CHENNAI (Metro Rail News): Chennai Metro Rail Limited (CMRL) achieved its 24th tunnel boring machine (TBM) breakthrough in the Phase 2 project. The tunnelling on the 819-metre up-line section between Madhavaram High Road and Moolakadai stations has been completed by TBM named Nilagiri.
This marks the 11th breakthrough on the 9 km underground stretch between Madhavaram Milk Colony and Kellys on Corridor 3. The section is being executed by Tata Projects. Seven TBMs have been deployed for this package.
Map of the underground section of Phase II of CMRL
(Total Underground Section Madhavaram Milk Colony and Kelly (9km), 24th breakthrough of 819 m upline completed from Madhavaram High Road to Moolakadai stations)
The drive was one of the most challenging under the contract. The machine had to pass beneath the Buckingham Canal and a busy traffic corridor while managing 14 borewells along the alignment. Alternative water sources were provided to residents during construction. Continuous instrumentation and monitoring ensured that ground settlement remained within permissible limits.
TBM “Nilagiri” Breakthrough at Moolakadai Metro (North) shaft!
Chennai Metro Rail Limited is in the process of implementing the much anticipated Phase 2 project across Chennai City in full swing with three corridors for a total length of 118.9 km.
CMRL is accelerating work on the overall 118.9 km Phase II project, estimated to cost ₹63,246 crore. The network covers three corridors:
Corridor 3: Madhavaram Milk Colony to SIPCOT
Corridor 4: Lighthouse to Poonamallee Bypass
Corridor 5: Madhavaram Milk Colony to Sholinganallur
Meanwhile, the first operational stretch of Phase II is nearing launch. The 14.64 km elevated corridor between Poonamallee Bypass and Vadapalani, with 11 elevated stations, has completed all mandatory safety clearances and is awaiting an inauguration date from the Centre.
New Delhi (Metro Rail News): Union Railway Minister Shri Ashwini Vaishnaw informed the Rajya Sabha that a shortfall of ₹2,264 crore in cost-sharing contributions from the Himachal Pradesh government is linked to the progress of two railway infrastructure projects in the state. The information was provided in a written reply to a question from Member of Parliament Shri Anurag Sharma. The new major projects on delay are
Bhanupalli-Bilaspur-Beri New Rail Line
Chandigarh-Baddi New Rail Line.
Bhanupalli-Bilaspur-Beri New Rail Line (63 km)
The project was sanctioned on a cost-sharing basis, with 25% to be contributed by the Himachal Pradesh government and 75% by the Central Government.
Total expenditure incurred on the project so far is ₹8,237 crore. As per the cost-sharing arrangement, ₹2,910 crore was to be provided by the Government of Himachal Pradesh. The state has deposited ₹847 crore, leaving a balance of ₹2,063 crore. An additional amount of ₹70 crore is also to be given by the state government. Non-deposition of the state’s share is stated to be affecting the progress of the project.
Chandigarh-Baddi New Rail Line (28 km)
This project was sanctioned at a cost of ₹1,540 crore on a 50:50 cost-sharing basis with the Government of Himachal Pradesh.
Total expenditure incurred so far is ₹1,099 crore. As per the arrangement, ₹549 crore was to be contributed by the state government. It has deposited ₹348 crore, leaving a balance of ₹201 crore. Non-deposition of the state’s share is stated to be affecting the progress of the project.
The minister stated that the progress of both projects is affected due to non-fulfilment of commitments by the state government. The Government of India is prepared to execute the projects, and their success depends on support from the Government of Himachal Pradesh.
Completion of the projects depends on various factors. These include land acquisition, forest clearance, shifting of infringing utilities, statutory clearances from various authorities, geological and topographical conditions of the area, the law and order situation at the project site, and the number of working months available in a year for the particular project site. These factors influence both the timeline and the cost of the work.
NOIDA (Metro Rail News): Noida Metro Rail Corporation Limited (NMRC) has awarded a ₹1,234 crore contract to Larsen & Toubro (L&T) for the design and construction of elevated viaducts and 10 metro stations under the Aqua Line extension project. The contract covers two important extensions that will strengthen metro connectivity across Noida and Greater Noida.
Contract details
Information
Details
Tender Number
2026_NMRCL_1148041_1
Awarding Authority
Noida Metro Rail Corporation Limited (NMRC)
Contractor
Larsen & Toubro Limited (L&T)
Contract Value
₹1,234 crore
Completion Period
1,096 days
Scope of work
The contract includes the design and construction of Elevated Viaduct and 10 nos of Elevated Stations for extension projects of NMRCs Aqua Line from Botanical Garden to Noida Sec-142 (from Chainage (-) 383.959 to 12130.143) and from Depot Station to Boraki MMTH (Chainage).
About the project
The Botanical Garden-Sector 142 corridor is a key part of the Aqua Line expansion. The 11.56-km elevated corridor has an estimated cost of ₹2,254.35 crore and includes eight stations:
Botanical Garden
Sector 44
Sector 96 (Noida Authority Office)
Sector 97
Sector 105
Sector 108 (Police Commissionerate)
Sector 93
Panchsheel Balak Inter College (Sector 91)
The corridor will improve connectivity between Botanical Garden, one of Noida’s busiest interchange stations on the Blue Line and Magenta Line, and the city’s growing residential and commercial sectors. It will also provide better access to Greater Noida, the Noida International Airport at Jewar, and offer smoother metro connectivity to Indira Gandhi International Airport in Delhi through the existing Delhi Metro network.
On the other hand, The ₹416 crore Depot-Boraki section will have two stations-Junpat and Boraki. It will connect the proposed Multimodal Transport Hub (MMTH) at Boraki, bringing together the ISBT, railway station, and Metro at one place for easier travel.
AHMEDABAD (Metro Rail News): Gujarat Metro Rail Corporation (GMRC) Limited announced that Ahmedabad metro completed a new ridership milestone. In July 2026, the metro surpassed the number of 50 lakh monthly commuters for the first time since it became operational.
Around 51.12 lakh passengers travelled through Ahmedabad metro in this month. The previous record for highest monthly ridership was in May 2026 with a ridership of 48.37 lakhs. This year the metro has shown an overall growth in the monthly ridership setting new highest records twice in January and May before surpassing the 50 lakh milestone.
Graphical Representation of Monthly Ridership of Ahmedabad metro
Here is a graph representing the monthly ridership of Ahmedabad metro from April 2023 to July 2026: (Source: GMRC)
The metro has provided a convenient mode of public transport. It has taken initiatives for last mile connectivity using feeder buses and coordination between local agencies. The high ridership indicates that the city is accepting the metro as a fast, safe and affordable travelling alternative. After the upcoming expansions, the metro is expected to further increase its ridership.
About Ahmedabad Metro
The Ahmedabad metro is a mass rapid transit project in the twin city of Ahmedabad and Gandhinagar. It was inaugurated on 4th March 2019 by Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi. The total length of the Ahmedabad Metro is 68.28 km with 54 stations. Currently, the phase 2A extension project is under development.
DELHI (Metro Rail News): Delhi Metro Rail Corporation (DMRC) has invited bids for a ₹1,373.36 crore civil contract for the Rithala-Kundli corridor under Delhi Metro Phase IV. The contract covers the construction of viaducts, depot connectivity and 11 metro stations, making it one of the major civil packages for the upcoming corridor.
Tender details
Information
Details
Contract Number
D2C-05
Project
Rithala-Kundli Corridor, Delhi Metro Phase IV
Estimated Cost
₹1,373.36 crore (inclusive of 18% GST)
Tender Security
₹1 crore
Completion Period
36 months
Pre-bid Meeting
18 August 2026, 11:00 AM
Tender Submission Deadline
7 September 2026, (9:00 AM) to 14 September 2026, (3:00 PM)
Scope of work
The contract covers the design and construction of elevated viaduct, At-grade viaduct, sidings, elevated ramps, Entry/Exit line to Depot, and Ten elevated station and one At grade station viz Narela Sector G-8, Narela Sector G-7, Narela Sector G-6, Narela Depot Station (At grade), Narela Anaj Mandi, Narela Sector A7, Narela Sector A-1, Narela Sector A-4, Narela Sector A-5, Kundli, Nathupur including Civil works excluding Architectural finishes and PEB works (PreEngineered Building works) from Chainage – 11299.093m to 26704.685m of Rithala-Kundli Corridor of MRTS Phase-IV.
About the Project
The Rithala, Narela, Nathupur (Kundli) Metro Corridor is one of the main routes under Delhi Metro Phase IV. The Union Cabinet, led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, approved the 26.463 km elevated corridor to improve metro connectivity between Delhi and nearby Haryana. The project is estimated to cost ₹6,230 crore, and the Delhi Metro Rail Corporation (DMRC) will carry it out through the existing 50:50 Special Purpose Vehicle (SPV) of the Government of India and the Government of NCT of Delhi.
The line will extend the Delhi Metro Red Line from Rithala to Kundli and Nathupur, covering 21 stations. Once it is operational, it will enhance connectivity for North Delhi and the rapidly growing areas of Narela, Kundli, and Nathupur, making travel between Delhi and Haryana quicker and more convenient.
NEW DELHI (Metro Rail News): Indian Railways approved modifications to the Model Concession Agreement (MCA) for Container Train Operators. CTOs ( Container Train Operators) can now run container trains across all routes on the Indian Railways network under a single, nationwide license.
Earlier there were separate permissions and distinct fee structures for different route categories. But now there is a single flat registration fee of ₹25 crore for all-India access.
Another benefit is that Concession permits can be extended for an additional 20 years upon expiry without re-licensing friction, while in old frame work there was a complex renewal system which required separate extensions and associated regulatory fees.
The framework will remove administrative delays, lower regulatory costs, and simplify the approval process for private rail freight operators. It encourages private investments , the streamlined terms are designed to attract greater private sector participation and expansion in container rail logistics.
This also helps in shifting heavy cargo from road transport to rail helps reduce highway traffic congestion ,national fuel consumption and over all carbon emissions .
TAMIL NADU (Metro Rail News): The Tamil Nadu government is pushing for a proposed Metro rail link between Hosur-Bommasandra in Karnataka. This proposal, featured in the 2026-27 State Budget, aims to improve connectivity between Hosur’s industrial area and Bengaluru’s southern technology and manufacturing hub.
While presenting the Tamil Nadu Budget 2026-27 in the Assembly, Finance Minister N. Marie Wilson stated that the state government is working on the cross-border Metro proposal with both the Government of India and the Government of Karnataka.
Cross-border Metro proposal remains on the agenda
The proposed Metro corridor will connect Hosur in Krishnagiri district to Bommasandra in Karnataka. The link is expected to make daily travel easier for thousands of commuters working across the Tamil Nadu-Karnataka border while improving connections between two major industrial and job centers. The Finance Minister mentioned that the state government is still engaging with both the Centre and Karnataka to advance the proposal.
However, the project faces challenges. Earlier this year, the Bengaluru Metro Rail Corporation Limited (BMRCL) stated that the proposal was not feasible and did not endorse its implementation.
Chennai Metro Phase 2 progressing
The Budget also noted the progress of Chennai Metro Phase 2. It covers 118.9 km across 3 corridors at an estimated cost of ₹63,246 crore. According to the Finance Minister, construction is moving along quickly. The first operational section, which stretches 14.64 km from Poonamallee Bypass to Porur Junction and connects with the existing Vadapalani Metro Station, is expected to open soon. This corridor includes 11 Metro stations.
More Metro extensions await Centre’s approval
The Tamil Nadu government also reiterated its request for early approval from the Central Government for three proposed Chennai Metro extensions:
Chennai Airport – Kilambakkam
Koyambedu – Pattabiram via Avadi
Poonamallee – Sunguvarchathiram via Sriperumbudur
The Budget stated that these proposals are under active consideration by the Central Government, and the state is taking all necessary steps to secure approval as soon as possible.
West Bengal (Metro Rail News): The West Bengal government has approved faster land acquisition of about 380 hectares land. This will speed up the long-pending 20 km Chalsa-Naxak new railway line. The project aims to improve connectivity near the India-China-Bhutan tri-junction close to Doklam.
The Chalsa-Naxak line forms part of the larger New Jalpaiguri–Siliguri–New Bongaigaon gauge conversion project. It was first approved in 2011-12. Work stopped temporarily in 2019 because of limited support from the previous state government. Railways revived the project in January along with five other delayed schemes.
In a related development, Siliguri MP Raju Bista announced that the Ministry of Railways has sanctioned around Rs 272 crore for a new 17 km line to Jaldhaka.
The proposed route starts from Khunia More near Chalsa and runs through the Jalpaiguri and Kalimpong forest divisions.Railways and the West Bengal Forest Department will jointly survey the alignment after the monsoon season. Once complete, the line will strengthen access to the Jaldhaka region near the strategic tri-junction.
Beyond defence and border connectivity, the corridor is expected to boost tourism in Jaldhaka, Bindu, and Todey Tangta. It will make travel easier for local residents and visitors to these scenic North Bengal areas.
This dual progress on land clearance and new funding marks a clear step forward for rail links in a sensitive border zone while supporting regional development and tourism.
MAHARASHTRA (Metro Rail News): Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis has instructed officials to finish each metro project within three years of starting construction. The state plans to add over 300 km of new metro corridors by 2029-30 to improve public transport in Mumbai, Pune, and Nagpur.
During a meeting of the state cabinet’s Infrastructure Committee on Tuesday, Fadnavis emphasized that metro projects should proceed more quickly. This will provide safe, reliable, and eco-friendly transport while supporting the growth of the state’s cities.
Maharashtra plans major metro expansion
Currently, Maharashtra has 174 km of operational metro corridors. Additionally, 291 km are under construction. Another 130 km of metro routes are awaiting approval. Detailed Project Reports (DPRs) are being prepared for another 87.15 km of corridors. By 2029-30, the government aims to launch more than 300 km of new metro lines, which will increase the state’s planned and operational metro network to 683.53 km. The proposed network includes:
428.89 km in the Mumbai Metropolitan Region (MMR)
169.45 km in the Pune Metropolitan Region
85.20 km in the Nagpur Metropolitan Region
Metro projects worth ₹2.81 lakh crore under implementation
The state reports that metro projects worth about ₹2.81 lakh crore are at various stages of implementation. The funding plan includes:
₹27,216 crore from the Central Government
₹50,250 crore from the Maharashtra Government
₹75,729.62 crore from MMRDA, local bodies, and planning authorities
The rest of the funds will come from government-backed loans. The implementation schedule targets finishing 87 km of metro corridors and 56 stations this year. The government plans to add another 302 km of metro lines and 161 stations by 2029-30.
Fadnavis reviews Metro Line-10 and other major projects
The Infrastructure Committee also looked over the proposed Metro Line-10, which will connect Mira Gaon and Gaimukh in the Mumbai Metropolitan Region. This 9.68 km elevated corridor is expected to cost ₹8,500 crore and will include five stations. It is currently at the final stage of statutory approvals. Fadnavis told officials to complete the project within three years. The meeting also assessed progress on several other metro projects, including:
Metro Line-11 (Anik Depot – Gateway of India)
Metro Line-8 linking Mumbai and Navi Mumbai airports
Metro Line-13 (Shivaji Chowk – Vasai Virar)
Metro Line-14 (Kanjur – Badlapur)
Metro Line-12A (Manpada – Kalyan – Khutari – Taloja)
NEW DELHI (Metro Rail News): Jammu and Kashmir is entering a new phase of railway connectivity. Recent progress includes the region’s first electric train, steps toward full electrification, new Vande Bharat services, and major bridges such as India’s first cable-stayed railway bridge ‘‘Anji Khad’’ and the world’s highest railway arch bridge, ‘‘Chenab Rail Bridge’’.
These recent railway developments are helping turn Jammu and Kashmir into a convenient hub for travellers who want to explore the natural beauty and culture of this paradise region. Faster trains, electric services and strong new bridges make journeys simpler, safer and more reliable, bringing the valleys, mountains and holy sites within easier reach for visitors from across India and beyond.
In 2024, Jammu and Kashmir recorded 2.3 crore tourist arrivals, the highest number since independence. Improved rail links are supporting this growth by making travel easier and more reliable.
From its first electric train and 100% railway electrification to Vande Bharat connecting Kashmir with the rest of India through an all-weather railway, the Valley is embracing a new era of connectivity. In 2024, J&K welcomed 2.3+ crore tourists, the highest ever since… pic.twitter.com/fOoDoCeyFu
The region’s first electric train services began in 2024. MEMU trains now run on the Baramulla–Srinagar–Banihal–Sangaldan route. The Katra–Srinagar Vande Bharat Express started in June 2025. It links Jammu Tawi, a busy northern rail hub with trains from Delhi, Mumbai and other cities, to Srinagar via Katra, the base for Vaishno Devi. The train covers about 191 km of mountain terrain in roughly three hours.
An extended Srinagar–Jammu Vande Bharat was flagged off at the end of April 2026. It connects Srinagar and Jammu in about 4 hours and 45 minutes over 269 km.
Since Article 370, Jammu and Kashmir has witnessed one of the biggest transformations in infrastructure, connectivity, tourism and governance.
India's first cable-stayed rail bridge, the Anji Bridge, and the mighty Chenab Bridge—the world's highest railway arch bridge rising 359… pic.twitter.com/RCh5fAzTvc
— Ministry of Information and Broadcasting (@MIB_India) August 5, 2026
Two key bridges opened in June 2025 as part of the Udhampur–Srinagar–Baramulla Rail Link project. The Anji Khad Bridge, built by Konkan Railway, is India’s first cable-stayed railway bridge. It improves access to the Kashmir Valley and supports trade, travel and logistics.
The Chenab Rail Bridge, located in Reasi district, is the world’s highest single-arch railway bridge. It stands 359 metres (1,178 feet) above the Chenab River and also began service in June 2025.
Together, these electric services, faster trains and new bridges are strengthening rail links across Jammu and Kashmir, offering simpler and more reliable travel options for residents and a large number of travellers.
HAJIPUR (Metro Rail News): The East Central Railway (ECR) floated a tender for the balance of work and provisional work at multiple stations for station development in Bihar. The cost of work is estimated at ₹177.53 Cr. The stations include Ram Dayalu station, Dalsingh Sarai, Karhagola road, Mansi, Mahesh Khunt, Lakhminia, Bhagwanpur, Sonpur, Dighwara, Shahpur Patoree, Khagaria, Hajipur and Sahebpur Kamal.
Tender Information
Information
Details
Tender No.
T-SEE-GSU-ABSS-2026-27-01
Approximate Cost of Work
₹177.53 Cr.
Completion Period
18 Months
Earnest Money Deposit (EMD)
₹3.55 Cr.
Bid Submission Start Date
August 04, 2026
Bid Submission Deadline
August 18, 2026 (15:00 Hrs)
Scope of Work
The scope of work of the contract includes the balance work of:
HLP extension- raising & surfacing, approach road around the pond, boundary wall, circulating and parking area & other misc. works at Ram Dayalu Nagar
PF surfacing, boundary wall, Ramp for FOB, approach road, circulating & parking area & other misc. works at Dalsingh Sarai
Boundary wall, widening of approach road, toe wall, 6m wide FOB with ramp, circulating & parking area & other misc. works at Karhagola Road
PF Surfacing, approach road, boundary wall, ramp for FOB, circulating and parking area & other misc. works at Mansi
HLP extension- raising & surfacing, boundary wall, PF shed, coping block, circulating and parking area, passenger amenities & other misc. works at Mahesh Khunt
Boundary wall, passenger amenities, circulating & parking area, & other misc. works at Lakhminia
Boundary wall, ramp for FOB, extension of circulating and parking area & other misc. works at Bhagwanpur
PF Surfacing, PF shed & other misc. works at Sonpur
PF raising & surfacing, Ramp for FOB, approach road, boundary wall, utility shifting and extension of circulating area and parking area & other misc. works at Dighwara
VIP lounge, pathway, drain, staff toilet, 6m wide new FOB and ramp for existing FOB & other misc. works at Shahpur Patoree
PF Surfacing, boundary wall, ramp for FOB, circulating & parking area & other misc. works at Khagaria
Further, the provision of –
2nd entry building, Circulating area, drain, parking area, boundary wall, PF surfacing, & other misc. balance works of 1st entry at Hajipur
2nd entry building, Shifting of AEN HQ & AEN Line office, shifting of IOW office & store, circulating & parking area, drain & other misc. works at Sonpur
2nd entry building, Parking area, drain, approach road, boundary wall, PF surfacing, ramp for FOB & other misc. works at Naugachia Provision of Building, PF surfacing, Ramp for FOB, approach road, boundary wall and circulating area, parking area & other misc. works at Sahebpur Kamal.
About East Central Railway
East Central Railway zone is headquartered at Hajipur, Bihar. This is one of the busiest zones of the Indian Railways. The zone manages vast mobility across Bihar, Uttar Pradesh and Jharkhand. It has five further divisions including Sonpur division, Dhanbad division, Samastipur division, Danapur division and DDU division.
MUMBAI (Metro Rail News): The Mumbai Metropolitan Region Development Authority (MMRDA) Metro network has surpassed 300 million (30 crore) passenger journeys. This achievement marks a significant milestone in Mumbai’s growing urban transport system. The last 50 million journeys were recorded in only 179 days, the fastest growth since the network began operating.
Mumbai has created history.
In just 52 months, MMRDA's Metro network, Maha Mumbai Metro, has crossed an extraordinary milestone—300 million passenger journeys.
This isn't just our milestone. It belongs to every Mumbaikar who chose to travel smarter, faster, greener, and better.… pic.twitter.com/tZKctq3y0K
According to MMRDA, the 300 million passenger journey milestone was reached on August 3, 2026, across Metro Line 2A (Dahisar East, Andheri West), Metro Line 7 (Dahisar East, Gundavali), Metro Line 2B Phase 1 (Diamond Garden, Mandale) and Metro Line 9 Phase 1 (Dahisar East, Kashigaon).
Fastest growth since operations began
This latest milestone indicates the increasing use of Mumbai’s Metro network. MMRDA noted that the most recent 50 million journeys were completed in just 179 days, making it the fastest growth phase since commercial operations started. The network is now adding an average of 279,000 passenger journeys each day, compared to 270,000 during the previous milestone period. This marks a 3.35% increase in average daily ridership, despite weekends, holidays, and seasonal travel patterns.
MMRDA stated that the opening of Metro Line 2B Phase 1 and Metro Line 9 Phase 1 on April 7, 2026, played a crucial role in increasing passenger numbers. These two corridors added nine new stations to the network, enhancing connectivity throughout the Mumbai Metropolitan Region.
Ridership milestones
Since the opening of Metro Lines 2A and 7 on April 2, 2022, the network has achieved several key milestones:
2 April, 2022: Metro Lines 2A and 7 inaugurated
17 September, 2022: 5 million passenger journeys
27 January, 2023: 10 million passenger journeys
20 September, 2023: 50 million passenger journeys
28 May, 2024: 100 million passenger journeys
4 January, 2025: 150 million passenger journeys
4 August, 2025: 200 million passenger journeys
5 February, 2026: 250 million passenger journeys
3 August, 2026: 300 million passenger journeys
Officials hail the achievement
Maharashtra Chief Minister Shri. Devendra Fadnavis said, “Thirty crore passenger journeys are not merely a number, they represent 30 crore votes of confidence by the people of Mumbai in our vision for a modern, efficient and sustainable public transport system. Every Metro journey reflects a conscious shift towards faster, safer and cleaner mobility. As we continue to expand Metro connectivity across the Mumbai Metropolitan Region, we are laying the foundation of a globally competitive Mumbai where seamless public transport will define the quality of urban life. I congratulate MMRDA, every member of the Metro team for their unwavering commitment to delivering safe and seamless Metro services.”
MMRDA Chairman and Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde remarked that,“The milestone of 300 million passenger journeys is not merely a number; it is a reflection of the immense trust that Mumbaikars have placed in the Metro network developed by MMRDA. I congratulate the entire MMRDA team for this outstanding achievement and sincerely thank every commuter who has made Metro an integral part of their daily life. This growing faith of the people is our biggest strength and our greatest responsibility. We are now committed to taking this very same standard of world-class Metro services beyond Mumbai to Thane and every corner of the Mumbai Metropolitan Region. The day is not far when the entire MMR will be seamlessly connected through Metro, enabling citizens to travel faster, safer and more comfortably while bringing our cities, our economy and our people closer than ever before.”
Metropolitan Commissioner Dr. Sanjay Mukherjee also mentioned that, “Crossing the landmark of 300 million passenger journeys is a moment of immense pride for MMRDA and Maha Mumbai Metro. More importantly, it reflects the growing trust that citizens have placed in our Metro system. The fact that the latest 50 million passenger journeys were achieved in a record 179 days, with an average of nearly 2.8 lakh passenger journeys every day, demonstrates that the Metro has become an integral part of Mumbai’s everyday life. Behind this achievement lies the unwavering commitment of thousands of engineers, planners, operators and frontline staff who work round the clock to deliver a safe, reliable and world-class commuting experience. We dedicate this milestone to every commuter whose continued trust motivates us to build an even stronger Metro network for the Mumbai Metropolitan Region.”
NEW DELHI (Metro Rail News): Jupiter Wagons has teamed up with Italy’s Lucchini RS Holding and SIMEST to create India’s first private integrated railwheel manufacturing platform. This partnership aims to boost domestic production of railway wheels, axles and wheelsets, while also supporting exports to global markets.
The collaboration combines Jupiter Wagons manufacturing presence in India with Lucchini RS’s knowledge in railwheel technology, engineering, and metallurgy. The company states that the venture will cover the entire manufacturing process, from processing raw materials to producing finished railway components.
Lucchini RS and SIMEST acquire 25% stake
Lucchini RS Holding will take a 15% equity stake in Jupiter Tatravagonka Railwheel Factory (JTRWF), while SIMEST, a financial institution backed by the Italian government, will acquire an additional 10% stake. The total 25% investment is estimated at about €28 million (approximately ₹307.26 crore ). The partnership also receives assistance from the Government of Italy through the Sistema Italia framework. SIMEST will invest as an equity partner, while CDP will offer financial and advisory support to Lucchini RS.
Integrated manufacturing platform planned
According to Jupiter Wagons, the project will create India’s first fully integrated private-sector facility for manufacturing:
Railway wheels
Axles
Wheelsets
The platform will manage the entire production cycle, from processing raw materials to creating finished products. The company believes that this partnership will enhance India’s capability to manufacture critical railway components and reduce reliance on imports.
Odisha facility to complete end-to-end production
The manufacturing platform will merge JTRWF’s existing facility at Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar with a new manufacturing complex currently being built in Odisha. Once the Odisha plant is operational, it will allow for complete in-house production of railway wheels, axles, and wheelsets. This will make it India’s only fully integrated private railwheel manufacturing platform.
The partners also intend to use the facility to meet the growing demand from Indian Railways and other local customers while building an export base for international markets. Jupiter Wagons believes that this collaboration will improve India’s standing in the global railway manufacturing industry. By fusing European technology with Indian manufacturing, the company aims to serve both the domestic and international railway markets.
KOCHI ( Metro Rail News): The Varapuzha Panchayat requested the State Water Transport Department (SWTD) to replace diesel boats with solar or electric powered vessels in ,busy Ernakulam-Varapuzha section.The request aims to cut pollution in Kochi’s backwaters.
The Ernakulam-Varapuzha route sees heavy traffic during morning and evening peak hours. Students and local commuters rely on these ferries every day. Diesel boats on this route add to air and water pollution.
According to data from Kochi Water Metro / SWTD (2024), and the IMO Fourth GHG Study (2020), A diesel ferry emits about 140g of carbon dioxide and 1.2g to 1.8g of nitrogen oxides per passenger per kilometre. Meanwhile an electric ferry emits only 21.6g of carbon dioxide and zero nitrogen oxides per passenger per kilometre. Switching to electric or solar boats would significantly reduce emissions on this popular route.
Most boats in Kochi’s waters still run on diesel.SWTD operates eight vessels including a rescue boat and KSINC (Kerala Shipping &Inland Navigation Corporation Ltd) operates 17 vessels including a luxury cruise and over 350 private vessels are running in conventional diseal. There is only one solar-diseal hybrid vessel called Sooryamshu , operated under KSINC.
In 2017, SWTD launched India’s first solar passenger ferry, Aditya, on the calm Vaikom–Thavanakkadavu route. However, it faced limitations that made it less suitable for busier waters like Kochi’s.
After discussion on the panchayat letter at the SWTD meeting, the agency is now planning structural changes and new boats designed specifically for Kochi’s conditions. Nishijith K. Jhon, Managing Director of Neo Classic Cruises, told Economic Times Infra:“We are planning to introduce four electric vessels in our fleet. Earlier the cost of the battery and other components were high but now it has come down. The construction of our four vessels will begin in three months.”
Replacing diesel ferries with electric or solar-powered ones on the Ernakulam-Varapuzha section could make Kochi’s backwaters cleaner and healthier for daily passengers. The move supports lower emissions and a more sustainable water transport system in the city.
