Telangana CM urges Centre to approve Hyderabad Metro Phase II Project

TELANGANA (Metro Rail News): After acquiring 100% of shares and taking over the Phase I of Hyderabad Metro Rail Project and operations from L&T, Telangana CM Revanth Reddy has now urged the Centre to approve the Hyderabad Metro Phase II project. On 6 May 2026, Telangana CM met the Union Minister of Housing and Urban Affairs Manohar Lal Khattar and requested a prompt approval for the Hyderabad Metro Phase-II Project.

The CM has asked the centre to expedite the approval and requested the Union Minister to partner in the project as a joint venture with the Government of Telangana to ensure timely execution. He also informed that a comprehensive Detailed Project Report (DPR) for Phase II, comprising seven corridors with a total length of 122.9 km and an estimated cost of Rs. 38,595 crore, has already been submitted to the Government of India. 

Hyderabad is a rapidly growing city and is emerging as a major urban hub. To overcome challenges such as heavy traffic and commuting troubles faced by the commuters, Telangana CM Revanth Reddy prompted the Central Government to approve the proposal for the  Phase-II Project. 

The Chief Minister has also submitted the DPR for Phase-III and urged the Central Government to consider the RGIA Airport Bharat Future City Corridor under Metro Phase-III, considering the city’s future infrastructure and connectivity requirements.   

Proposed Phase II (A)  Metro Rail Corridors are:

CorridorStationsDistance
IVNagole-Shamshabad RGIA(Airport Corridor)36.8 km
VRaidurg-Kokapet Neopolis11.6 km
VIMGBS-Chandrayangutta(Old City Corridor)7.5 km
VIIMiyapur-Patancheru13.4 km
VIIILB Nagar-Hayatnagar7.1 km
Total: 76.4 km 

Phase II (B) Corridors: Phase II (B) consists of three corridors, with an estimated cost of Rs. 19,579 crore.

Corridor StationsDistance
IXRGIA – Bharat Future City (Skills University)39.6 km
XJBS New – Medchal24.5 km
XIJBS New – Shamirpet22.0 km 
Total: 86.1 km

The meeting was attend by senior officials including Secretary, Ministry of Housing & Urban Affairs, K. Srinivas; Special Secretary to Chief Minister, B. Ajith Reddy; Managing Director, Hyderabad Metro Rail Limited, Sarfaraz Ahmed; Advisor (Urban Transport) to the State Government, N.V.S. Reddy; Special Officer, Telangana Bhavan, New Delhi, Sanjay Kumar; and Coordination Secretary for Central Government Schemes, Advait Kumar Singh, among others.


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Indian Railways to expand its network by 901 kms across 6 States

DELHI (Metro Rail News): In a major step to boost India’s infrastructure, the Union Cabinet has approved three multitracking projects covering 19 districts across the states of Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan, Uttar Pradesh, Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh and Telangana, increasing the existing network of Indian Railways by about 901 Kms.

On 5 May 2026, the Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs, chaired by the Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, approved 03 (Three) projects of the Ministry of Railways with a total cost of Rs. 23,437 crore (approx.). The project is set to be completed by 2030-2031.

The projects include: 

  • Nagda – Mathura 3rd and 4th Line
  • Guntakal – Wadi 3rd and 4th Line
  • Burhwal – Sitapur 3rd and 4th Line 

The increased line capacity is expected to majorly improve mobility, leading to enhanced operational efficiency and service reliability for Indian Railways. These projects come under the “PM Gati Shakti National Master Plan” and are slated to streamline operations and alleviate congestion. The proposed project is expected to improve connectivity and employment/ self-employment opportunities in approx 4,161 villages having a population of about 83 lakhs. 

The main focus of this project is on enhancing multi-modal connectivity & logistic efficiency through integrated planning and stakeholder consultations.

The capacity expansion will improve rail connectivity to significant tourist destinations such as Mahakaleshwar, Ranthambore National Park, Kuno National Park, Keoladeo National Park, Mathura, Vrindavan, Mantralayam (Sri Raghavendra Swamy Mutt), Sri Nettikanti Anjaneya Swamy Vari Temple (Kasapuram), Shyamnath Temple, Naimisharanya (Neemsar), etc, across the country. 

The ministry also stated that “The proposed projects are essential routes for transportation of commodities such as coal, foodgrains, cement, POL, iron and steel, iron ore, containers, fertilisers, etc. The capacity augmentation works will result in additional freight traffic of magnitude 60 MTPA (Million Tonnes Per Annum). The Railways, being environment friendly and energy-efficient mode of transportation, will help both in achieving climate goals and minimising logistics cost of the country, reduce oil import (37 Crore Litres) and lower CO2 emissions (185 Crore Kg), which is equivalent to the plantation of 07 (Seven) Crore trees.” 


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.

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InnoMetro Welcomes Mr. Sanjeev Kumar Sachdev as Chairman for its 6th Edition

DELHI (Metro Rail News): InnoMetro, Asia’s leading Expo and Conference for Metro, Railways, RRTS, and High-Speed Rail, is pleased to announce the appointment of Mr. Sanjeev Kumar Sachdev, Managing Director of AuroToshi (An Aurionpro Group Company), as Chairman for its 6th edition, presented by Metro Rail News. The event is scheduled to be held on 21-22 May 2026, Bharat Mandapam, Hall no. 4, New Delhi.

About The Event Chairman

With over 39 years of experience in the manufacturing and transit technology sectors, Mr. Sachdev has played a crucial role in developing an end-to-end Automatic Fare Collection technology for transit systems in India, which reflects his consistent focus on indigenous technology development. Under his leadership, AuroToshi has evolved from a domestic manufacturer into a global contender in the Automatic Fare Collection (AFC) and Platform Screen Door (PSD) markets, two of the most critical technology segments in modern metro and rapid rail systems.

Beyond his corporate leadership, Mr Sachdev is deeply engaged with industry and community development. He currently serves as:

  • President, Industrial Area Manufacturers Association (IAMA) 
  • Executive Member, Ghaziabad Manufacturers Association (GMA) 
  • President, Hindu Economic Forum, Ghaziabad Chapter

Role At InnoMetro

As Chairman, Mr. Sachdev will provide strategic direction and intellectual leadership across the two-day event. His presence is expected to elevate the quality of deliberations, with a focus on innovation, technology adoption, and sustainable solutions for modern rail transit systems in India. His deep domain expertise spanning AFC systems, platform technologies, and manufacturing will bring a unique industrial perspective to InnoMetro 2026.

About InnoMetro

InnoMetro is Asia’s leading Expo and Conference dedicated to the Metro, Railways, RRTS, High Speed Rail and allied sectors. It brings together innovators, manufacturers, suppliers, policymakers, and industry thought leaders on a single platform for the advancement of the rail transport sector in India. The 6th edition of InnoMetro is expected to attract over 200 innovators from the global rail ecosystem who will showcase their modern technologies to government buyers and decision makers. The previous editions of InnoMetro have positioned the event as one of the credible exhibitions for the rail transport sector. Building upon this credibility, Indian Railways, Ministry of Railways, Government of India, has extended official support to InnoMetro. Given InnoMetro’s vision of strengthening the domestic supplier base, the Ministry of MSME has approved the event under its PMS scheme, which empowers MSMEs to exhibit at near-zero cost.  InnoMetro stands firm on its commitment to consistently bridging the gap between policy, technology, and implementation in India’s rail sector.

UPMRC floats rolling stock tender for Lucknow Metro Phase 1B

LUCKNOW (Metro Rail News): Uttar Pradesh Metro Rail Corporation Limited has invited a tender for the procurement of 45 standard-gauge metro cars and signalling systems for the Lucknow Metro Phase 1B project. The move marks progress in the development of the upcoming east-west metro corridor in Lucknow city.

Tender Information

Details Information
Tender IDLKRS-02
Tender TypeInternational Competitive Bidding (ICB
Bid SystemSingle Stage Two Envelope (Technical & Financial) 
Tender Fee₹23,600 / – (inclusive of GST) 
Pre-Bidding Meeting20 May 2026 at 15:00 hrs
Bid Submission Window16 June 2026 at 15:00 hrs
Technical Bid Opening17 June 2026 at 15:00 hrs
Completion Period45 months

Scope of work

The contract includes the design, manufacture, and supply of 45 standard-gauge metro cars. It also covers signalling and train control systems for operations. The scope involves testing and commissioning of rolling stock and systems. Training for operations and maintenance staff is also part of the contract. 

Lucknow Metro Phase 1B

The Lucknow Metro Phase 1B project is part of the city’s expansion of east-west corridor (Line 2). It will connect Charbagh Railway Station to Vasant Kunj.

Project Overview

ProjectDetails
Project NameLucknow Metro Phase 1B (Line 2)
CorridorCharbagh Railway Station to Vasant Kunj
Total Length11.165 km
Elevated Section5
Underground Section7
Total Stations12
Underground Stations6.879 km
Elevated Stations4.286 km

Also Read: 2 New Amrit Bharat Express trains launched between Maharashtra and U.P.


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.

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BAHNVERBAND e. V. Joins InnoMetro 2026 as Official Supporting Association 

DELHI (Metro Rail News): InnoMetro is pleased to announce BAHNVERBAND e. V. has confirmed its participation as an Official Supporting Association for the 6th edition of InnoMetro-Asia’s Leading Expo for Metro & Railways, scheduled to take place on 21-22 May 2026, Bharat Mandapam, Hall no. 4, New Delhi, India.

BAHNVERBAND e. V. is an interdisciplinary professional association that represents the railway and transport industry across Germany, Austria, and Switzerland. The association connects key stakeholders spanning railway technology, transport operations, and transport policy. The association has built a strong network of suppliers and customers across Germany and the wider European market.

The confirmation of support from BAHNVERBAND e. V. signals increasing global recognition of InnoMetro as a credible platform for industry dialogue and engagement. It also highlights the event’s role in facilitating cross-border exchange at a time when India’s metro and regional rail sectors are undergoing rapid expansion.

Official Backing from Indian Railways & Ministry of MSME

Through successive editions, InnoMetro has expanded in scale and institutional participation and established itself as the most credible platform to present innovations for the rail transport industry. The 6th edition has received backing from Indian Railways and the Ministry of Railways, Government of India. The event is also approved under the Procurement and Marketing Support (PMS) Scheme of the Ministry of Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises, which further strengthens InnoMetro’s vision to promote domestic manufacturers and suppliers.

 In addition to this, the leading government organisations comprising  MMRDA, Kochi Metro Rail Limited, Metro Railway, Kolkata, and Mumbai Metro Rail Corporation have confirmed their participation at InnoMetro 2026, which clearly signals the magnitude of the credibility that InnoMetro has earned over the years. 

The 6th edition of InnoMetro is expected to bring together a diverse group of domestic and international participants, who will focus on the emerging technologies, policies, and partnerships that shape the future of urban rail transport.

Noida Metro floats Rs 75.56 cr tender for general consultant for Aqua Line extension

NOIDA (Metro Rail News): Noida Metro Rail Corporation (NMRC) has invited bids for the appointment of a General Consultant (GC) for the elevated sections of the Aqua Line extension projects in Noida and Greater Noida. The estimated cost of the contract is around Rs 75.56 crore. The move indicates progress on the planned expansion of the Aqua Line network. 

Tender Details

InformationDetails
Tender NumberNMRC\Project\NGNEGC\2026\454
Tender TypeSingle Stage Two Packets
Approximate Contract ValueRs 75.56 crore
EMD\Tender Security Rs 75,56,000 
Pre Bidding Meeting12 May 2026, 11:30 AM
Bid Submission Window21 May 2026 (10:00 hrs)  to 28 May 2026 (17:00 HRS)
Technical Bid Opening28 May 2026, 17:30 hrs
Completion Period4 Years

Scope of Work

The General Consultant will give overall consultation for the elevated section of Aqua Lines extensions. The scope includes planning, preliminary tender designs, proof checking of detailed design, procurement, system integration, contract administration, project management, approval of horizontal and vertical alignment, assistance in construction, testing and commissioning of the two extension corridors of Aqua Line. 

About the Aqua Line extension

The extension will cover around 15.133 km of the Aqua Line through 2 corridors. 

  • The first extension of the Aqua Line from Sector 142 to Botanical Garden will be 12.513 km long with 8 stations. 
  • The second extension will cover approximately 2.6 km from Depot Station to Boraki MHT with 2 stations. 

Apart from this, a proposed corridor from Sector 51 to Char Murti Chowk is also under consideration. It will cover around 8 km of elevated sections with 5 stations. 

Also Read: 2 New Amrit Bharat Express trains launched between Maharashtra and U.P.


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.

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2 New Amrit Bharat Express trains launched between Maharashtra and U.P.

DELHI(Metro Rail News): Two new budget-friendly Amrit Bharat trains were flagged off by PM Modi on April 28, 2026. These new trains are expected to ease commuting for daily passengers, migrant labourers, and pilgrims, enhancing connectivity for both states.

These newly launched trains connect Varanasi to Pune (Hadapsar) and Ayodhya to Mumbai (Lokmanya Tilak Terminus), making it a significant development as Ayodhya and Varanasi are major spiritual destinations and would greatly improve tourism in Maharashtra and attract millions of devotees.   

Banaras-Hadapsar (Pune) Amrit Bharat Express 

Train Numbers:22589 (Banaras-Hadapsar), 22590 (Hadapsar-Banaras)
Time:Approximately 30 hours
Stops20
Launch Date:Regular services started from Banaras on May 2, 2026, and from Hadapsar on May 4, 2026.
Frequency:Daily

Ayodhya-Lokmanya Tilak Terminus (Mumbai) Amrit Bharat Express:

Train Numbers:22111 (Ayodhya-LTT), 22112 (LTT-Ayodhya)
Time:Approximately 26 hours
Stops12
Launch Date:The first regular weekly service from LTT on 5th May, 2026, and from Ayodhya Cantt on May 6, 2026.
Frequency:Operates on a weekly basis, departing from Ayodhya Cantt every Wednesday and LTT every Tuesday.

Features of New Amrit Bharat Express Train:

Push-Pull Technology: The train features two aerodynamically designed WAP-5 locomotives (6,000 HP each) at both ends. This configuration provides faster acceleration and deceleration, reducing overall travel time, particularly on curved or speed-restricted sections.

Maximum Speed: It has a design speed potential of 160 kmph, though it typically operates at a maximum permissible speed of 130 kmph.

Jerk-Free Travel: Equipped with semi-permanent/semi-automatic couplers, the train ensures smooth starts and stops, eliminating the jerks commonly experienced in older coaches.

Advanced Safety: Includes the KAVACH automatic train protection system, CCTV surveillance in all coaches, and aerosol-based fire suppression systems in toilets and electrical areas.

Also Read: Pune Metro Line 3 to enter operations in June: PMRDA Commissioner urges to expedite work


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.

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Jammu to Srinagar in 4:50 hrs, Vande Bharat brings faster travel from May 2

JAMMU (Metro Rail News): A direct Vande Bharat service will now link Jammu Tawi railway station and Srinagar railway station. The train cuts travel time to under 5 hrs across a key mountain corridor. Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw flagged off the service on April 30, 2026. The commercial run is going to begin on 2 May (Today) under Northern Railway. 

Route, distance and travel time

The train will cover about 270 km between Jammu Tawi and Srinagar. The journey will take around 4 hours and 50 minutes. Ashwini Vaishnaw described the service as the first ever for such high altitudes. He expects faster and more reliable travel across the region. 

Services and train numbers

A total of 4 services (two pairs) will run on the route, and this will ensure multiple daily options for passengers.

  • 26401 – 26402
  • 26404 – 26403

Timings

  • 26401 (Jammu Tawi to Srinagar): It will depart at 6:20 AM and arrive at 11:10 AM
  • 26402 (Srinagar to Jammu Tawi): It will depart at 2:00 PM and arrive at 6:50 PM
  • 26404 (Srinagar to Jammu Tawi): It will depart at 8:00 AM and arrive at 12:40 PM
  • 26403 (Jammu Tawi to Srinagar): It will depart at 1:20 PM and arrive at 6:00 PM

Stops on the route

The train will halt at 3 stations

  • Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Katra railway station
  • Reasi railway station 
  • Banihal railway station

Frequency and coaches

The train will have 20 coaches. It includes an AC chair car and an Executive Chair Car.

  • 26401 and 26402 will run daily except on Tuesday
  • 26404 and 26403 will also run daily except on Wednesday

The service earlier ran between Katra and Srinagar. The new extension now connects Jammu city directly with Srinagar. This new link will also reduce travel time and improve connectivity across Jammu and Kashmir. It will offer a faster option for both daily travel and tourism.

Hydrogen train trial completed on Jind-Sonipat route, rollout step closer

HARYANA(Metro Rail News): The first hydrogen-powered train trial on the Jind-Sonipat route in Haryana has been completed successfully. The trial marks a key step as Indian Railways moves towards cleaner transport options. The train runs without emitting smoke or carbon. It positions India as a small group of countries using hydrogen-based rail technology. 

The new train runs on hydrogen fuel instead of diesel or electricity from fossil sources. It produces zero carbon emissions during operation. This makes it one of the cleanest transport options in the rail sector today.

Project overview 

Detailsinformation
RouteJind to Sonipat in Haryana
Developed byIntegral Coach Factory 
Technology Hydrogen powered, Zero-emission system
StatusTrial run completed successfully 

With this development, India moves closer to countries like China, Germany, Sweden and  Japan, where hydrogen trains are already in use.

Why it matters

Indian Railway is one of the largest transport networks in India. Shifting to hydrogen can reduce pollution and cut dependence on fossil fuels. This trail also shows that Indian manufacturers can develop advanced and clean technologies. If this works on a larger scale, it can slowly replace diesel trains on some routes. That means less pollution and a quieter journey for passengers as well.

Also Read: Pune Metro Line 3 to enter operations in June: PMRDA Commissioner urges to expedite work


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.

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Pune Metro Line 3 to enter operations in June: PMRDA Commissioner urges to expedite work

PUNE(Metro Rail News): In the wake of mounting delays, the Pune Metropolitan Region Development Authority Commissioner, K. Manjulakshmi, conducted a comprehensive inspection of crucial construction sites along the Pune Metro Line 3. The primary objective of this visit was to take stock of on-ground progress and highlight the bottlenecks that have continued to impede the project’s commissioning deadline. 

He urged the contractors to complete the work as soon as possible, without compromising on quality and following safety guidelines. Officials were also asked to remove hurdles and speed up the execution of this project. 

Pune Metro Line 3, also known as the Puneri Metro or the Pink Line, is being developed under a public-private partnership model executed by Pune IT City Metro Rail Limited, a joint venture between the Tata Group and Siemens. When the agreement was first signed by the TATA-Siemens consortium, the project was originally targeted for completion by March 2023. After the construction officially began in November 2021, the scheduled construction date was set for March 2025. Due to large initial setbacks such as land handover process, technical engineering hurdles, and logistical challenges, the launch date has now been pushed to June 15, 2026. This date was recently revised from an earlier target of May 31.

As per IAS Abhijeet Choudhary, the project will open in two phases. Initially, the authorities plan to commission 12 stations in June, followed by rigorous testing. The remaining 11 stations will be put in commercial use by October 2026.

The corridor will use high-tech Alstom Metropolis train sets, which are designed for efficiency in high-density urban environments. Each train consists of 3 coaches with a total passenger capacity of approximately 1,000 people. Once functional, the Metro Line 3 is set to enhance travel reliability for daily commuters and improve urban transportation throughout the city.

Also Read: Delhi Metro orders 90 metro cars for Inderlok-Indraprastha corridor

Also Read: Delhi Metro Phase 5A enters construction phase: DMRC awards ₹1,024 Cr Central Vista Contract to Cemindia


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.

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Delhi Metro’s Inderlok-Indraprastha line moves ahead: Kalpataru-SOMA JV bags civil contract

DELHI (Metro Rail News): Delhi Metro Rail Corporation (DMRC) has issued the Letter of Acceptance (LOA) to M/s Kalpataru-SOMA Joint Venture for Contract D2C-06, the design and construction of twin tunnels and four underground stations on the Inderlok–Indraprastha Corridor (Magenta Line Extension) of Delhi Metro Phase IV. Earlier, this corridor was proposed to be built as the Green Line extension, but later it was decided to be constructed as an extension of the Magenta Line.

Scope of work: Design and Construction of Twin Tunnel by Shield TBM & by Method other than TBM, Four Underground Stations namely, Dayabasti, Sarai Rohilla, Ajmal Khan Park, Jhandewalan Mandir and Balance Works for Nabi Karim Station with Entry/Exits including Retrieval/Launching Shafts, Architectural Finishing, Water Supply, Sanitary Installation & Drainage Works from Chainage (Down Line) Ch:614.483 mt. To Ch: 7629.531 mt of Inderlok-Indraprastha Corridor of Delhi MRTS Project of Phase-IV. 

Contract at a Glance

Accepted Contract Value
₹1,522 crore
Contract Number
D2C-06 (DMRC/20/IV-140/2025)
Contractor
Kalpataru-SOMA JV
Completion Period
42 months from NTP
Engineer for Contract
CPM-1, DMRC
Tunnel Chainage (Down Line)
Ch: 614.483 m → Ch: 7629.531 m

What Is Being Built: Tunnels Beneath a Living City

Contract D2C-06 is, by any measure, the most complex civil package on the Inderlok–Indraprastha corridor. It spans over 7 km of underground alignment from just north of the Inderlok end through the densely populated precincts of Dayabasti, Sarai Rohilla, the Ajmal Khan Park area, and Jhandewalan before reaching the balance works zone at Nabi Karim.

Delhi Metro Phase 4 – Corridor Overview

Janakpuri West → RK Ashram (Magenta Ext.)
28.92 km | 21 stations
● Under Construction
Aerocity → Tughlakabad (Golden Line)
23.62 km | 16 stations
● Under Construction
Maujpur → Majlis Park (Pink Line Ext.)
12.55 km | 10 stations
● Under Construction
Inderlok → Indraprastha (Magenta Ext.)
12.38 km | —
● Under Construction
Lajpat Nagar → Saket G Block (Golden)
8.39 km | 8 stations
● Under Construction
Rithala → Narela → Kundli (Red Ext.)
26.46 km | 19 stations
● Tendering Stage

Contract D2C-06 is part of the broader Delhi Metro Phase IV programme, approved at a total project cost of ₹46,845 crore. Phase IV’s original three priority corridors (65 km) were joined in March 2024 by the Inderlok–Indraprastha and Lajpat Nagar–Saket G Block corridors, taking the total to 85.86 km. The December 2024 addition of the Rithala–Narela–Kundli corridor (26.46 km) extended Phase IV’s scope further to 112.32 km.

Also Read: Delhi Metro orders 90 metro cars for Inderlok-Indraprastha corridor

Also Read: Delhi Metro Phase 5A enters construction phase: DMRC awards ₹1,024 Cr Central Vista Contract to Cemindia


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.

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Shri Shalabh Goel takes charge as full- time NCRTC MD after exiting railways

DELHI (Metro Rail News): The central government has cleared the permanent appointment of Shri Shalabh Goel as Managing Director of the National Capital Region Transport Corporation (NCRTC). The decision gives the organisation a full-time leader as it expands rapid rail projects across NCR. The government accepted Goel’s technical resignation from the Ministry of Railways. The order came into effect on April 24, 2026. From the same day, he is treated as retired from railway service. Goel is an officer of the Indian Railway Service of Electrical Engineers (IRSEE). He had been associated with NCRTC earlier, but this decision now places him in a full-time role. His exit from Railways allows him to take up the NCRTC role without holding dual responsibilities. 

The appointment follows a communication from the Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs. The step signals a clear push to strengthen leadership at NCRTC. Officials believe stable leadership will help the organisation handle multiple projects at once. NCRTC is building and operating regional rapid transit systems across the National Capital Region. Work is ongoing on several corridors, while some sections have already opened for passengers. With Goel now in a permanent role, the focus will remain on execution, coordination, and faster decision-making. 

Ghaziabad eyes 16km metro link to Delhi via Hindon Airport, DPR in progress

DELHI(Metro Rail News): A new metro corridor could soon connect Ghaziabad directly to northeast Delhi. It will improve access to Hindon Civil Terminal. The move targets better last-mile connectivity for lakhs of daily commuters. The Ghaziabad Development Authority (GDA) has formally asked DMRC to prepare a detailed project report (DPR) for the corridor. Officials expect the DPR in the next few months, as reported by The Times of India. 

Project Overview

DetailsInformation
ProjectVaishali – Gokulpuri Metro Corridor
Length16 km
Total stations7
Key routeVaishali – Sahibabad – Mohan Nagar – Pasunda – Hindon Civil terminal – Gagan Vihar – Gokulpuri
AgencyDelhi Metro Rail Corporation (DMRC)
StatusDPR requested

The plan expands on DMRC’s Phase 5 proposal, which earlier proposed a shorter 12-13 km route between Gokulpuri and Arthana. Now, GDA wants to extend it up to Vaishali. This extension will directly connect dense residential areas like Indirapuram, Vasundhara and Vaishali. Officials are saying that more than 5 lakh commuters will benefit. 

Significance of this Corridor

Right now, Hindon Civil Terminal does not have direct metro access. The nearest stations are Dilshad Garden and Major Mohit Sharma Rajindar Nagar (Red Line), which are about 5km away. Passengers are depending on the auto and cabs to reach the airport. Even though Sahibabad RRTS station offers a faster option, reaching it is still a challenge due to poor last – mile connectivity.. So, this new metro line could fix this gap and make travel smoother. 

Other metro plans in Ghaziabad

Ghaziabad Development Authority (GDA) has also pushed  two more corridors, 

  • A 3km extension from Shaheed Sthal New Bus Adda to Ghaziabad Railway Station.
  • The second is the Noida Electronic City to Sahibabad corridor. This 5 km line will cover areas like Indirapuram, Shakti Khand and Vasundhara Sector 5. 

Together, these three projects will add around 25 km to the metro network. The total cost is estimated at about Rs 7,500 crore. It is based on a Rs 300 crore per km cost.

Funding issues and progress

The  Noida Electronic City to Sahibabad project has been delayed since 2018 due to a lack of funds. Its DPR, worth Rs 1,873 crore, is already ready. GDA had earlier asked for Rs 2,441 crore under the 16th Finance Commission. Officials are now saying that things may move forward after the housing ministry agencies prepare DPRs. This could help in getting funds from both the central and state governments. 

If approved, this new metro line could make travel easier in Ghaziabad and give direct metro access to Hindon airport for the first time.

Also Read: Delhi Metro Phase 5A enters construction phase: DMRC awards ₹1,024 Cr Central Vista Contract to Cemindia


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.

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Delhi Metro Phase 5A enters construction phase: DMRC awards ₹1,024 Cr Central Vista Contract to Cemindia

NEW DELHI (Metro Rail News): Delhi Metro Rail Corporation (DMRC) has formally issued the Letter of Acceptance (LOA) to Cemindia Projects Limited (formerly ITD Cementation India Limited) for Contract EC-03, which involves the design and construction of twin tunnels and two underground stations for the Central Vista Corridor of Delhi Metro Phase V(A). 

The contract covers the construction of twin tunnels (Up and Down Line) by Shield TBM from Shivaji Stadium station to Central Secretariat station, Cut & Cover tunnel between Central Secretariat and Kartavya Bhawan, and two fully underground station Central Secretariat and Kartavya Bhawan, along with entry/exits and connecting subways. The tunnelling section runs from Chainage 31373.276 m to 34216.169 m, passing beneath some of the most sensitive real estate in the country: India Gate, the Supreme Court, Kartavya Path, and ministerial offices in the New Delhi precinct.

The work must be completed within 33 months from the date of Notice to Proceed. PD/Central Vista will serve as the Engineer for the contract.

Contract at a Glance

Accepted Contract Value
₹1,023.82 crore
Contract Number
EC-03 (DMRC/20/V-002/2026)
Contractor
Cemindia Projects Limited
LOA Date
2 April 2026
Completion Period
33 months from NTP
Bid Date
16 March 2026
Bid vs Estimate
₹1,024.80 crore bid vs ₹1,281 crore estimate (~20% lower)

The alignment passes through the very precinct that was recently transformed under the Central Vista Redevelopment Project, Kartavya Path (the rebuilt ceremonial axis), the new Parliament House, and the constellation of ministry buildings collectively known as Kartavya Bhawan. The metro corridor will, for the first time, give office-goers, daily visitors, and tourists direct underground access to these landmarks without surface disruption.

At 2.84 km (Chainage 31373 m to 34216 m), this is a compact but extraordinarily sensitive stretch requiring millimetre-precision TBM navigation past heritage structures and critical government buildings. DMRC notes a specific exclusion zone at Yuge Yugeen Bharat station between chainages 32334.986 m to 32539.986 m, reflecting the complexity of interfacing with parallel construction already underway on the corridor.

The Bigger Picture: Delhi Metro Phase V(A) and the ₹12,014 Crore Expansion

Contract EC-03 is the centrepiece of Delhi Metro Phase V(A), approved by the Delhi Cabinet on 11 February 2026 at an estimated total cost of ₹12,014.91 crore. Phase V(A) adds 16.076 km across three new corridors and 13 stations, 10 underground and 3 elevated.

Corridor Overview

RK Ashram Marg → Indraprastha
9.913 km
Length
8 stations
Stations
Fully Underground
Aerocity → IGI Terminal 1
2.263 km
Length
1 station
Stations
Underground
Tughlakabad → Kalindi Kunj
4.0 km
Length
4 stations
Stations
Elevated

The RK Ashram Marg-Indraprastha corridor, of which Contract EC-03 forms the critical mid-section, will extend the existing Magenta Line (Line 8) deeper into Central Delhi. When Phase IV and Phase V(A) are complete, the Magenta Line will stretch approximately 89 km from Botanical Garden to Inderlok, the longest corridor in the entire Delhi Metro network, with 21 interchange stations and 40 underground stations out of 65 total. The entire Magenta Line is planned to operate as a driverless corridor.

Central Secretariat will become a triple-interchange station, one of only four in the entire network connecting the Yellow Line (Samaypur Badli–HUDA City Centre), the existing Violet Line extension, and the new Phase V(A) Central Vista corridor. For daily commuters and government employees, this station will be transformational.

Also Read: Bengaluru Metro’s non-fare income climbs sharply, touches Rs 145 crore mark


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