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Central Railway commissions indigenous KAVACH safety system along 149-KM route in Solapur division 

Narendra Shah & Editorial Team
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Central Railway commissions indigenous KAVACH safety system along 149-KM route in Solapur division 

SOLAPUR (Metro Rail News): The Solapur division of Central Railway has commissioned the indigenous standard KAVACH system for the first time. It has been deployed across the 149.476-kilometre Solapur–Wadi section. Kavach is India’s indigenous Automatic Train Protection (ATP) system that prevents collisions and controls overspeeding through real-time monitoring, enabling faster train operations.

KAVACH uses RFID-based track identification and continuous communication between locomotives and infrastructure.1,234 RFID tags were installed and programmed in Solapur across all route sections to enable precise train location tracking. KAVACH was commissioned at Solapur division on 9 July 2026 by the Signal & Telecommunication (S&T) team. This was the first standard Kavach commissioning in Solapur division.

How KAVACH works: Mechanics of India’s indigenous protection system 

KAVACH continuously tracks train movements using RFID tags on tracks, radio communication between locomotives, stations, and control centers, and by analysing real-time data on signals, speed, and track occupancy. Additionally, it reduces human error. Kavach also has an SOS system that allows immediate emergency communication in case of any danger. Further, it is indigenous and cost-effective too.

This will be a major boost to railway safety and operational excellence in Solapur division. This development highlights the Government of India’s vision for a safer, smarter, and self-reliant railway network under the Atmanirbhar Bharat initiative through modernisation and technological innovation.

Also Read: Delhi Metro’s Inderlok-Indraprastha Corridor enters construction phase

Delhi Metro’s Inderlok-Indraprastha Corridor enters construction phase

Narendra Shah & Editorial Team
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Delhi Metro’s Inderlok-Indraprastha Corridor enters construction phase

NEW DELHI (Metro Rail News): Delhi Metro began work on the Inderlok-Indraprastha corridor of the Magenta Line extension. The work commenced with the construction of the Diaphragm Wall at the Sarai Rohilla Metro Station site on Thursday (July 10). The Inderlok-Indraprastha corridor will be a 12.377 km long fully underground extension of the Magenta Line (Line 8).

The proposed Sarai Rohilla metro station is a major station located at the center of Delhi improving connectivity with education institutes, markets and other commercial places in the area. Mrs Rekha Gupta, Delhi’s Chief Minister was present at the Sarai Rohilla metro station for the commencement of the work. 

Mapping for Interconnectivity

The corridor will have 10 underground stations. These stations will foster interchange across seven other lines of the Delhi Metro. The following stations are planned in this corridor:

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  • Inderlok (providing interchange with Red Line and Green Line)
  • Daya Basti
  • Sarai Rohilla
  • Ajmal Khan Park
  • Jhandewalan Mandir
  • Nabi Karim (providing interchange with Magenta Line’s branch line)
  • New Delhi (providing interchange with Yellow Line and Orange Line)
  • Delhi Gate (providing interchange with Violet Line)
  • Delhi Sachivalya I.G. Stadium
  • Indraprastha (providing interchange with Blue Line)

Magenta Line to become Delhi Metro’s Longest Line

Magenta Line is projected to become the longest line in the Delhi Metro with a length of approximately 89 km after the implementation of the proposed extension. Moreover, it will feature 21 interchange stations, the highest number of interchange stations across the network. Currently, it is lagging behind the Pink Line (71.55 km) with 49.12 km length. The construction work on Magenta Line’s Central Vistas corridor and Janakpuri West-R.K Ashram Marg is in progress.

Also Read: Work began at the Saket G Block station, Golden Line expected to be open soon

Ghaziabad-Jewar RRTS Corridor moves into DPR stage

Narendra Shah & Editorial Team
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Ghaziabad-Jewar RRTS Corridor moves into DPR stage

NEW DELHI (Metro Rail News): Noida International Airport will soon be connected to Ghaziabad, as the Ghaziabad-Jewar RRTS corridor has entered the Detailed Project Report stage. With an operating speed of 180 kmph, this Namo Bharat corridor is expected to cut travel time from Ghaziabad to Jewar to approximately 40-50 minutes. NCRTC Managing Director Shalabh Goel confirmed that DPR’s are being prepared for the Ghaziabad-Jewar and Noida-Faridabad-Gurgaon corridors.

Proposed Ghaziabad-Jewar RRTS corridor stations: 

  • Ghaziabad
  • Ghaziabad South
  • Greater Noida West-Sector IV
  • Greater Noida West-Sector II
  • Knowledge Park V
  • Surajpur
  • Pari Chowk
  • Ecotech VI
  • Dankaur
  • YEIDA North-Sector 18
  • YEIDA Central-Sector 21 
  • Jewar Airport

The project is planned to meet rising passenger demands and improve connectivity between Delhi NCR cities and Noida airport, linking important residential areas and commercial hubs. This line will have 12 stations and two depots, one at the northern end and one at the southern end.

Shalabh Goel also mentioned that the government is expected to approve two major RRTS corridors soon, the Delhi–Panipat–Karnal and Delhi–SNB–Alwar RRTS Corridors. He added that preparatory work such as geotechnical studies, utility mapping, and shifting or modifying infrastructure like Extra High Tension (EHT) lines and water pipelines is already underway for these projects. These steps will be taken once all necessary approvals are obtained, preventing delays and allowing the projects to proceed smoothly. He also noted that other states are looking into planning their own RRTS corridors to keep up with rapid urban growth and rising transportation needs.

Also Read: Patna to get RRTS links in all four directions; NCRTC to prepare DPR

Union MoS (Railways) Ravneet Singh Inspects Jalandhar Cantt Station Prior to PM Modi’s Visit

Narendra Shah & Editorial Team
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Union MoS (Railways) Ravneet Singh Inspects Jalandhar Cantt Station Prior to PM Modi’s Visit

JALANDHAR (Metro Rail News): Union MoS for Railways & FPI  Shri Ravneet Singh Bittu visited the  Jalandhar cantt  Railway Station under the Ferozepur Division on Wednesday, July 8, 2026, to review preparations for Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s upcoming visit on July 17.

During his inspection, Minister Shri Bittu spoke extensively about the project’s significance and its upcoming inauguration. He expressed his gratitude to Prime Minister Modi and Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw for the modernization initiative, describing it as a landmark development for Punjab.

The revamped Jalandhar Cantt Railway station boasts an expansive steel-concourse of 8,720 sq.m.,topped with a 40-meter-wide roof that extends 200 meters across the platforms, offering travelers a spacious, weather protected experenience. Enhancing its splendor is a 36-meter-wide air concourse that spans 1,770 sq.m., effortlessly linking both sides of the city and enhancing accessibility for countless passengers each. In addition to officially dedicating the ₹125-crore Jalandhar Cantt station upgrade to the public, the Prime Minister is expected to use the venue to virtually inaugurate approximately 75 other completed Amrit Bharat Stations across the country.

Addressing the media after the review session, Minister Shri Bittu highlighted that the 110-year-old station has been transformed into a world-class facility under the Amrit Bharat Station Scheme. He emphasized that the revamped station stands as a major architectural landmark for Punjab, celebrating the region’s cultural ethos while providing highly efficient, congestion-free transit for the more than 7,500 passengers who use the facility daily.

According to reports from the Ministry of Railways, construction has entered its final phase. The inspection primarily focused on rectifying minor initial deficiencies and ensuring the highest standards of safety, security, and last-mile connectivity ahead of the Prime Minister’s high-profile visit.

Also Read: Patna to get RRTS links in all four directions; NCRTC to prepare DPR

Patna to get RRTS links in all four directions; NCRTC to prepare DPR

Narendra Shah & Editorial Team
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Patna to get RRTS links in all four directions; NCRTC to prepare DPR

PATNA (Metro Rail News): Patna, the capital of Bihar, will get a semi-high speed rail network or Regional Rapid Transit System (RRTS) connectivity with the neighbouring cities of Muzaffarpur, Begusarai, Arrah and Gaya. Bihar’s Chief Minister Samrat Choudhary approved ₹31.59 Crore for the Alternative Analysis Report (AAR) and Detailed Project Report (DPR) preparation of the State’s RRTS project in a meeting held on Wednesday (July 8). 

National Capital Region Transport Corporation (NCRTC) has been nominated for preparing the  DPR and the AAR for the construction of these RRTS corridors. It will assess the feasibility of the project and prepare a comprehensive report for future approvals.

The Chief Minister called this decision as “an important step towards the development of a fast, safe and modern public transport network, strengthening regional connectivity and boosting the urban development and economic growth in the state.”

The Namo Bharat Corridor in the Delhi NCR will serve as a model for this project. India’s first semi-high speed rail corridor with a speed up to 180 kmph, the Delhi-Meerut RRTS project has significantly reduced the travel time between these cities. This corridor is expected to reduce Delhi’s congestion and improve the regional connectivity between Delhi and its nearby cities.

Significance of the Route

Patna has emerged as Bihar’s most developed city in all the socio-economic aspects. In addition to serving as the administrative capital, it is also the busiest city in the state attracting people from nearby cities for work, education, industries and commercial activities.

The proposed RRTS will boost the regional connectivity in Bihar by providing semi high-speed rail network in the following corridors:

  • Patna-Muzaffarpur
  • Patna-Begusarai
  • Patna-Arrah
  • Patna-Gaya

These four proposed corridors connect Patna in all directions with Muzaffarpur in North, Begusarai in East, Arrah in West and Gaya in South. The four corridors are projected to significantly reduce the travel time between Patna and its neighbouring districts. 

Also Read: Patna Metro to extend till Malahipakri; inauguration on 2nd July

RITES and Indian Railways Accelerate Exports to Global Markets via New FTAs 

Narendra Shah & Editorial Team
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RITES and Indian Railways Accelerate Exports to Global Markets via New FTAs 

NEW DELHI (Metro Rail News): Indian Railways is rapidly expanding its global footprint by exporting metro coaches, locomotives, and specialized railway engineering services. This export boom is heavily supported by a significant increase in private sector participation within the domestic rail ecosystem, alongside newly signed Free Trade Agreements (FTAs) with key partner nations. 

Under the proactive “Make in India, Make for the World” initiative, the sector has aggressively transitioned from being a technology importer to a global exporter. This shift reflects India’s vision to grow into an international manufacturing hub, expanding its railway infrastructure footprint to over 16 countries. 

While the primary target markets initially included neighboring countries like Nepal, Bangladesh, and Sri Lanka, India’s railway consulting and export arm, RITES, is now actively pursuing opportunities in South American markets, including Chile, Brazil, and Argentina. 

The Cost-Competitiveness Edge

A major catalyst driving India’s fast-paced expansion into the global railway market is its extreme cost-efficiency. For instance, a standard 16-coach Vande Bharat trainset is roughly 40% cheaper than similar semi-high-speed trainsets manufactured by European conglomerates like Alstom or Siemens. This makes Indian rolling stock an incredibly attractive option for budget-conscious nations seeking modern transit solutions.

Impact of New-Generation FTAs

Speaking on the sidelines of a FICCI seminar on July 8 2026 about Investment Economics in India, Surendra Ahirwar, Executive Director of Traffic Commercial (Rates) at the Railway Board, highlighted the expanding reach of the Indian railway ecosystem as reported by ANI.

Mr.Ahirwar emphasized the positive impact of new-age FTAs, noting that these agreements are designed to do more than just facilitate basic trade. They act as powerful tools for economic integration, paving the way for foreign direct investment (FDI) and integrating Indian manufacturing seamlessly into global supply chains. 

Major Project Milestones 

In June 2026 itself India successfully flagged off its first major locomotive export to the Republic of Guinea from the advanced Marhowra manufacturing plant in Bihar. This forms part of a massive deal to supply 150 heavy-haul evolution-series locomotives to the African nation. Simultaneously, RITES signed a strategic Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with a major Middle Eastern rail operator, expanding India’s reach into high-value engineering consultancy and network management in foreign markets.

Also Read: Railways begins land acquisition for Vande Bharat Sleeper Depot in Bengaluru

Railways begins land acquisition for Vande Bharat Sleeper Depot in Bengaluru

Narendra Shah & Editorial Team
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Railways begins land acquisition for Vande Bharat Sleeper Depot in Bengaluru

BENGALURU (Metro Rail News): The South Western Railway (SWR) has begun the land acquisition process for Bengaluru’s Vande Bharat sleeper trains maintenance depot project in Thanisandra, Karnataka. 

Regular and heavy maintenance of Vande Bharat sleeper trains cannot be done at ordinary stations because of their complex systems. The sleeper versions are longer and heavier, requiring more space, longer stabling lines, and larger maintenance facilities. Because these sleeper rakes are being manufactured by ICF (Chennai) and BEML (Bengaluru), a dedicated depot in Bengaluru makes logistical sense. The Thanisandra depot will feature specialized workshops, pits, cranes, and equipment to carry out scheduled maintenance efficiently in the future, acting as the home base for Vande Bharat sleeper trains in South India.

The depot is being built on the Channasandra–Yelahanka railway section near the existing Thanisandra railway station, which is very close to Manyata Tech Park. Another major advantage is its proximity to BEML (Bharat Earth Movers Limited), where many Vande Bharat coaches are manufactured. Additionally, Thanisandra will benefit from the upcoming Heelalige–Rajankunte Corridor of the Bengaluru Suburban Rail Project.

SWR has officially notified plans to acquire 13.95 hectares (approximately 34.48 acres) of land for the depot. While some land around the existing Thanisandra railway station and tracks already belongs to Indian Railways, the project requires additional land from private owners. Consequently, the railways have started the formal acquisition process for 14 private land parcels.

Union Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw highlighted the ₹270 crore allocation for the Thanisandra Vande Bharat Sleeper maintenance depot during the flag off ceremony of Bengaluru–Mumbai Vande Bharat Sleeper service in May 2026.

Also Read: India’s First Hydrogen Train gears up for launch on 17th July

India’s First Hydrogen Train gears up for launch on 17th July

Narendra Shah & Editorial Team
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India’s First Hydrogen Train gears up for launch on 17th July

NEW DELHI (Metro Rail News): Taking a major step towards a sustainable and green mode of transportation, Indian Railways is all set to launch its first indigenously built hydrogen train on 17th July. Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi will flag-off the train in Haryana from Jind Railway Station. A senior Railway officer said that they’ve received the confirmation from the Prime Minister’s Office that the first Hydrogen Train will be flagged off by the Prime Minister on 17th July from Jind. 

After the launch, the train will start its commercial operations, covering 356 km every day and making two 89 km circular trips between Jind and Sonipat. The maintenance depot is situated at Shakurbasti in Delhi. TUV SUD, an independent international testing and certification organisation, carried out the safety and design inspections. 

As per the security protocols, the hydrogen power system will be turned off bringing the train to a “dead” condition, from there a diesel locomotive will shift it to the maintenance facility. The train is equipped with eight passenger coaches consisting of 682 seats and will facilitate around 2,600 passengers.The designed maximum speed of the train is 110 kmph but the operations will be carried out at 75 kmph on the Jind-Sonipat route.

This train features two Driving Power Cars (DPC) positioned at either end of the 10-coach trainset (one at the front and one at the back). The eight passenger coaches are located in the middle. The total traction capacity stands at 2,400 kW (approximately 3,200 hp), as each DPC can generate 1,200 kilowatts (kW) of power (1,600 hp) which will be enough for the train to operate smoothly. At peak capacity the train is expected to use around 300 kg of hydrogen each day. 

The train will be powered by hydrogen fuel cells that convert compressed hydrogen into electricity. This train is designed to store 440 kg of compressed hydrogen. Being highly sustainable and environmentally friendly it only emits water as a byproduct. The commencement of the first hydrogen train will mark a monumental milestone in India’s transition toward zero-emission transportation.

Also Read: India’s first Hydrogen Train began its final high-speed trials today

DMRC enters overseas market with official launch of Delhi Metro International Limited

Narendra Shah & Editorial Team
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DMRC enters overseas market with official launch of Delhi Metro International Limited

DELHI (Metro Rail News): The Delhi Metro Rail Corporation (DMRC) has created a fully-owned subsidiary, Delhi Metro International Limited (DMIL), to broaden its global transit consultancy and operations business. The subsidiary was renamed to accommodate a major expansion of its scope and objectives.

DMRC issued a fresh statement highlighting the full activation and global ambitions of DMIL on July 7, 2026. DMIL is now ready to execute projects globally, leveraging DMRC’s proven excellence. This formation allows DMIL to build upon DMRC’s over 20 years of experience managing one of the world’s most esteemed metro systems. It will execute consultancy, project execution, operations and maintenance (O&M), and advisory services for metro, railway, and urban transit projects across India and abroad.

Delhi Metro currently operates a network of more than 416 km with over 300 stations, serving over 6.5 million passengers on a daily basis. It also manages operations and maintenance for metro systems in several other Indian cities, such as Mumbai Metro Line 3, Chennai Metro Phase 2, Patna Metro, Noida-Greater Noida Metro, and Rapid Metro Gurugram. Furthermore, it successfully operates seamless driverless metro operations on Magenta & Pink Lines of the Delhi Metro network, predictive maintenance, and multimodal integration. The launch of this new subsidiary is a strategic move to monetize DMRC’s proven capabilities on a global scale.

This renaming reflects the desire of Indian infrastructure firms to export their engineering and project management skills to global markets, especially in urban transport, where many countries are pouring resources into metro and mass transit projects.

“Building on over two decades of expertise in developing and operating one of the world’s most respected metro systems, Delhi Metro Rail Corporation (DMRC) has established Delhi Metro International Limited (DMIL),” the company mentioned in its press release.

Also Read: Kochi Water Metro to connect Airport; feasibility study underway

Kochi Water Metro to connect Airport; feasibility study underway

Narendra Shah & Editorial Team
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Kochi Water Metro to connect Airport; feasibility study underway

KOCHI (Metro Rail News): Kochi Metro Rail Limited (KMRL) is planning to expand the water metro network from Aluva Metro Station to Cochin International Airport (CIAL) through the Periyar River. They have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the SCMS Water Institute to assess the feasibility of the proposed metro extension. 

Under the MoU, the institute will serve as a collaborator for the project , providing research and technical support on the feasibility assessment of the project. The institute will conduct various scientific analysis and assessments to test the feasibility of the project.  

Earlier, KMRL issued a tender to conduct a comprehensive topographical assessment of the 4 km route from Aluva to CIAL. 

Significance of the Project

According to KMRL, the project will be a major step towards expanding Kerala’s sustainable urban mobility network. The approximately 4-km water route will cover major locations before reaching the airport. It is expected to link Aswathy Nagar, Naduvannoor, Pattoorkunnu, and Kalady before reaching the airport.

Upon completion, the project will become a major link providing seamless connectivity to the airport via the water metro system. 

About Kochi Water Metro

Kochi Water Metro is India’s first water metro system. It envisions the development of 15 identified routes which will connect 10 islands along a 78 km network. The metro involves a fleet of 78 fast, electrically propelled ferries to provide seamless connectivity between the route. This project intends to enhance connectivity with environment friendly and energy efficient technology.

Also Read: PM Modi dedicates Churu Rail Doubling Projects worth ₹900 crore

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