PM Modi Inaugurates Pink and Magenta Line Extensions of Delhi Metro Phase 4

Staff Reporter
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PM Modi Inaugurates Pink and Magenta Line Extensions of Delhi Metro Phase 4

DELHI (Metro Rail News): Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated 2 new sections of the Delhi Metro on Sunday, March 8, 2026, under Phase 4. The inauguration of the Majlis Park-Maujpur Babarpur section of the Pink Line and the Deepali Chowk-Majlis Park stretch of the Magenta Line represents a historic milestone in Delhi’s public transportation infrastructure.

The Prime Minister also laid foundation stones for development projects worth approximately ₹33,500 crore, including three new metro routes under Phase-V(A).

Inaugurated Corridors Overview

Inauguration DateMarch 8, 2026
Pink Line ExtensionMajlis Park-Maujpur Babarpur (12.3 km, 8 stations)
Magenta Line ExtensionDeepali Chowk-Majlis Park (9.9 km, 7 stations)
Total Pink Line Length71.56 km (India’s first complete ring metro)
Total Magenta Line LengthApproximately 49 km

Pink Line: India’s First Ring Metro

The Majlis Park-Maujpur Babarpur corridor spans 12.3 kilometres and includes eight elevated stations, completing the Pink Line’s circular configuration. With this addition, the Pink Line extends to approximately 71.56 kilometres, establishing India’s first fully operational ‘ring metro’ that encircles large parts of Delhi without requiring passengers to change lines for circular travel.

Magenta Line Extension

The Deepali Chowk-Majlis Park corridor extends the Magenta Line by 9.9 kilometres, increasing its total length to approximately 49 kilometres. This elevated extension of the Botanical Garden-Krishna Park Extension Magenta Line integrates several residential and commercial areas in northwest Delhi into the metro network.

Phase-V(A) Foundation Stones

PM Modi laid foundation stones for three new corridors under Delhi Metro Phase-V(A), covering approximately 16.1 kilometres of route length:

  • Central Vista Corridor: RK Ashram Marg to Indraprastha (9.9 km underground)
  • Aerocity to Indira Gandhi Airport Terminal-1 (2.26 km underground, Golden Line extension)
  • Tughlakabad to Kalindi Kunj (3.9 km elevated, Golden Line extension)

These corridors will provide direct connectivity to Delhi’s administrative hub (Central Vista), improve airport access, and enhance connections between Noida, south Delhi, and the airport. The Central Vista corridor will serve government offices and cultural institutions in the redeveloped zone, while the airport extensions facilitate seamless multimodal transportation.

Connectivity Impact

The new metro corridors benefit residents across multiple Delhi neighbourhoods, ending the long-standing transportation isolation of northeast Delhi areas. The comprehensive connectivity improvements address decades of inadequate public transportation access in rapidly growing residential zones.

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Chennai Metro: United Rail Becomes L1 for Track Maintenance Contract for Phase 1 and Its Extension

Narendra Shah
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Chennai Metro: United Rail Becomes L1 for Track Maintenance Contract for Phase 1 and Its Extension

CHENNAI (Metro Rail News): United Rail has emerged as the lowest bidder (L1) for the ballastless track maintenance contract covering elevated, underground, and depot sections across the Phase 1 and Phase 1 Extension of Chennai Metro Rail Project.

Tender and Bidder Details

FieldDetails
Award No.CMRL/Track/O_M/2025
Tender ID2025_CMRL_891275_1
Contract Date6 March 2026
Tender AuthorityChennai Metro Rail Limited
Number of Bids2
L1 BidderUnited Rail Road Consultants Private Limited
L1 Bid Value₹11 crore
L2 BidderPEMS Engineering Consultants Pvt. Ltd.
L2 Bid Value₹11.7 crore
Technical Bid Opening6 February 2026
Financial Bid Opening6 March 2026

Scope of Work

The contract covers the comprehensive operations and maintenance of ballastless track infrastructure across CMRL’s Phase 1 and Phase 1 Extension networks, encompassing elevated, underground, and depot sections.

Background

Chennai Metro Rail’s operational network currently spans 54.1 km across 2 lines, the Blue Line (Wimco Nagar to Chennai International Airport, including the Phase 1 Extension commissioned in February 2021) and the Green Line (Chennai Central to St. Thomas Mount). The Phase 1 Extension added 9.05 km of elevated track in the city’s northern zone, enhancing metro connectivity to high-density residential areas.

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Bids Invited for General Consultancy Work of Mumbai Metro Line 5A

Kapil Saini
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Bids Invited for General Consultancy Work of Mumbai Metro Line 5A

MUMBAI (Metro Rail News): The Mumbai Metropolitan Region Development Authority has floated a tender to appoint a general consultant for the civil works of Mumbai Metro Line 5A. The proposed 11.829 km elevated line will branch into two spurs. One spur will connect to Kalyan, while the other will terminate at Ulhasnagar. 

Tender Details: 

Tender AuthorityMMRDA
Tender ID2026_MMRDA_1283742_1
Tender NoMMRDA/MMRP/L-5A/GC/CA293
EMDRs  37,00,000/- 
Contract Period48 (Months) 
Pre-Bid Meeting11/03/2026 

Scope of Work: Appointment of General Consultant (GC) for Civil Works of Metro Line-5A (Durgadi to Kalyan with spur to Ulhasnagar).

Progress on Mumbai Metro Line 5A

The proposal for the project is expected to be submitted to the Maharashtra government for approval in April. According to the Detailed Project Report (DPR), the total cost of the project is estimated at ₹4,063.08 crore. However, certain procedural and administrative factors could affect the pace of its implementation.

One of the key challenges relates to land acquisition, which is often a time-consuming process in large infrastructure projects. The proposed corridor will require the acquisition of approximately 16,268 square metres of government land and around 1,738 square metres of private land. In addition to land acquisition, the project will also need to go through environmental impact assessments and various statutory clearances, which may further influence the overall timeline of construction.

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PM Modi to Commission 2 New Sections of Delhi Metro Phase 4 on 8 March

Kapil Saini
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PM Modi to Commission 2 New Sections of Delhi Metro Phase 4 on 8 March

DELHI (Metro Rail News): In a move to streamline connectivity in the NCR region, Prime Minister Narendra Modi is going to inaugurate two new sections of Delhi Metro Phase 4 on 8 March. In addition to that, the PM will lay the foundation stone for three new metro routes under Delhi Metro Phase 5A. This inauguration programme will take place at DDA Utsav Sthal-3.

The PM will inaugurate the following section:

Majlis Park-Maujpur-Babarpur section of the Delhi Metro’s Pink Line

With the opening of the 12.3 km Majlis Park-Maujpur-Babarpur section, the Pink Line will become Delhi’s first circular metro line. The integration of this section will extend the corridor’s total length to 71.56 km. This section will have eight new stations, including Burari, Jharoda Majra, Jagatpur-Wazirabad, Soorghat, Nanaksar-Sonia Vihar, Khajuri Khas, Bhajanpura, and Yamuna Vihar, before Maujpur-Babarpur.

Deepali Chowk-Majlis Park Section of Magenta Line

In addition to the extension of the Pink Line, the PM will also commission the Magenta Line extension spanning 9.92 km from Deepali Chowk to Majlis Park. This section will feature a total of seven stations, including Madhuban Chowk, Uttar Pitampura-Prashant Vihar, Haiderpur Village, Haiderpur Badli Mor, and Bhalswa.

Foundation Stone for 3 New Metro Routes

To further support the expansion of metro services in the NCR, the PM will lay the foundation stone for three new routes, which will be implemented under Delhi Metro’s Phase 5A.

The 3 new routes include: 

LineRouteLength
Central Vista corridorRamakrishna Ashram Marg – Indraprastha9.913km
Golden LineAerocity – Indira Gandhi Airport Terminal-12.263km
Golden LineTughlakabad – Kalindi Kunj3.9km

As per the Government of Delhi, these metro initiatives involve a combined investment of more than ₹18,300 crore, and are intended to broaden the reach of the metro rail connectivity and strengthen transport links across Delhi as well as adjoining areas of the National Capital Region. 

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Texmaco Rail Wins ₹130.2 Cr Track Contract for Kochi Metro Phase 2 

Kapil Saini
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1
Texmaco Rail Wins ₹130.2 Cr Track Contract for Kochi Metro Phase 2 

KOCHI (Metro Rail News): Texmaco Rail & Engineering Ltd. has emerged as the lowest bidder for a track work contract involving the implementation of ballastless track in the elevated section from Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium Metro Station to Infopark Metro Station under Kochi Metro Phase 2. The company quoted ₹130.2 crore for the contract.

Contract Details

Tender Id2025_KMRL_782579_1
Tender NoKMRL/PROC/TENDER/2025-26/038
Cost of Work₹130.2 Cr
Completion Period of the Work16 months from the date of Letter of Award
Tender AuthorityKochi Metro Rail Limited

Scope of Work: Design, Supply, Installation, Testing and Commissioning of Ballastless Track and Connections of Standard gauge in Elevated Section from JLN Stadium Station to Infopark Station of Phase 2 Corridor of Kochi Metro Rail Project (from Chainage +60.000m to 10640.000m). 

Financial Bids 

S. No.Bidder NameBid Value
1Texmaco Rail & Engineering Ltd.₹130.2 Cr
2KEC International Limited₹138.1 Cr
3Aapurvakriti Infrastructure Pvt Ltd₹139.2 Cr
4Rahee Infratech Limited₹152.4 C

Kochi Metro Rail Limited had estimated the contract value at ₹127.91 crore. Against this backdrop, Texmaco Rail & Engineering Ltd.’s bid of ₹130.2 crore is slightly higher than KMRL’s estimate. However, the margin is relatively small, indicating that the contract is likely to be awarded to Texmaco in the coming days.

Kochi Metro Phase 2, an 11.2 km extension, that will connect Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium Metro Station with the Infopark Campus in Kakkanad via 11 stations. The civil works for the project are currently nearing the 50% completion mark.

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Mumbai Metro: Bids Invited for Track Defect Monitoring System for Line 3

Kapil Saini
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Mumbai Metro: Bids Invited for Track Defect Monitoring System for Line 3

MUMBAI (Metro Rail News): Mumbai Metro Rail Corporation Limited has invited bids for the On-board Track Defect Monitoring System for the Mumbai Metro Line 3. This step underlines MMRCL’s efforts to ensure robust safety measures across Line 3, which operates from Cuffe Parade in South Mumbai to Aarey Colony in North Mumbai.  

Tender Details

Tender no.MMRC/Projects/MTI
EMDRs 20,40,826
Completion time365 Days
Pre-Bid Meeting12-03-26
Bid Submission Deadline30-03-26

Scope of Work: 

Design, Manufacturing, Supply, Installation, Testing, Commissioning of On-Board Track Defect Monitoring System (TDMS) along with 10 years of Comprehensive Annual Maintenance Services including 2 years of Defect Liability Period (DLP) for Mumbai Metro Line-3.

Mumbai Metro Line 3 Performance

5  months after the final stretch of Mumbai Metro Line 3 opened, ridership on the corridor has increased steadily, indicating that more commuters are shifting to Mumbai’s first fully underground metro line.

Before the last phase became operational on October 9, the line carried 19.7 lakh passengers in September. After the full Colaba-Bandra-EEPZ corridor opened, the monthly ridership rose sharply to 38.63 lakh in October. The upward trend continued in the following months, reaching 44.58 lakh in November and 46.56 lakh in December.

The average weekday ridership also saw a jump. Prior to the full opening, the line recorded about 75,052 passengers on an average weekday. This increased to 1.23 lakh in October, 1.32 lakh in November, and 1.48 lakh in December. The highest single-day ridership was recorded on October 16, when 1.82 lakh passengers used the metro.

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Bullet Train Project: NHSRCL Issues Single Tender Enquiry to BEML for Rolling Stock

Kapil Saini
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Bullet Train Project: NHSRCL Issues Single Tender Enquiry to BEML for Rolling Stock

NEW DELHI (Metro Rail News): National High Speed Rail Corporation Limited has invited a single tender enquiry from BEML Limited for design, manufacture, supply, testing, commissioning, and comprehensive maintenance of rolling stock and allied works for India’s first bullet train project connecting Mumbai and Ahmedabad. The invitation, issued on February 28, 2026, follows a single-stage two-envelope bidding procedure under Package No. MAHSR-BRS-1

The comprehensive package encompasses the complete lifecycle from design and manufacturing through testing, commissioning, and long-term maintenance of trainsets for the 508-kilometre Mumbai-Ahmedabad High Speed Rail Corridor.

Tender Details

Package NumberMAHSR-BRS-1
Invited BidderM/s BEML Limited
Tender Issue DateFebruary 28, 2026
Bid Submission PeriodMarch 11-16, 2026 (09:00-15:00 hrs)
Technical Bid OpeningMarch 17, 2026 at 15:00 hrs
Bid Document Cost₹59,000 (including GST, non-refundable)
Bid Security₹36 crore (physical submission required)

Project Scope

Design, Manufacture, Supply, Testing, Commissioning, and Comprehensive Maintenance of Rolling Stock and allied works for the Project for Construction of Mumbai-Ahmedabad High Speed Rail

Mumbai-Ahmedabad HSR 

The Mumbai-Ahmedabad High Speed Rail corridor represents India’s maiden bullet train project, spanning 508 kilometers with 12 stations. It connects India’s financial capital with Gujarat’s commercial hub. The first section of the bullet train corridor is expected to open in August 2027.

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Pune Metro: Apurvakriti Infrastructure Bags ₹44.05 Crore Ballastless Track Contract

Kapil Saini
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Pune Metro: Apurvakriti Infrastructure Bags ₹44.05 Crore Ballastless Track Contract

PUNE (Metro Rail News): Maharashtra Metro Rail Corporation Limited has signed a contract agreement with Apurvakriti Infrastructure Private Limited valued at ₹44.05 crore for design, supply, installation, testing, and commissioning of standard gauge ballastless track for the elevated section (PCMC to Nigdi) on the North-South Corridor of Pune Metro Rail Project, Reach-1 Extension. 

Contract Details

Contract Value₹44,04,85,700 (₹44.05 crore including GST)
Tender NumberP1A-T01/2025
ContractorM/s Apurvakriti Infrastructure Pvt. Ltd.
Tender Portal ID2025_MMRCL_1148975_1

Project Scope

The comprehensive contract encompasses design, supply, installation, testing, and commissioning of standard gauge ballastless track infrastructure for the elevated section between PCMC and Nigdi on Pune Metro’s North-South Corridor Reach-1 Extension. The scope includes:

  • Supply of 1080 Grade HH Rails meeting international standards
  • Track fastenings and ancillary components
  • 1in9 and R300 ballastless turnouts for track configurations
  • Complete ballastless track system installation
  • Testing and commissioning of entire track infrastructure
  • Miscellaneous civil and track works

Pune Metro’s North-South Corridor 

Currently, Pune Metro Purple Line spans from PCMC Bhawan to Swargate, covering a distance of around 14.66 kilometres and with 14 operational stations. 

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Delhi-Meerut RRTS Sees Over 1 Lakh Ridership on Opening Day

Kapil Saini
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Delhi-Meerut RRTS Sees Over 1 Lakh Ridership on Opening Day

NEW DELHI (Metro Rail News): The Delhi-Ghaziabad-Meerut Namo Bharat Regional Rapid Transit System recorded over 1 lakh (100,000) passengers on 23 February 2026. This development was recorded just within 24 hours of the inauguration of the remaining sections of the Delhi Meerut RRTS.

The National Capital Region Transport Corporation reported that ridership crossed the 100,000 mark by the departure of the last train at 10:00 PM. The achievement surpasses previous phased operational highs.

Record-Breaking Ridership

DateFebruary 23, 2026
Total RidershipOver 1,00,000 passengers
Previous RecordOver 85,000 passengers (on partial corridor)
Operational CorridorComplete 82.15 km (Sarai Kale Khan to Modipuram)
Modal Share ShiftPublic transport: 37% to 63%

NCRTC Official Statement

In a post on its official social media handle, NCRTC stated: “On 23 Feb 2026, the first full day of operations on the entire Delhi–Meerut Namo Bharat corridor, from Sarai Kale Khan to Modipuram, along with Meerut Metro recorded over 1,00,000 ridership. This is the highest-ever single-day ridership so far on the corridor.

The opening of the entire RRTS line now shifts the modal share in favour of public transport from 37% to 63%..

During the inauguration, PM Modi described the moment as the dawn of a “new era of world-class infrastructure” for Uttar Pradesh and the entire country. 

Journey Time 

The completion of the corridor has reduced the travel time from Delhi to Meerut from 2.5-3 hours by road to approximately 55-59 minutes via Namo Bharat trains.

Sarai Kale Khan: Multi-Modal Hub

The terminus at Sarai Kale Khan will become a major transportation hub with interchange facilities connecting multiple modes. The station provides connections to Delhi Metro’s Pink Line, Hazrat Nizamuddin Railway Station, Veer Haqeeqat Rai Inter-State Bus Terminal, and Ring Road. Additionally, city bus services converge at the location, creating comprehensive multimodal connectivity.

Sarai Kale Khan will also serve as the terminal for the other two RRTS lines:

  1. Delhi-Panipat corridor 
  2. Delhi-Gurgaon-Bawal

The daily ridership on the completed corridor is expected to reach 795,000 passengers as the system matures and commuters increasingly shift from road to rail. 

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Delhi Metro: Sam India Bags ₹222.76 Crore Contract for Yuge Yugeen Bharat Station

Kapil Saini
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Delhi Metro: Sam India Bags ₹222.76 Crore Contract for Yuge Yugeen Bharat Station

DELHI (Metro Rail News): Delhi Metro Rail Corporation has issued a Letter of Acceptance to Sam (India) Builtwell Private Limited for Contract EC-01 valued at ₹222.76 crore for the design and construction of Yuge Yugeen Bharat underground station along with PD Area ancillary building, associated entry/exits, and connecting subways under Phase-V(A) of Delhi Metro Transit System.

Artboard 1@4x 1

The comprehensive project encompasses civil, architectural, and finishing works for the underground station infrastructure. 

Contract Details

Contract NumberEC-01
Contract Value₹222,76,50,000.18 (including 18% GST)
ContractorM/s Sam (India) Builtwell Private Limited
LOA Issue DateJanuary 15, 2026
Completion Period21 months from Notice to Proceed
EngineerPD/Central Vista, DMRC
File ReferenceDMRC/20/V/001/2025

Project Scope

The contract encompasses comprehensive design and construction services for the Yuge Yugeen Bharat underground metro station, strategically positioned to serve the redeveloped Central Vista area of New Delhi. The project scope includes:

  • Design and construction of underground station infrastructure
  • PD Area ancillary building construction
  • Associated entry/exit structures for passenger access
  • Connecting subways providing pedestrian connectivity
  • Complete civil, architectural, and finishing works

The underground station will serve as a critical transportation node in the Central Vista area, providing metro connectivity to government offices, cultural institutions, and public spaces in the redeveloped zone. 

The project forms part of Delhi Metro’s Phase-V(A) expansion, which focuses on extending metro connectivity to areas including the redeveloped Central Vista zone.

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IRFC Secures USD 400 Million ECB from Japanese Lenders

Kapil Saini
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IRFC Secures USD 400 Million ECB from Japanese Lenders

NEW DELHI (Metro Rail News): Indian Railway Finance Corporation has signed a loan agreement with a consortium comprising Sumitomo Mitsui Banking Corporation, GIFT City Branch, and MUFG Bank Ltd, GIFT City Branch, to raise an External Commercial Borrowing of JPY-equivalent USD 400 million. 

The loan is for five years and is unsecured, which means IRFC did not have to provide any specific assets as collateral to get the loan. The interest rate on this loan is linked to TONAR (Tokyo Overnight Average Rate), which is a benchmark interest rate in Japan. So, the cost of borrowing will move based on this Japanese market rate.

The loan agreement reflected that international lenders have strong trust and confidence in IRFC’s financial strength and its long-term plan to fund railway infrastructure projects.

The agreement was executed in New Delhi on February 25, 2026, and disclosed under Regulation 30 of the SEBI (Listing Obligations and Disclosure Requirements) Regulations, 2015. This transaction follows IRFC’s successful re-entry into the ECB market in December 2025, when the company raised JPY-equivalent USD 300 million from overseas markets.

Transaction Overview

Facility AmountJPY-equivalent USD 400 million
Tenure5 years
Benchmark RateOvernight TONAR (Tokyo Overnight Average Rate)
SecurityUnsecured facility
LendersSumitomo Mitsui Banking Corporation (GIFT City Branch) and MUFG Bank Ltd (GIFT City Branch)
Agreement DateFebruary 25, 2026
Previous ECB (FY26)JPY-equivalent USD 300 million (December 2025)
Regulatory DisclosureSEBI Regulation 30 (Listing Obligations and Disclosure Requirements) Regulations, 2015

Loan Agreement Signing

The loan agreement was formally signed by Nav Goel, General Manager (Finance) of IRFC, along with Manoj Kaushik, Executive Director of SMBC, and Parul Shah, Head IBU of MUFG Bank.

Strategic Rationale

Speaking on the occasion, Shri Manoj Kumar Dubey, Chairman and Managing Director & CEO of IRFC, highlighted the strategic importance of diversified funding sources for the corporation. “Following IRFC’s successful re-entry into the ECB market in December 2025, this JPY-equivalent USD 400 million ECB further reinforces investor confidence in IRFC’s strong financial fundamentals and strategic vision,” he stated.

The CMD noted that accessing competitive global financing remains crucial as Indian Railways continues to expand network capacity, upgrade rolling stock, and enhance logistics efficiency. The diversification of funding sources ensures IRFC can meet the substantial capital requirements of India’s railway sector while maintaining financial sustainability.

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CCEA Approves ₹9,072 Crore Railway Multitracking Plan to Add 307 km Network Capacity Across 4 States

Narendra Shah
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CCEA Approves ₹9,072 Crore Railway Multitracking Plan to Add 307 km Network Capacity Across 4 States

NEW DELHI (Metro Rail News): The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs (CCEA), chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, on February 24 approved three major multitracking projects of the Ministry of Railways at a combined estimated cost of ₹9,072 crore. The projects will add approximately 307 km to Indian Railways’ existing network across Maharashtra, Madhya Pradesh, Bihar, and Jharkhand, with completion targeted by 2030-31.

Three Projects, Eight Districts

The approved projects are: the Gondia–Jabalpur doubling; the Punarakh–Kiul 3rd and 4th line; and the Gamharia–Chandil 3rd and 4th line. Together they span eight districts across the four states, serving high-density freight and passenger corridors managed by South East Central Railway (SECR), East Central Railway (ECR), and South Eastern Railway (SER).

The Gondia–Jabalpur doubling will provide an alternative shorter route from Varanasi and Prayagraj to Chennai, Bengaluru, and Hyderabad. The project also includes a dedicated provision of ₹450 crore for wildlife underpasses and fencing. The Punarakh–Kiul 3rd and 4th line will improve connectivity of northeastern and eastern states with north India, serving NTPC power plants at Barh, Barauni, and Kanti, along with the cement industry in Daniyawan and Warsaliganj. The Gamharia–Chandil 3rd and 4th line will support coal and iron ore transportation to steel plants at Bokaro, Durgapur, and Burnpur, besides catering to mines, power plants, and Special Economic Zones in the region.

Freight Capacity and Logistics Impact

The three projects are critical for the movement of bulk commodities including coal, steel, iron ore, cement, fly ash, fertilizers, limestone, manganese, dolomite, foodgrains, and petroleum products. Once operational, the additional line capacity is expected to generate incremental freight traffic of 52 MTPA (Million Tonnes Per Annum). The government also estimates the shift from road to rail will reduce oil imports by 6 crore litres and cut CO₂ emissions by 30 crore kg — equivalent to the carbon sequestration of one crore trees.

The three corridors are aligned with the PM Gati Shakti National Master Plan, which mandates integrated planning for multi-modal connectivity and logistics efficiency.

Connectivity for 98 Lakh People

Beyond freight, the multitracking projects will improve rail access for approximately 5,407 villages, benefiting a population of around 98 lakh. The enhanced capacity is expected to improve punctuality and service reliability on these routes. Tourist destinations along the corridors — including Kanha National Park, Pench National Park, Chandil Dam, Dalma Wildlife Sanctuary, and Dhuandhar waterfall — will also gain improved connectivity.

Outlook

The three projects are scheduled for completion by 2030-31. With these approvals, Indian Railways continues to press ahead on its capacity augmentation agenda, which has seen sustained CCEA support for multitracking, new lines, and gauge conversion projects under the Union Budget’s ₹2,78,030 crore railway allocation for 2025-26. The operational rollout will be closely watched for its impact on freight throughput on some of the network’s most congested corridors.

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Union Cabinet Approves ₹1,067.35 Crore Ahmedabad Metro Extension to Connect GIFT City

Narendra Shah
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Union Cabinet Approves ₹1,067.35 Crore Ahmedabad Metro Extension to Connect GIFT City

AHMEDABAD (Metro Rail News): The Union Cabinet has approved a 3.33 km extension of the Ahmedabad Metro’s North-South corridor, linking GIFT City (Gujarat International Finance Tec-City) in Gandhinagar to Shahpur, at an estimated cost of ₹1,067.35 crore. The project, to be implemented by Gujarat Metro Rail Corporation Ltd (GMRC), is scheduled for completion within four years.

The approved extension will comprise three elevated stations and is designed to provide seamless metro connectivity to one of India’s most strategically significant financial and technology districts. GIFT City hosts a growing cluster of multinational financial institutions, global technology companies, educational institutions, and commercial establishments, all of which currently lack dedicated metro rail access.

https://twitter.com/AshwiniVaishnaw/status/2026351867614376144

Project Details and Ridership Projections

The 3.33 km elevated corridor will extend the existing North-South line, bridging GIFT City with the broader Ahmedabad-Gandhinagar metro network. According to official projections, the extension is expected to serve approximately 23,702 daily passengers by 2029, rising sharply to over 58,000 daily passengers by 2041 as GIFT City’s commercial ecosystem matures. These ridership figures reflect the rapid growth anticipated in the GIFT City Special Economic Zone, which is being developed as India’s first operational greenfield smart city and international financial services hub.

Economic and Employment Impact

Beyond passenger convenience, the Cabinet approval carries significant economic weight. The project is projected to generate approximately 1,000 direct construction jobs during the execution phase and 250 permanent operational positions once services commence. The connectivity boost is expected to accelerate commuter access for professionals working at multinational firms and financial institutions within GIFT City, reducing dependence on road transport and easing congestion on the Gandhinagar-Ahmedabad corridor.

Next Steps

With Cabinet approval now secured, GMRC will move forward with detailed design, land acquisition, and tendering processes for civil and systems contracts. The four-year implementation timeline places projected commissioning around 2029-30, aligning with the ridership baseline year cited in the DPR. The Ahmedabad Metro network, which has seen steady ridership growth since the inauguration of its initial phases, will receive a significant strategic addition that directly serves India’s ambitions for GIFT City as a global financial centre.

Explore how AI-integrated systems are improving comfort, connectivity, and accessibility for passengers across metro and rail networks at the 6th edition of InnoMetro, India’s leading expo for the Metro & Railway industry, which is going to be held on 21-22 May 2026 at Bharat Mandapam, New Delhi

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Railway Minister Flags Off Bhopal-Dhanbad and Bhopal-Chopan Express Trains

Kapil Saini
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Railway Minister Flags Off Bhopal-Dhanbad and Bhopal-Chopan Express Trains

BHOPAL (Metro Rail News): In line with the vision to increase the rail connectivity in Madhya Pradesh, Shri Ashwini Vaishnaw, the Union Minister for Railways, Information & Broadcasting, and Electronics & Information Technology, virtually launched 2 train services: Bhopal-Dhanbad-Bhopal New Tri-Weekly Express and Bhopal-Chopan-Bhopal New Weekly Express at Rail Bhawan, New Delhi

Meanwhile, the launch ceremony took place at Bhopal Railway Station, and it was attended by Chief Minister of Madhya Pradesh Dr. Mohan Yadav, Deputy Chief Ministers Shri Jagdish Devda and Shri Rajendra Shukla, Members of Parliament Shri Alok Sharma and Dr. Rajesh Mishra, Members of Legislative Assembly Smt. Radha Singh & Smt. Riti Pathak and other dignitaries.

The new train services will streamline the rail connectivity across Vidisha, Ganj Basoda, Bina, Sagar, Damoh, Katni Murwara, Khanna Banjari, Beohari, Singrauli, Chopan, Chandrapura, and Dhanbad, among others. These services will strengthen inter-state connectivity between Madhya Pradesh, Uttar Pradesh, and Jharkhand, while establishing a direct link between the Singrauli coalfields and key industrial regions with the state capital, Bhopal.

Budget Allocations to Boost Railway Development & Rail Safety in Madhya Pradesh

Madhya Pradesh has been allocated ₹15,188 crore for strengthening railway development in the state. This sum will be used to expand infrastructure, improve security, and increase freight capacity. In addition to this, there are plans to implement the Kavach system over 4,591 route kilometres in Madhya Pradesh.

Amid ongoing railway expansion, the planned freight corridor between Dankuni (West Bengal) and Surat (Gujarat) is expected to benefit Madhya Pradesh by improving freight movement across the region. The corridor will help reduce transit time and improve logistics efficiency for industries operating in the state.

With this connection, Madhya Pradesh will get better access to major ports in Gujarat and Maharashtra, making it easier to transport goods for export and domestic trade.

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  held on 21-22 May 2026 at Bharat Mandapam, New Delhi.

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