Home Blog Page 12

Vadodara Bullet Train Station to Feature 534-metre FOB With Travelators, 3 Bridges for Seamless Connectivity

Narendra Shah and Editorial Team
-
0
Vadodara Bullet Train Station to Feature 534-metre FOB With Travelators, 3 Bridges for Seamless Connectivity

VADODARA (Metro Rail News): A 534-metre-long Foot Over Bridge will be constructed at Vadodara Railway Station for the Mumbai-Ahmedabad Bullet Train project. The bridge will connect the Vadodara railway station and the GSRTC (Gujarat State Road Transport Corporation) central bus depot. It will be equipped with walkways (travellators) to make it easier for passengers to move between railways and bus services.

Two more FOBs linking Alkapuri and the station’s parking area

Another FOB of length 90 metres will connect the new bullet train station to Alkapuri, aiding passengers to pass over the tracks. Meanwhile, a 51-metre-long bridge will be constructed linking the station with the parking spaces and station plaza. 

Station to feature lifts, escalators, parking facilities alongside direct railway connectivity 

Facilities such as lifts and escalators will be installed for passengers’ convenience, so that they can move around freely between different levels of the station, said NHSRCL. The station will have comfortable waiting rooms, parking spaces, rest rooms, shops and separate pick-up and drop-off points for passengers. Meanwhile, the parking spaces will be accessible for cars, buses and auto-rickshaws. The bullet train station is being constructed in close proximity to the Vadodara railway station and Pandya bridge, and directly above Platform No. 7 of the railway station.

According to a National High Speed Rail Corporation Limited (NHSRCL) press release, the integration is aimed at providing hassle-free connectivity between the bullet train station and the existing railway station. In a post on X,  the NHSRCL highlighted the key stations and the bullet train’s potential to improve access to education, employment, research, entrepreneurship and professional opportunities.

 “With faster connectivity to Amdavad, Surat and Mumbai, the Vadodara Bullet Train Station will strengthen mobility and expand access to education, employment, research, entrepreneurship and professional opportunities,” NHRCL wrote. 

The ₹1.08 lakh crore Bullet Train project, spanning 508 km between Mumbai and Ahmedabad, will have its first section open from Surat to Bilimora from 15th August 2027.

Also Read: Parliamentary Panel pushes for Indigenous Bullet Trains and clearances before new corridors

Agra Metro: Sikandra Station Concourse Complete, UPMRC Erected 230 U-Girders on ISBT Stretch 

Narendra Shah and Editorial Team
-
0
Agra Metro: Sikandra Station Concourse Complete, UPMRC Erected 230 U-Girders on ISBT Stretch 

AGRA (Metro Rail News): Construction of Agra Metro’s remaining elevated stretch between ISBT and Sikandra is progressing well. UPMRC has completed the concourse level of Sikandra Metro station and all the piers on this section. The agency has also erected around 230 of the 272 planned U-girders.

The Uttar Pradesh Metro Rail Corporation (UPMRC) shared the latest progress on social media, highlighting the construction milestone at Sikandra station. The work marks another step towards completing the remaining elevated portion of Corridor-1.

Agra Metro work progresses on ISBT-Sikandra

According to UPMRC, all piers on the ISBT-Sikandra section of Agra Metro have now been prepared. Around 230 U-girders have also been erected. UPMRC Joint General Manager (Public Relations) Dr Panchanan Mishra said the section requires a total of 272 U-girders. Of these, work on 230 has been completed so far. Other structural works have also progressed:

  • U-girders: 230 of 272 completed
  • I-girders: 36 of 52 completed
  • Pier caps: 121 of 131 completed
  • Piers: All completed on the section
  • Sikandra station: Concourse level completed

Single-pillar design at Guru Ka Tal, Sikandra

According to a report by Amar Ujala, UPMRC is using a single-pillar construction technique for the Guru Ka Tal and Sikandra stations. The approach helps reduce the footprint of the elevated structure in busy areas. The concourse structures use Double-T and Pi girders. According to Dr Panchanan Mishra, this method helps limit the impact of construction on road traffic. This is particularly relevant along the ISBT-Sikandra stretch, where the metro alignment runs through built-up parts of the city and alongside busy roads.

Sikandra station planned near the monument

Sikandra is the western terminal of Corridor-1 and is planned around 200 metres from the Sikandra Monument. The elevated station will have an island platform, with the rail level about 12 metres above ground. The location places the station close to several residential areas, including Krishnapuram, Mahadev Pur and Awas Vikas Colony.

The station design considers restrictions around the nearby protected heritage site and follows guidelines from the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI). The station is also close to the existing Inter State Bus Terminal. Its connection with the bus terminal will make it easier for passengers to switch between bus and metro services. 

Sikandra has terminal facilities such as a foot overbridge and stabling lines. The station could become the western terminal if authorities do not allow the metro to extend further due to nearby protected ASI monuments. This makes Sikandra an important station for both the construction and operation of Corridor-1. 

Agra Metro Corridor-1 and Corridor-2

The Agra Metro project covers 29.4 km across two corridors.

Corridor RouteLengthStations
Corridor-1Taj East Gate to Sikandra13.7 km6 Elevated and 7 Underground Stations
Corridor-2 Agra Cantt to Kalindi Vihar 15.7 km14 Elevated Stations

The completion of the Sikandra station concourse and progress on the elevated structures indicate that construction is moving into the next phase on the ISBT-Sikandra section. UPMRC will now have to complete the remaining girders, station works and associated systems before the stretch can move towards operational readiness.

Also Read: Agra Metro: Finding Balance Between Urban Need, Tourism Pressure, and Conservation Mandates

Maharashtra Legislative Committee reviews Nagpur Metro operations and Phase 2 progress

Narendra Shah and Editorial Team
-
0
Maharashtra Legislative Committee reviews Nagpur Metro operations and Phase 2 progress

NAGPUR (Metro Rail News): A delegation from the Maharashtra Legislature’s Committee on Public Undertakings took the Nagpur metro from Khapri to Rahate on Wednesday, as part of an on-ground review of the projects and operations of Maha Metro (Maharashtra Metro Rail Corporation). 

Following the inspection, Nagpur Metro Rail stated on social media, “The Public Undertakings Committee of the Maharashtra Legislature conducted an on-ground review of Maha Metro’s projects, passenger services and technical operations. As part of the visit, committee members travelled by Metro from Khapri to Rahate Colony, experiencing first-hand the passenger facilities, service efficiency and overall travel experience. The committee also visited Metro Bhavan, where they reviewed the progress of Phase 1 and Phase 2 of Nagpur Metro and were briefed on key project developments and operations.” 

Legislator Rahul Kul led the assessment starting from Khapri station. The committee reviewed various aspects, including station cleanliness, security, ticketing facilities, digital payment options, train frequency and punctuality. It also assessed the facilities available for senior citizens and people with disabilities.

Maha Metro Managing Director Shravan Hardikar briefed the committee on the implementation of Nagpur Metro Phase-I and the ongoing expansion under Phase-II. 

Following the committee’s brief metro ride, they visited the Metro Bhavan, Maha Metro’s headquarters, and inspected the Operational Control Centre (OCC), from where the Nagpur Metro operations are monitored. 

Hardikar reportedly explained to the committee how the movement of every Metro train is tracked digitally and how signalling, station security and operations are managed through a centralised control system. The committee members were also briefed on the rapid-response measures in place to deal with technical disruptions and emergencies.

The delegation comprised legislators Mohan Mate, Randhir Sawarkar, Sambharao Kadam Kohlikar, Sulbha Khodke, Hemant Ogle, Milind Narvekar and Rais Shaikh.

Also Read: Nagpur Metro gears up for 55km expansion: RITES awarded DPR contract

Jupiter Wagons Secures Rs 97.66 Cr Wagon Order from GATX India

Narendra Shah and Editorial Team
-
0
Jupiter Wagons Secures Rs 97.66 Cr Wagon Order from GATX India

DELHI (Metro rail News): Jupiter Wagons has secured a Rs 97.66 crore order from GATX India for the manufacture and supply of BFNS22.9 freight wagon rakes. The deal adds to the company’s business with private wagon leasing firms operating on the Indian Railways network.

Jupiter Wagons Limited signed a Wagon Purchase Agreement with GATX India Private Limited on September 8. GATX India is a subsidiary of US-based GATX Corporation. The company operates in India’s private wagon leasing market, where private players can lease and operate freight rolling stock on the Indian Railways network.

Order details

InformationDetails 
Order valueRs 97.66 crore, including applicable taxes
CustomerGATX India Private Limited
Parent companyGATX Corporation, USA
Wagon typeBFNS22.9
AgreementWagon Purchase Agreement
Order dateSeptember 8, 2026

The order comes as private wagon leasing gains a larger role in India’s freight transport sector. The Indian Railways’ Wagon Leasing Scheme allows private companies to acquire or lease wagons and use them across the railway network.

Jupiter Wagons and rising wagon demand

GATX’s order gives Jupiter Wagons another contract with an international wagon leasing company. It also points to growing demand for specialised freight wagons from private fleet operators. BFNS22.9 wagons are designed for high-payload freight applications. Such wagons allow leasing companies to add dedicated freight capacity without directly owning manufacturing facilities.

Jupiter Wagons Managing Director Vivek Lohia said the agreement reflects the confidence of global wagon leasing companies in the company’s manufacturing and delivery capabilities. He also linked the order to the expansion of private wagon leasing on the Indian Railways network and the resulting demand for specialised wagons.

Jupiter Wagons expands leasing-sector business

The company has been building its order book across the freight rolling stock segment. Its latest agreement with GATX further expands its customer base among global wagon leasing players. The company said its manufacturing setup allows it to produce specialised freight wagons at scale. The latest order will add to its business in India’s private wagon ownership and leasing ecosystem. No delivery schedule for the BFNS22.9 rakes was disclosed in the announcement.

The Rs 97.66 crore order highlights the growing participation of private wagon leasing companies in India’s rail freight market. For manufacturers such as Jupiter Wagons, this segment could provide another source of demand as private operators expand their rolling stock fleets.

Source: Jupiter Wagons Press Release

Also Read: Jupiter Wagons joins hands with Lucchini RS & SIMET to manufacture railway wheels in India

Railway stocks rally up to 4% after CCEA approves 5 multitracking projects in South India

Narendra Shah and Editorial Team
-
0
Railway stocks rally up to 4% after CCEA approves 5 multitracking projects in South India

DELHI (Metro Rail News): Shares of railway companies, including IRCTC, IRCON International, Titagarh Railway Systems, RVNL and IRFC, rose by up to 4% on Thursday after the Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs (CCEA) approved five railway multitracking projects worth around ₹10,021 crore. 

The projects will cover 17 districts across Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka and Telangana. The five projects will add 540 km to the existing Indian Railways network and are planned for completion by 2029-2030.

In today’s stock-market trading session, Titagarh gained 2% to ₹894, while IRCON International rose 3.6% to trade at ₹119 per share. IRCTC was up over 1%, while RVNL gained 2% to ₹211 per share. IRFC also traded 1% higher on Thursday.

Companies likely to benefit from railway expansion 

According to a Trade Brains report, companies such as IRCON International, Titagarh Rail Systems and RVNL are likely to benefit from the government’s ongoing railway infrastructure expansion and multitracking projects.

IRCON International: The company had an order book of Rs 23,366  crore as of June 30, 2026, with a significant 77% of its projects coming from railways, making it a direct beneficiary of the multitracking projects. 

Titagarh Rail Systems: Titagarh Rail Systems had a total order book of Rs 26,635, including its shares in Joint Ventures. Its freight and passenger train businesses could benefit from higher freight movement and increased demand for railway wagons. 

RVNL ( Rail Vikas Nigam Limited ): The Navratna company had an order book of Rs 93,492 crore on June 30, 2026. Around Rs 58,000 crore was from railways and over Rs 12,000 crore from signalling and telecom projects, making it a major beneficiary of the multitracking projects. 

Railway expansion could drive growth for IRCTC

The company could benefit as more trains and passengers may increase demand for its ticketing, catering and tourism services. 

3 more projects approved under PM Gati Shakti

The CCEA also approved three railway multitracking projects worth ₹10,783 crore across 14 districts in West Bengal, Jharkhand, Odisha, Madhya Pradesh and Chhattisgarh. The project planned for completion by 2029-23 will add nearly 656 km to the Indian Railways network. The projects are expected to increase freight traffic by 27 MTPA (Million Tonnes Per Annum).

Also Read: Indian Railways completes land acquisition for Manikpur-Iradatganj third line on Prayagraj-Mumbai route 

Cabinet Approves ₹10,021 Cr Railway Multitracking Projects Across Four States

Narendra Shah and Editorial Team
-
0
Cabinet Approves ₹10,021 Cr Railway Multitracking Projects Across Four States

NEW DELHI (Metro Rail News): The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs (CCEA), chaired by Prime Minister Shri. Narendra Modi, approved five multitracking projects of the Ministry of Railways with a combined estimated cost of ₹10,021 crore. The projects cover 17 districts across Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka and Telangana and will add approximately 540 km to the existing railway network.

Project Work StatesLength 
Arakkonam–Renigunta 3rd & 4th lineTamil Nadu & Andhra Pradesh77 km
Whitefield–Bangarapet 3rd & 4th lineKarnataka & Tamil Nadu47 km
Hosur–Omalur Doubling Tamil Nadu & Karnataka147 km
Salem–Karur–Dindigul Doubling Tamil Nadu159 km
Secunderabad (Ghatkesar)–Kazipet Multitracking Telangana 110 km 

The project will particularly increase the existing network of Indian Railways by about 540 kms and will enhance connectivity to approximately 2,121 villages , with a total population of 52 lakh.

The capacity enhancement will also strengthen rail connectivity to several important tourist and religious and tourist destinations across the country such as Tirupati,Subramaniya Swamy Temple, Kolar Gold Fields,Hosur Fort,Mettur Dam,Hogenakkal Falls and many more.

The routes are also strategically important for freight movement of coal, cement, iron,steel,containers,automobiles,foodgrains,petroleum products, and fertilisers.The Railway Ministry estimates that the capacity augmentation could facilitate additional freight traffic of around 47 million tonnes per annum (47 MTPA).

The government also estimates environmental benefits from shifting more passenger and freight traffic towards rail such as reducing oil consumption by approximately 8 crore litres and CO₂ emissions by approximately 42 crore kg , which is equivalent to planting around 2 crore trees. 

Also Read: Indian Railways completes land acquisition for Manikpur-Iradatganj third line on Prayagraj-Mumbai route 

Indian Railways completes land acquisition for Manikpur-Iradatganj third line on Prayagraj-Mumbai route 

Narendra Shah and Editorial Team
-
0
Indian Railways completes land acquisition for Manikpur-Iradatganj third line on Prayagraj-Mumbai route 

DELHI (Metro Rail News): The Ministry of Railways has completed the land acquisition for the 84-km Manikpur-Iradatganj third railway line under the North Central Railway, according to the final Gazette notification issued on Wednesday. 

With the issuance of the notification, the acquisition of 3,66,877 square metres, or around 36.68 hectares, of land in Prayagraj has been completed. The acquired land has been transferred to the Central government and is now free from legal disputes and other hurdles. 

The 84-km Manikpur-Iradatganj third-line project has an estimated cost of around Rs 1,640 crore and is targeted for completion within four years. Once completed, the additional railway line is expected to significantly increase the capacity of the route and allow more trains to operate.

Indian Railways had invited objections for the acquisition of around 50.19 hectares of land spread across 25 villages in the Bara and Karchhana sub-districts of Prayagraj. 

Following the objections raised by farmers and other landowners, the authorities carried out 24 rounds of measurements and reviewed the land requirement. After the process, the total land requirement was revised downward to 36.68 hectares.

The project will involve the construction of 30 major railway bridges, 19 underpasses and six road overbridges. The third line will also connect 12 railway stations located along the route.

The completion of the land acquisition process is expected to allow the Indian Railways to move ahead with the project without further delays related to land availability and ensure a smoother journey for passengers travelling on the Prayagraj-Mumbai rail route. 

The existing double-line section between Iradatganj and Manikpur is operating at more than 150% of its capacity. The high traffic load frequently results in trains being held at outer signals, causing delays to both passenger and freight services.

The final notification has also paved the way for payment of compensation to farmers and landowners whose land has been acquired for the project.

The NCR chief public relations officer Shivam Sharma said the project would now gain momentum following the completion of the land acquisition process.

“Once completed, the additional line will enhance route capacity, reduce congestion and improve train punctuality on the crucial Prayagraj-Mumbai corridor, benefiting thousands of passengers every day,” Sharma said.

Also Read: Indian Railways Plans Four-Lanes Across 7 High-Density Corridors

Bengaluru Metro: Rolling Stock Approval Brings Pink Line Closer to Launch  

Narendra Shah and Editorial Team
-
0
Bengaluru Metro: Rolling Stock Approval Brings Pink Line Closer to Launch  

BENGALURU (Metro Rail News): Bengaluru Metro Rail Corporation Limited (BMRCL) has secured a key approval for trains on the 7.5-km Pink Line, which brings metro services closer to Bannerghatta Road. The line still needs an Internal Safety Assessment certificate and a final safety inspection before it can open.

According to the Deccan Herald report, Bengaluru Metro received the long-awaited rolling stock approval for the Pink Line trains on Monday. The Commissioner of Metro Railway Safety (CMRS) granted the approval, which clears an important step before the trains can carry passengers. 

Two safety clearances remain for Bengaluru Metro Pink Line

Bengaluru Metro now has two major steps left before it can seek final authorisation:

  • Internal Safety Assessment (ISA) certificate for the signalling system and its interfaces with other subsystems.
  • Statutory safety inspection of the Pink Line by the CMRS.

Alstom submitted the safety case for the signalling and train operation systems to Jodova Technologies last week. The assessment covers the Grade of Automation 2 (GoA2) system, which allows Automatic Train Operation (ATO) while retaining a driver in the cab. Jodova Technologies is expected to issue the ISA certificate within a week. As part of the assessment, its team is inspecting key stations, including Kalena Agrahara, Jayadeva Hospital and Tavarekere.

Once the ISA certificate is issued, BMRCL will invite the CMRS to conduct the statutory inspection. The inspection is expected to take place after mid-September. After the CMRS inspection, BMRCL will also need Railway Board sanction to formally authorise train operations.

Bengaluru Metro Pink Line project scope

The elevated Pink Line section stretches 7.5 km and has six stations:

  • Kalena Agrahara
  • Hulimavu
  • JP Nagar 4th Phase
  • IIMB
  • Jayadeva Hospital
  • Tavarekere

The corridor will provide direct metro access to the Bannerghatta Road area and improve connectivity along one of Bengaluru’s major traffic corridors. Bengaluru Metro’s Pink Line has already missed several earlier deadlines for opening the elevated section. It is now targeting operations by the end of September. But still the timeline depends on the completion of safety procedures and approvals from the state and Centre government.

What the launch means for Bengaluru Metro

The Pink Line’s opening will extend the Bengaluru Metro network to about 103.6 km, which will make it the second-longest metro network in India. The focus still remains on the final safety checks, not construction. The rolling stock has received approval, and the project now needs the ISA certificate and CMRS inspection before it can begin passenger operations. 

Also Read: 15 years of Bengaluru Metro yet an average person spends 168 hours in traffic

Kochi Metro’s Aluva-Angamaly Alignment Faces Backlash for Bypassing Angamaly Railway Station

Kapil Saini
-
5
Kochi Metro’s Aluva-Angamaly Alignment Faces Backlash for Bypassing Angamaly Railway Station

KOCHI(Metro Rail News): The proposed alignment of Kochi Metro Phase 3 has come under scrutiny of urban transport experts, local merchants, and citizens after the KMRL submitted the Detailed Project Report of Aluva-Angamaly route to state government earlier this month. The proposed route has faced a heavy censure for skipping the integration of  Angamaly Railway Station, as the station sits at core of transport activities. 

The Demand for Aluva – Angamaly Route Revision & KMRL’s Reasoning 

The proposed elevated alignment will run from Aluva and follow the Nayathode route after Kochi airport to connect Karayamparambu in Angamaly. Against this backdrop, the coalition of urban transport experts, bus operators, and local merchants argues that the metro route shall move closer to NH 544 after serving at the airport.

High Land Acquisition Costs Block Realignment 

According to KMRL, the rerouting of the metro route to follow NH 544, will be economically challenging as the land acquisition costs have skyrocketed in the respective area and the decision to realign the route might not be feasible. 

Local stakeholders, however, have raised concerns over the proposed alignment, particularly its failure to connect with the railway station and the municipal bus terminal. B O Davis, secretary of the Private Bus Operators’ Association (PBOA), pointed out that the bus terminal currently handles more than 130 private buses and is situated next to the railway station, according to the Economic Times.

Davis said the existing bus services have operated for 38 years, linking rural areas and nearby towns with railway passengers. He argued that leaving both the railway station and bus terminal outside the metro network would deny passengers from the northern districts an important interchange between different modes of transport. A common transport hub, he said, could attract higher passenger volumes while also reducing traffic pressure within the town.

The alignment through Nayathode has also come under criticism from Seby Varghese, president of the Angamaly Metro Action Council. Varghese said a survey conducted by the council showed that more than 90% of respondents supported shifting the alignment towards NH 544. Such an alignment, according to him, would bring the metro within reach of the railway station, bus terminal and major industrial establishments, including TELK. Varghese said the proposed Nayathode alignment would increase the travel time between Angamaly and Kariyad to around 20 minutes, compared with about 10 minutes under the more direct route.

PM Modi flags off new MEMU service as Dhar district gets its first rail link since Independence

Narendra Shah and Editorial Team
-
0
PM Modi flags off new MEMU service as Dhar district gets its first rail link since Independence

MADHYA PRADESH (Metro Rail News): Rail connectivity between Gujarat and Madhya Pradesh received a boost on Tuesday as Prime Minister Narendra Modi dedicated a newly built rail line connecting Dhar district in Madhya Pradesh to the national railway network for the first time and he also flagged off a new MEMU (Mainline Electric Multiple Unit) train service between Vadodara in Gujarat and Tanda Road in Madhya Pradesh’s Dhar district.

PM Modi launched the service through a video conference from Pratapnagar station in Vadodara during his day-long visit to Gujarat. The new service is aimed at strengthening rail connectivity between parts of Gujarat and Madhya Pradesh and providing easier access to train travel for residents of the region.

Additional rail projects launched alongside the MEMU service

During the programme, PM Modi also launched projects for the third and fourth railway lines between Vadodara and Ratlam in Madhya Pradesh, gauge conversion of the Miyagam Karjan–Choranda–Malsar section, and doubling of the Vishwamitri–Dabhoi section. The projects span 329 km and involve an investment of more than ₹9,700 crore. 

Daily MEMU Service Between Pratapnagar and Tanda Road

A railway official said a 12-coach MEMU train will run daily between Pratapnagar and Tanda Road station in Dhar district. The service will provide a direct rail connection between the two stations and improve access to rail travel for people in the area.

Another official said residents of the district will now have easier access to train travel between Tanda Road and Pratapnagar. The official added that Dhar district has met railway connectivity for the first time since Independence.

At Tanda Road station, Union Minister of State for Women and Child Development Savitri Thakur joined a large crowd of local residents to welcome the incoming train. Meanwhile, passengers on board completed their inaugural journey amid widespread celebration.

The broader 157-km rail corridor is designed to link remote and tribal areas of Madhya Pradesh and Gujarat. Beyond improving regional transit, the line is expected to stimulate local trade, generate employment, broaden educational and healthcare access, and open up new markets for regional agricultural products.        

2008 project receives breakthrough 

The Chhota Udaipur-Dhar rail project was originally initiated with the laying of its foundation stone in Jhabua on February 8, 2008. Exactly 18 years and seven months later, the project reached its first major operational breakthrough.

The new train service will connect Vadodara and Chhota Udaipur districts in Gujarat with Alirajpur and Dhar districts in Madhya Pradesh, creating a new transport link between the two states.

Also Read: RVNL Emerges L1 for ₹404.88 Cr East Coast Railway Third-Line Project

1...111213...965Page 12 of 965