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Indore-Budni 205 Km New Railway Corridor: Madhya Pradesh’s Game-Changing Project

MADHYA PRADESH (Metro Rail News): The Indore-Budni new railway corridor, being constructed by Rail Vikas Nigam Limited (RVNL), is set to transform rail connectivity in Madhya Pradesh. In an official LinkedIn article, RVNL stated that this 205 km long ambitious project will provide a direct and efficient link between Indore, the commercial capital of the state, and Budni, an important junction on the Bhopal-Nagpur rail route.

The new corridor will greatly benefit towns and rural areas in Indore, Dewas, and Sehore districts that have remained disconnected from the main rail network for decades. Once operational, it will shorten the distance between Indore and Jabalpur by nearly 68 kilometres and reduce travel time by approximately two hours.

Central India’s Most Ambitious Rail Corridor

The corridor is going to be a level-crossing-free railway line, the safest and most efficient corridor in Central India. The project includes:

  • 80 major bridges and 96 minor bridges
  • 139 Road Under Bridges (RUBs) and 5 Road Over Bridges (ROBs)
  • 3 viaducts (total length over 10.6 km)
  • 2 tunnels with a combined length of nearly 10 km

Out of which they completed the construction of 6 major bridges, 3 minor bridges, 50 Road Under Bridges, 2161m underground excavation of tunnel-2 and 199m underground excavation of tunnel-1.

Significance of Tunnel-2

The 8.64 km long tunnel-2 is going to be the one of the longest railway tunnel in Madhya Pradesh and Central India. It will pass through the challenging hilly terrain of Dhantalab Ghat in the Vindhya region.

Along Tunnel-2, an 8.64 kilometres long parallel escape tunnel is also being built in addition to the main tunnel, for passenger safety and operational resilience.

Stations on the Corridor

The corridor will have 18 stations, including Mangaliyagaon (Indore end), Budni (terminal), and 16 new intermediate stations. The stations are : 

  • Mangaliyagoan (Indore end)
  • Panod 
  • Samaliya chau 
  • Raghogarh 
  • Chapda 
  • Kheri 
  • Hathnora 
  • Deoli 
  • Kannod 
  • Rehti 
  • Khategaon 
  • Pipaliya Nankar 
  • Bapcha 
  • Nasrullaganj 
  • Ramgarh Barghau 
  • Salkanpur 
  • Balkhera 
  • Budni

Corridor of Regional Development

The Indore-Budni Railway Corridor will connect many underserved towns and villages to the rail network. It will improve access to education, healthcare, and employment opportunities in major cities. The project is also expected to boost trade, agriculture, and industrial growth by providing faster and more reliable transportation across central Madhya Pradesh.

This corridor is a significant step towards balanced regional development in the state.

Also Read: CM Suvendu Adhikari unveils plan to bring Metro Rail to Asansol-Durgapur and Siliguri-Jalpaiguri

CM Suvendu Adhikari unveils plan to bring Metro Rail to Asansol-Durgapur and Siliguri-Jalpaiguri

WEST BENGAL (Metro Rail news): West Bengal Chief Minister Shri Suvendu Adhikari has announced plans to expand metro rail services beyond Kolkata. According to a Deccan Chronicle report, he introduced new metro projects in the Asansol, Durgapur, Siliguri, and Jalpaiguri regions. The proposal aims to improve public transport and support the state’s growing urban areas.

Project funding strategy 

The state government wants to develop metro systems under its Transport Department, similar to metro projects in other states. According to Suvendu Adhikari, the government will explore financial support from agencies such as the World Bank, Asian Development Bank (ADB) and Housing and Urban Development Corporation (HUDCO). 

Metro expansion beyond Kolkata

Speaking at an event in Kolkata, Adhikari said the state will ask the Chief Secretary to prepare metro rail projects in partnership with international and financial institutions. He noted that the first priority will be to connect two key urban areas:

  • Asansol
  • Durgapur
  • Siliguri
  • Jalpaiguri

According to the Chief Minister, these two metro systems will improve connectivity between neighboring cities and provide a faster and more reliable mode of public transport.

Focus on Green Mobility

Adhikari also spoke about promoting alternate clean transportation in the state. He said the state Transport Minister had recently held talks with Union Urban Development Minister Manohar Lal Khattar on future projects and cooperation with the centre. He made the announcement while inaugurating 50 new air conditioned buses at Paribahan Bhavan-II in Kasba. 

Also Read: Asansol-Durgapur Aerial Metro: West Bengal Government Appoints RITES for Feasibility Study

MahaMetro invites maintenance tender for Navi Mumbai Metro Line-1 

NAVI MUMBAI (Metro Rail News): Maharashtra Metro Rail Corporation Limited (MMRCL) has invited tenders for providing preventive and corrective maintenance and Intermediate Overhauling (IOH) for Navi Mumbai Metro Line 1. 

Tender Details: 

Tender NumberNM1-O&M-08/2026
Bid Security (EDM) Rs. 7,71,000
Completion Period5 Years (From November 1, 2026) 
Pre-Bid MeetingJuly 27, 2026 (11:00 Hrs)
Bid Submission Opening August 10, 2026 (11:00 Hrs)
Bid Submission DeadlineAugust 17, 2026 (16:00 Hrs)

Scope of Work: 

Providing preventive & corrective maintenance And Intermediate Overhauling (IOH) for Navi Mumbai Metro Line 1’s rolling stock & depot equipment.

Intermediate Overhauling (IOH):

Each train is inspected and maintained through routine monthly, quarterly, half-yearly, and annual checks, along with fitness certification. During this major overhaul, the train is thoroughly dismantled and inspected. Key parts under the train, including wheels and suspension systems, are removed, examined, repaired where required, and repainted. Worn-out components are replaced, wheels are reshaped to ensure a smooth ride, and axles are tested using advanced methods to detect any hidden defects. Important systems such as brakes, electrical equipment, and air-conditioning units are completely serviced. The interiors and exteriors of the train, including air conditioning ducts, are deeply cleaned using environment-friendly materials to ensure hygiene and passenger comfort. After reassembly, the train undergoes a series of detailed safety and performance tests. These include stationary tests and trial runs at different speeds on both test tracks and main lines. Only after meeting all safety and performance standards is the train certified fit for passenger service by the competent authority.

About Navi Mumbai Metro Line 1: 

Navi Mumbai Metro Line-I is an 11.1 km elevated metro corridor connecting CBD Belapur and Pendhar. This line serves as the first operational metro line in Navi Mumbai and features 11 stations.

Also Read: Kasheli Depot for Mumbai Metro Line 5 Achieves 23% Physical Progress

CM Fadnavis pushes feasibility study for Dive Ghat twin tunnel Metro and road link to Purandar Airport

PUNE (Metro Rail News): Maharashtra Chief Minister Shri. Devendra Fadnavis has encouraged authorities to conduct a feasibility study of twin tunnels at Dive Ghat for metro and road corridors that will facilitate connectivity to the upcoming Purandar International Airport. He made the announcement while laying the foundation stones for three major road corridors in Pune district. 

As the land acquisition process of Purandar International Airport is in progress, authorities are exploring the feasibility of metro connectivity to the upcoming airport.

The proposed metro line will pass through the steep and winding Dive Ghat mountains via dedicated twin tunnels. This will completely bypass heavy road traffic on the route.

The metro line is expected to reduce travel time from Hadapsar to Purandar Airport by 30 to 40 minutes, providing smooth and seamless connectivity to the new airport.

Importance of the project

Better Connectivity to Purandar Airport – The new Purandar International Airport (Chhatrapati Sambhaji Raje International Airport) will spread across 2,400 hectares and serve as a major passenger and cargo hub. The land acquisition process for the International Airport is in progress.

More than half of the required land has been acquired with the 91 % of owners’ consent, the land acquisition process is likely to be completed by August, CM Shri Devendra Fadnavis said. The proposed Metro link will offer fast and hassle-free access to the airport, saving passengers from Pune’s heavy traffic congestion.

Cost-Effective Metro Design – Shri Fadnavis stated that provisions have been incorporated in the design of the new elevated road corridors to accommodate future metro viaducts. This forward-looking approach is expected to reduce metro construction costs by nearly 40% compared to building standalone metro corridors later.

He added that these corridors will also significantly improve highway access for residents of Pune and Pimpri Chinchwad.

Bypassing Dive Ghat Bottleneck – The notorious Dive Ghat section on NH 965 is known for steep curves, slow traffic, and frequent congestion. The twin tunnels will bypass this difficult mountainous stretch, ensuring smooth and reliable travel throughout the year.

This Metro link is expected to be a game-changer for Pune’s future transport infrastructure.

Also Read: Symbroj Media Announces InnoBus Expo & Conference 2026- India’s Dedicated Business Platform for Bus, E-Bus, & Commercial Vehicle Ecosystems

Electrical work consultancy tender floated for Delhi Metro & Jaipur Metro

NEW DELHI (Metro Rail News): Delhi Metro Rail Corporation (DMRC) has floated a tender for consultancy of electrical work across multiple corridors in Delhi and Jaipur. The tender includes Lajpat Nagar station to Saket G Block station (Upcoming Golden Line) and Rithala-Narela-Kundli Corridor (Red Line) under Delhi Metro Phase IV and Prahladpura-Todi Mod Corridor under Jaipur Metro Phase II.

Tender Information

InformationDetails
Tender No.D2EDD-02
Approximate Cost of Work₹8.71 Cr.
Completion Period36 Months
Pre-Bid Meeting July 31, 2026 (11:00 Hrs)
Bid Submission Start DateAugust 07, 2026 (09:00 Hrs)
Bid Submission DeadlineAugust 13, 2026 (15:00 Hrs)

Scope of Work

The selected contractor will have to Detailed Design Consultancy for Design of 25 kV Overhead Equipment (OHE) system for the elevated lines, Power Supply & SCADA for both Underground and Elevated lines including checking of Design of Receiving Substations and Design Validation of 2 corridors of DMRC Phase-IV Project and Jaipur Metro Phase-2 Project.

S.NoCorridor DetailsLength of Corridors (km)Underground StationsROCS (km)Elevated StationsFOCS (km)At-Grade StationsFOCS (km)
Jaipur Metro Rail Project
1Prahladpura-Todi Mod Corridor42.823.183439.6200
DMRC Phase-IV Project
2Lajpat Nagar to Saket G Block8.380088.3800
3Rithala-Narela-Kundli Corridor26.46001825.4810.98
TOTAL77.6423.186073.4910.98

About Delhi Metro Phase IV 

Delhi Metro Phase IV is projected to improve the connectivity across the city with inclusion of around 88.375-km of metro line and 69 metro stations. The project will expand the magenta line and the red line. Moreover, it will introduce the Golden Line to  improve connectivity in Southern Delhi.

About Jaipur Metro Phase II

Jaipur Metro Phase II includes a 41-km long Corridor connecting Prahaladpura to Todi Mod. The cost of the project is ₹13,037.66 Cr. The project is expected to improve connectivity between the North and South region of the city.

Also Read: Bengaluru Metro Phase 3A DPR proposes new fare hike formula, annual increase plan faces fresh scrutiny

Bengaluru Metro Phase 3A DPR proposes new fare hike formula, annual increase plan faces fresh scrutiny

BENGALURU (Metro Rail News): Bengaluru Metro’s fare revision policy has sparked new discussion after the revised Detailed Project Report (DPR) for Phase 3A suggested a different way to raise ticket prices. This new plan differs from the fare system that started after the 2025 fare revision.

The revised DPR shows that Namma Metro’s fares will be increased by 12% every three years instead of 5% every year. The change raises questions as Bengaluru Metro follows a fare revision system that began after the first Fare Fixation Committee (FFC) gave its recommendations.

A look at the revised DPR

The revised DPR for Phase 3A indicates that the minimum Metro fare could rise from Rs10 to Rs14 by 2033. The maximum fare could increase from ₹90 to ₹126 when the corridor opens. These fare estimates are part of the financial projections created for the Phase 3A project, which is set to be finished by 2033.

Current fare policy

Bengaluru Metro last changed its fares in February 2025 after the Fare Fixation Committee’s recommendations. Under that revision-

  • Fares increased by an average of 51.55% before discounts.
  • The effective increase after discounts was 46.39%.
  • The new policy allowed for a 5% annual fare increase.

The Fare Fixation Committee’s recommendations are mandatory according to the Metro Railways (Operation and Maintenance) Act of 2002.

Importance of the new proposal 

The revised DPR adopts a different model for calculating fare increases. It projects a 12% rise every three years instead of annual hikes. It is still unclear if this assumption will replace the current fare revision method or if it is simply for planning and financial estimates related to the project.

Also Read: Bengaluru Metro: Bannerghatta Corridor likely to miss August 15 launch as Pink Line faces fresh delay 

Symbroj Media Announces InnoBus Expo & Conference 2026- India’s Dedicated Business Platform for Bus, E-Bus, & Commercial Vehicle Ecosystems

NEW DELHI: Symbroj Media Pvt. Ltd., a New Delhi-based B2B media an events company and publisher of Metro Rail News, announced InnoBus Expo & Conference 2026, a dedicated platform for India’s bus, electric bus, and commercial vehicle ecosystem. The event is scheduled to be held on 15 October 2026 at Bharat Mandapam, New Delhi.

OVERVIEW OF THE EVENT

InnoBus Expo 2026 is structured as a single-day event encompassing an exhibition featuring 30+ innovators and a conference structured around 7 highly impactful sessions, which will cover PM e-Bus Sewa and PM E-DRIVE schemes of the Government of India; charging infrastructure; fleet digitisation; financing of electric fleets; and safety and regulatory compliance. The sessions will be spearheaded by apex authorities of STUs, NBFCs, OEMs, and policymakers. 

The event will additionally feature dedicated formats, including a State Transport Undertaking (“STU”) Buyer Forum, government roundtables, deployment clinics, and finance sessions, intended to facilitate engagement between policy stakeholders and prospective procurement decision-makers.

EXPECTED PARTICIPATION

The event will attract participation of more than 800 business delegates and over 100 government officials, including transport commissioners, leadership from State Transport Undertakings, fleet operators, OEM executives, charging-infrastructure providers, financiers and technology companies. Attendance figures are projections based on registrations and expressions of interest as of the date of this release and are not guaranteed.

PARTICIPATION AND REGISTRATION

A valid registration is required to participate in the event. Delegate passes include conference access, exhibition entry, networking lunch, and a certificate of participation. The Company reserves the right to make reasonable changes to the programme, speakers, schedule, or other event arrangements where necessary. Any such changes will be communicated through the official event website. 

Delegate Registration: https://innobusexpo.com/register/

Exhibition and Sponsorship Enquiries: https://innobusexpo.com/exhibit/

ABOUT SYMBROJ MEDIA PVT. LTD.

Symbroj Media Pvt. Ltd. is a New Delhi-based B2B media, an events company and the publisher of Metro Rail News (metrorailnews.in), a publication covering metro rail, railways, Regional Rapid Transit System (RRTS) and urban mobility in India.

Kasheli Depot for Mumbai Metro Line 5 Achieves 23% Physical Progress

MUMBAI (Metro Rail News): The Mumbai Metro Line 5 is progressing steadily as its technical and operational hub, the Kasheli Depot has achieved 23% overall physical progress. 

Situated near Kasheli Toll Plaza, the Kasheli Depot is designed to accommodate around 30 trainsets, including inspection bays, workshop lines, a test track, a Depot Control Centre, administrative facilities, staff quarters, utility infrastructure and advanced maintenance systems. It is being constructed to support seamless operations, maintenance and stabling requirements of the 32 km Thane-Bhiwandi-Kalyan-Ulhasnagar Metro corridor.

To ensure long term stability, MMRDA has joined hands with IIT Bombay to adopt advanced ground improvement techniques. In the meantime, temporary inspection, testing and commissioning facilities are being established to support phased rollout and operational readiness of Mumbai Metro Line 5. 

Highlighting the progress of the depot Maharashtra Chief Minister Shri Devendra Fadnavis said, “The Kasheli Depot reflects Maharashtra’s commitment to building modern and reliable public transport infrastructure. Metro Line 5 will strengthen connectivity across Thane, Bhiwandi, Kalyan and Ulhasnagar while advancing our vision of a developed, well-connected Maharashtra.”

Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister and MMRDA Chairman Shri Eknath Shinde said, “The Kasheli Depot will be central to the safe and efficient operation of Metro Line 5. Its steady progress brings the Mumbai Metropolitan Region closer to faster, reliable, and high-capacity public transport connectivity.” 

Once the depot is fully constructed it will power safe, reliable, and efficient metro services across Thane, Bhiwandi, Kalyan and Ulhasnagar.

Also Read: Mumbai Metro: MMRDA plans FOBs to boost last mile connectivity

Western Railway developed AI-Powered Simulator to train Loco Pilots for safer train operations

RAJKOT (Metro Rail News): Western Railway’s Rajkot Division has developed an AI-powered Smart RS Valve Simulator to train loco pilots and assistant loco pilots in real-life railway situations. The new system helps improve railway safety by giving train crews practical experience before they operate trains on the network.

The Smart RS Valve Simulator is an in-house innovation developed by the Rajkot Division. It recreates actual train operations using videos of real railway routes and an AI-based signal control system. The simulator allows loco pilots to practise different situations in a safe environment without affecting regular train services. Railway officials say the system will improve safety, strengthen emergency response and help train crews make quicker and better decisions. Senior Divisional Commercial Manager Sunil Kumar Meena said the simulator recreates real-life railway operations using videos of actual routes and an AI-based real-time signal control system.

How the simulator works

The simulator recreates different operating conditions that loco pilots may face during daily operations, including:

  • Daytime and night-time driving
  • Heavy rain
  • Dense fog
  • Real-time signal changes

Senior Divisional Electrical Engineer (Traction) Manoj Kumar Rao said that It also trains drivers to handle difficult situations such as:

  • Cattle crossing the railway track
  • Person-hit incidents
  • Speed restriction zones
  • Signal Passed at Danger (SPAD) situations

The training focuses on improving reaction time, braking, speed control, signal compliance and decision-making during emergencies.

AI tracks performance

The simulator creates an automatic performance report after every training session. Trainers can use these reports to identify areas where a loco pilot needs more practice and provide focused training. Officials say the system also helps measure individual performance more accurately while building the confidence of train crews before they work on live routes.

Built entirely by Rajkot Division

The Rajkot Division designed and developed the Smart RS Valve Simulator entirely in-house. Railway officials say the project shows how technology can improve safety and operational efficiency without interrupting regular railway operations. The simulator is expected to strengthen the alertness, confidence and response skills of loco pilots, leading to safer and more reliable train operations across the network.

Also Read: Tracking India’s Metro Network: Analysis of MoHUA’s report on the current status of metro rail projects in India

NITI Aayog urges Bengaluru govt. to expedite Airport Metro, PRR and Suburban Rail

Bengaluru (Metro Rail News): NITI Aayog flagged Bengaluru’s traffic congestion as “challenging” in its Investment Friendliness Index report.

To prevent the city’s traffic from hurting investor perception and quality of life, NITI Aayog urged the government to fast-track three major pending projects: the Bengaluru Suburban Rail Project (BSRP), Airport Metro Line, Connecting the city to Kempegowda International Airport, and Peripheral Ring Road (PRR).

NITI Aayog highlighted that chronic traffic delays risk damaging the perception of global companies, inflating logistics and operating costs due to stalled projects. 

Current Status of Key Projects

Airport Metro (Blue Line – Phase 2A & 2B): Overall construction has crossed 50%. Trial runs on the 19.75 km Outer Ring Road (ORR) stretch from Central Silk Board to KR Puram are scheduled to begin later this year, while the full direct connection to Kempegowda International Airport is targeting completion between 2026 and 2027. 

Bengaluru Suburban Rail Project (BSRP): After major delays, deadline targets were formally revised. Construction is currently focused on Corridor-2 (Mallige Line) and Corridor-4 (Kanaka Line), with early priority sections expected to open around 2028 and full network completion set for 2030. 

According to NITI Aayog, traffic congestion in Bengaluru is no longer just a daily commute problem; it has become a serious threat to the city’s economic future. 

Fast-tracking the Peripheral Ring Road, Airport Metro, and Suburban Rail projects will provide much-needed relief to residents, reduce travel time, and strengthen Bengaluru’s appeal as a global investment destination.

Also Read: Tracking India’s Metro Network: Analysis of MoHUA’s report on the current status of metro rail projects in India