Indian Railway’s Ahmedabad-Dholera corridor to deliver faster trains at lower construction cost

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Indian Railway’s Ahmedabad-Dholera corridor to deliver faster trains at lower construction cost

DELHI (Metro Rail News): According to the railway official, the upcoming Ahmedabad–Dholera semi high-speed rail corridor in Gujarat will cost much less than the Delhi-Meerut Namo Bharat corridor. Interestingly, trains on the Gujarat route will run at higher speeds. Earlier this month, the Union Cabinet approved the 134-km Sarkhej–Dholera semi high-speed double rail line at an estimated cost of Rs 20,667 crore. The project will become Indian Railways’ first semi high-speed rail corridor. 

Project will support 220 kmph speed

Railway officials said the Ahmedabad–Dholera corridor will support train speeds up to 220 kmph. Trains will run at an operational speed of 200 kmph. The project will cost around Rs 154 crore per kilometre. In comparison:

  • Delhi-Meerut RRTS costs around Rs 336 crore per kilometre
  • Mumbai-Ahmedabad Bullet Train costs around Rs 358 crore per kilometre

Officials said the Gujarat project offers higher speed than the Delhi-Meerut RRTS but still costs less than half.

It will use broad gauge track 

The Ahmedabad–Dholera corridor will run on the 1676 mm broad gauge system used by Indian Railways. Meanwhile:

  • Delhi-Meerut RRTS uses 1435 mm standard gauge
  • Mumbai-Ahmedabad Bullet Train also uses standard gauge

Railway officials explained that a normal railway line capable of handling speeds up to 160 kmph on broad gauge usually costs around Rs 50 crore per kilometre, excluding trains and rolling stock. The Ahmedabad-Dholera line costs more because it needs infrastructure for much higher speeds.

Why the project costs less

Officials said several factors helped reduce the overall project cost. Main Reasons are,

  • No tunnel construction
  • Lower land acquisition cost
  • Use of India’s Kavach safety system
  • Cheaper signalling technology

The Delhi-Meerut RRTS uses the European Train Control System (ETCS) Level-II technology. Officials said this signalling system costs around Rs 17.74 crore per kilometre. In comparison, the indigenous Kavach train protection system costs around Rs 4.53 crore per kilometre. Officials said this difference plays a major role in lowering the total project cost.

71 Km stretch to run on viaducts

According to the current plan, around 71 km of the 134-km corridor will run on viaducts. The corridor will connect Ahmedabad with Dholera Special Investment Region (SIR), the upcoming Dholera airport and the Lothal National Maritime Heritage Complex. Railway officials believe  that the project could become a model for future semi high-speed rail corridors in India. If the project succeeds, it could become a model for building faster rail networks at a much lower cost than bullet trains or rapid rail systems.

Also Read: Indian Railways approved country’s first Hydrogen Train for Jind–Sonipat Route

Also Read: Indian Railways to float fresh tenders for Vijayawada Station redevelopment

Indian Railways to float fresh tenders for Vijayawada Station redevelopment

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Indian Railways to float fresh tenders for Vijayawada Station redevelopment

DELHI (Metro Rail News): Indian Railways will soon invite fresh bids for the redevelopment of Vijayawada railway station after the project received a weak response from contractors in the first round. The Rs 946.60 crore project aims to give Vijayawada station a modern airport style upgrade with bigger passenger facilities, better connectivity and improved crowd management. 

Project to come up under the PPP model

Indian Railways is planning to develop the station through the Design, Build, Finance, Operate and Transfer (DBFOT) model, which works under the Public Private Partnership (PPP) system. Out of the total project cost, around Rs 661.11 crore covers mandatory development work under the PPP model. Railway officials said that many developers wanted more time to study the project conditions and understand the PPP guidelines before submitting bids. A consultant linked to the stakeholder meeting said that this is one of the first railway station redevelopment projects in the region under the PPP model, so companies are taking extra time before participating. 

RLDA to handle the project

Indian Railways has given project execution responsibility to the Rail Land Development Authority (RLDA). The Ministry of Railways has selected Vijayawada among 15 railway stations across the country for redevelopment under the PPP model. At the same time, Indian Railways has already started or completed redevelopment work at several stations in Andhra Pradesh under the Amrit Bharat Station Scheme, including: 

  • Visakhapatnam Junction railway station
  • Nellore railway station
  • Tirupati railway station

Key features

The redevelopment plan includes major upgrades for passengers and station infrastructure. 

  • New terminal buildings on both the east and west sides
  • A wider foot over the bridge connecting all platforms 
  • Multi-level car parking
  • Modern passenger areas and waiting spaces
  • Revamp of all 10 platforms
  • Facilities designed to handle around 20,000 passengers during peak hours

Indian Railways wants to improve passenger movement and reduce congestion at the busy station.

Also Read: Indian Railways moves closer to launch Country’s first Hydrogen Train for operations on Jind–Sonipat route

Also Read: HMRTC plans second power line for Rapid Metro after Gurgaon blackout

Indian Railways approved country’s first Hydrogen Train for Jind–Sonipat Route

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Indian Railways approved country’s first Hydrogen Train for Jind–Sonipat Route

DELHI (Metro Rail News): Indian Railways has approved the country’s first hydrogen-powered train for operations between Jind and Sonipat in Haryana. The 10-coach DEMU train will run under Northern Railway at a top speed of 75 kmph. The project marks a major step towards cleaner railway transport as the train will run using hydrogen fuel cells instead of diesel.

How the Hydrogen Train will work

The train will generate power through hydrogen fuel cells. It will produce 1,200 kilowatts of power and use Distributed Power Rolling Stock (DPRS) technology. Under this system, power equipment stays spread across the train instead of using one separate locomotive. Indian Railways cleared the project after technical approval from the Research Designs and Standards Organisation and safety testing by the Commissioner of Railway Safety.

Operations will start after final clearances

Railway officials said the approval does not mean the train will start carrying passengers immediately. Northern Railway still needs to complete several safety checks and submit compliance reports related to different agencies, including:

  • RDSO
  • Commissioner of Railway Safety
  • Petroleum and Explosives Safety Organisation (PESO)
  • International safety inspection agencies

PESO has already given permission for storage and filling of compressed hydrogen gas at Jind in Haryana.

Special safety measures in place

The Railway Ministry asked officials to regularly inspect leak detectors, flame detectors and other hydrogen safety systems. Officials said dust can affect these sensors, so teams must clean and maintain them properly for safe operations. Indian Railways will also train staff working at hydrogen refuelling stations and onboard operations. Staff members will receive competency certificates before deployment.

Train maintenance plan

The hydrogen train will only run between Jind and Sonipat. However, Railways has set up maintenance facilities at Shakurbasti in Delhi. For maintenance work, railway teams will switch off the hydrogen system completely. A diesel locomotive will then pull the train between Jind and Shakurbasti. Railway officials said this arrangement follows existing safety rules for hydrogen-powered systems.

Technical Staff to Travel With Train Initially

For the first three months, trained technical staff will travel with the train during operations. These teams will handle any technical issues that may come up during the journey. The hydrogen train project moves Indian Railways closer to using cleaner and greener technology. While final checks still remain, the latest approval brings the country nearer to launching its first hydrogen-powered passenger train service.

Also Read: HMRTC plans second power line for Rapid Metro after Gurgaon blackout

Also Read: CMRL invites bids for civil maintenance works on Corridor-I of Phase 1

HMRTC plans second power line for Rapid Metro after Gurgaon blackout

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HMRTC plans second power line for Rapid Metro after Gurgaon blackout

DELHI (Metro Rail News): Haryana Mass Rapid Transport Corporation (HMRTC) has started work on a backup power system for Gurgaon’s Rapid Metro after Friday’s grid failure stopped metro services for hours. The agency now wants to add a second electricity source so trains can continue running even if one feeder fails. Right now, Rapid Metro depends only on the Sector 56 substation for power. Because of this, the entire corridor shuts down whenever the line faces a technical problem. In comparison, the Delhi Metro Yellow Line uses two separate power sources, which helps services continue during outages.

HMRTC officials said the new setup will allow automatic switching between two feeders. If one power line develops a fault, the system will immediately shift operations to the second line without affecting train movement. “The move aims to ensure that metro operations never halt again due to grid failures,” an official said.

What HMRTC plans to do

  • Add a dedicated alternate power supply line for Rapid Metro
  • Create a parallel feeder system for uninterrupted operations
  • Install automatic switching technology between power sources
  • Strengthen safety and backup systems for traction power

Officials expect the new system to become operational within four months. HMRTC discussed the backup plan last year, but Friday’s disruption forced the agency to speed up the process. HMRTC Managing Director Chander Shekhar Khare said the project has already received approval. “The enhanced arrangement will secure continuous metro operations and reassure commuters who depend on the service daily,” Khare said.

How the blackout happened

The disruption started after a fire and explosion at a 220 kV substation of Haryana Vidyut Prasaran Nigam in Sector 72 on Friday. Officials said extreme heat and thermal stress damaged a current transformer, leading to oil leakage and a fire. The explosion damaged nearby equipment and affected electricity supply across several substations in Gurgaon. The fault disrupted power supply to:

  • 220 kV substations in Sectors 52 and 56
  • 66 kV substations in Sectors 15, 38, 44 and 46
  • Maruti industrial area

The outage also affected Rapid Metro operations, leaving many commuters stranded during peak hours. Once the second feeder becomes operational, HMRTC expects Rapid Metro services to remain stable even during major grid failures.

Also Read: CMRL invites bids for civil maintenance works on Corridor-I of Phase 1

Also Read: DMRC Floats Rs 4.7 crore tender for structural repair works on pink line

CMRL invites bids for civil maintenance works on Corridor-I of Phase 1

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CMRL invites bids for civil maintenance works on Corridor-I of Phase 1

CHENNAI (Metro Rail News): Chennai Metro Rail Limited has invited open e-tenders for civil maintenance and associated works in Section-2 of Corridor-1 under Chennai Metro Phase 1 and Phase 1 Extension. The contract covers the stretch from High Court Metro Station to Wimco Nagar Depot Station. CMRL has estimated the cost of the work at around ₹7.69 crore.

Tender Information

ParticularsDetails
Tender NumberCMRL/O&M/Phase-I/Maintenance/ZT-06/C1/Sec-II/2026
Tender TypeNational Competitive Bidding (NCB)
Bid SystemSingle Stage Two Envelope
Estimated CostRs 7.69 crore
EMDRs 7.69 lakh
Contract Duration1095 Days + 365 Days DLP
Bid Validity120 Days
Bid Submission Deadline24 June 2026 (11:00 hrs)
Technical Bid Opening24 June 2026 (15:00 hrs)
Pre Bidding Meeting29 May 2026  (11:00 hrs)

Scope of Work

The contract includes civil maintenance and other associated works for Section-II of Corridor-I. The maintenance stretch runs from High Court Metro Station to Wimco Nagar Depot Station.

The contractor will carry out repair and upkeep works for metro infrastructure assets. The scope also includes maintenance of station structures and related civil components. The contractor will ensure smooth functioning and upkeep of metro facilities in the section. The contract includes a defect liability period of 365 days after completion of work.

About the Project

Chennai Metro Phase 1 Corridor-I connects key parts of the city and extends up to Wimco Nagar in North Chennai. The corridor plays an important role in daily urban transit and connects residential, commercial, and industrial areas. The maintenance contract aims to support safe and efficient metro operations across the corridor.

Also Read: DMRC Floats Rs 4.7 crore tender for structural repair works on pink line

DMRC Floats Rs 4.7 crore tender for structural repair works on pink line

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DMRC Floats Rs 4.7 crore tender for structural repair works on pink line

DELHI (Metro Rail News): Delhi Metro Rail Corporation (DMRC) has invited limited e-tenders for structural repair and maintenance works on a section of Delhi Metro’s Pink Line. The contract covers repair, retrofitting and maintenance of piers, viaducts, station buildings and related structures between Jagatpur Wazirabad and Mayur Vihar Phase-1. The project aims to strengthen and maintain key metro infrastructure on one of Delhi Metro’s important corridors over the next 30 months.

Project Snapshot

DetailsInformation
ProjectStructural repair and retrofitting works on Pink Line
Tender NumberOCM-2221
Estimated CostRs 4.70 crore
Tender TypeLimited e-tender
Tender Opening Date15 June 2026
Tender Security (EMD)Rs 1.88 lakh
Tender Document CostRs 23,600
Bid submission window 5 June 2026 (09:00Hrs) to 12 June 2026 (14:00 Hrs)
Completion Period30 months

Scope of Work

The tender comes under Contract OCM-2221. DMRC plans to carry out:

  • Structural repair works
  • Retrofitting of existing structures
  • Maintenance of piers and viaducts
  • Repair of station buildings
  • Other miscellaneous civil maintenance works

The work will cover stations and associated structures on Line-7, also known as the Pink Line, from Jagatpur Wazirabad to Mayur Vihar Phase-I, excluding certain sections. DMRC has kept the bid validity period at 120 days from the last date of tender submission.

About the project

Delhi Metro regularly carries out structural inspections and repair works across its network to maintain safety and operational reliability. The latest tender focuses on preventive maintenance and strengthening of elevated structures on the Pink Line corridor. The project is expected to improve long-term durability of metro infrastructure and support smoother operations on one of the busiest parts of the Delhi Metro network.

Also Read: Railway Wagon stocks jump as Indian Railways plans Rs 40,000 crore Freight Wagon tender

Also Read: Kolkata Metro finishes Chingrighata work early, Orange Line construction picks up pace

Railway Wagon stocks jump as Indian Railways plans Rs 40,000 crore Freight Wagon tender

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Railway Wagon stocks jump as Indian Railways plans Rs 40,000 crore Freight Wagon tender

DELHI (Metro Rail News): Shares of railway wagon companies saw a sharp rise on May 25 after reports said Indian Railways is preparing a huge Rs 40,000 crore tender to buy around 1 lakh freight wagons over the next few years. The expected order pushed railway manufacturing stocks higher as investors looked at strong future business opportunities for the sector.

Shares of Wagon Companies rise

After the reports came out, shares of major railway companies moved up during trading:

  • Jupiter Wagons jumped nearly 10% to around ₹304
  • Titagarh Rail Systems rose around 8-9% to about ₹823
  • Texmaco Rail & Engineering gained more than 6%

The rally came after reports suggested Indian Railways may soon launch one of its biggest freight wagon procurement plans. According to reports, Indian Railways plans to buy nearly 1 lakh freight wagons over the next three to four years.

Key Details

  • Total tender value: Around ₹40,000 crore
  • Total wagons planned: 1 lakh
  • Annual target: 35,000 to 40,000 wagons
  • First set of orders likely between July and September this year

Reports also said Railways has started discussions with manufacturers to check their production capacity before issuing the tender.

Industry expects fresh business boost

Most wagon makers are currently finishing orders from the previous large Railway tender issued in 2022. Companies now expect fresh long-term orders to keep factories running at full capacity.

Speaking to Mint, Texmaco Rail & Engineering Managing Director Sudipta Mukherjee said the company supplied nearly one-third of the annual wagon requirement under the earlier Railway order. He added that Texmaco can manufacture more than 15,000 wagons every year.

Why Freight Wagons matter

Indian Railways uses freight wagons to transport goods across the country. These wagons carry coal, cement, steel, food grains, and Industrial products. More wagons can improve freight movement and help Railways handle rising cargo demand more efficiently.

Indian Railways is expected to complete discussions with manufacturers before releasing the tender in phases. If the plan moves ahead on schedule, it could give a major boost to India’s railway manufacturing industry over the next few years.

Also Read:Kolkata Metro finishes Chingrighata work early, Orange Line construction picks up pace

Also Read: ₹13,527 Crore Loan agreement signed by IRFC with L&T Metro Rail (Hyderabad)

Kolkata Metro finishes Chingrighata work early, Orange Line construction picks up pace

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Kolkata Metro finishes Chingrighata work early, Orange Line construction picks up pace

KOLKATA (Metro Rail News): Kolkata Metro has completed the long-pending girder launching work at Chingrighata ahead of schedule. The work is an important part of the Orange Line that will connect New Garia, Sector V and the airport. Metro authorities restored normal traffic on EM Bypass early Sunday morning after completing the work before the planned deadline.

Major construction work completed

Kolkata Metro carried out the work over two weekends,

  • May 15 to May 18
  • May 22 to May 25

Teams worked on a 366-metre section near the busy Chingrighata crossing. Metro officials said they completed the girder launching work successfully at around 5 am on Sunday. Authorities removed the traffic block on EM Bypass much earlier than expected and reopened the road for normal movement. Officials also arranged special safety measures during the construction work because Chingrighata remains one of the busiest traffic points in the city.

Why this work matters

The Chingrighata section had slowed down progress on the Orange Line for a long time. Earlier, officials faced problems related to traffic diversion and pending clearances. Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw had earlier informed the Rajya Sabha that these issues delayed work between Beleghata and Gour Kishore Ghosh stations. With the girder work now complete, construction on the remaining stretch can move faster.

About the Orange Line

The Orange Line runs from Kavi Subhash to Jai Hind Airport. Right now, metro services operate between Kavi Subhash and Beleghata. This operational section includes 9 stations. The remaining 22.28-km stretch from Beleghata to the airport is still under construction. Beleghata station is located around 2 km from the Chingrighata crossing.

Metro services till IT Centre by 2026

Speaking to Indianexpress, Kolkata Metro Chief Public Relations Officer SS Kannan said officials are targeting metro operations up to the IT Centre by December 2026. Once complete, the Orange Line will improve travel between South Kolkata, Salt Lake Sector V and the airport. The corridor is also expected to reduce road traffic pressure on EM Bypass and nearby areas.

Also Read:₹13,527 Crore Loan agreement signed by IRFC with L&T Metro Rail (Hyderabad)

Also Read: DMRC floats DDC tender for 3 elevated stations of Phase 5(A)

₹13,527 Crore Loan agreement signed by IRFC with L&T Metro Rail (Hyderabad)

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₹13,527 Crore Loan agreement signed by IRFC with L&T Metro Rail (Hyderabad)

HYDERABAD (Metro Rail News): In a significant drive for urban rail financing the Indian Rail Finance Corporation (IRFC) has signed a term loan agreement with L&T Metro Rail (Hyderabad) Limited for ₹13,527 crore to refinance the debt obligations of the Hyderabad Metro Rail project. This marks a major refinancing transaction in India’s urban transit sector. 

This agreement follows the transfer of 100 per cent ownership of L&T Metro Rail (Hyderabad) Limited from Larsen & Toubro Limited to the Government of Telangana through Hyderabad Metro Rail Limited. This contract will refinance existing debt obligations, including non-convertible (NCDs), commercial papers and term loans, enabling an orderly exit for existing lenders while improving the project’s long-term financial sustainability.

The agreement was signed in the presence of IRFC CMD and CEO Manoj Kumar Dubey and Telangana Chief Secretary K.Ramakrishna Rao. Mr. Manoj Kumar, CMD & CEO, IRFC said that, this transaction reinforces IRFC’s growing capability to structure innovative, long-tenor financing solutions for nationally significant infrastructure assets. It also reinforces our commitment to supporting sustainable urban mobility through efficient capital mobilisation.

This contract is structured over a 20-year tenure with quarterly repayments, the refinancing replaces higher-cost debt with competitively priced long-term rupee financing. The facility carries no processing fees, commitment charges or prepayment penalties, making it an efficient and borrower-friendly refinancing mechanism. This move is set to materially strengthen the project’s financial flexibility, enabling the Government of Telangana to accelerate the planned expansion of Hyderabad’s metro network, including new corridors and enhanced connectivity. 

This transaction is supported by a robust credit enhancement framework, including an unconditional and irrevocable undertaking by the Government of Telangana for servicing all dues payable to IRFC, a state government guarantee, and an RBI-backed direct debit mandate.

Dubey further added: “This transaction demonstrates that large-scale urban infrastructure can be financed domestically through efficient, long-tenor funding structures aligned to project cash flows. IRFC stands ready to serve as a trusted domestic financing partner, channeling Indian savings into India’s infrastructure on Indian terms.

The Hyderabad metro Phase-1 is the world’s largest metro rail project developed under the public-private partnership (PPP) model, spanning around 69.2 kilometers across 3 metro corridors and serves more than 5 lakh passengers on a daily basis. This agreement marks as a crucial step towards a more sustainable, seamless and efficient travel across the city.

Also Read: DMRC floats DDC tender for 3 elevated stations of Phase 5(A)

DMRC floats DDC tender for 3 elevated stations of Phase 5(A)

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DMRC floats DDC tender for 3 elevated stations of Phase 5(A)

DELHI (Metro Rail News): Delhi Metro Rail Corporation has invited open e-tenders for appointments of a Detailed Design Consultant (DDC) for 3 elevated stations under the Sarita Vihar Depot to Kalindi Kunj corridor of Delhi Metro Phase 5(A). The estimated cost of the contract is around Rs 2.40 crore. The tender marks progress on the upcoming metro corridor in South Delhi.

Tender Information

Tender NumberCPM-6/ECDD-01/2026 
Tender TypeOpen e-Tender
Estimated CostRs 2.40 crore (inclusive of GST) 
Tender SecurityRs 2.40 lakh
Completion Period 48 months
Tender Fee Rs 23,600
Pre-Bid Meeting 29 May 2026, 11:00 hrs. 
Bid Submission Window4 June 2026 (09:00 hrs) to 10 June 2026 (15:00 hrs) 
Technical Bid Opening11 June 2026, 15:00 hrs. 

Scope of Work

The consultant will prepare detailed architectural and building services designs for the three elevated metro stations. The scope includes electrical and mechanical (E&M) works for the stations. The stations covered under the contract are Sarita Vihar Depot, Madanpur Khadar, and Kalindi Kunj interchange station. 

About the project

The Sarita Vihar Depot to Kalindi Kunj corridor is part of Delhi Metro Phase 5(A), which aims to improve metro connectivity in South Delhi and nearby areas. The corridor will include new elevated stations and interchange facilities to support smoother passenger movement and better integration with the existing metro network.

Also Read: Public-Private Partnership model suggested for Bengaluru’s green line extension

Public-Private Partnership model suggested for Bengaluru’s green line extension

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Public-Private Partnership model suggested for Bengaluru’s green line extension

BENGALURU (Metro Rail News): In a DPR prepared by Aarvee Engineering Consultants, it was proposed that the 59.6-km metro extension from Madavara (Namma Metro’s Green Line northern terminal) to Tumakuru be prepared under a PPP model, particularly the BOT framework where the private sector partner will be responsible for the design, finance and the construction and operating of the metro system for a concession period of 25-30 years, after which the operations control and the ownership will be given to the government. 

The DPR was submitted by Bangalore Metro Rail Corporation Limited (BMRCL) to the Karnataka Home Minister G. Parameshwara. It is currently under discussion and any further decisions related to the construction of this elevated corridor will be taken in the cabinet meeting. It was earlier announced by the CM that a feasibility study would be conducted and around 3.5 crore was spent on the report. The report suggests that this project is highly feasible. 

The Bengaluru–Tumakuru Metro Corridor consists of 16 elevated stations along the route from Madavara (BIEC) to Tumakuru via Nelamangala, Dabaspet, and Kyathasandra stations. Tumakuru lies nearly 70 km from Bengaluru’s city centre and is already part of multiple connectivity plans. The estimated cost of this corridor  is around Rs. 20,000 crore. This line is a long awaited corridor and is expected to serve around 3 lakhs passengers daily.

Also Read: Mumbai-Ahmedabad bullet train project reaches new milestone as second TBM cutterhead lowered near Mumbai

Mumbai-Ahmedabad bullet train project reaches new milestone as second TBM cutterhead lowered near Mumbai

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Mumbai-Ahmedabad bullet train project reaches new milestone as second TBM cutterhead lowered near Mumbai

DELHI (Metro Rail News): The Mumbai-Ahmedabad bullet train project moved a step ahead after engineers lowered the cutterhead of the second Tunnel Boring Machine (TBM) at Sawli near Ghansoli in Maharashtra. This giant machine will help build the 21 km underground tunnel section near Mumbai. Officials plan to start tunneling work from Sawali towards Vikhroli in July 2026 after completing final assembly and testing. 

Project Snapshot

DetailsInformation
ProjectMumbai-Ahmedabad Bullet Train
Tunnel Length21 km
Location Sawli (Ghansoli), Maharashtra 
Tunnel DirectionSawli to Vikhroli
Cutterhead Diameter13.6 meters
Cutter Weight350 tonnes

Second TBM enters final assembly stage

Engineers lowered the huge cutterhead at the launch shaft in Sawli. This marks the last major step before the full assembly of the TBM. Earlier this week, officials lowered the cutterhead for the first TBM at Vikhroli. Both machines will now go through,

  • Final assembly
  • Testing and commissioning 
  • System checks before tunneling starts

Officials expect the initial tunnel drive to begin in the first week of July 2026. 

The TBM has a cutterhead  diameter of 13.6  meters. It can dig a single large tunnel that will carry both up and down bullet train tracks. The cutterhead includes 84 cutter discs, 124 scrapers and 16 bucket lips. These parts help the machine cut through soil and rock while clearing debris during excavation. 

Key details about the TBMs 

FeaturesDetails
Number of TBMs2
Weight of TBM 13,080 tonnes
Weight of TBM 23,184 tonnes
TBM TypeMix shield/ Slurry-based
Length of each TBM95.32 meters

Each TBM includes several major systems such as cutter wheel, main bearing, jaw crusher, main shield, tail shield, and four specialised gantries. The machines can run at a cutterhead speed of up to 4 RPM and dig up to 49 mm per minute. 

The underground stretch near Mumbai remains one of the most challenging parts of the bullet train project because of dense urban areas and difficult ground conditions. Officials are using advanced slurry based TBMs to carry out tunnelling safely and smoothly. 

Also Read: Indian Railways approves Rs 238 crore safety works on Jammu – Katra route

Indian Railways approves Rs 238 crore safety works on Jammu – Katra route

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Indian Railways approves Rs 238 crore safety works on Jammu – Katra route

DELHI (Metro Rail News): Indian Railways has approved Rs 238 crore worth of safety and protection works on Jammu – Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Katra rail section. The project will strengthen tunnels, bridges and hill slopes along this important railway route. The Jammu – Katra section passes through difficult hilly terrain and often faces problems due to bad weather and geological conditions. Indian Railways officials said the new works will improve safety and make train operations more reliable. 

Project Snapshot

Details Information
Project Safety and protection works on  Jammu – Katra section
Cost Rs 238 crore
Railway ZoneNorthern Railway
Key worksTunnel repair, slope protection, bridge safety works

The approved project includes several safety and rehabilitation works across vulnerable locations on the route. These include: 

  • Slope stabilisation works
  • Tunnel rehabilitation 
  • Treatment of water seepage inside tunnels
  • Other safety measures along the rail corridor

Railway officials carried out detailed inspections of tunnels, bridges and hill cuttings before approving the project. 

Route faces tough terrain challenges

The Jammu – Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Katra route runs through mountains and difficult terrain. Heavy rainfall, unstable slopes and extreme weather conditions often create operational challenges. Despite these conditions, Indian Railways has continued improving infrastructure on the route through regular upgrades and maintenance. Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw said that the project reflects the government’s focus on safe and dependable railway connectivity in challenging regions. 

Important route for pilgrims

The Jammu – Katra rail section serves lakhs of passengers travelling to the Shri Mata Vaishno Devi shrine every year. The route also plays an important role in regional connectivity. Indian Railways officials said that the new protection works will strengthen the line and reduce risks in vulnerable areas.  

Also Read: Indian Railways approves Rs 993 cr Arakkonam – Chengalpattu rail project to boost Chennai Suburban network

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Indian Railways approves Rs 993 cr Arakkonam – Chengalpattu rail project to boost Chennai Suburban network

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Indian Railways approves Rs 993 cr Arakkonam – Chengalpattu rail project to boost Chennai Suburban network

CHENNAI (Metro Rail News): Indian Railways has approved the Rs 993 crore Arakkonam – Chengalpattu doubling project in Tamilnadu. The 68 km project will strengthen Chennai’s suburban rail network and improve train movement on one of the city’s busiest corridors. The route forms part of Chennai’s circular suburban rail network connecting Chennai Beach, Tambaram, Chengalpattu and Arakkonam. Railway officials said that the project will reduce congestion and improve punctuality as train traffic continues  to rise. 

Project Overview

DetailsInformation 
Project Arakkonam – Chengalpattu Doubling
Length68 km
CostRs 993 crore
Zone Southern Railway
PurposeImprove suburban and freight train movement

The existing double-line section already handles heavy traffic every day. Indian Railways is expecting the demand to grow further in the coming years. The new doubling work will reduce train delays, improve punctuality, increase suburban train frequency and improve operational efficiency. Railways Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw said that the project will ease pressure on the Chennai suburban network and improve both passenger and freight movement. 

Key industrial area to benefit

The corridor connects several major industrial and manufacturing hubs, including:

  • Mahindra World City
  • Sriperumbudur
  • Oragadam
  • Irungattukottal 

The route will also support movement of cement, automobiles, food grains and iron and steel. Officials said the upcoming Parandur Airport project near Kancheepuram also increases the  importance of the rail corridor. 

Part of bigger Chennai Rail expansion

According to Indian Railways, the project forms part of a larger infrastructure plan to expand Chennai’s suburban rail network by adding more  tracks on busy commuter routes. Indian Railways is expecting that additional tracks will support faster and smoother train operations across the region.

Also Read: Namo Bharat expansion to connect Rajasthan with Delhi 

Discover how AI is bringing the next phase of sustainable urban rail mobility for Viksit Bharat at InnoMetro 2026, India’s prime exhibition and conference for metro & railways, which is going to be held on 21-22 May 2026 at Bharat Mandapam, New Delhi.

Register Now: https://zma.page/ek

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