Symbroj Media Wishes You a Very Happy New Year 2026!

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01/01/2026

Symbroj Media Pvt. Ltd. – an initiative of Symbroj Group of Companies wishes you a Very Happy New Year 2026. We hope the new year brings good health, new opportunities and continued success.

We feel immense pride and fulfilled as we complete 10 remarkable years of Metro Rail News while we enter 2026. What started on 26^th January 2015 as an initiative to provide the latest news, information & updates from the rail transport industry has now evolved as the industry’s most trusted platform with a strong readership of 2 Million+ monthly readers from both India and globally. This journey would not have been possible without the unwavering support from our readers, contributors, advertisers and partners.

This journey is being driven by your trust, engagement & encouragement. We sincerely thank the metro, railway, RRTS, HSR & allied industry professionals who have reflected their reliance & support for insights, analysis & updates from Metro Rail News.

Over these years, we have focused on highlighting the innovations, policies, developments, projects & new technologies that are shaping the future of rail transport industry. As the industry is moving towards sustainability, digital transformation & passenger friendly solutions, we reiterate our commitment to being your trusted source of information.

Building on this momentum, we proudly announce the 6^th Edition of InnoMetro which will take place on 21-22 May 2026 at Bharat Mandapam, New Delhi. This edition also brings an opportunity of recognition with the Metro Rail News Awards taking place on this only platform. These awards will honor individuals and organizations whose contributions have advanced the industry and set new standards for performance and innovation.

As we begin this year, we confirm our commitment to providing high-quality journalism, insightful features, and impactful platforms that support the growth of the rail transport sector. We look forward to another year of collaboration, innovation, and shared success with you. Once again, we wish you and your loved ones a joyful, prosperous, and fulfilling New Year 2026. May the year ahead bring new achievements, meaningful partnerships, and continued progress for the metro and rail industry.

Warm regards,

Narendra Shah

Managing Editor

Metro Rail News

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L&T Technology Becomes L1 for Telecommunication Contract of Kochi Metro Phase 2

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Staff Reporter

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31/12/2025

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KOCHI (Metro Rail News): Kochi Metro Rail Limited (KMRL) has announced L&T Technology Services Limited as the lowest bidder for the Telecommunication System contract of Kochi Metro Phase 2.

KMRL invited bids for this contract with a 730 Days deadline. Technical bids were opened on 17 Nov 2025 announcing that 3 firms have submitted bids for the contract. Technical evaluation of the submitted bids occurred on 30 Dec 2025. Financial bids were opened on the same day and after financial evaluation of the bids L&T Technology Services Limited was announced as the lowest bidder for the contract.

Financial Bid Values

Firms	Bid Value
L&T Technology Services Limited	₹ 95.3 Cr
Alstom Transport India Limited	₹ 116.7 Cr
Siemens Limited	₹ 103.3 Cr

Contracts Scope of Work: Design, Manufacture,Supply, Installation, Testing, and Commissioning of Telecommunication System for Phase-II of Kochi Metro Rail Project.

The Phase 2 of Kochi Metro consists of one metro corridor (Pink Line) which is currently under construction. The pink line spans 11.2 km from JLN Stadium to Infopark covering 11 stations.

Join the 6th edition of InnoMetro to explore how the progressions in AI are improving the railway systems, including ticketing, rolling stock, and signalling. Witness the innovation from 200+ exhibitors at India’s leading show for metro & railways which is going to held on 21-22 May 2026 at Bharat Mandapam, New Delhi

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Bids Invited for Ballastless Track Maintenance in Chennai Metro Phase 1 Network

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Kapil Saini

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30/12/2025

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CHENNAI (Metro Rail News): Chennai Metro Rail Limited (CMRL) has floated a tender for the comprehensive maintenance of ballastless track across Chennai Metro Phase 1 and its Phase 1 Extension.

Tender Information

Tender Id	2025_CMRL_891275_1
Tender No	CMRL / Track / O_M / 2025
Pre-bid Meeting	20-January-2026
Bid Submission Deadline	5 February 2026
EMD	₹ 23,00,000

CMRL’s Brief Scope of Work: Comprehensive Maintenance of Ballastless Track for Elevated, Underground and Depot sections in Phase 1 and Phase 1 Extension.

Chennai Metro Phase 1 comprises a 45 km network developed along two corridors-Washermenpet to Chennai International Airport and Chennai Central to St. Thomas Mount. The Phase 1 Extension between Washermenpet and Wimco Nagar, commissioned in 2021, which strengthened metro connectivity in the city’s northern and north-eastern zones, which are characterised by high population density and limited mass transit options. This extension has since been integrated into the broader expansion roadmap and is now being followed by the larger Phase 2 programme, which is intended to further augment network capacity and geographic coverage across Chennai.

Explore how AI-integrated systems are improving comfort, connectivity, and accessibility for passengers across metro and rail networks at the 6th edition of InnoMetro, India’s leading expo for the Metro & Railway industry which is going to held on 21-22 May 2026 at Bharat Mandapam, New Delhi

Register now: https://innometro.com/visitor-registration/

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HMRTC Proposal: RRTS and Metro Likely to Share Common Infrastructure in Gurugram

By

Kapil Saini

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29/12/2025

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GURUGRAM (Metro Rail News): The Haryana Mass Rapid Transport Corporation (HMRTC) has approached the National Capital Region Transport Corporation (NCRTC) with a proposal to plan the Namo Bharat RRTS corridor along the Gurugram-Faridabad route in a manner that permits metro rail operations on the same infrastructure within Gurugram.

The intent is to enable shared use of the corridor over the initial 8 to 9 kilometres from IFFCO Chowk to Sector 53, where the proposed RRTS alignment overlaps with HMRTC’s planned metro corridor. This approach reflects an effort to optimise infrastructure utilisation, avoid duplication of assets, and improve integration between regional and urban transit systems in a key urban stretch of Gurugram.

Dr Chandar Shekhar Khare, Managing Director of HMRTC, has urged the National Capital Region Transport Corporation (NCRTC) to adopt an operational model similar to that implemented in Meerut, where both Namo Bharat trains and metro services operate on shared infrastructure as reported by Hindustan Times.

From a network integration perspective, NCRTC’s planning for the Gurugram-Faridabad Namo Bharat corridor places particular emphasis on interchange connectivity. The proposed RRTS alignment features interchange with Gurugram’s existing Rapid Metro along Golf Course Road, while also providing a linkage with the proposed metro corridor planned between Golf Course Extension Road and Sector 5.

The proposal will ultimately hinge on approval from the Union government, following a detailed assessment of its technical feasibility and operational necessity on the Gurugram-Faridabad corridor. Such an evaluation will be critical in determining whether shared infrastructure can be implemented without compromising service reliability, capacity, or safety requirements for either system.

Explore how AI-integrated systems are improving comfort, connectivity, and accessibility for passengers across metro and rail networks at the 6th edition of InnoMetro, India’s leading expo for the Metro & Railway industry which is going to held on 21-22 May 2026 at Bharat Mandapam, New Delhi

Register now: https://innometro.com/visitor-registration/

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Bangalore Metro’s Phase 2A to Become Operational by December 2026

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Staff Reporter

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27/12/2025

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BANGALORE (Metro Rail News): Karnataka deputy chief minister and Bangalore development minister DK Shivakumar announced that the Phase 2A (Blue Line) of Bangalore Metro will be ready for operations by December 2026. The 18 km elevated route connects KR Puram with Central Silkboard along the Outer Ring Road (ORR).

The Construction of the Blue Line commenced in September 2021, targeting completion by December 2024 however; the project faced repeated delays.

The Bangalore Metro Phase 2B is an “airport-link” section of the Blue Line. The Phase 2B spans 37 km connecting Bangalore city to Kempegowda International Airport (KIAL) in Devanahalli with 17 stations.

The Blue Line, linking Central Silk Board to KR Pura (Phase 2A) and KR Pura to Kempegowda International Airport (Phase 2B) will connect India’s third-busiest airport.

Shivakumar further provided an update on Bangalore Metro’s network expansion stating that the current 96.1 km operational network of Bangalore Metro will grow to 137.11 km by end-2026 and 175.55 km by end-2027.

Explore how AI-integrated systems are improving comfort, connectivity, and accessibility for passengers across metro and rail networks at the 6th edition of InnoMetro, India’s leading expo for the Metro & Railway industry which is going to held on 21-22 May 2026 at Bharat Mandapam, New Delhi

Register now: https://innometro.com/visitor-registration/

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HD Kumaraswamy Urges Vaishnaw for Vande Bharat Express on Bengaluru-Madgaon Route

By

Staff Reporter

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27/12/2025

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Vande Bharat Express — Vande Bharat Train/Representational image only

Union Heavy Industries and Steel Minister HD Kumaraswamy has written to Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw, urging the introduction of a Vande Bharat Express service between Bengaluru and Madgaon in Goa via coastal Karnataka. The request highlights long-standing public demand and the route’s readiness following recent electrification upgrades.

In his letter, Kumaraswamy emphasized that the corridor, passing through Hassan, Mangaluru Junction, Udupi, and Karwar will serve a diverse passenger base, including tourists, pilgrims, students, and professionals. He stated that the Vande Bharat Express service between Bengaluru and Madgaon will enhance the rail connectivity between the state capital and the coastal belt of Karnataka and Goa.

“I would like to draw your kind attention to a long-standing and widely shared public aspiration for improved high-speed rail connectivity between Bengaluru and the coastal belt of Karnataka and Goa. With the successful completion of electrification across the ghat section, the route is now operationally well-positioned for the introduction of a Vande Bharat Express service,” Kumaraswamy said in the letter.

The former Karnataka Chief Minister, requested Railway Minister Vaishnaw to direct South Western Railway to assess feasibility of the proposed service and take swift action.

Explore how AI-integrated systems are improving comfort, connectivity, and accessibility for passengers across metro and rail networks at the 6th edition of InnoMetro, India’s leading expo for the Metro & Railway industry which is going to held on 21-22 May 2026 at Bharat Mandapam, New Delhi

Register now: https://innometro.com/visitor-registration/

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State Government Approves Rs 100 Cr Funds for Pune & Nagpur Metro Projects

By

Staff Reporter

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26/12/2025

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The Maharashtra government has approved the release of Rs 100 Crores as funding for the Pune and Nagpur Metro Rail projects.

The funds released by the Maharashtra government will be provided to Maha-Metro (Maharashtra Metro Rail Corporation Limited) as per the government order which was issued on 24 December.

The Pune Metro’s fully underground Swargate-Katraj corridor (Corridor 2A) received Rs 40 crore as part of its equity share for the project. This 6.5-km stretch carries a total project cost of Rs 2,954.75 crore, with Maharashtra obligated to contribute Rs 397.83 crore in equity. The new release pushes cumulative state disbursements for the corridor to Rs 100 crore in 2025.

Meanwhile, Nagpur Metro Rail Stage-2 secured Rs 60 crore in state equity for the year, toward a total commitment of Rs 998.20 crore. The Cumulative disbursements for the Nagpur Metro reached Rs 577 crore following this allocation.

Officials state that this fresh equity infusion will sustain construction momentum and ensure timely advancement of both metro projects which are vital for enhancing urban mobility in Pune and Nagpur.

Explore how AI-integrated systems are improving comfort, connectivity, and accessibility for passengers across metro and rail networks at the 6th edition of InnoMetro, India’s leading expo for the Metro & Railway industry which is going to held on 21-22 May 2026 at Bharat Mandapam, New Delhi

Register now: https://innometro.com/visitor-registration/

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Union Cabinet Approves 3 Routes in Delhi Metro Phase 5-A

By

Staff Reporter

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26/12/2025

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NEW DELHI (Metro Rail News): In a major Development, the Union Cabinet has approved three new corridors as part of Delhi Metro’s Phase 5-A. The project is estimated to cost ₹12,015 crore. The Phase 5-A will span 16 km across three corridors featuring 13 stations.

The approved corridors have been mentioned below:

R.K Ashram Marg- Indraprastha
Aerocity – Airport Terminal-1 (T1)
Tughlakabad -Kalindi Kunj

Union Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw mentioned “There are currently 12 lines, with six new projects under construction to extend existing ones,” said Union Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw. He further added that Phase 5-A will push the Delhi Metro beyond 400 km, placing it among the world’s top five networks and serving over 65 lakh daily commuters.

Ashwini Vaishnaw mentioned that the R.K Ashram Marg- Indraprastha will be the extension of the Botanical Garden- R.K. Ashram Marg corridor. He explained that the RK Ashram Marg corridor will link the Airport Line with Central Secretariat station and extend to Indraprastha on the Blue Line.

Mr. Vaishnaw said “Kalindi to Tughlakabad extension will give direct Gurugram connectivity to commuters from Noida and Faridabad… This will save us a significant amount of time in commuters’ lives, this will be a major difference” as reported by The Hindu.

Explore how AI-integrated systems are improving comfort, connectivity, and accessibility for passengers across metro and rail networks at the 6th edition of InnoMetro, India’s leading expo for the Metro & Railway industry which is going to held on 21-22 May 2026 at Bharat Mandapam, New Delhi

Register now: https://innometro.com/visitor-registration/

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L&T Bags Electrification Contract of Mumbai Metro Line 4 & 4A

By

Staff Reporter

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26/12/2025

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MUMBAI (Metro Rail News): Larsen & Toubro (L&T) has bagged a major contract, Package CA-298, from Mumbai metropolitan Region Development Authority (MMRDA) for Mumbai Metro Line 4 & Line 4A which spans 35.2 km connecting Wadala- Kasarvadavali – Gaimukh.

The contracts scope of work includes the design, manufacture, supply, installation, integration, testing and commissioning of power supply and traction systems for 24.72 route km and provision of SCADA system for complete Metro line 4 & 4A for 32 stations, depots and receiving substation.

L&T’s in-house design and execution team will handle all work. The scope also encompasses the electrical and mechanical systems, lifts, and escalators for 22 elevated stations and 2 depots and five years of comprehensive maintenance.

This is the third successive order that L&T has won in the Line-4&4A corridor of Mumbai Metro. Earlier, L&T received LoA for Package CA-234 and Package CA-168.

Package CA- 234 of Mumbai Metro Line 4 includes the rolling stock, Communications-Based Train Control (CBTC) signalling, telecommunications, platform screen doors and depot machinery & plant for the entire corridor while the Package CA-168 involves the 19.5 km ballast-less track-works across 15 stations of Line 4 & 4A of Mumbai Metro.

Explore how AI-integrated systems are improving comfort, connectivity, and accessibility for passengers across metro and rail networks at the 6th edition of InnoMetro, India’s leading expo for the Metro & Railway industry which is going to held on 21-22 May 2026 at Bharat Mandapam, New Delhi

Register now: https://innometro.com/visitor-registration/

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Railways Deploys Roof Top Solar Panels at 148 Stations Across South Western Railway

By

Staff Reporter

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24/12/2025

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Indian Railways has commissioned rooftop solar panels at 148 stations across the South Western Railway (SWR), advancing its renewable energy initiatives and net-zero carbon emissions target by 2030.

Officials reported a large-scale rollout of solar photovoltaic systems across South Western Railway (SWR) facilities in Karnataka and parts of Goa. These installations cover stations, service and administrative buildings, workshops, traction and non-traction installations, level crossing gates, and water pumping systems. Major stations equipped with rooftop solar facilities include Krantiveera Sangolli Rayanna (KSR) Bengaluru at Majestic, Hubballi, Mysuru, Dharwad, Belagavi, Hosapete, Gadag, and Ballari.

In addition to stations, solar installations have also been fitted on 38 service buildings, including Rail Soudha, divisional offices, railway hospitals, and training institutes.

A senior SWR official said.“Key production and maintenance units such as the Hubballi Workshop (1,045 kilo Watt Peak kWp), Mysuru Workshop (530 kWp), Krishnarajapuram Diesel Loco Shed (240 kWp) and Hubballi EMD Shed (640 kWp) have further strengthened the zone’s renewable energy footprint. Solar rooftop systems have also been installed at 302 level crossing gates, ensuring uninterrupted and environment-friendly power supply,” as reported by The Hindu.

Explore how AI-integrated systems are improving comfort, connectivity, and accessibility for passengers across metro and rail networks at the 6th edition of InnoMetro, India’s leading expo for the Metro & Railway industry which is going to held on 21-22 May 2026 at Bharat Mandapam, New Delhi

Register now: https://innometro.com/visitor-registration/

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