udyog Vihar Phase 5 and Cyber City. The project is planned to be financed by the World Bank. The platforms will be designed to accommodate six-car metro trains.

Also Read: Gurugram Metro Phase II Gains Momentum as Haryana Government Clears Rs 1,662 Cr Civil Works Package

North Central Railway Generates ₹285 Cr From Scrap Disposal in Six Months 

Narendra Shah & Editorial Team
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North Central Railway Generates ₹285 Cr From Scrap Disposal in Six Months 

DELHI (Metro Rail News): North Central Railway (NCR) has surpassed its annual junk disposal target for 2026-27 in just six months generating Rs 286.79 Cr against the fixed amount of Rs 285 crore. The amount which was fixed for the entire financial year was achieved during the first half of 2026-27, earning 1.74 crore more than the targeted amount. This development signals a faster pace in the disposal of obsolete and unused railway materials. 

This accomplishment reflects the efforts of NCR General Manager Naresh Pal Singh and Principal Chief Materials Manager SP Diwedi, who supervised the planning and monitoring for this project. Officials and staff involved in identifying, sorting, separating and disposing of the scrap and unused materials were also credited for the achievement for completing this project sooner than it was expected.

This initiative has made additional revenue from scrap disposal more accessible to NCR while simultaneously also helping railway premises be clear of scrap and unused material.

Systematic scrap disposal improves cleanliness and safety in railways 

According to TOI, officials have said the systematic removal of scrap has helped create cleaner and safer railway stations. The clearing of old rails, machinery, equipment and other unused materials helps clear railway premises and create a cleaner, safer workplace. Disposal of unused railway material can help reduce the amount of space required for storing scrap across railway facilities. However this process is not only limited to revenue generation but also it can contribute to better utilisation of railway space and resources. 

The early achievement also gives NCR an opportunity to go beyond its original annual target. With several months still remaining in the financial year, continued disposal of identified scrap could generate additional revenue while reducing the accumulation of obsolete material across railway facilities.

Also Read: Railways Approve ₹166.5 Cr Four-Lane RoB to Replace Vadodara’s Alkapuri Underpass

South Western Railway Records 5.9% Growth in Freight Loading in September 2026

Narendra Shah & Editorial Team
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South Western Railway Records 5.9% Growth in Freight Loading in September 2026

DELHI (Metro Rail News): The South Western Railway (SWR) recorded its highest freight loading in September, 2026. It handled 4.41 million tonnes during the month, marking an increased growth of 5.9% as compared to the numbers that reached 4.17 million tonnes in September, 2025. 

The first half of the financial year reflect robust growth across traffic and revenue, which is highlighted as follows: 

  • Total Freight Loading: Reached 26.1 million tonnes, reflecting a 5.8% growth over the same period in 2025.
  • Gross Revenue: Totaled ₹4,730 crore, showing a 4.91% increase from the previous year.
  • Total Passengers: Carried 9.2 crore passengers, registering a 4.78% increase.

South Western Railway records Strong Revenue and Freight Growth 

During the month of September, 2026, the gross revenue reached ₹870 crore that highlights a 15.91% increase over September last year. The passenger revenue rose by 26.87% to ₹357.5 crore.  The passenger traffic increased by 6.83% to carry 1.5 crore passengers, while the freight revenue stood ₹465 crore, a rise of 8.72% year-over-year.

In the first half of the financial year, cargo loading was dominated by iron ore at 10.17 million tonnes. Pig iron and finished steel followed at 5.95 million tonnes, while coal accounted for 5.36 million tonnes. 

In September alone, iron ore led freight loading at 1.7 million tonnes, followed by pig iron and finished steel at 1.127 million tonnes, and coal at 0.9 million tonnes. Mineral oil and container traffic rounded out the period at 0.217 million tonnes and 0.105 million tonnes, respectively. 

P. Ananth, the General Manager of South Western Railway, praised railway employees for their consistent efforts in elevating performance to such a satisfactory level.

Also Read: Indian Railways Sanctions Rs 122 Cr to Add Second Track on Barbil-Bolanikhadan Section

Gangtok Moves Closer to First Railway Link as ₹9,000 Cr Project Gets Priority 

Narendra Shah & Editorial Team
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Gangtok Moves Closer to First Railway Link as ₹9,000 Cr Project Gets Priority 

GANGTOK (Metro Rail News): Gangtok may soon move closer to getting its first railway connection, as the Railway Ministry has prioritised the proposed Rangpo-Gangtok rail link. The 34-km project will cost around ₹9,000 crore and aims to extend railway connectivity from Rangpo to Sikkim’s capital. The Integrated Multimodal Network Planning Group (NPG) recently discussed the project under the PM GatiShakti National Master Plan.

According to a Times of India report, the NPG’s consideration could help move the project forward and improve rail connectivity to Gangtok. The planned rail link will extend the rail link from Rangpo to Gangtok after the ongoing Sivok-Rangpo rail link project is completed. Indian railways has set December 2027 as the deadline for this project.

Sivok-Rangpo line to provide direct railway connectivity to Sikkim

The 44.5 KM extension of Sivok-Rangpo line is being built at an estimated cost of Rs 17,124 crore. The section has 14 tunnels and 13 major bridges.

The railways have been working to strengthen rail connectivity in the capitals of states. Once the Sivok-Rangpo and proposed Rangpo-Gangtok links are completed, Sikkim would become the next state in the region to have rail connectivity with its capital. At present four state capitals in the region have rail connectivity.

During a 2021 review of the Sivok-Rangpo project, Prime Minister Narendra Modi directed the ministry to hold officials accountable for the delay. This project was being postponed due to the challenging Himalayan terrain, as it required the construction of several tunnels and major bridges. 

Rangpo-Gangtok section to commence into next phase after a significant gap

According to TOI, the officials said that the Rangpo-Gangtok extension is under examination currently, so moving to phase two may happen after a certain gap once the Sivok-Rangpo section becomes functional. The Rangpo-Gangtok extension is expected to improve access to state capital Gangtok and strengthen rail connectivity for travelers and transportation of goods. 

The Sivok-Rangpo section is 75% completed and is scheduled to be successfully completed till the end of 2027.

Also Read: Indian Railways Sanctions Rs 122 Cr to Add Second Track on Barbil-Bolanikhadan Section

Maha Metro Identifies L1 Bidder for ₹209 Cr Nagpur Metro Phase 2 Track Contract

Narendra Shah & Editorial Team
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Maha Metro Identifies L1 Bidder for ₹209 Cr Nagpur Metro Phase 2 Track Contract

NAGPUR (Metro Rail News): Maharashtra Metro Rail Corporation Limited (Maha Metro) has identified Rahee Infratech Limited as the lowest bidder (L1) for a ₹209.04 crore contract for ballastless track works under the Nagpur Metro Rail Project Phase 2.

The package covers track works for Reach 1B and Reach 3A, including the supply of 1,080-grade HH rails, track fastenings, ballastless turnouts and other associated works.

Contract Details

InformationDetails 
AuthorityMaharashtra Metro Rail Corporation Limited (Maha Metro)
ProjectNagpur Metro Rail Project Phase 2
Contract value₹209.04 crore
L1 bidderRahee Infratech Limited

Bidders details 

BidderBid ValueStatus
Rahee Infratech Limited₹209.04 crorePotential-Aoc 
Texmaco Rail & Engineering Ltd.₹ 230 Cr (L2) Accepted-financial 
IRCON International Ltd.₹ 254.2 Cr (L3) Accepted-financial

Scope of work

The scope of work includes design, supply, installation, testing and commissioning of Ballastless track for elevated viaduct of Reach 1B and Reach 3A of NMRP Ph-2 incl supply of 1080 Grade HH Rails, track fastenings, 1 in 9 R300 Ballastless turnouts and other misc works. 

Reach 1B and Reach 3A

  • Reach 1B: forms part of the southern expansion of Nagpur Metro’s Orange Line. The stretch is intended to improve connectivity towards the industrial areas around Butibori MIDC.
  • Reach 3A: is part of the Aqua Line’s western expansion. It covers around 6.4-6.6 km from Lokmanya Nagar to Hingna MIDC and includes seven elevated stations. The stretch also features a 120-metre special span across the Vena River.

The ballastless track package is a key civil and systems component for the two elevated reaches of Nagpur Metro Phase 2. Its execution will support the installation and commissioning of track infrastructure as construction progresses on the expanded corridors.

Also Read: Maha Metro Selects L1 Bidder for ₹40.59 Cr Nagpur Metro Rolling Stock AMC

Chennai Metro Phase II Records Three TBM Breakthroughs in 3 Days

Narendra Shah & Editorial Team
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Chennai Metro Phase II Records Three TBM Breakthroughs in 3 Days

CHENNAI (Metro Rail News): Chennai Metro Rail Limited (CMRL) has recorded 3 TBM breakthroughs in three consecutive days, adding momentum to the underground works on Chennai Metro Phase II. The latest came on October 1, when downline TBM Adyar broke through at RK Salai Station on Corridor 3.

The three breakthroughs were recorded across two underground corridors between September 29 and October 1.

Chennai Metro records 3 breakthroughs in 72 hours

The sequence began with the Kaveri TBM on September 29, followed by Maruthan on September 30 and Adyar on October 1.

  • 29 September: Corridor 3 downline TBM Kaveri broke through at Kilpauk Medical College Station.
  • 30 September 30: Corridor 5 downline TBM Maruthan broke through at Villivakkam Station.
  • 1 October: Corridor 3 downline TBM Adyar broke through at RK Salai Station.

The latest breakthrough is also the 10th TBM breakthrough under the TU02 contract.

Adyar completes 915-metre drive

TBM Adyar was deployed for tunnelling between Royapettah and RK Salai stations along Chennai Metro Corridor 3. The downline tunnel is 915 metres long. The drive began on December 29, 2025, and was completed on October 1, 2026, taking 277 days.

The tunnel forms part of the 12-km underground section between Kellys and Taramani, where L&T is executing the tunnelling works with eight TBMs. The corresponding upline drive was completed earlier by TBM Bhavani, which broke through at RK Salai on October 13, 2025.

TBM passed below busy urban stretch

The Royapettah–RK Salai drive involved tunnelling below or close to several existing structures along Royapettah High Road. The machine negotiated sections near:

  • Peters Bridge
  • EPFO building
  • Andhra School
  • Several commercial shop lots

The tunnel was constructed at an overburden of about 9 to 13 metres through silty sand. The tunnelling team carried out 11 cutterhead interventions during the drive.

Despite the relatively shallow alignment and the presence of existing structures, CMRL said the work was completed without major ground settlement or reported damage to surrounding infrastructure.

Chennai Metro Corridor 3 gains another tunnelling milestone

The latest breakthrough adds to the progress on Corridor 3, one of the underground sections of Chennai Metro Phase II. The repeated breakthroughs in a short period also reflect the pace of tunnelling activity now underway across the Phase II network. However, TBM breakthroughs mark the completion of individual tunnel drives and are followed by track, systems, station and other works before a corridor can enter testing and commissioning.

The three breakthroughs in three days give Chennai Metro Phase II a visible tunnelling push, with Corridor 3 recording two of the three milestones. The focus now shifts to completing the remaining tunnel drives and moving the finished sections towards the next stages of construction, systems installation and commissioning.

Also Read: Chennai Metro Phase-2 Advances as L&T’s ‘TBM Kaveri’ Breaks Through at Kilpauk 

Gurugram Metro Phase II Gains Momentum as Haryana Government Clears Rs 1,662 Cr Civil Works Package

Narendra Shah & Editorial Team
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Gurugram Metro Phase II Gains Momentum as Haryana Government Clears Rs 1,662 Cr Civil Works Package

GURUGRAM (Metro Rail News): Haryana has approved a ₹1,662-crore civil works package for Gurugram Metro Phase 2, clearing the way for Gurugram Metro Rail Limited (GMRL) to invite bids in the first week of October. The package covers a 15.3-km elevated corridor from Sector 9 to DLF Cyber City, including sections where the Metro will run above existing road traffic.

The tender approval marks the next major step towards construction of the second phase, which will extend Metro connectivity deeper into Old Gurugram and towards the city’s major employment hubs.

Gurugram Metro to cover 14 stations across key areas 

Gurugram Metro Rail Limited is expected to float the tender within a week of the state government’s approval, according to a senior official quoted by Hindustan Times.The proposed corridor will have 14 stations and run through a mix of residential areas, established neighbourhoods and commercial districts. The alignment will cover:

  • Sector 7
  • Sector 4
  • Sector 5
  • Sector 3
  • Ashok Vihar
  • Bajghera Road
  • Palam Vihar Extension
  • Palam Vihar
  • Sector 23A
  • Sector 22
  • Udyog Vihar
  • DLF Cyber City

The corridor will provide a link between Old Gurugram and major employment centres in the eastern part of the city.

Gurugram Metro to run above traffic on two road stretches

Around 2 km of the Phase 2 alignment will use flyover-cum-Metro structures. These sections are planned along Old Delhi Road and Bajghera Road, where the Metro viaduct will be constructed above road traffic.

The arrangement is intended to allow road movement to continue below the elevated Metro structure while accommodating the new rail corridor above. The civil works tender will include these double-decker sections at Bajghera and Old Delhi Road.

Interchanges planned with Rapid Metro and Namo Bharat

Phase 2 is also being planned as a network extension rather than an isolated corridor. The alignment will provide interchange opportunities with the Rapid Metro network and the proposed Namo Bharat corridor. It will allow passengers to transfer between different regional and urban rail systems.

The connection to Cyber City is particularly significant as the area is one of Gurugram’s major commercial and employment centres.

Gurugram Metro Phase 2 at a glance

InformationDetails 
Civil works package₹1,662 crore
Corridor length15.3 km
Stations14
CorridorSector 9-DLF Cyber City
StructureMainly elevated
Double-decker/flyover-cum-MetroAround 2 km
Implementing agencyGurugram Metro Rail Limited

The approval moves Gurugram Metro Phase 2 from planning towards procurement. Its eventual completion would add a new east-west connection across several densely developed parts of the city while linking Old Gurugram with Udyog Vihar and Cyber City and connecting the Metro network with other regional rail systems.

Also Read: Gurugram Metro expansion: First 160 tonne U-girder installed near Cyber Park

L&T Pushes Hyderabad Metro Rail Stake Sale Deadline to December 31 

Narendra Shah & Editorial Team
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L&T Pushes Hyderabad Metro Rail Stake Sale Deadline to December 31 

HYDERABAD (Metro Rail News): Larsen & Toubro has pushed back the deadline for selling its entire stake in L&T Metro Rail (Hyderabad) Ltd (LTMRHL) to 3 December 2026. The transaction, valued at ₹1,461.47 crore, has already missed two earlier completion targets.

L&T disclosed the revised timeline in a regulatory filing on Wednesday, following earlier updates in April and July.

Third deadline revision for Hyderabad Metro exit

L&T had initially expected to complete the divestment by June 30, 2026. The deadline was later moved to September 30, and has now been extended by another three months.

The company has agreed to sell its entire holding in LTMRHL to Hyderabad Metro Rail Ltd, a Telangana government enterprise, for ₹1,461.47 crore.

L&T said the estimated completion date has been revised to December 31, 2026, without detailing the specific reason for the latest extension.

Hyderabad Metro stake sale timeline

  • April 2026: L&T targeted June 30 for completion.
  • July 2026: Completion target revised to September 30.
  • October 1, 2026: New estimated completion date set for December 31.

L&T has cited financial pressure

L&T has been seeking an exit from the Hyderabad Metro concession for some time. The company holds more than 90% of the project entity and has previously cited accumulated losses and operational difficulties.

In a communication to the Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs (MoHUA), L&T Metro Rail had raised concerns over the financial position of the operator.

The company said it had not received the expected financial assistance from the Telangana government despite repeated follow-ups. According to L&T, the delay in support had increased financial pressure on the concessionaire.

Project faced cost and time overruns

L&T has attributed the financial strain to several structural, regulatory and project-related issues. The company had pointed to delays and additional costs arising from:

  • Land and property acquisition
  • Right-of-way issues
  • Changes in alignment
  • Utility shifting
  • Other factors outside the concessionaire’s control

These issues contributed to cost and schedule overruns during the development of the Hyderabad Metro project. L&T had earlier sought a mechanism through which its stake could be transferred to the state or central government, potentially through a new special purpose vehicle.

Transaction still awaits completion

The latest extension keeps L&T’s proposed exit from Hyderabad Metro pending until the end of 2026. The ₹1,461.47-crore transaction will transfer L&T’s interest to the Telangana government-owned entity once the required conditions for completion are met.

Also Read: Hyderabad Metro old city project gains momentum; tender process to begin soon 

Chennai Division Replaces Manual Level-Crossing Barriers with Faster EOLBs

Narendra Shah & Editorial Team
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Chennai Division Replaces Manual Level-Crossing Barriers with Faster EOLBs

CHENNAI (Metro Rail News): Chennai Division of Southern Railway has been continuously trying to boost operational safety and facilitate rail and road traffic and it has achieved a major milestone in modernizing the Level Crossing gates across the key routes. Traditional manual lifting barriers are being gradually replaced with modern Electrically Operated Lifting barriers (EOLB) at an estimated cost of Rs 30 lakhs per unit.

Indian Railways have upgraded 70 out of 43 level crossing (LC) gates with Electrically Operated Lifting Barrier (EOLB). The new system will make gate operations faster, safer and more reliable. The upgrades will improve waiting time for road users at crossings and prevent them from passing through while staff operates the gate manually.

EOLBs commissioned in different sections of Chennai division

Considerable progress has taken place across all major sections of the division. The Chennai Beach-Chengalpattu section has successfully upgraded all 13 of its LC gates with EOLBs.

Additionally, EOLBs have been commissioned in at 19 out of 31 LC gates in the Chengalpattu-Arakkonam section, 11 out of 29 gates in the Gudur section, 8 out of 10 gates in the Chennai Central Arakkonam section, 7 out of 9 gates in the Arakkona-Katpadi section, 6 out of 14 gates in the Arakkona-Renigunta section, 3 out of 8 gates in the Katpadi-Jolarpettai section, 3 out of 29 gates in the Chengalpattu-Villipuram section. The remaining LC gates will soon be featured with EOLBs.

To further strengthen safety measures, the Chennai Division has put into operation Sliding Booms at 133 out of 143 LC gates. The emergency Sliding Booms can be operated manually in a few minutes in the event of an emergency or any kind of physical damage to the MLB or EOLB barrier caused by road vehicles. This ensures that the gate interlocking system stays intact, allowing trains to pass securely without lowering speed or disrupting service schedule and routine while the repairing of the system is taking place.

Also Read: Chennai Metro Phase-2 Advances as L&T’s ‘TBM Kaveri’ Breaks Through at Kilpauk 

Indian Railways Sanctions Rs 122 Cr to Add Second Track on Barbil-Bolanikhadan Section

Narendra Shah & Editorial Team
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Indian Railways Sanctions Rs 122 Cr to Add Second Track on Barbil-Bolanikhadan Section

ODISHA (Metro Rail News): Indian Railways clears Rs 122 crore for doubling the 6 km Barbil-Bolanikhadan section of Southern Eastern Railway’s mineral corridor in Odisha. According to the Railway Ministry, this move is expected to add 8.9 million tonnes per annum of freight capacity and reduce delays to iron ores trains.

The Barbil-Bolanikhadan railway section handles around 9 MTPA of traffic including around six loaded rakes of originating Iron Ore traffic every day but is currently a single line stretch.

This traffic includes high grade iron ore and pellets moved from SAIL’s Bolani mines and private sidings from various sites including Rungta, Khatau and Narbheram to steel plants and ports.

This Addition is expected to enhance freight capacity 

The doubling of the Barbil-Bolanikhadan railway section addresses potential capacity constraints as mining, industrial and port activity extends while strengthening rail connectivity for Iron Ore movement to steel plants and ports.

As per the government this will increase the freight capacity constraints on the mineral corridor and support the movement of growing volumes.

The section has been identified under Indian Railway’s Energy, Mineral and Cement corridor. The addition of a second track is being undertaken ahead of the full utilisation of increased capacity at SAIL’s mines, ports and steel plants.

Also Read: Amit Shah Flags Off India’s First LNG Train and Inaugurates Rs 1,472 Cr Railway Project in Ahmedabad

Chennai Metro Phase-2 Advances as L&T’s ‘TBM Kaveri’ Breaks Through at Kilpauk 

Narendra Shah & Editorial Team
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Chennai Metro Phase-2 Advances as L&T’s ‘TBM Kaveri’ Breaks Through at Kilpauk 

CHENNAI (Metro Rail News): Chennai Metro Phase-2 underground tunneling works reached a significant milestone following the successful breakthrough of the Downline Tunnel Boring Machine (TBM) ‘Kaveri’ at the Kilpauk Medical College Station. 

The 685-meters drive by Larsen & Toubro Ltd. passed below active railway tracks, a lake, medical college buildings and existing Metro tunnels, making it one of the more technically sensitive drives on the section. The breakthrough was achieved on the downline between Chetpet and KMC stations after 252 days of tunnelling.

Chennai Metro Phase-2 tackles key tunnelling challenges 

In February 2024, tunnelling commenced between Chetpet Station and KMC station, deploying two TBMs, “Tamarabhaani” and “Kaveri”. On 26 November 2026, the Upline TBM Tamarabharani achieved its breakthrough and on 29 September 2026, the Downline TBM Kaveri completed its drive.

The total length of the tunnel is 685 meters, executed by Larsen & Toubro Ltd. The TBM successfully negotiated several critical structures during the 685 meters drive. Kaveri had to pass:

  • Beneath five active Southern Railway tracks near Chetpet Station, with around 18 metres of ground cover.
  • Below the Chetpet Eco Park lake.
  • Near several Kilpauk Medical College buildings, with ground cover ranging from 21 to 26 metres.
  • Close to the existing Phase-I Metro tunnels, with only 6.1 metres of minimum clearance between Phase-I and Phase-II tunnels.

The tunnelling team also carried out 10 cutterhead interventions during the drive. Despite the number of sensitive structures along the alignment, Chennai Metro Rail Ltd. (CMRL) said the drive was completed without any major ground settlement or reported adverse impact on existing infrastructure.

252-days tunnel drive

The downline drive took 252 days to complete. The result is particularly significant at the points where the new tunnel passes below active railway infrastructure and near the existing Metro tunnels. Maintaining ground stability at these locations is critical because even small changes in ground conditions can affect structures above the tunnel.

Also Read: Chennai Metro Phase II: PM Modi Likely to Inaugurate Poonamallee-Vadapalani Stretch on Oct 11

GMRC Floats ₹356.54 Cr Tender for Surat Metro Phase-1 Extension to HSR Station

Narendra Shah & Editorial Team
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GMRC Floats ₹356.54 Cr Tender for Surat Metro Phase-1 Extension to HSR Station

SURAT (Metro Rail News): Gujarat Metro Rail Corporation (GMRC) has invited bids for the construction of a 4.4 km elevated viaduct and three stations under the Surat Metro Rail Project Phase-1 Extension.

The ₹356.54 crore package will extend Surat Metro Corridor-II from Saroli Metro Station towards Surat High-Speed Rail (HSR) Metro Station, strengthening the connection between the metro network and the high-speed rail infrastructure.

Tender details

InformationDetails
AuthorityGujarat Metro Rail Corporation (GMRC) 
Tender Number GMRC/CONS/VDCT+STNS/SURAT/PH-1 EXT./2026
Estimated Cost₹356.54 crore
Tender security₹3.56 crore
Completion period24 months
Pre-bid meeting3 October 2026, 11:30 AM
Bid submission deadline7 November 2026, 3:00 PM
Tender validity180 days

Scope of work

The scope of work includes construction of 4.4 KM elevated viaduct and 03 numbers stations (Including E&M and Excluding Architectural, Finishing & Roofing) from Saroli Metro Station to Surat HSR Metro Station Under Corridor – II in Connection with Surat Metro Rail Project Phase – 1 Extension. 

About Surat Metro Phase 1 extension

The Surat Metro Rail Project Phase 1 Extension is a 4.4 km elevated extension planned to connect the city’s metro network with the upcoming Mumbai-Ahmedabad Bullet Train infrastructure.

The extension will lengthen Corridor-II, or the Green Line, from its existing terminus at Saroli towards the upcoming Mumbai-Ahmedabad Bullet Train station at Antroli. The project is being implemented by Gujarat Metro Rail Corporation (GMRC). 

Also Read: DB Engineering & Consulting Signs Contract for Surat Metro 

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