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India’s first travellator skywalk at Mahalaxmi (Mumbai) linking metro, monorail and railway 

Mumbai (Metro Rail News): Mumbai is set to get a major boost in seamless connectivity. The Mumbai Metropolitan Region Development Authority (MMRDA) announced that India’s first travellator-equipped skywalk under the Mahalaxmi Multimodal Connectivity Project is nearing completion.

The project has reached approximately 90% completion, bringing Mumbai one step closer to a truly integrated transport network. MMRDA proudly shared this milestone on their official X account.

The skywalk will smoothly link three important transport systems: the Mahalaxmi Suburban Railway Station, Sant Gadge Maharaj Chowk Monorail Station, and Metro Line 3.

Once operational, this integrated interchange will cut transfer times by about 20 minutes. It will also greatly improve access to the Mumbai Monorail from South Mumbai and Worli.

MMRDA ensured that civic services continued without any interruption during construction. Before starting foundation work, they carefully relocated an 1,800 mm diameter storm water drain. Nearby water supply and sewer pipelines were left completely undisturbed.

More than just a skywalk: Passenger-Friendly design

The impressive pedestrian Skywalk stretches 283 meters in length and offers a wide 11-meter width. This spacious design keeps passenger movement smooth and comfortable, even during peak hours.

Other highlights of the project are six travellators with a combined length of 176 meters and two passenger lifts, ensuring full accessibility for senior citizens, persons with disabilities, and travelers with luggage.

The skywalk is designed to handle up to 4,500 commuters every hour.

This travellator-equipped skywalk is much more than a pedestrian link; it represents an integrated transport ecosystem in Mumbai where Metro, Monorail, and Suburban Rail work together as one seamless network.

Also Read: Indian Railways’ first Hydrogen-Powered Train crosses 1,200 km in trials, saves over 3,200 litres of diesel

Indian Railways’ first Hydrogen-Powered Train crosses 1,200 km in trials, saves over 3,200 litres of diesel

DELHI (Metro Rail News): India’s first hydrogen-powered train has completed over 1,200 km of test runs between Jind and Sonipat in Haryana. This marks a significant achievement for Indian Railways’ clean energy program. The Railway Ministry reported that the train has already saved more than 3,200 litres of diesel. Trials on the Delhi route are planned next.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi launched the country’s first hydrogen-powered train from Jind on July 17 as part of the Atmanirbhar Bharat initiative. The train is part of Indian Railways’ efforts to create zero-emission transport using local technology. Unlike diesel trains, it generates electricity onboard with hydrogen fuel cells and produces only water vapor as a by-product.

How the Hydrogen Train works

The train generates electricity using hydrogen fuel cells, which work through a chemical reaction between hydrogen and oxygen. The electricity drives the train’s motors, with no smoke or carbon emissions from the exhaust. This makes hydrogen one of the cleanest technologies for rail transport.

Indigenous technology developed by Indian Railways

The Railway Ministry stated that the hydrogen train has been fully developed by Indian Railways. The train features – 10 passenger coaches, two Hydrogen Driving Power Cars, 2,400 kW total power output, Hydrogen cylinders, and Lithium Iron Phosphate (LiFePO₄) batteries for extra power support. Indian Railways Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw called the project an important milestone, noting that India has developed this hydrogen propulsion technology.

India’s first Hydrogen Refuelling Facility at Jind

The project has also established Indian Railways’ first dedicated hydrogen storage and refueling facility at Jind. According to the Railway Ministry:

  • Green hydrogen is stored at pressures up to 500 bar
  • Hydrogen is dispensed at 350 bar
  • The facility can hold around 3,000 kg of hydrogen to support train operations

Multiple safety systems installed

The hydrogen train includes several safety features to ensure safe operation in India. These features include:

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Delhi route trials planned next

Following the successful trials between Jind and Sonipat, Indian Railways plans to start the next phase of testing on the Delhi route. The Railway Ministry stated that the project aims to create a complete local hydrogen rail ecosystem while helping India’s transition to cleaner and zero-emission rail transport.

Also Read: Big branding opportunity: Noida Metro Aqua Line offers co-branding rights for 12 stations 

Big branding opportunity: Noida Metro Aqua Line offers co-branding rights for 12 stations 

NOIDA (Metro Rail News): The Noida Metro Rail Corporation (NMRC) Limited has invited a tender for Co-Branding Rights at selected metro stations in the (NMRC Network) Aqua line. Winning licensees will gain the right to pair their company name directly with chosen metro stations as a prefix or suffix. This initiative will strengthen NMRC’s non-fare revenue stream for the Noida Metro.

Alongside station naming privileges, licensees will receive advertising rights to designated stations.

Tender Details

Tender NoNMRC/Co-Branding/2026/475 
License Period 10 (Ten) Years 
Number of stations12
Pre-Bid Meeting August 11, 2026, (11:00 hrs )
Online Bid Submission Start date August 18, 2026 
Last Date of Bid Submission August 25, 2026 ( 15.00 hrs )
Date of Technical Bid Opening August 25, 2026 (16.00 hrs )

Bid security (EMD)

Bid security (EMD) is different for each metro station, and EMD has to be paid for each metro station separately, in case the bidder wishes to apply for more than 1 (One) metro station.

Name of Metro Station EMD 
Sec-76₹ 7,60,000 
Sec – 101 ₹ 3,80,000 
Sec – 81 ₹ 2,60,000 
Sec – 83 ₹ 6,10,000 
Sec – 137 ₹ 7,60,000 
Sec – 144 ₹ 2,60,000 
Sec – 145 ₹ 6,10,000 
Sec – 147 ₹ 2,60,000 
Sec – 148 ₹ 3,80,000 
Pari Chowk ₹ 12,30,000 
Alpha-1 ₹ 9,50,000 
Depot Station ₹ 2,60,000 

What is the scope of co-branding?

For NMRC, the initiative maximizes non-farebox revenue to subsidize transit operating costs, modernizes station infrastructure, and enhances visual aesthetics through partner-funded landscaping, painting, and structural maintenance. 

In return, partner brands gain high-visibility through co-naming rights on metro maps, audio-visual announcements, and station names. This will give the brand direct exposure to thousands of daily commuters through comprehensive interior and exterior advertising inventory. 

About Aqua Line (Noida Metro)

The Noida Metro (officially the Aqua Line) is a rapid transit system owned and operated by the Noida Metro Rail Corporation (NMRC), connecting Noida and Greater Noida in Uttar Pradesh. 

Spanning a total distance of 29 km, this fully elevated transit network consists of 21 modern stations.

The corridor provides critical transit access along the busy Noida–Greater Noida Expressway, seamlessly linking major residential sectors, commercial zones, and educational hubs like Knowledge Park II and Pari Chowk. 

Also Read: Pune Metro Line 3: CMRS clears Maan-Balewadi section, operations to begin soon

Pune Metro Line 3: CMRS clears Maan-Balewadi section, operations to begin soon

PUNE (Metro Rail News): After numerous delays, Pune Metro Line 3’s Maan-Balewadi section is all set to launch soon. The Commissioner of Metro Rail Safety (CMRS) has given provisional authorisation for starting passenger operations on the 13 km Maan-Balewadi elevated double-track stretch. The date of the commencement has not been finalised yet.

Detailed inspections were carried out by CMRS in the presence of senior officials of Pune IT City Metro Rail Limited (PITCMRL) from 5th July to 8th July. Confirmatory trial runs were successfully completed on the stretch before provisional authorisation was granted. Metro services will initially operate across 12 stations, with trains running at the speed of 80 kmph.

The inspection verified statutory approvals and technical certifications,  and confirmed that the metro operator had obtained the required DoT licence to use telecommunications equipment. They also checked that all 12 stations had received No Objection Certificates (NOCs) from the fire department, confirming compliance with fire safety requirements.Certifications were also awarded for civil works, track, signalling, telecommunications, and rolling stock systems.

Anil Kumar Saini, CEO, Pune IT City Metro Rail Limited said, “It reflects our commitment to safety quality and engineering excellence. This is another decisive step towards bringing a modern metro system into service for the people of Pune,” when speaking about the CMRS clearance. 

Metropolitan Commissioner, Pune Metropolitan Region Development Authority (PMRDA), Abhijit Chaudhari, said, “The project will play a vital role in reducing traffic congestion in the Hinjewadi IT Park area while providing commuters with a safe, fast and environmentally sustainable mode of public transport.” 

The previous date for the commencement of services on the Pune Metro Line 3 was 15th July, but the launch was delayed due to the pending CMRS approvals, which have now been granted. 

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.

Once operational, the Pune Metro Line 3 will significantly reduce travel time and offer commuters seamless travel from the IT hub of Hinjewadi to Shivajinagar District Court.

Also Read: Pune Metro Line 3 to enter operations in July

Delhi Metro: DMRC invites bids for Passenger Connection between Line 7 & Line 8 Extension at Azadpur Metro Station 

DELHI (Metro Rail News): The Delhi Metro Rail Corporation (DMRC) has invited bids for the design and construction of a new passenger connection. This connection will link the underground Azadpur Metro Station on Line 7 (Pink Line) with the elevated Azadpur Metro Station on the Line 8 Extension. The estimated cost for this project is Rs 7.54 crore. It aims to improve passenger movement at one of Delhi Metro’s busiest interchange stations. 

Tender details 

InformationDetails
Tender NumberCPM-2/2026-27/D-22  
Estimated Cost Rs 7.54 crore (inclusive of all taxes) 
Tender SecurityRs 7.54 lakh  
Completion Period5 months
Pre-bid Meeting  4 August 2026 at 11:30 AM
Tender Submission Deadline14 August 2026, 9:00 AM to 22 August 2026, 3:00 PM  

Scope of work

The work includes design and construction of connection between underground Azadpur Station (Entry/Exit) of line-7 with Elevated Azadpur Metro Station of Line-8 extension. 

About the project

Azadpur is one of the most important interchange stations in the Delhi Metro network. It currently connects the underground Pink Line (Line 7) with the Yellow Line. Under Delhi Metro Phase IV, the Line 8 Extension (Magenta Line Extension) will also reach Azadpur, turning it into a triple-interchange station. 

The Pink Line station operates underground with dedicated entry and exit points. The upcoming elevated station on the Line 8 Extension will be part of the expanding Phase IV network. The new connection will make transfers between these metro lines faster and more convenient, enhancing Azadpur’s role as a major multi-modal transport hub in Delhi.

Also Read: Titagarh & RKFL’s railway wheelset plant to begin production in August

Titagarh & RKFL’s railway wheelset plant to begin production in August

CHENNAI (Metro Rail News): In a major step for strengthening India’s self-reliance in railway products manufacturing, Titagarh Rail Systems Limited and Ramkrishna Forgings Limited (RKFL) are set to enter the production phase of their indigenous railway wheelset plant in August, 2026. 

The manufacturing plant is situated at Gummudipoondi near Chennai in Tamil Nadu. The plant is set to become the second largest forged wheel manufacturing plant in Asia with a capacity to produce 228,000 forged wheels every year.

Earlier, Titagarh and RKF consortium received a Letter of Acceptance (LOA) for the manufacturing and supplying of forged wheels for the Indian Railways. The total cost of the project is estimated at ₹2,000 Crore. The funding of this project has been taken up through a mix of equity and debt.

Asia’s 2nd largest plant

Marking another big milestone achievement, the wheelset manufacturing plant will take the position of Asia’s second largest forged wheel plant. The plant is situated in a large area covering 72.5 acres with a built-up area of 6.5 lakh square feet.

Upon completion, the plant is projected to produce around 228,000 forged wheels every year. This will reduce India’s dependence on foreign imports for forged wheels and develop an ecosystem for global exports.

Focused on Technology, Quality and Self-Reliance

The plant is focused on building an integrated ecosystem for technology, quality and self-reliance. It will combine the process of forging, machining and testing via real-time monitoring using Germany-based 10,000 tonnes presses, advanced robotic handling and heat treatment lines. RKFL announced that they have signed a 20-year contract with Indian Railways to manufacture and supply 15.4 Lakh wheels.

Read this story to know more about the growing railway manufacturing industry in India: Ashwini Vaishnaw commends  ‘Made in India’ railway products for leading global exports

Thane Metro Project: MMRCL invites bids for EHV Line Shifting & Diversion

THANE (Metro Rail News): Maharashtra Metro Rail corporation limited (MMRCL) have invited tenders for shifting, diversion and height raising of existing EHV transmission line at various locations for Thane Integral Ring Metro Project.

Tender Details 

InformationDetails
Tender NoT1-035/Ele-03/2026
Bid security (EMD)Rs. 45,97,000/-
Approximate cost of workRs 91.94 Cr.
completion period18 months
pre-Bid meeting11 August, 2026 (12:00 hrs)
Bid submission opening20 August, 2026 (16:00 hrs)
Bid submission deadline27 August, 2026(16:00 hrs)

Scope of Work

The work includes shifting, diversion, and height raising of existing EHV transmission lines at various locations for the Thane Integral Ring Metro Project.

About Thane Ring Metro project

Thane Ring Metro project is a 29 km corridor that will run along the periphery of the west side of Thane city with 22 stations. The network also includes Ulhas river on one side and Sanjay Gandhi National park on other side.

The estimated cost of the total project is Rs 12,200.10 crore, with equal equity from Government of India and Government of Maharashtra as well as part-funding from bilateral agencies. Funds would also be raised through innovative financing methods such as by selling Station naming and access rights for corporate, monetization of assets, Value Capture Financing route. The corridor that connects major business hubs would provide an effective transport option for a large section of employees. The Project is likely to be completed by 2029. 

Also Read: Chennai Metro awards Rs 12.10 cr Civil Maintenance contract for High Court to Wimco Nagar section

Chennai Metro awards Rs 12.10 cr Civil Maintenance contract for High Court to Wimco Nagar section

CHENNAI (Metro Rail News): Chennai Metro Rail Limited (CMRL) has awarded a Rs 12.10 crore contract for civil maintenance and related work on Section II of Corridor I. This section covers the stretch from High Court Metro Station to Wimco Nagar Depot Station. The contract was given to Adya Enterprises, which was the lowest bidder. 

Contract details

InformationDetails
Awarding Authority Chennai Metro Rail Limited (CMRL)
ProjectCivil Maintenance and Other Related Work in Section II of Corridor I 
Section High Court Metro Station to Wimco Nagar Depot Station
Awarded To Adya Enterprises (L1)
Contract ValueRs 12.10 crore
Contract Period1,095 days  

Bidder details

Bidder Bid ValueStatus
Adya EnterprisesRs 12.10 croreL1 (Potential Awardee) 
Sri Radha ConstructionsRs 14.40 croreL2 (Financially Qualified)  
Taurs EnterprisesRejected in Technical Evaluation  

Scope of work

The contract includes civil maintenance and other associated works in Section II (High Court Metro Station To Wimco Nagar Depot Station) of Corridor I of Phase I and Phase I Extension.

About the Project

Section II of Corridor I stretches from High Court Metro Station to Wimco Nagar Depot Station. It has 11 metro stations and includes both underground and elevated parts. The corridor connects infrastructure from Chennai Metro Phase I and the Phase I Extension between Washermenpet and Wimco Nagar. It is an important link between central and northern Chennai and plays a vital role in the city’s metro network.

Also Read: Kochi Water Metro Signs India’s First Carbon Credit Initiative with Kosher Climate

Kochi Water Metro Signs India’s First Carbon Credit Initiative with Kosher Climate

KOCHI (Metro Rail News): In a pioneering move, Kochi Water Metro signed an agreement with Kosher Climate to launch India’s first water metro carbon credit initiative. 

This landmark step makes Kochi the first water transit system in the country to generate non-fare green revenue by monetising the reduction in carbon emissions from its electric boat operations on international markets.

Zero-Cost Green Revenue

The project operates on a revenue-sharing model under which Kochi Water Metro Limited (KWML) incurs no financial liability.

“The project will be implemented under a revenue-sharing model, ensuring that Kochi Water Metro incurs no financial liability. All costs related to carbon credit certification, technical studies, documentation, and international approvals will be borne by the agency,” stated the Water Metro authority, according to the Indian Express report.

All costs related to carbon credit certification, technical studies, documentation, and international approvals will be fully borne by Kosher Climate.

Under the agreement, KWML will receive 71% of the revenue earned from trading these verified carbon credits in global markets, creating a new stream of non-fare green revenue.

Operational Scope & Implementation

The initiative will scientifically measure and verify the exact reduction in greenhouse gas emissions achieved through Water Metro.

Kosher Climate will assess the entire system to meet international carbon credit standards. Once certified, these carbon credits will be traded on global carbon markets.

This innovative non-fare revenue model will provide a sustainable financial cushion for future expansions. If successful, Kochi Water Metro is expected to become a national model for decarbonising ferry and inland water transport systems across India.

Also Read: Cabinet Approves ₹1,264 Crore Multi-Tracking Railway Project in Karnataka & Andhra Pradesh

Cabinet Approves ₹1,264 Crore Multi-Tracking Railway Project in Karnataka & Andhra Pradesh

NEW DELHI (Metro Rail News): The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs, chaired by Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, has approved the construction of the 3rd and 4th lines on the Ballari-Guntakal section in Karnataka and Andhra Pradesh at a total cost of ₹1,264 crore.

Planned under the PM-Gati Shakti National Master Plan, the project aims to boost multi-modal connectivity and improve logistic efficiency across the region. The initiative will add approximately 46 km to the Indian Railways network, covering three districts in Karnataka and Andhra Pradesh.

This multi-tracking project will enhance connectivity to around 99 villages with a combined population of about seven lakh people.

Economic and Environmental Impact of the project

The new lines will serve as a vital route for transporting key commodities like iron ore, steel, coal, fertilizers, and food grains. Once completed, the project is expected to add 16.22 million tonnes of freight capacity per year.

By shifting more cargo from road to rail, it will significantly cut logistics costs while delivering major environmental benefits — saving 1.32 crore litres of oil and reducing 6.67 crore kg of CO₂ emissions ,equivalent to planting around 27 lakh trees.

The expansion will reduce delays, improve train reliability, create local jobs, and support overall regional development in both states. The project is targeted for completion by 2028-29.

Also Read: Indian Railways leads network electrification list ahead of China, Japan & UK