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Railway reformed the Wagon Design Policy to encourage industries to innovate design

Narendra Shah & Editorial Team
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Railway reformed the Wagon Design Policy to encourage industries to innovate design

DELHI (Metro Rail News): Ashwini Vaishnaw announced a new ‘Wagon Design Policy’ for railway in a major announcement on Railway Reforms today (July 14). The minister reformed the earlier constrained policy of Wagon Design to a new policy with less restrictions and induction of industry adapted Wagons proposed by industry experts.

The Railway Wagon Design Policy had less scope for innovation because the wagon design was only done by the Research Designs and Standards Organisation (RDSO). Moreover, there were restrictions on components like Coupler, Bogie, and Air Brake System and only the designs approved by the Indian Railway Standard (IRS) could be used. 

The minister said that “Now, industries can do their own design for Wagon. For example, if the stream industry or milk  industry want to make a special wagon, this will now be possible.”

Five Stages for Introduction of New Design

He announced five stages for the introduction of new design:

  1. Conceptualization and Submission of new design to RDSO
  2. In-Principle approval by RDSO
  3. Detailed Designing of the proposed NWD and parallel manufacturing of prototype wagon
  4. Static and Dynamic Testing of prototype wagon, followed by rakes testing by RDSO
  5. Inspection by CCRS and first sanction of the Railway Board for introduction.

“The new wagon designs will be tested for 6 months along a distance of 50,000 kilometers.” said the minister. He informed that the evaluation will be based on Schedule of Design (SOD) and afterwards trials and safety certification will be conducted. Finally, this new wagon design could be introduced after this.

Also Read: Ashwini Vaishnaw announces major construction reforms, launches Rail Bhoomi Portal 

Ashwini Vaishnaw announces major construction reforms, launches Rail Bhoomi Portal 

Narendra Shah & Editorial Team
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Ashwini Vaishnaw announces major construction reforms, launches Rail Bhoomi Portal 

DELHI (Metro Rail News): Today (14 July), Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw announced a series of construction reforms to help Indian Railways complete infrastructure projects faster and better. During his live session, he also launched the new Rail Bhoomi portal to make land acquisition digital and easier to manage. The Railway Ministry has also introduced a digital system to replace the manual process used for land acquisition.

New rules for construction contracts

The Railway Ministry has changed several contract conditions to make project execution more efficient. Under the new system – 

  • Contractors will provide 10% performance security at the beginning of the contract.
  • Indian Railways will not deduct money from running bills after that.
  • Contractors must meet stricter eligibility conditions, with pending litigation limited to 50% of their net worth.
  • Every contractor must have a Contractor’s All Risk Insurance Policy and a Professional Indemnity Insurance Policy.
  • Indian Railways will hand over land in planned phases so construction can move forward without unnecessary interruptions.

Rail Bhoomi Portal

During this live session, Ashwini Vaishnaw also announces the launch of Rail Bhoomi Portal. It is a web-based platform developed by the Centre for Railway Information Systems (CRIS). Until now, Indian Railways handled land acquisition through manual, paper-based processes. But now, this Rail Bhoomi portal will bring the entire process online. The portal connects with railway systems such as IRPSM, IPAS and HRMS, allowing departments to share information more easily. It will also help officials monitor progress of land acquisition, pending cases, compensation status, government notifications and statutory timelines. The portal includes dashboards and MIS reports that will help authorities track projects and speed up decision-making.

Also Read: Railway Minister announced unified licensing for the container sector

Railway Minister announced unified licensing for the container sector

Narendra Shah & Editorial Team
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Railway Minister announced unified licensing for the container sector

DELHI(Metro Rail News): Union Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw made several announcements about the railway sector today (July 14). Speaking about the Reform in the Container Sector, he said that the Container Train Operator (CTO) licence categories will be unified into one group.

Previously, the CTO licensing was executed in four categories (I,II,III,IV). There was also a non-refundable registration fee of ₹50 Crore for Category I and ₹10 Crore for each other category. Validity of permission was 20 years from the date of operation. A renewable fee of ₹25 Crore for Category I and ₹5 Crore for the rest of the categories was implied beyond 20 years.

Unified Licencing to encourage agencies

The minister announced a single Unified all India Container Train Operator (CTO) License to run container trains on all routes of Indian Railway. Further, a uniform non-refundable registration fee of ₹25 Crore will be implied for all routes. The renewable fee for extension after 20 years is also eliminated. 

Benefits of the Reform

The reform will foster ease of doing business by eliminating the complicated licensing system. It is projected to increase investment in the sector. Moreover, the reform will strengthen the freight network across the country by encouraging more agencies to join the sector. Furthermore, this will increase the container freight.

Ashwini Vaishnaw commends  ‘Made in India’ railway products for leading global exports

Narendra Shah & Editorial Team
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Ashwini Vaishnaw commends  ‘Made in India’ railway products for leading global exports

DELHI (Metro Rail News): The journey which began with the “Made in India” initiative has now transformed to “Make for World”. The prime example of this is India’s railway ecosystem which was earlier dependent heavily on other countries for railway technology and components has now entered the overseas market as an exporter of the same.

Ashwini Vaishnaw, the Union Minister for Railways, said that India is becoming a major manufacturer and exporter of railway products. Vaishnaw made this remark on Sunday (July 11), during his visit to Medha Bogies Factory in Hyderabad with Union Minister for Coals and Mines G. Kishan Reddy.

He said that India is manufacturing many of the railway products domestically. Above all, the complicated electronic and propulsion system, which are the most important equipment of any railway system, are now designed indigenously in India. These are then exported to countries such as France, Germany, Switzerland, Italy, Poland, the United States and now even Japan.

The minister called it a great achievement for the country and praised the quality of the components for being world-class. Further, he noted that it is the only way to establish our country in the global market. 

Speaking about the working of the industry, he said that we are working by making sure that the focus is on design and quality, and the alignment of the supply chain should be according to the quality goals. He referred to the world-class quality of the domestic products, emphasising that we can orient our high quality produce towards the developed country’s markets.

In recent years, the Indian manufacturing industry has done commendable work. They are working on various projects related to railway technology and making indigenous manufacturing units. They are exploring areas such as high speed rail and even hyperloop projects, giving way to faster and advanced mobility.

Also Read: Siemens Awarded ₹263 Cr Electrification Contract  for Rishikesh-Karnaprayag Rail Line 

Siemens Awarded ₹263 Cr Electrification Contract  for Rishikesh-Karnaprayag Rail Line 

Narendra Shah & Editorial Team
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Siemens Awarded ₹263 Cr Electrification Contract  for Rishikesh-Karnaprayag Rail Line 

UTTARAKHAND (Metro Rail News): Rail Vikas Nigam Limited (RVNL), under the Ministry of Railways has awarded ₹263 crore contract to Siemens for the overhead rail electrification work of the 102 km Rishikesh-Karnaprayag rail line in Uttarakhand. This was announced on Monday, 13 July 2026 via an official press release by Siemens. The Rishikesh-Karnaprayag line is a new broad-gauge railway totaling 125 km, with extensive tunneling (over 100 km of tunnels) through the Himalayas. It is expected to significantly reduce travel time and improve access to Uttarakhand’s religious and tourist destinations.

The scope of work includes supply and installation of Rigid Overhead Catenary Systems (ROCS) and Flexible Overhead Catenary Systems (FOCS) across tunnels, bridges, yards, and open routes. Also includes powering a corridor with 90% tunnels and one nearly 10 km long. The purpose of the electrification is part of the Char Dham Railway Project to provide all-weather connectivity to major pilgrimage sites (Kedarnath, Badrinath, etc.) and boost tourism and economic development in the region.

Mr Rajeev Joisar, CEO – Mobility Business, Siemens Limited, expressed their happiness to partner with RVNL for this prestigious project, which is a significant step towards enhancing sustainable and reliable connectivity in one of the most challenging terrains in India. He further stated that this order further reinforces Siemens’ leadership in advanced rail electrification technologies.

Also Read: Karnataka’s CM outlines 500-km Bengaluru Metro expansion plan 

Karnataka’s CM outlines 500-km Bengaluru Metro expansion plan 

Narendra Shah & Editorial Team
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Karnataka’s CM outlines 500-km Bengaluru Metro expansion plan 

BENGALURU (Metro Rail News): A massive 500-kilometer expansion of Bengaluru Metro is set to anchor the Karnataka government’s newly announced ₹1.5 lakh crore mega-budget for Bengaluru’s urban development. Unveiled at the ‘KATALYST CONNECT’ summit on July 8, 2026, this massive transit push aims to support the state’s aggressive goal of drawing 500 new Global Capability Centres (GCCs), creating 3.5 lakh high-quality jobs by 2029. While the mega budget also funds the Bengaluru Business Corridor, new tunnels, and relaxed vertical building limits (FAR), the expanded metro network takes center stage to guarantee seamless urban mobility for the state’s rapidly growing tech workforce. 

Bengaluru Metro: The 500-KM Roadmap to Power Karnataka’s Tech Future 

The Karnataka government has positioned the expansion of ‘Namma Metro’ as one of the core pillars of its urban growth strategy. Framed alongside the state’s “Beyond Bengaluru” initiative, these transit projects aim to handle heavy city traffic while building the necessary infrastructure to support massive investments from Global Capability Centres (GCCs). 

The Immediate Target: 175 KM by December 2027 

Chief Minister Shri DK Shivakumar announced that the state is aggressively pushing to double its currently operational 96 km network. The target is to have 175 kilometers of active metro lines fully operational by December 2027. 

Looking further ahead, the government has conceptualized a massive 500-kilometer long-term expansion plan consisting of new elevated routes and interconnected underground tunnel corridors. This mega transit footprint is backed by a comprehensive ₹1.5 lakh crore city infrastructure budget designed to tackle urban congestion. 

Ongoing Expansions & High-Priority Lines 

Work is progressing rapidly on Phase 2 corridors to connect major business and IT hubs.

The Pink Line (Kalena Agrahara to Nagawara): The elevated portion of this crucial line is scheduled to open first by August 2026, with the entire corridor—including its complex underground sections—targeted for a full launch by March 2027. 

The Blue Line (ORR & Airport Extension): Construction is moving forward along the Outer Ring Road (ORR) segments, heading toward a dedicated direct connection to Kempegowda International Airport, which is scheduled to scale up operations through mid-to-late 2027.This is a Rs.15000 Crore project covering 58 kms.

Phase 3: India’s Longest Double-Decker Corridor 

Approved by the Union Cabinet, Phase 3 focuses entirely on fixing traffic bottlenecks across Western Bengaluru. This section will feature India’s longest double-decker metro corridor, stacking elevated metro tracks directly above multi-lane vehicular flyovers to optimize limited road space. 

‘‘Our Government is committed to creating an ecosystem where innovation thrives, businesses invest with confidence, and every young Kannadiga has access to world-class opportunities. Together, we will shape the future of AI, technology, and high-value employment from Karnataka to the world’’ Stated Shri DK Shivakumar, Chief Minister of Karnataka.

Also Read: Kolkata Metro Green Line to move driverless: CRS performs safety checks

Kolkata Metro Green Line to move driverless: CRS performs safety checks

Narendra Shah & Editorial Team
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Kolkata Metro Green Line to move driverless: CRS performs safety checks

KOLKATA (Metro Rail News): Taking a significant step towards introducing driverless operations, the Commissioner of Railway Safety (CRS), Northeast Frontier Circle Sumeet Singhal conducted an inspection on the East–West corridor (Green Line) from the Howrah Maidan station terminal to Salt Lake Sector V, which includes India’s first underground metro tunnel spanning 520 metres under the river, allowing the trains to cross the river in 45 seconds. 

The CRS wanted to ensure that all necessary arrangements were taken care of to handle any emergency occurrences during the driverless operations under the river. The services on this route began at 4:30 pm on 12th July, instead of 9 am for the inspections. 

CRS Inspector Sumeet Singhal also visited the Central Park maintenance-cum depot to inspect the OCC, which serves as the brain of Communications-Based Train Control (CBTC). The train halted at all 6 elevated and 6 underground green line stations. The train was frequently stopped between stations to check how the system would act in emergency situations. 

Following the inspection, once the official permissions from CRS are granted, the Kolkata Metro Rail Corporation can begin driverless passenger operations on the 16.6 km corridor. 

Also Read: Delhi Metro to build Residential Buildings above stations for housing and revenue

Delhi Metro to build Residential Buildings above stations for housing and revenue

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Delhi Metro to build Residential Buildings above stations for housing and revenue

NEW DELHI (Metro Rail News): In an announcement on Sunday (July 12), the Union Minister of Housing and Urban Affairs, ML Khattar proposed that air spaces above Delhi Metro should be utilized for residential buildings. The announcement was made during the minister’s speech at the Central Public Works Department (CPWD)’s 172nd foundation day. 

The minister said that “The use of air spaces for housing purposes is a new thing that many countries are implementing”. He referred to a hotel in Gandhinagar which is developed above a metro station as an example for the proposal. He said that a similar project is being thought about for Delhi.

Khattar further said that he has sought Delhi Development Authority (DDA) to find ways to implement the project. Moreover, he also encouraged CPWD to work on the project and find ways to utilize linear projects for air spaces.

The Benefits of the Proposal

The minister said that if we use the air spaces by developing pillars on the sides, then the project could be implemented at a low cost. He said that people will get affordable housing and the metro will also be benefited with this proposal. 

It can become a major source of non-fare revenue for the metro system. The step can boost the revenue of Delhi Metro and bring the possibilities of attaining financial sustainability through the proposed property model. The project can also be impactful in the housing and congestion issues in the region. A global counterpart of Delhi Metro, the Hong Kong Metro system has shown remarkable growth through its property model.

Hong Kong MTR’s “Rail+Property” model

The Hong Kong Mass Transit Railway (MTR)’s “Rail+Property” model is well-known for its financial sustainability. The metro stays in profit and a major reason behind that is the proportion of revenue it generates from real estate. MTR manages several properties above their metro stations and depots. 

Also Read: Adarsh Nagar Railway Station approved as new stop for Kalka and Himachal Express Trains 

Adarsh Nagar Railway Station approved as new stop for Kalka and Himachal Express Trains 

Narendra Shah & Editorial Team
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Adarsh Nagar Railway Station approved as new stop for Kalka and Himachal Express Trains 

DELHI (Metro Rail News): In a major relief for rail passengers in North and West Delhi, the Ministry of Railways has approved stoppages for the Delhi–Kalka Express (Train No. 14331) and the Delhi–Daulatpur Chowk Himachal Express (Train No. 14053) at the Adarsh Nagar railway station. The Delhi Chief Minister’s Office (CMO) issued the official public announcement on Sunday 12 July 2026 through their official social media and statements.

This initiative will provide easier and faster connectivity to major tourist and religious sites across Himachal Pradesh, Chandigarh, Kurukshetra, Fatehgarh Sahib, and Anandpur Sahib. 

The new stoppages were approved following a formal request from Delhi Chief Minister Smt. Rekha Gupta to Union Railway Minister Shri Ashwini Vaishnaw. 

Smt. Rekha Gupta stated that the Delhi government is prioritizing citizens’ daily needs with this new halt, which will save time for residents of North and West Delhi by eliminating the need to travel to the New Delhi or Old Delhi railway stations. She further expressed her gratitude to Union Railway Minister Shri Ashwini Vaishnaw and PM Shri Narendra Modi for their efforts in making this public welfare decision.

Also Read: MahaRail unveiled 9 key infrastructure projects in Maharashtra

MahaRail unveiled 9 key infrastructure projects in Maharashtra

Narendra Shah & Editorial Team
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MahaRail unveiled 9 key infrastructure projects in Maharashtra

MAHARASHTRA (Metro Rail News): MahaRail (Maharashtra Rail Infrastructure Development Corporation Limited) officially unveiled 9 key infrastructure projects across six districts of Maharashtra on Sunday, July 12, 2026. These projects represented a combined investment of approximately ₹484 crore.

The inaugural ceremony was planned and executed as a dual-format event, combining physical attendance with a state-wide virtual broadcast at the newly constructed Deepti Signal Road Over Bridge (ROB) in Nagpur. The Chief Guest of the ceremony was Nitin Gadkari (Union Minister for Road Transport and Highways), while the Presiding Guest was Devendra Fadnavis (Chief Minister of Maharashtra).

The projects included the Deepti Signal ROB-the main 1,320-meter flagship bridge built at Railway Crossing No. 73 in Nagpur-and eight other projects located across the Satara, Nashik, Sangli, Amravati, and Chandrapur districts of Maharashtra.

The Indian Railways played a core role in these projects, acting as both a structural partner and an operational regulator. Because the infrastructure involved crossing active train tracks, the entire initiative was built on a foundation of federal cooperation.

In total, the infrastructure consisted of four road over bridges (ROBs), four subways, and one road under bridge (RUB), combining for a total cost of around ₹484 crore. Out of these nine projects, seven were unveiled under a 50:50 co-financial agreement between the Ministry of Railways and the Government of Maharashtra.

These projects were expected to result in much safer, faster, and more efficient transportation across the state.

Also Read: Building the Pillars of Viksit Bharat: Alstom’s Role in Strengthening Urban Rail Mobility and Socio-Economic Development in India

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