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Chennai Metro records highest-ever monthly ridership of 1.06 cr 

Narendra Shah & Editorial Team
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Chennai Metro records highest-ever monthly ridership of 1.06 cr 

CHENNAI (Metro Rail News): Chennai Metro Rail Limited (CMRL) reported its highest monthly ridership ever in July 2026, with over 1.06 crore passenger journeys. The network also saw an average daily ridership of 3.42 lakh, the second-highest since commercial operations started.  

The latest figures indicate steady growth in passenger numbers. But, the Metro still operates well below the ridership numbers expected in its Detailed Project Report (DPR).  

Chennai Metro hits new monthly ridership milestone

According to Chennai Metro Rail, 1,06,23,764 passengers used the network in July 2026, making it the highest monthly ridership recorded so far. The average daily ridership for the month reached 3,42,702 passengers. This strong performance shows a steady rise in Metro usage across the city.  

  • Total ridership in July 2026: 1,06,23,764 passengers  
  • Average daily ridership: 3,42,702 passengers  
  • Second-highest daily average since operations began  
  • Previous monthly record: 1,04,68,732 passengers in July 2025  
  • Highest-ever daily average: 3,43,503 passengers in February 2026  

Ridership remains below DPR projections  

Despite the record numbers, Chennai Metro is still carrying far fewer passengers than originally planned. In response to a question from AIADMK Rajya Sabha MP Dhanapal, Minister of State for Housing and Urban Affairs Tokhan Sahu reported to Parliament that the 54 km Chennai Metro Phase I and Phase I Extension have been running since February 2019 and March 2022, respectively. The project cost ₹22,149.92 crore.  

According to the Ministry, the Detailed Project Report predicted a daily ridership of 15.69 lakh passengers in 2026 for the operational corridors. But, the Metro is currently seeing an actual average daily ridership of around 3.14 lakh passengers, which is only about 20% of the expected level.  

Project Timeline 

  • February 2019: Chennai Metro Phase I became operational.  
  • March 2022: Phase I Extension opened for passenger services.  
  • July 2025: Monthly ridership reached a record 1.04 crore passengers.  
  • July 2026: Monthly ridership crossed 1.06 crore for the first time.

Also Read: MoPSW Draws Up National Water Metro Guidelines: 18 Locations Identified Across Country

MoPSW Draws Up National Water Metro Guidelines: 18 Locations Identified Across Country

Narendra Shah & Editorial Team
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MoPSW Draws Up National Water Metro Guidelines: 18 Locations Identified Across Country

NEW DELHI (Metro Rail News): The Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways (MoPSW) is preparing the National Water Metro Guidelines, 2026. These guidelines will help plan, build and run eco-friendly water-based public transport systems across the country. They will also set safety standards and promote clean travel on water.

The new guidelines will cover zero and low-emission technology, standard rules, financing options, environmental safety and smooth coordination between different transport modes.

The Inland Waterways Authority of India, working under the Ministry, has started feasibility studies for Urban Water Metro systems at 18 locations. Studies for 15 of these places are already complete.

The locations identified for feasibility study

Ayodhya, Dhubri, Goa, Guwahati, Kollam, Kolkata, Prayagraj, Patna, Srinagar, Varanasi, Mumbai, Vasai, Mangalore (Gurupura River), Gandhinagar-Ahmedabad (Sabarmati River), Alleppey, Lakshadweep Islands and Andaman & Nicobar Islands are the locations mentioned for the feasibility study in the MoPSW press release dated 21 February 2025. These locations cover 12 states in India.

Kochi  Metro Rail Limited (KMRL) has been appointed to carry out the feasibility study.

These studies check if the project is technically possible, what infrastructure is needed, how operations will work and how useful a water-based public transport system can be.

Four hybrid electric vessels are now running in Varanasi, Ayodhya, Patna and Kolkata. In addition, one Hydrogen Fuel Cell vessel has been deployed in Varanasi under other Ministry initiatives, mentioned in the official public release of MoPSW on 31 July , 2026.

Also Read: South East Central Railway invites ₹455.02 cr EPC tender for new rail line in Chhattisgarh

Kochi Metro observes highest operating profit in FY 2025-26

Narendra Shah & Editorial Team
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Kochi Metro observes highest operating profit in FY 2025-26

KOCHI (Metro Rail News): Continuing its financial growth, Kochi metro has recorded an operation profit for yet another year. In the financial year 2025-26, it registered an operating profit of ₹52.64 crore. A major highlight was a significant share of this amount, around 34%, coming from the non-fare box revenue sources depicting a diverse revenue model of the Kochi metro system.

In 2025-26, Kochi metro earned a total revenue of ₹224.65 crore against the expenses of around ₹172 crore. This resulted in an operating profit of ₹52.64 crore. With this achievement, the total net loss of Kochi metro reduced to 352.49 crore in 2025-26 from 430.50 crore in 2024-25.

Last year, the annual daily ridership of Kochi metro crossed over 1 lakh passengers, marking another major milestone. The rise in ridership led to an increase in the fare box revenue. 

Kochi Metro’s Operating Profit

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Kochi Metro’s Non-Fare Box Revenue

The share of non-fare box revenue in Kochi metro’s total revenue was around 34%, amounting to ₹76.33 crore. Recently, Shri Tokhan Sahu described the major sources of the Kochi metro system through a written report in Lok Sabha:

The major initiatives undertaken [to enhance Kochi metro’s financial sustainability] includes the following [non-fare box revenue sources]:

• Semi-Naming Rights / Co-Branding of Metro Stations

• Advertisement Rights (Train, Pillar & Station)

• Optical Fiber Cable (OFC) Leasing

• Allied Infrastructure & Parking Facilities

• Short-Term Campaigns, Sponsorships & Shoots

• Rental Income from Commercial & Office Spaces

• Land Monetization

• Development of link bridges

• Operation of feeder service such as Autos & Buses

• Licensing of space for Telecom Tower

• Licensing of space for EV Charging Stations

Also Read: DMRC submits DPR of Thiruvananthapuram Metro Project

South East Central Railway invites ₹455.02 cr EPC tender for new rail line in Chhattisgarh

Narendra Shah & Editorial Team
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South East Central Railway invites ₹455.02 cr EPC tender for new rail line in Chhattisgarh

CHHATTISGARH (Metro Rail News): South East Central Railway (SECR) has invited bids for the construction of a section of the Dallirajhara-Rowghat-Jagdalpur New Railway Line in Chhattisgarh. The Engineering, Procurement and Construction (EPC) contract has an estimated value of ₹455.02 crore and covers a nearly 30-km stretch between Kurkanar and Bhanpuri. “

Tender details

Information  Details
Tender Number CAO-C-BSP-26-27-14
Estimated Cost₹455.02 crore
Earnest Money Deposit (EMD)₹9.10 crore
Completion Period730 days
First Pre-bid Meeting24 August 2026, 11:30 AM
Bid Validity180 days

Scope of work

Engineering Procurement and construction (EPC) contract for construction of New Railway line from Rowghat – Jagdalpur(140Kms) Package- I from Ch 12+700 to 42+600 from Kurkanar to Bhanpuri Excluding Kurkanar station and including Bhanpuri Station In connection of Dallirajhara – Rowghat – Jagdalpur New railway line in the state of Chhattisgarh. 

About the project

The Dallirajhara-Rowghat-Jagdalpur New Railway Line is an important railway infrastructure project in Chhattisgarh. The project aims to improve rail connectivity between the mineral-rich Bastar region and the state’s railway network. The new line will connect Dallirajhara, Rowghat, and Jagdalpur, making passenger and freight transportation faster and more efficient.

Also Read: Maharashtra Railway Infrastructure gets major boost : New lines, doubling existing tracks, and increasing overall capacity

Big Boost for Bihar : Indian Railways approved ₹976 crore Multi tracking project on Danapur-Fatuha section

Narendra Shah & Editorial Team
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Big Boost for Bihar : Indian Railways approved ₹976 crore Multi tracking project on Danapur-Fatuha section

BIHAR (Metro Rail News): Indian Railways has given the green light to a ₹976 crore multitracking project on the 29 km Danapur-Fatuha section in Bihar. The work falls under the East Central Railway and aims to ease congestion while improving the flow of both passenger and freight trains on the busy Patna rail corridor.

The project includes the 3rd and 4th line between Danapur and Patna , a 3rd line between Rajendra Nagar and Patna Saheb ,and 3rd and 4th line between Patna Saheb and Fatuha.

This stretch belongs to the important Delhi–Deen Dayal Upadhyaya Junction,Patna, Kiul, Bhagalpur, Khana, Howrah route. Indian Railways has marked this corridor as its energy, mineral and cement corridor. The main goal of the new lines is to boost freight movement for key industrial areas.

Once ready, the upgraded section will allow 22 extra passenger trains and 18 extra freight trains to run in the first year itself. It is also expected to handle 5.2 million tonnes of freight every year. 

The project will support the upcoming 2,120 MW thermal power plant at Chausa in Buxar district by making it easier to move bulk raw materials and other inputs by rail.

This approval continues Indian Railways’ push to expand capacity on high-density routes. It will strengthen logistics for the energy and industrial sectors and help the socio-economic growth of Bihar.

Also Read: Maharashtra Railway Infrastructure gets major boost : New lines, doubling existing tracks, and increasing overall capacity

Maharashtra Railway Infrastructure gets major boost : New lines, doubling existing tracks, and increasing overall capacity

Narendra Shah & Editorial Team
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Maharashtra Railway Infrastructure gets major boost : New lines, doubling existing tracks, and increasing overall capacity

MUMBAI (Metro Rail News): The Ministry of Railways is working hard to improve train connectivity across Maharashtra. The focus is on building new lines, doubling existing tracks, and increasing overall capacity.

For the year 2026-27, the government has set aside ₹23,926 crore for railway infrastructure and safety works in the state. This amount is more than 20 times the average yearly spending between 2009 and 2014, mentioned in the official press release of PIB Mumbai, released on 29 July 2026.

Current progress

As of 1 April 2026, 52 railway projects have been approved in Maharashtra. These include 13 new lines, 2 gauge conversion projects, and 37 doubling or multi-tracking works. Together they cover 5,956 km and cost an estimated ₹1,42,635 crore.So far, 1,598 km has been completed till March 2026, with ₹34,782 crore already spent.

Important projects advancing fast in Mumbai

The Daund–Manmad doubling project has recently been completed. It will improve train services in the Shirdi region and nearby areas.

On the Ahilyanagar–Beed–Parli Vaijnath new line, the 201-km stretch from Ahilyanagar to Beed–Badwani is already open. Work continues on the remaining portion.

Rahuri–Shani Shingnapur new line and Puntamba–Sainagar Shirdi doubling have been given Special Railway Project status to speed up land acquisition.

Detailed Project Reports are being prepared for several new routes, including Nashik Road–Sainagar Shirdi,Pune–Ahilyanagar,Dharashiv–Beed–Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar, and Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar–Ahilyanagar.

Work is in progress on many important lines such as Ahilyanagar–Parli Vaijnath new line,Wardha–Nande new line,Indore–Manmad new line,Jalna–Jalgaon new line,Solapur–Tuljapur–Osmanabad new line,Panvel–Chowk double line, and Kasara–Manmad third and fourth lines.

The Minister stated that Projects are approved only after talks with the state government and other stakeholders, and followed by the requisite statutory and financial approvals.Construction happens in stages, depending on land availability and official permissions.

Once finished, the new and upgraded lines will connect regions better, make train operations smoother, help move more goods, and support the economic growth of Maharashtra.

Also Read: From Dependency to Dominance: India’s Indigenous High-Speed Signalling System, BTCS

From Dependency to Dominance: India’s Indigenous High-Speed Signalling System, BTCS

Narendra Shah & Editorial Team
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From Dependency to Dominance: India’s Indigenous High-Speed Signalling System, BTCS

NEW DELHI (Metro Rail News): India is taking a big step toward building its own high-speed rail future. After deciding to manufacture indigenous bullet trains for the Mumbai-Ahmedabad corridor, the country is now developing its own signalling system called the Bharat Train Control System (BTCS).

This system is being designed for nearly 7,000 km of upcoming bullet train corridors across India. The goal is to cut long-term reliance on foreign signalling technology.

What makes BTCS special?

BTCS is built specifically for Indian conditions. It is planned as an open-source, modular, and cost-effective system. 

This approach will help create a strong domestic industry boosting Indian railway design firms, system integrators, and telecom and component makers. 

Once mature, the system could even be exported to other countries looking for affordable high-speed rail solutions.

Complete Control, Zero Dependence in High-Speed Ecosystem through BTCS

India is pairing BTCS with other homegrown efforts. The Integral Coach Factory (ICF) is making indigenous trainsets for high-speed trains, while BEML is producing the coaches. Together with BTCS, this gives India full technological control over both the trains and the systems that run them.

Creating a national open-source signalling protocol will cause a domestic industrial boost for Indian railway design firms, system integrators, and telecom/component manufacturers .

The current signalling systems on India’s fastest corridors

Right now, the Mumbai-Ahmedabad High Speed Rail corridor uses ETCS Level 2, a European system. In June last year, a ₹4,100 crore contract went to Infracon Pvt Ltd (an Indian company) and Siemens (a German firm) for this work.

ETCS Level 2 supports speeds up to 350 km/h with continuous wireless communication and central traffic control. The same system is also used on the Delhi-Meerut Rapid Rail Corridor, currently home to India’s fastest trains.

EETCS Level 2 is serving as the practical reference point while India develops BTCS,as per Times of India reported.

There has also been discussion around Japan’s Digital Automatic Train Control (D-ATC). A former Japanese minister raised concerns about India not using it exclusively for MAHSR (Mumbai–Ahmedabad High-Speed Rail corridor),. Indian officials responded that Japan’s Hitachi trainsets work with ETCS, and India remains open to Japanese protocols if the right proposals come forward.

Big shift toward self-reliance

BTCS marks a clear change. Instead of importing complete high-speed signalling packages, India is using lessons from the ETCS Level 2 experience on the Mumbai-Ahmedabad route to build a lower-cost, scalable system of its own.

This supports the larger Make in India vision-creating technology that India owns, controls, and can grow with.

Also Read: Western Railway floats  ₹18,901.68 cr EPC tender for Sarkhej-Dholera Semi High-Speed Double Rail Line

Western Railway floats  ₹18,901.68 cr EPC tender for Sarkhej-Dholera Semi High-Speed Double Rail Line

Narendra Shah & Editorial Team
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Western Railway floats  ₹18,901.68 cr EPC tender for Sarkhej-Dholera Semi High-Speed Double Rail Line

AHMEDABAD (Metro Rail News): Western Railway has invited bids for building the Sarkhej-Dholera Semi High-Speed Double Rail Line. This marks a significant step in developing India’s first semi high-speed railway corridor. The EPC contract is valued at approximately ₹18,901.68 crore and includes civil works, track, electrification, signaling, telecommunications, testing, and commissioning. .

The project will connect Ahmedabad (Sarkhej) with Dholera, while also providing spur lines to the Lothal National Maritime Heritage Complex (NMHC) and the upcoming Dholera Airport.

Tender details

InformationDetails
Tender Number CPMSHSRADIWRSEJDSIREPC01 
ProjectSarkhej-Dholera Semi High-Speed Double Railway Line
Estimated Cost₹18,901.68 crore
Earnest Money Deposit (EMD)₹378.03 crore
Completion Period42 months
First Pre-bid Meeting7 September 2026 (11:30 AM)
Second Pre-bid Meeting25 September 2026 (11:30 AM)
Bid Validity180 days

Scope of work

The selected contractor will Construct the Sarkhej-Dholera Semi High-Speed Double Railway Line, including Spur lines to Lothal NMHC and Dholera Airport Terminal; comprising civil works, which includes Formation & Viaduct, Bridges, Station buildings, & associated works; Track System (Ballasted & BLT), Overhead Traction System including Electrical General Services; Signalling & Telecommunication System, Operating Control Centre, integration of all systems Complete in all respect including Testing & Commissioning and all appurtenant works under jurisdiction of Western Railway.

About the project

The Ahmedabad (Sarkhej) -Dholera Semi High-Speed Double Line is a flagship project of the Ministry of Railways with an estimated overall cost of around ₹20,667 crore. It is planned as Indian Railways’ first semi high-speed rail project using indigenously developed technology.

The corridor will provide faster rail connectivity between Ahmedabad, Dholera Special Investment Region (SIR), the upcoming Dholera International Airport, and the Lothal National Maritime Heritage Complex (NMHC). 

The improved connectivity will significantly reduce travel time, making daily commuting and same-day return trips more convenient. The project has been planned under the PM Gati Shakti National Master Plan to strengthen multimodal connectivity and improve logistics efficiency through integrated infrastructure planning. Once completed, the corridor will support regional economic growth, improve passenger mobility and enhance connectivity across Gujarat.

Also Read: Gurugram Metro’s 28.5 km Corridor to become seamless interchange loop

Gurugram Metro’s 28.5 km Corridor to become seamless interchange loop

Narendra Shah & Editorial Team
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Gurugram Metro’s 28.5 km Corridor to become seamless interchange loop

GURUGRAM ( Metro Rail News): Gurugram is set to get much better public transport connectivity. The integration plan for the new Gurugram Metro line with Delhi Metro’s Yellow Line has been finalized.

The 28.5 km long metro corridor will run from Millennium City Centre to Cyber City. It will have 27 stations and is planned to connect smoothly with Delhi Metro, Rapid Metro, RRTS, railway network, and city buses, for seamless multi modal connectivity. This will make travel easier and more convenient for daily commuters.

Proposed seamless integration with other Transport Systems

Once operational, the Gurugram Metro will offer excellent multi-modal connectivity:

  • Millennium City Centre – Interchange with Delhi Metro Yellow Line
  • Hero Honda Chowk  – Interchange with Delhi-SNB RRTS Corridor
  • Cyber City -Interchange with Delhi-Gurgaon-Bawal RRTS Corridor
  • Sector 10- Integrated Bus Terminal
  • Sector 5 -Gurugram Railway Station
  • Subhash Chowk – Proposed Bhondsi line from

There are plans ongoing about a direct Metro link to Dwarka Expressway via a two-station spur line from Basai Village to Sector 101. Future integration planned with other corridors including Bhondsi line may cover approximately 20 km between Bhondsi village and Gurugram Railway Station.

GMRL is also studying the possibility of double-decker stations at Bajghera Road and Sector 21 for better connectivity. GMRL Managing Director Mr. Chander Shekhar Khare reviewed the updated design and inspected the proposed stations. He also visited the ongoing Phase 1 corridor for evaluating construction works such as piling and pier erection .

The first package worth ₹1,503 crore (15.2 km stretch) is currently under execution. Casting yards are operational and major civil works are progressing between GMDA office and Hero Honda Chowk.

Target Completion: Millennium City Centre to Sector 9 corridor is expected to be ready by August 2028. As of July 2026, the overall project has achieved around 11% physical progress.

This new metro line will greatly improve connectivity in densely populated areas like Sectors 3, 4, 5, 7, 9, Basai, and Palam Vihar, while boosting access to the growing Dwarka Expressway corridor.

Also Read: Indian Railway Finance Corp. (IRFC) delivers highest-ever quarterly profit with zero NPA in FY27

Indian Railway Finance Corp. (IRFC) delivers highest-ever quarterly profit with zero NPA in FY27

Narendra Shah & Editorial Team
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Indian Railway Finance Corp. (IRFC) delivers highest-ever quarterly profit with zero NPA in FY27

NEW DELHI (Metro Rail News): Indian Railway Finance Corporation Limited (IRFC) has reported its quarterly net profit ₹1,927.21 crore for quarter end of current financial year (Q1 FY27, 30th June 2026) .

This represents a 10.4% profit after tax rising year on year. Last year the net profit was ₹1745.69 Crore.

IRFC’s  total net worth rose to ₹58,791.95 crore, on 30th June, 2026 from ₹56,748.76 crore on 31st March, 2026. This shows a significant increase from last year which recorded net worth of Indian Railway at ₹54,423.96 crore (June 2025).

IRFC’s Net Profit for the Period after Tax (as on the date of the end of quarter)

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IRFC’s Revenue from operations (as on the date of the end of quarter)

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On a quarter-on-quarter basis, operating revenue also grew by 12.61% over the ₹7,335.75 crore recorded in the preceding quarter ended March 31, 2026. Total income for the quarter stood at ₹8,391.34 crore during June 30 2026, reflecting a 21.29% growth over the ₹6,918.24 crore reported in the same period last year. 

IRFC reported an annualized Net Interest Margin (NIM) of 1.48% for the quarter. Its Assets Under Management (AUM) stood at ₹4.79 lakh crore during the same period.

The company also maintained its zero Non-Performing Assets (NPA) status, highlighting the high quality of its loan book. IRFC continues to diversify its financing activities beyond railways, strengthening its overall portfolio. 

This financial stability provides a solid foundation for IRFC to continue diversifying its lending model into broader transport, logistics, and renewable energy sectors. 

‘’Q1 FY27 has been a strong start to the financial year. The Corporation achieved its highest-ever quarterly revenue, net worth, and profitability. These impressive results validate the success of IRFC’s diversification strategy under IRFC 2.0 and the company’s strict discipline in maintaining a zero-NPA, high-quality asset book.’’ said Manoj Kumar Dubey, Chairman and Managing Director of IRFC.

Also Read: IRFC 2.0: Shri Manoj Kumar Dubey Shares the Vision of Indian Railways’ Financial Arm

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