Home Blog Page 19

Ashwini Vaishnaw launches new Bengaluru – Mumbai express, Vande Bharat Sleeper on the way

Narendra Shah & Editorial Team
-
0
Ashwini Vaishnaw launches new Bengaluru – Mumbai express, Vande Bharat Sleeper on the way

DELHI (Metro Rail News): On May 17, Union Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw virtually flagged off a new express train between Bengaluru and Mumbai. During the event, Vaishnaw also announced that the much awaited Vande Bharat Sleeper service between Bengaluru and Mumbai is also expected to start soon.

The new service train nm. 16553/54 SMVT Bengaluru –  Lokmanya Tilak Terminus Express will improve connectivity between the two major cities. Union Minister of State for Railways V. Somanna said the train would benefit passengers travelling on one of the county’s busiest rail routes and support Karnataka’s growth. 

Vande Bharat Sleeper on the way

Vaishnaw said Karnataka currently operates 12 pairs of Vande Bharat trains. He added that testing on the Bengaluru – Mangaluru route is underway and services could soon extend up to Madgaon. It will improve coastal connectivity. The Railway Minister also mentioned that Indian Railways plans to start the Bengaluru – Mumbai Vande Bharat Sleeper service soon. 

Big railway projects underway in Karnataka

According to the Railway Minister,

  • Karnataka has received a railway budget allocation of Rs 7,748 crore
  • Around 1,750 km of new railway lines have been constructed since 2014
  • Nearly 3,742 km of railway lines have been electrified
  • The state is now close to 100% railway electrification

Officials also completed electrification work on the Hassan – Mangaluru section and testing is currently underway. 

Station redevelopment projects

Under the Amrit Bharat Station Scheme, Indian Railways is redeveloping 61 stations in Karnataka at a cost of Rs 2,160 crore. So far nine stations have been completed. Major projects include,

  • Bengaluru Cantonment Railway Station redevelopment at Rs 485 crore
  • Yashwantpur Railway Station redevelopment at Rs 367 crore

Suburban Rail Project progress

The Railway Minister also mentioned that work is progressing in all four corridors of the Bengaluru Suburban Railway Project. Key updates includes, 

  • Land acquisition completed for Baiyappanahalli – Chikkabanavara corridor
  • Land acquisition completed for Heelalige – Rakanukunte corridor 
  • Station construction work currently underway  
  • KSR Bengaluru – Devanahalli alignment approved jointly by the state government and railways
  • Geotechnical survey completed for the Devanahalli route
  • Kengeri – Whitefield alignment recently approved
  • Survey work on the corridor to begin soon

Officials said that the suburban rail network will connect major areas including the airport, Electronic City, Marathahalli and Hebbal. 

More rail expansion around Bengaluru

Indian Railways is also working on several line expansion projects, including:

  • Baiyappanahalli –  Hosur doubling project worth Rs 1,116 crore
  • Bettahalasuru – Rajanukunte doubling project worth  Rs 248 crore
  • Quadrupling work around Bengaluru worth Rs 1,347 crore

V. Somanna also said that Indian Railways will build, 

  • A Vande Bharat sleeper maintenance depot at Thanisandra worth Rs  270 crore
  • A chair car maintenance facility at SMVT Bengaluru worth Rs 52.73 crore

Indian Railways is also introducing automatic signaling systems across several major sections including Yesvantpur, KSR Bengaluru, Lottengollahalli, Baiyappanahalli, Penukonda, Mysuru, Jolarpettai. The total cost of these signaling works stands at  Rs 6,396 crore.

Somanna also mentioned that the number of ROBs and RUBs in Karnataka has increased from around 150 before 2014 to 707 now. Indian Railways is planning to complete 1146 more within the next year and remove all level crossings over the next 3 years. 

Bullet Trains corridor also approves 

Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw said that the central government has approved bullet train corridors connecting Bengaluru to Hyderabad and Chennai. He added that the long term plan includes expanding the high-speed rail network to nearly 7,000 km and linking major cities such as Mumbai and Bengaluru. 

Also Read: Amritsar-New Jalpaiguri Amrit Bharat Express flagged off by the Union Minister

Discover how AI is bringing the next phase of sustainable urban rail mobility for Viksit Bharat at InnoMetro 2026, India’s prime exhibition and conference for metro & railways, which is going to be held on 21-22 May 2026 at Bharat Mandapam, New Delhi.

Register Now: https://zma.page/ek

Amritsar-New Jalpaiguri Amrit Bharat Express flagged off by the Union Minister

Narendra Shah & Editorial Team
-
0
Amritsar-New Jalpaiguri Amrit Bharat Express flagged off by the Union Minister

DELHI (Metro Rail News): In a significant move to enhance and boost connectivity between Punjab and West Bengal, Union Minister of State Railway & Food Processing Industries, Ravneet Singh Bittu flagged off the Amritsar-New Jalpaiguri Amrit Bharat Express on 14 May, 2026. 

This new Amrit Bharat Express is developed by ICF, a Chennai based production unit under Ministry of Railways and is designed to provide comfortable and affordable travel for passengers. 

It was officially stated that this service will run once a week and will cover a total of 35 intermediate stations across Punjab, Haryana, Uttar Pradesh, Bihar and West Bengal strengthening connectivity and flexibility to travel across these states. 

Amritsar-New Jalpaiguri Amrit Bharat Express is running under train numbers 14664/14663. The train number 14644 departs from Amritsar every Thursday at 12:45 hours and reaches New Jalpaiguri on Saturday at  04:15 hours. It covers a distance of around 1830 km in approximately 39 hours. The return journey of train number 14663 begins from New Jalpaiguri every Saturday at 08:00 hrs and arrives in Amritsar on Monday at 02:20 hrs.

Key Highlights of the New Amrit Bharaat Express —

Train Numbers 14664/14663
Frequency Weekly- departs Amritsar: Thursday, departs New Jalpaiguri: Saturday
Total Stations 35
Total Distance Approximately 1830 km
Manufactured by ICF (Integral Coach Factory)

The 35 halting stations of Amritsar-New Jalpaiguri Amrit Bharat Express are –  Jalandhar City, Ludhiana, Ambala Cantt, Saharanpur, Moradabad, Bareilly, Shahjahanpur, Sitapur, Gonda, Balrampur, Barhni, Siddharth Nagar, Anand Nagar, Gorakhpur, Kaptanganj, Siswa Bazar, Narkatiaganj, Sikta, Raxaul, Bairgania, Sitamarhi, Janakpur Road, Kamtaul, Shisho, Sakri, Jhanjharpur, Nirmali, Saraygarh, Raghopur, Narpatganj, Forbesganj, Arariya, Thakurganj, Bagdogra and Siliguri.

Amrit Bharat Express Trains are a modern, non-AC long-distance sleeper class train service introduced by Indian Railways to provide reliable, affordable, and comfortable travel.

Also Read: Hyderabad – Mumbai Bullet Train DPR ready, Telangana begins planning for land acquisition

Discover how AI is bringing the next phase of sustainable urban rail mobility for Viksit Bharat at InnoMetro 2026, India’s prime exhibition and conference for metro & railways, which is going to be held on 21-22 May 2026 at Bharat Mandapam, New Delhi.

Register Now: https://zma.page/ek

Hyderabad – Mumbai Bullet Train DPR ready, Telangana begins planning for land acquisition

Narendra Shah & Editorial Team
-
0
Hyderabad – Mumbai Bullet Train DPR ready, Telangana begins planning for land acquisition

DELHI (Metro Rail News): The proposed Hyderabad to Mumbai high-speed rail corridor has moved a step forward after railway officials completed the Detailed Project Report (DPR) for the 671 km route. Officials shared the update during a review meeting chaired by Chief Secretary K. Ramakrishna Rao on Friday. The meeting focused on the three high-speed rail corridors announced in the Union Budget 2026-2027. It will connect Hyderabad with Mumbai, Chennai and Bengaluru. 

Project Snapshot

Details Information
ProjectHyderabad – Pune – Mumbai High-Speed Rail Corridor
Total Length671 km
Current StatusDPR completed
Landed Needed in TelenganaAround 93 km
Other Proposed CorridorHyderabad to Bengaluru andHyderabad to Chennai

Chief Secretary Ramakrishna Rao asked Officials from different departments to work together on these things,

  • Land acquisition 
  • Connectivity Planning
  • Basic infrastructure work

Indian Railways officials told the state government that the Hyderabad – Mumbai corridor would need land acquisition across nearly 93 km in Telangana. Officials also said the Hyderabad – Chennai corridors would require land in different parts of the state.

Land needed in Kokapet and Shamshabad

Officials informed in the meeting that the project would need additional land at Kokapet and Shamshabad. Authorities are planning to use these locations for rail depots and maintenance facilities.

Ramakrishna Rao also mentioned that the high-speed rail project could turn Telangana into a major economic growth corridor. According to the officials, faster rail links between Hyderabad, Mumbai, Chennai and Bengaluru could support:

  • IT industry growth
  • Industrial development
  • Tourism
  • Future transport needs

The project could also make long distance travel faster and more convenient. 

Early coordination work begins

The central government announced the 3 high-speed rail corridors in the Union Budget 2026-27. Following the DPR submission, state departments and railway officials have started early planning work so the project can move ahead smoothly in the next phase. If the project moves forward as planned, the new high-speed rail corridors could change intercity travel for Telangana.

Also Read: Kolkata Metro: Work begins on the Orange Line’s Chingrighata section

Discover how AI is bringing the next phase of sustainable urban rail mobility for Viksit Bharat at InnoMetro 2026, India’s prime exhibition and conference for metro & railways, which is going to be held on 21-22 May 2026 at Bharat Mandapam, New Delhi.

Register Now: https://zma.page/ek

Kolkata Metro: Work begins on the Orange Line’s Chingrighata section

Narendra Shah & Editorial Team
-
0
Kolkata Metro: Work begins on the Orange Line’s Chingrighata section

KOLKATA (Metro Rail News): After Long delays due to lack of coordination between the state Government and the Central Government, the work on the Chingrighata section of the Orange Line officially begins on 15 May, 2026. It was reported that the launch of segments of piers P-317, P-318 and P-319 will be carried out on two consecutive weekends in the month of May, 2026. 

The Eastern Metropolitan Bypass (one of the city’s busiest arterial roads) will undergo extended traffic restrictions for the construction and the City Traffic Police has notified commuters about the traffic diversions for the two weekends. 

The first 60-hour continuous closure for the launch of segments between piers P-317 and P-318 was implemented at 20:00 hrs on May 15, 2026 to 8:00 hrs on May 18, 2026, covering the Western Flank of the EM Bypass. 

The second 60-hour continuous closure is set to be carried out at 20:00 hrs on May 22, 2026 to 8:00 hrs on May 25, 2026, for the launch of segments between P-318 and P-319 covering the Eastern Flank. 

Rail Vikas Nigam Limited (RVNL) is responsible for the implementation of this project and is managing the launch of these segments over EM Bypass for the elevated viaduct construction between Kavi Subhas and the airport. 

The Orange Line is a critical part of Kolkata metro Infrastructure as it directly connects South Kolkata to Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose Airport. The Chingrighata stretch is a significant element in the New Garia-Airport corridor. Once this gap is filled, the operational connectivity of the corridor is expected to progress rapidly. 

Also Read: Delhi-Karnal Namo Bharat Corridor Moves with General Consultant Contract

Discover how AI is bringing the next phase of sustainable urban rail mobility for Viksit Bharat at InnoMetro 2026, India’s prime exhibition and conference for metro & railways, which is going to be held on 21-22 May 2026 at Bharat Mandapam, New Delhi.

Register Now: https://zma.page/ek9

Delhi-Karnal Namo Bharat Corridor Moves with General Consultant Contract

Narendra Shah & Editorial Team
-
4
Delhi-Karnal Namo Bharat Corridor Moves with General Consultant Contract

Delhi (Metro Rail News): National Capital Region Transit Corporation has invited international bids to appoint a General Consultant for the Delhi-Panipat-Karnal Namo Bharat Corridor. The tender marks another major step in the expansion of the regional rapid transit network in North India. The selected consultant will help NCRTC in planning, supervision, and execution of the upcoming regional rapid transit project. 

Tender Information

DetailsInformation
Tender Number DK/GC/COR-OF/026 
Bid TypeInternational Competitive Bidding (ICB)  
ProjectDelhi-Panipat-Karnal Namo Bharat Corridor
Bid SystemSingle Stage Two Packet System 
Bid SecurityRs 5 crore
Pre-Bid Meeting26 May 2026, 1500 Hrs
Bid Submission Window11 June 2026 to 18 June 2026
Technical Bid Opening 19 June 2026, 1500 Hrs 
Completion Period 56 months

Scope of Work

The selected consultant will provide overall consultancy services for the corridor. The work includes design review, project supervision, and monitoring of construction activities for Delhi-Panipat-Karnal Namo Bharat Corridor. 

About the Project

The Delhi-Panipat-Karnal Corridor is part of the NCRTC’s plan to expand the Namo Bharat regional rapid transit network in the National Capital Region. The proposed corridor will connect Delhi to Sonepat, Gannaur, Samalkha, Panipat and Karnal in the state of Haryana. The project aims to reduce traffic congestion and strengthen regional public transport infrastructure.

Centre approves India’s First Semi-High Rail Project

Narendra Shah & Editorial Team
-
2
Centre approves India’s First Semi-High Rail Project

Delhi (Metro Rail News): India to launch its first semi-high-speed Rail by 2030. In a remarkable development in India’s Rail Modernisation journey, the Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs (CCEA) has approved the Ahmedabad (Sarkhej) – Dholera Semi High-Speed Double Line costing approximately Rs 20,667 crore.

India to launch its first semi-high-speed Rail by 2030. In a remarkable development in India’s Rail Modernisation journey, the Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs (CCEA) has approved the Ahmedabad (Sarkhej) – Dholera Semi High-Speed Double Line costing approximately Rs 20,667 crore. 

This railway corridor is anticipated to be India’s first semi-high-speed line planned with indigenously developed technology. As India’s first semi-high-speed rail project, this line will act as a stepping stone for the phased expansion of semi-high-speed rail across the country.

This 200 kmph corridor will increase the existing network of Indian Railways by about 134 Kms. This corridor is set to provide more efficient connectivity between Ahmedabad, Dholera SIR, upcoming Dholera Airport and Lothal National Maritime Heritage Complex (NHMC). 

The key objective of this corridor is to enhance multi-modal connectivity & logistic efficiency and to boost the development of Dholera Special Investment Region; this project comes under the  “PM-Gati Shakti National Master Plan”. 

According to an official statement, “The proposed projects will enhance connectivity to approx 284 villages, which are having a population of about 5 lakhs.” 

Main Highlights of this project —

Total CostApproximately Rs 20,667 crore
Design Speed220 kmph
Operational Speed200 kmph
Total Coverage134 km
Expected Completion2030/2031 (4-5 years)

This new proposed line features 3 Mega Bridges, 74 km Viaduct, 39 road under Bridges and 2 Rail over Rail Bridges and is set to provide direct connectivity and improve mobility, providing enhanced efficiency and service reliability for Indian Railways.

Also Read: Indian Railway Finance Corporation (IRFC) Comes Onboard as Title Partner for InnoMetro 2026

Discover how AI is bringing the next phase of sustainable urban rail mobility for Viksit Bharat at InnoMetro 2026, India’s prime exhibition and conference for metro & railways, which is going to be held on 21-22 May 2026 at Bharat Mandapam, New Delhi.

Register Now: https://zma.page/ek

Indian Railway Finance Corporation (IRFC) Comes Onboard as Title Partner for InnoMetro 2026

Kapil Saini
-
1
Indian Railway Finance Corporation (IRFC) Comes Onboard as Title Partner for InnoMetro 2026

DELHI(Metro Rail News): InnoMetro takes pride in announcing that the Indian Railway Finance Corporation (IRFC) has come on board as the Title Partner for the 6th Edition of InnoMetro – Asia’s Leading Exhibition and Conference for Metro, Railways, RRTS, HSR, and allied sectors, to be held on 21-22 May 2026 at Bharat Mandapam, Hall No. 4, New Delhi.

Established in 1986 as the dedicated financing arm of Indian Railways, IRFC is a Navratna Public Sector Enterprise under the Ministry of Railways, Government of India. The organisation is mandated to mobilise funds from domestic and overseas capital markets to support India’s rail infrastructure growth. In an industry where capital is the engine of any infrastructure project, IRFC has an unblemished record of zero Non-Performing Assets (0 NPA).

And as India enters its most ambitious phase of urban mobility expansion, IRFC’s mandate is evolving. The corporation is now actively planning to enter metro rail, high-speed rail, and RRTS projects, which means IRFC is no longer just the financial backbone of Indian Railways; it is rapidly becoming the financial backbone of India’s entire rail transit infrastructure.

Significance of this Partnership for the Industry

The association of Indian Railways’ financial arm with InnoMetro as Title Partner conveys a strong and credible message to the industry. It strengthens InnoMetro’s role as a strategic platform for engagement across the railway and urban mobility ecosystem. For infrastructure developers, rolling stock manufacturers, systems integrators, and financial institutions seeking alignment with IRFC’s expanding project pipeline, the event now represents a natural platform of convergence.

InnoMetro’s role extends beyond an exhibition. It is where procurement conversations begin, where upcoming project pipelines get visibility, and where institutional relationships are cultivated. IRFC’s presence at InnoMetro creates a room where the next generation of financing models for India’s metro and high-speed rail sectors will be discussed and deliberated upon.

InnoMetro 2026 already holds the official support of Indian Railways (Ministry of Railways), recognition under the Ministry of MSME’s PMS Scheme, and participation from MMRDA, Mumbai Metro Rail Corporation, Kolkata Metro and Kochi Metro. IRFC’s Title Partnership now elevates this platform to an entirely new level of institutional significance.

Big boost for Chennai Metro: Chennai Airport – Kilambakkam Metro project moves forward

Narendra Shah & Editorial Team
-
0
Big boost for Chennai Metro: Chennai Airport – Kilambakkam Metro project moves forward

CHENNAI (Metro Rail News): Chennai Metro has taken a major step towards expanding metro connectivity in South Chennai.  The Tamil Nadu government has approved the Detailed Project Report (DPR) for the new Airport to Kilambakkam metro corridor. The project will connect Chennai International Airport with Kilambakkam Bus Terminus. It will improve travel across some of the city’s busiest suburban areas. 

Project Snapshot

Details Information
Project Chennai Airport – Kilambakkam Metro Corridor
Length15.46 km
CostRs 9,335 crore
TypeElevated metro corridor
Stations13
StatusDPR approved

Route and Stations

The new metro line will run through major South Chennai locations where traffic remains heavy throughout the day. Important proposed stations on this route include

  • Chennai Airport
  • Pallavaram
  • Chromepet 
  • Tambaram
  • Perugalathur
  • Vandalur
  • Arignar Anna Zoological Park
  • Kilambakkam Bus Terminus

The corridor will connect the airport, Tambaram railway station and Kilambakkam bus terminus through a single metro route. 

Work has already started 

Officials have already finished most of the early work stages, such as 

  • Route alignment studies
  • Land surveys
  • Planning exercises

The Tamil Nadu government has also approved land acquisition for the corridor. Authorities are now working with several agencies. It includes the National Highways Authority, airport authorities and Chennai Metro Water Board, to move the project forward smoothly.  

Also Read: Bids invited for lifts & escalators for Lucknow, Kanpur & Agra Metro projects

Discover how AI is bringing the next phase of sustainable urban rail mobility for Viksit Bharat at InnoMetro 2026, India’s prime exhibition and conference for metro & railways, which is going to be held on 21-22 May 2026 at Bharat Mandapam, New Delhi.

Register Now: https://zma.page/ek

Bids invited for lifts & escalators for Lucknow, Kanpur & Agra Metro projects

Narendra Shah & Editorial Team
-
0
Bids invited for lifts & escalators for Lucknow, Kanpur & Agra Metro projects

UTTAR PRADESH(Metro Rail News): Uttar Pradesh Metro Rail Corporation has invited bids for the supply and installation of heavy-duty elevators and escalators for metro projects in Lucknow, Kanpur and Agra. The contract includes design, manufacturing, installation, testing, commissioning, and maintenance works under package LKE(02)-02. The tender is a part of ongoing efforts to strengthen passenger facilities across multiple metro networks in Uttar Pradesh. 

Tender Information

Information Details
Tender PackageLKE(02)-02
Tender TypeSingle-stage two-packet
Tender ModeOpen e-tender
Approximate cost of work Rs. 109.59 Crore
Tender Security /EMD  Rs. 2.19 Crore 
Pre-bid Meeting 2 June 2026, 15:30 Hrs
Tender Submission Start Date12  June 2026, 11:00 hrs
Tender Submission End Date 25 June 2026, 15:00 Hrs
Tender Opening26 June 2026, 15:00 Hrs. 
Completion period 182 Weeks 

Scope of Work

The contract includes design, manufacture, supply, installation, testing, and commissioning of heavy-duty machine room less elevators and escalators. The scope also covers maintenance during a two-year defect liability period. An additional one-year comprehensive annual maintenance contract is included. The equipment will be installed across metro stations under  Lucknow, Kanpur and Agra Metro projects. The contractor will ensure testing, safety certification, and operational readiness of systems. All works will be executed under package LKE(02)-02

The package is aimed at improving passenger movement and station accessibility across the three metro systems in Uttar Pradesh. 

Also Read: ICF and K-RIDE sign MoU for 153 metro-style rail coaches for Bengaluru Suburban Rail

Discover how AI is bringing the next phase of sustainable urban rail mobility for Viksit Bharat at InnoMetro 2026, India’s prime exhibition and conference for metro & railways, which is going to be held on 21-22 May 2026 at Bharat Mandapam, New Delhi.

Register Now: https://zma.page/ek

Texmaco Rail wins 130 crore ballastless track contract for Kochi Metro Phase-II

Narendra Shah & Editorial Team
-
0
Texmaco Rail wins 130 crore ballastless track contract for Kochi Metro Phase-II

KOCHI (Metro Rail News): Kochi Metro Rail Ltd. has assigned Texmaco Rail & Engineering Ltd for the construction of ballastless track on the elevated section of the Kochi Metro Phase II corridor. The contract was acquired at 130.22 crore by Texmaco Rail & Engineering Ltd. 

The Design, Supply, Installation, Testing and Commissioning of Ballastless Track and Connections of Standard gauge in the Elevated Section of Phase 2 Corridor is covered in the contract. The contract is to be fulfilled within 16 months from the date of issuance of the letter of acceptance. 

About Ballastless Tracks 

Ballastless track (or slab track) is a modern railway infrastructure where traditional, loose, granular ballast is replaced by a rigid concrete or asphalt base, offering high stability, reduced maintenance, and superior performance for high-speed (>250km/h) and metro systems. By eliminating ballast, these tracks offer consistent geometry, longer life cycles, and better comfort, though they have higher initial construction costs. Ballastless tracks provide Low construction height and in some cases low track-weight. The desired track-elasticity can be obtained more accurately over the whole track length. The accurate alignment of a ballastless track will remain steady throughout its lifetime. 

About Texmaco Rail & Engineering Ltd:

Texmaco has created landmark developments in Indian Railways and Metro Rail Systems. The first successful execution of India’s Ballastless Rail Track for underground tunnels and elevated tracks was fulfilled by Texmaco Rail. Track construction on a turnkey basis was also successfully introduced by Texmaco, providing great convenience for Industrial units.

Kochi Metro Phase II 

Kochi Metro Rail Phase II consists of 11.2 km elevated metro corridor connecting Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium in Kaloor to Infopark II in Kakkanad. The foundation stone of the Kochi Metro Rail Project was laid on September 01, 2022, by PM Narendra Modi. The Kochi Metro Phase II is targeted for completion by June 2026 for the first 5 stations and December 2026 for the full Pink Line.

Also Read: ICF and K-RIDE sign MoU for 153 metro-style rail coaches for Bengaluru Suburban Rail

Discover how AI is bringing the next phase of sustainable urban rail mobility for Viksit Bharat at InnoMetro 2026, India’s prime exhibition and conference for metro & railways, which is going to be held on 21-22 May 2026 at Bharat Mandapam, New Delhi.

Register Now: https://zma.page/ek

1...181920...930Page 19 of 930