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Greater Noida West Metro Project May Get Cabinet Nod This Month 

GREATER NOIDA (Metro Rail News): The long-awaited Greater Noida West Metro corridor could receive Union Cabinet approval this month. It will bring the project closer to construction. The proposed 8.4 km line is expected to improve connectivity for nearly five lakh residents who currently depend heavily on road transport.

According to Noida CEO Krishna Karunesh, the Detailed Project Report (DPR) has reached the Prime Minister’s Office and the project has also received all the required no-objection certificates.  Once the Union Cabinet approves the project, authorities can begin the tendering process to select an agency for construction.

8.4 km elevated metro corridor with 5 stations

The Public Investment Board (PIB) cleared the revised project proposal in July. The Metro corridor will run from Noida Sector 51 to Greater Noida West Sector 4. It will cover around 8.4 km and include five stations. The project carries an estimated cost of nearly ₹2,000 crore and authorities expect construction to take around four years after work begins.

Proposed metro stations

The corridor will serve:

  • Sector 61
  • Sector 70
  • Sector 122
  • Sector 123
  • Greater Noida Sector 4 near Gaur Chowk

The line is expected to provide an important public transport connection for residents of Greater Noida West, particularly those travelling towards Noida.

Why the project matters for Greater Noida West

Greater Noida West has witnessed rapid residential development, but public transport connectivity has not kept pace with population growth. Many residents currently depend on private vehicles, buses and other road-based transport. Daily traffic congestion, particularly around Gaur Chowk, remains a major concern. The proposed Metro line could offer an alternative for commuters travelling between Greater Noida West and Noida’s existing Metro network.

The current 8.4 km proposal is significantly shorter than the original plan. Authorities initially proposed an 18 km Metro corridor connecting Delhi Metro’s Sector 61 station on the Blue Line with Knowledge Park V in Greater Noida. The Uttar Pradesh government approved the original alignment in 2024. However, the Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs did not clear the proposal immediately. The ministry sought clarity on the proposed 72 km Ghaziabad-Jewar rapid rail corridor, which was planned to pass through Greater Noida West. NMRC later revised the DPR, leading to the shorter 8.4 km proposal that received PIB clearance in July.

Other Noida Metro projects also move ahead

The Centre has recently cleared two other projects proposed by the Noida Metro Rail Corporation:

  • Aqua Line extension from Sector 142 to Botanical Garden
  • Depot-Boraki Metro corridor

Larsen & Toubro has received the work contracts for both projects. The existing Aqua Line currently connects Noida Sector 51 with Depot station in Greater Noida. According to July 2026 data, the corridor recorded an average daily ridership of around 61,811 passengers.

Also Read: Pune Metro: Geotechnical Work Sets Ramwadi – Wagholi Stretch in Motion, Traffic Jam Remains Primary Concern of Road Commuters

RVNL Emerges L1 for ₹404.88 Cr East Coast Railway Third-Line Project

ODISHA (Metro Rail News): Rail Vikas Nigam Limited (RVNL) has emerged as the lowest bidder (L1) for a ₹404.88 crore contract from East Coast Railway for railway infrastructure works between Khurda Road and Gangadharpur in Odisha.

The package forms part of the larger capacity expansion programme, which involves the construction of a third railway line on the Bhadrak-Vizianagaram section.

Contract details 

InformationDetails 
Awarding Authority East Coast Railway
Tender NumberEPC-CECONIIBBS2025048
ContractorRail Vikas Nigam Limited (RVNL)
StatusLowest Bidder (L1)
Contract Value₹404.88 crore
Execution Period30 months

Scope of work

The contract  covers a wide range of civil, track and railway infrastructure works. RVNL‘s scope includes the execution of Roadbed, Minor Bridges, Major Bridges RUBs/LHS, Building Works, Supply of Ballast, P. Way Linking and Other Allied Works including Utility Shifting of S&T and Electrification Works such as General Service Works including Power Supply Arrangements, Shifting and Modification of HT and LT Lines Between Khurda Road – Gangadharpur in connection with Execution of work of 3rd Line between Nergundi-Barang (22 km) and Khurda Road-Vizianagaram (363 km) on Bhadrak-Vizianagaram Section (385 km). 

About East Coast Railway Third-Line Project

The project forms part of the larger third-line development programme. It will cover the Nergundi-Barang section (22 km) and the Khurda Road-Vizianagaram section (363 km).

Together, these works are associated with the 385-km Bhadrak-Vizianagaram railway section, a major route on India’s east coast rail network. The addition of a third line aims to increase route capacity and provide greater operational flexibility for passenger and freight train movement.

Also Read: Indian Railways Targets 110 km/h Speed for Hydrogen Train

Alstom’s leading metro, signalling and maintenance solutions power Indore’s extended network 

DELHI (Metro Rail News):  Alstom, a global leader in smart and sustainable mobility, today celebrates the commencement of revenue operations for the next phase of the Indore Metro Yellow Line. Alstom’s contract with Madhya Pradesh Metro Rail Corporation Limited (MPMRCL) encompasses the delivery of 52 Movia metro trainsets along with 15 years of comprehensive maintenance services, including 7 years maintenance of the signalling train control, and telecommunication systems ). Alstom is the only multinational sustainable mobility provider in India to have a comprehensive portfolio of offerings to meet customer needs and continues to be a strategic partner in supporting India’s rail revolution.

Olivier Loison, Managing Director – Alstom India said: “This major milestone expands the reach of the Indore’s metro network, following the successful launch of the super priority corridor with Alstom’s solutions. We are proud to partner with Madhya Pradesh Metro Rail Corporation Ltd. in this project delivering the trains, advanced signalling systems and maintenance, from India. This marks our commitment to providing sustainable, efficient, and smarter transit systems to the people of Indore.”

In alignment with the Government of India’s ‘Make in India’ and ‘Atmanirbhar Bharat’ initiatives, Alstom’s solutions for Indore are fully developed, manufactured and delivered in India. With six industrial sites and five major engineering centres, Alstom has all capabilities necessary to cater to domestic as well as international project needs. Alstom also remains deeply committed to strengthening its local sourcing and supply chain ecosystem.

Leading Alstom solutions transforming urban mobility in Indore

The Indore Metro Yellow Line spans 31.5 kms in total, with a 16-station mainline covering 16.72 km currently under operation.  The Yellow Line deploys 10 Alstom-equipped trainsets, operates at Grade of Automation 1 (GoA1) with Automatic Train Protection (ATP) on the mainline, and is supported by the Gandhinagar Depot and Test Track. With 23 out of 25 trainsets already delivered to Indore, Alstom continues to execute on its delivery commitments, reinforcing its deep partnership in transforming the mass transit landscape of Madhya Pradesh.

Indore’s metro trainsets are designed and manufactured at Alstom’s rolling stock manufacturing facility in Savli, Gujarat. Engineered for safety, sustainability, and passenger comfort, the trains operate at a top speed of 80 km/h. Each 3-car configuration accommodates 144 seated and 981 standing passengers, maximizing space and accessibility featuring dedicated areas for passengers with reduced mobility. 

The metro trainsets are powered by energy-efficient traction systems equipped with regenerative braking, significantly reducing energy consumption, while ambient lighting and smart light solutions further optimise energy use. 

The Train Control and Management System (TCMS) is integrated with an automatic track inspection system, guaranteeing reliable and high-speed data transmission. Security is bolstered by continuous CCTV surveillance, intelligent features such as unattended object identification and empty train detection, and direct communication channels with the train operator and the control centre.

To manage passenger demand, maximize throughput, and optimize operational efficiency, Alstom has equipped the Indore Metro with Urbalis Forward, its next-generation CBTC signalling system. Installed on 190 metro lines in 32 countries, this system ensures safe, fluid, and high-frequency train operations with minimized wait times, paving the way for future capacity growth. 

As the market leader in rail maintenance service and life cycle management, maintaining over 36,000 vehicles around the world, Alstom will keep the system running at peak performance over the 15-year maintenance agreement, supported by its FlexCare Perform solutions, playing a crucial role in ensuring high availability and stable train operations.  

Alstom in India

Alstom is the only multinational sustainable mobility provider in India, to have a comprehensive portfolio of offerings to meet customer specific needs and continues to be a strategic partner in supporting India’s rail revolution. With six industrial sites and five major engineering centres, the company caters to domestic as well as international project needs with its world class rolling stock, components, signalling and services solutions. Fully aligned with the country’s vision of Make-in-India and Atmanirbhar Bharat, Alstom remains deeply committed to strengthening its local sourcing and supply chain ecosystem.

About Alstom

Alstom is the pure rail leader, committed to making rail the backbone of sustainable transportation. We design and deliver a complete range of future-ready solutions – from high-speed and regional trains to metros, monorails, trams, turnkey systems, end-to-end services, infrastructure, signalling and digital rail solutions. With 87,800 people in 61 countries, Alstom brings together global expertise and multi-local presence to make every journey smarter, cleaner and more enjoyable. Together with our partners and customers, we realise the power of rail. Listed in France, Alstom generated revenues of €19.2 billion for the fiscal year ending 31 March 2026

Source: Alstom Press Release

Also Read: Manohar Lal Khattar & CM Mohan Yadav Inaugurates Extended Indore Metro Corridor 

India Could Surpass US in Metro Network Length Within 2 Years: Manohar Lal Khattar

NEW DELHI (Metro Rail News): India’s Metro rail network has reached around 1,170 km across 26 cities and could surpass the United States within the next two years, Union Housing and Urban Affairs Minister Manohar Lal said on Saturday. The minister said India now stands just 216 km behind the US, which has a Metro rail network of around 1,386 km. China remains far ahead with an urban rail network of nearly 8,000 km.

Manohar Lal made the remarks after inaugurating the extended Indore Metro corridor along with Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Mohan Yadav.

India targets second position in global metro ranking 

The Union minister said India’s rapid expansion in Metro infrastructure could push the country ahead of the US in terms of operational Metro network length within two years. He said Metro services in India have expanded significantly over the last decade.In 2014, Metro services operated on around 245 km across five cities. The network has now grown to approximately 1,170 km across 26 cities.

India’s Metro network growth

  • 2014: 245 km across 5 cities
  • 2026: Around 1,170 km across 26 cities
  • US Metro network: Around 1,386 km
  • Gap with the US: Around 216 km
  • China’s Metro network: Around 8,000 km

The minister said India could become the world’s second-largest country by Metro network length after China if the current pace of expansion continues.

Indore Metro expansion 

The remarks came during the inauguration of the extended Indore Metro service. It is built at an estimated cost of ₹2,850 crore. Indore Metro earlier operated on a roughly 6-km priority section between Gandhi Nagar and Super Corridor 3. Passenger operations have now expanded to a 17-km corridor between Gandhi Nagar and Malviya Nagar Chauraha. The extended service covers 16 stations and connects several residential and commercial areas. Metro trains will run every 15 minutes, with more than 80 trips scheduled daily. Services will operate from 9 am to 7 pm, with the first trains departing from both ends at 9 am.

Metro expansion linked to ease of living

Manohar Lal Khattar also mentioned that Metro projects should not be viewed only as transport infrastructure. He said wider public transport networks can improve daily mobility and support the broader goal of improving urban quality of life. The government has continued to expand Metro systems into new cities while extending existing networks in major urban centres.

Meanwhile, Chief Minister Mohan Yadav said the Indore Metro could eventually extend towards Ujjain and other nearby areas as the region’s transport infrastructure develops. He also highlighted the proposed ₹18,500 crore Indore-Manmad railway line, which is expected to strengthen rail connectivity between Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra and Gujarat.

Also Read: Manohar Lal Khattar & CM Mohan Yadav Inaugurates Extended Indore Metro Corridor 

Pune Metro: Geotechnical Work Sets Ramwadi – Wagholi Stretch in Motion, Traffic Jam Remains Primary Concern of Road Commuters

PUNE(Metro Rail News): The Pune Metro’s Ramwadi – Wagholi stretch is moving from papers to reality with the beginning of preparatory work for geotechnical investigation along the existing Nagar Road. Maha Metro has begun barricading on Nagar Road where the stations will come up. However, this initiative has sparked concern among the road commuters for the consequential congestion that will occur due to construction activities. The commuters have urged that a relevant traffic plan be drawn so the peak-hour hassles can be avoided. 

Double Decker Structure of Ramwadi – Wagholi Stretch: Metro Viaduct to Run Above 6 Lane Road

The 4.7km corridor will be constructed on the existing Nagar Road. What stands out in this project are the physical features. The corridor’s structure will be double-decker in nature, in which the metro viaduct will be constructed on top, while the 6-lane elevated road will come up just beneath the metro corridor. In the first phase, Maha Metro will initiate the work from Ramwadi to Tuljabhavani Chowk, in which the construction of 4 stations is envisaged, including: Viman Nagar, Somnathnagar, Kharadi Bypass, and Tuljabhavani Chowk.

The metro corridor will resolve the traffic congestion in the area, but until the project is completed, the authorities are required to create a full-fledged traffic management plan to avoid inconvenience to road commuters. Mostly, traffic jams occur when one lane is blocked by construction activities, and commuters drive on the wrong side of the road, which also increases the risk of accidents.

Traffic Jams Due to Metro Construction: A Persistent Challenge in India

If seen through a wider lens, wherever metro construction takes place, a reduction in road space is inevitable. This issue has persisted across metro projects in India and continues to create significant challenges for road users. There remains a considerable gap in coordination among traffic regulating authorities, metro corporations and the respective contractors involved in construction activities. This gap requires serious attention and can only be addressed through close coordination among all concerned organisations.

Before construction activities commence, it is imperative to prepare and implement a comprehensive Traffic Management Plan (TMP) identifying potential risks, diversion routes, pedestrian movement, emergency access and other traffic-related concerns. Such planning is necessary to minimise the risk of accidents and severe traffic congestion during construction. In the absence of a clear and effectively implemented plan, commuters are often pushed to face prolonged traffic congestion, unsafe road conditions and difficulties in accessing adjoining roads and public facilities.

Indian Railways Targets 110 km/h Speed for Hydrogen Train

NEW DELHI (Metro Rail News): Railway Board Chairman and CEO Satish Kumar said on September 6, 2026, that Indian Railways is working on its ambitious plan to operate India’s first hydrogen-powered train at a speed of 110 km/h after completing trial runs at speeds of up to 120 km/h. 

As of now, the authorities have capped the train’s operational speed at 75 km/h. However, the hydrogen train touched the speed of 120 km/h during trials. So efforts are being made to operate at a speed of 110 km/h. The proposed 110 km/h operational speed would allow the hydrogen train to run faster than its current 75 km/h operational limit while still maintaining a margin below its 120 km/h tested speed. 

Consultations are underway with stakeholders to identify suitable routes. Technical requirements and hydrogen fuel-supply arrangements are also being examined. The railway is also assessing various routes where hydrogen trains could be operational.

Unlike conventional electric trains that receive electricity through overhead wires, a hydrogen fuel-cell train generates electricity onboard through a chemical reaction between hydrogen and oxygen. Its stated by-products are water vapour and heat, with no combustion, smoke or tailpipe carbon emissions.

Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi flagged off India’s first hydrogen-powered train on July 17, 2026. The train currently operates on the 89 km Jind-Sonipat route in Haryana.

Read more: TÜV SÜD & MEDHA collaborate with Indian Railways for Hydrogen Train

IRCON Invites Bids for Slope Protection Works on Sivok-Rangpo Rail Project

SIKKIM (Metro Rail News): IRCON International Ltd has invited bids for carrying out slope protection and associated works at Melli Yard in connection with the construction of the Sivok-Rangpo new broad-gauge railway line project. The estimated cost of the work is ₹483.57 crore, inclusive of Goods and Services Tax (GST). The tender has been invited on behalf of Northeast Frontier Railway (NFR).

According to the e-procurement notice dated 2 September 2026, the scope covers slope protection works from Km 27+410 to Km 27+540 at Melli Yard, along with associated works including construction of an approach road, box culvert and other related infrastructure. The stipulated completion period is 12 months.

Tender details

ParticularDetails
ProjectSivok-Rangpo new BG Railway Line Project
Estimated cost₹483.57 crore, including GST
Completion period12 months
EMD₹9.67 crore
Bid submission starts17 September 2026, 09:00 hrs
Bid submission ends24 September 2026, 15:00 hrs
Bid opening25 September 2026, 15:00 hrs
Defect liability period12 months

Scope of Work: IRCON has specified a performance security of 5% of the contract value. The successful bidder will be required to submit the performance security within 21 days from the issue of the Letter of Acceptance (LOA), while the agreement is required to be signed within 28 days of the LOA. The defect liability period has been specified as 12 months.

IRCON has specified a performance security of 5% of the contract value. The successful bidder will be required to submit the performance security within 21 days from the issue of the Letter of Acceptance (LOA), while the agreement is required to be signed within 28 days of the LOA. The defect liability period has been specified as 12 months.

The Sivok-Rangpo Railway Project is a landmark 44.96-kilometer broad-gauge rail link connecting Sivok in West Bengal to Rangpo in Sikkim.

Manohar Lal Khattar & CM Mohan Yadav Inaugurates Extended Indore Metro Corridor 

INDORE (Metro Rail News): Union Minister for Housing and Urban Affairs and Power Manohar Lal Khattar inaugurated the extended Indore Metro service at the Brilliant Convention Centre in Indore Today (5 September). Chief Minister Mohan Yadav also attended the event. The Indore Metro network will now expand from about 6.3 km to 17.5 km with the opening of the Gandhi Nagar-Malviya Nagar Chowraha corridor. The extension will bring Metro services closer to key residential and commercial areas across the city.

Regular passenger services on the extended corridor will begin from September 6, connecting Gandhi Nagar with Malviya Nagar Chowraha, also known as Radisson Hotel Chowraha. The expanded corridor will cover 16 stations. Metro trains will operate at a 15-minute frequency, with more than 80 trips scheduled each day.

Indore Metro service timings

The service will operate between 9 am and 7 pm.

First train9 am from both terminal stations
Last train7 pm from both ends
Frequency15 minutes
Daily tripsMore than 80
Stations on extended corridor16

Passengers will also have access to digital ticketing facilities. Promotional discounts are planned as part of the initial service rollout.

From 6.3 km to 17.5 km operational network

Indore Metro initially started passenger operations on a 6.3-km section between Gandhi Nagar and Super Corridor-3. The latest extension significantly increases the operational length to around 17.5 km. It will improve metro access to a wider part of the city and connect areas beyond the initial Super Corridor section. The extension follows the completion of testing and statutory approvals for the Gandhi Nagar-Radisson stretch.

Indore Metro project timeline

The project has taken several years to move from construction to regular passenger operations.

  • 14 September, 2019: Foundation stone laid for the initial Indore Metro corridor.
  • September 2023: First trial run conducted on the Super Priority Corridor.
  • 31 May, 2025: Passenger services started on the 6.3-km Gandhi Nagar-Super Corridor-3 section.
  • October 2025: Trial run conducted on the extended Gandhi Nagar-Radisson section.
  • 27 March, 2026: The corridor received approval from the Commissioner of Metro Railway Safety (CMRS).
  • 6 September, 2026: Regular passenger services scheduled to begin on the extended corridor.

What the extension means for Indore

The opening marks the next operational phase of Indore Metro after the launch of its initial short stretch in 2025. The longer corridor should make the system more useful for daily travel, while future extensions will determine how effectively the metro integrates with the city’s wider transport network.

Also Read: Indore Metro Launches First TBM ‘Narmada’ for Underground Construction

East Central Railway Floats ₹4,039 Crore EPC Tender for Koderma Detour Rail Link

NEW DELHI (Metro Rail News): East Central Railway has invited bids for an estimated ₹4,039.75 crore engineering, procurement and construction (EPC) contract for construction of a new double-line railway track in the Koderma Detour section under the Sonnagar-Andal 3rd and 4th line project.

The tender covers the section from Chainage 158.00 to Chainage 184.00 in the Koderma Detour section of Dhanbad Division. The scope includes construction of viaducts, road over rail/road under rail structures, major and minor bridges, animal underpasses, RUB/LHS, tunnels and cut-and-cover sections, along with earthwork, blanketing, buildings, retaining walls and other associated works.

Tender Details: 

Tender No: ECR-CAO-C-S-EPC-01-26-27
Cost of Work₹4,039.75
Pre-Bid Meeting29/09/2026
Period of Completion1600 Days

A major component of the contract relates to tunnelling works. The bill of quantities provides for underground excavation for the main tunnel, escape tunnels and cross passages, including excavation through different rock and soil conditions. The scope also includes rock bolts, self-drilling anchors, pipe roofing, forepoling, shotcrete, reinforced concrete lining, waterproofing and drainage works.

Also Read: East Central Railway Invites ₹575.14 Cr Tender for Bakhtiyarpur-Rajgir-Tilaiya Line Doubling

East Central Railway Invites ₹575.14 Cr Tender for Bakhtiyarpur-Rajgir-Tilaiya Line Doubling

BIHAR (Metro Rail News): East Central Railway has invited bids for a ₹575.14 crore railway doubling package covering 26.292 km between Karnauti and Bihar Sharif in Bihar. The EPC contract forms part of the ongoing doubling of the Bakhtiyarpur-Rajgir-Tilaiya railway section. The selected contractor will execute civil, track, station and railway systems works.

Tender Details

InformationDetails
Tender Number ECR-CAO-C-SEPC-03-26-27
Estimated Cost₹575.14 crore
Earnest Money Deposit₹11.50 crore
Bid Submission Deadline30 December 2026, 3:30 PM
Completion Period810 days

Scope of Work

Engineering Procurement and Construction (EPC) for “Construction of doubling work including earthwork, blanketing, minor bridges, major bridges, LHS/RUBs, track works, platform work, station building, FOBs, other buildings, associated S&T and Electrical Utility Shifting works and associated miscellaneous works for 25T Indian Railway Standard Loading from KARNAUTI station(including-Ch. 2.844 KM) to BIHAR SHARIF station(excluding-Ch 29.350 KM), from Ch. 1.900 KM to 28.192 KM (Total- 26.292 km) in connection with the Doubling of the Bakhtiyarpur-Rajgir – Tilaiya section.” 

Part of Bakhtiyarpur-Rajgir-Tilaiya railway doubling

The proposed package is part of the larger railway capacity expansion programme on the Bakhtiyarpur-Rajgir-Tilaiya section. The addition of a second line is aimed at increasing route capacity and supporting smoother train operations on the corridor. The project will involve significant civil and railway infrastructure works, including bridges, station facilities and track construction across the 26.29-km section. Once completed, the additional line is expected to improve operational flexibility and increase capacity on the section.

Also Read: Indian Railways Plans Four-Lanes Across 7 High-Density Corridors