BHEL Begins to Supply Underslung Traction Converters for Vande Bharat Sleeper Train

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09/01/2026

Bharat Heavy Electricals Limited (BHEL) has achieved a major milestone under its Make in India initiative for the rail transportation sector by beginning the supply of underslung traction converters for the Vande Bharat Sleeper Train project. This development is being executed by a BHEL-led consortium in partnership with TRSL.

BHEL’s Bengaluru plant hosted a flag-off ceremony for the first set of semi-high-speed underslung traction converters, specifically -designed for Vande Bharat Sleeper Trains. Ms. Bani Varma, Director (IS&P), BHEL, led the event alongside senior officials. Shri S M Ramanathan, Director (E, R&D), BHEL, and Shri Umesh Chowdhary, Vice Chairman & Managing Director, TRSL, joined the ceremony virtually.

This milestone signifies BHEL’s strategic entry into the semi-high-speed propulsion segment. The traction converters are now being shipped to Kolkata for final assembly of the Vande Bharat Sleeper Trains. Meanwhile, other key propulsion components like traction motors and transformers have been developed and produced at BHEL’s Bhopal and Jhansi facilities.

The underslung traction converters supplied by BHEL use IGBT-based power electronics and are designed for semi-high-speed applications on Vande Bharat Sleeper Trains. In an underslung configuration, the traction converters are mounted beneath the coach, a layout commonly adopted in modern trainsets to optimise space within the carbody.

The propulsion system is designed for an operational speed of up to 160 kmph, with a design speed of 176 kmph. These traction converters form a critical part of the train’s overall propulsion package, supporting efficient power conversion for long-distance semi-high-speed operations.

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Bids Invited for Geotechnical Work on 5km Stretch of Indore Metro

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Staff Reporter

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09/01/2026

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INDORE (Metro Rail News): Madhya Pradesh Metro Rail Corporation (MPMRCL) has invited tenders for the geotechnical investigation study contract for a 5 km stretch of Line 1 of Indore Metro Project. The contract includes the geotechnical investigation study for the underground stations and tunnels between Khajarana Station and Indore Railway Station of Line 1.

Tender Details

Opening Date	8 Jan 2026
Closing Date	9 Feb 2026
Tender Id	2026_MPMRC_262076_1
Tender No	50/MPMRCL/2025/Package IN-20
EMD	₹ 3,50,000

Contract Value: Rs. 175 Lacs

Contract Duration: 120 Days

Contract’s Scope of Work: Geotechnical Investigation Study for the Underground Stations and Tunnels between Khajarana Station and Indore Railway Station for Indore Metro Rail Project. (Approx. 5 km)”

The Phase 1 of the under construction Indore Metro Project consists of one metro corridor (Yellow Line), which spans 33.53 km, connecting Palasia – Railway Station – Rajwara – Airport – Bhawarsala – MR10 – Palasia (Ring Line).

Currently, the Super Priority Corridor of Indore Metro spanning 6 km is operational. Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated this section on 31 May 2025. The super priority corridor of Indore Metro features 5 stations. The stations have been mentioned below:

Stations: Gandhi Nagar, Super Corridor 6, Super Corridor 5, Super Corridor 4, Super Corridor 3

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Bangalore Metro: DPR Work Begins for Madavara-Tumakuru Extension

By

Kapil Saini

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08/01/2026

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BANGALORE (Metro Rail News): The Bangalore Metro Rail Corporation Ltd. (BMRCL) has moved ahead with the preparation of a Detailed Project Report (DPR) for a 59.60-km metro link between Madavara and Tumakuru. The proposal envisages extending metro services beyond the city limits; in this context, Madavara, which is currently the northern terminal of the Green Line, will serve as the starting point for this proposed extension. If taken forward, the corridor would offer direct metro connectivity between Bengaluru and the neighbouring Tumakuru district.

Planned as a 25-station corridor, the proposed metro link spans 59.60 km, which will extend the metro network beyond the city. The estimated overall project cost is ₹20,649 crore. To take the proposal forward, BMRCL has awarded the contract for preparing the Detailed Project Report to Aarvee Engineering Consultants, with the consultancy fee capped at ₹1.2 crore.

The DPR work is currently underway, with emphasis on field-level studies along the proposed alignment. This includes ground surveys, assessment of traffic and travel patterns, preliminary alignment evaluations, multiple technical studies, and initial geotechnical investigations. These inputs will collectively guide the detailed planning and design of the proposed metro extension.

The idea of extending metro services to Tumakuru has led to wider discussion on whether such a capital-intensive project is justified. Tumakuru lies nearly 70 km from Bengaluru’s city centre and is already part of multiple connectivity plans. South Western Railway is pursuing upgrades to existing rail infrastructure, while K-RIDE has proposed a suburban rail link, prompting questions on the need for an additional metro corridor between the 2 districts.

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India’s First Hydrogen Train Gears Up for Launch by End of January

By

Staff Reporter

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07/01/2026

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Hydrogen Powered train: Alstom Coradia iLint — Hydrogen Powered train: Alstom

In a major step toward India’s green energy ambitions, the Northern Railways pilot project, the nation’s first hydrogen-powered train, is entering its final stages. Northern Railway is expecting to launch the first Hydrogen train on the 89-km Jind-Sonepat route later this month.

The Haryana government has confirmed a stable and uninterrupted 11 kV power supply for the Jind hydrogen plant which will have the storage capacity of 3,000 kilograms. The Hydrogen plant will power the train during commissioning and ongoing operations. Currently, the plant is in its final commissioning phase.

Recently, Haryana Chief Secretary Anurag Rastogi also reviewed the project alongside officials from Dakshin Haryana Bijli Vitran Nigam (DHBVN).

Last month, Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw informed the Lok Sabha that the train was developed according to specifications set by the Research, Designs and Standards Organisation (RDSO) to showcase hydrogen-based train technology. He further stated that manufacturing of the hydrogen train-set has been completed. Furthermore, officials mentioned that the trials for the first hydrogen train have been completed successfully.

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Delays Push Bullet Train Project Cost to ₹1.98 Lakh Crore

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Staff Reporter

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07/01/2026

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“CRS has no experience related to high-speed train operations and training will help it identify the shortcoming, if any, regarding bullet trains operations in Indian conditions — image is used for representation purpose copyright: Respective Authority

Satish Kumar, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of the Railway Board has mentioned that the Mumbai-Ahmedabad High-Speed Rail project cost has escalated to approximately Rs 1.98 lakh crore which is nearly double the original estimate due to the delays in project.

The Mumbai-Ahmedabad bullet train project was estimated to cost Rs 1.08 lakh crore. The Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) is financing Rs 88,000 crore at low interest rates. Reports indicate that the Indian government will cover any cost overruns, as JICA will not provide extra funds.

During a briefing on the 50th meeting of the Pro-Active Governance and Timely Implementation, or PRAGATI, framework, Kumar mentioned “For the NHSRCL high-speed project, I just wanted to mention that while the final sanction of the second revised estimate is yet to be done, approximately it would be around Rs 1.98 lakh crore,”.

Satish Kumar also mentioned that the revised amount remains under review and awaits final Cabinet approval. He further added that the revised amount will be approved shortly within a month or two.

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Trial Run Conducted on Line 1 of Agra Metro

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Staff Reporter

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06/01/2026

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AGRA (Metro Rail News): Agra Metro Project progressed as Afcons–SAM India team conducted a trial run on the Line 1 of Agra Metro which spans 14.25 km from Sikandra to Taj East Gate featuring 14 stations.

Afcons–SAM India team conducted successful trials on the 6 km of Line 1 (Upline Corridor) between Mankameshwar Metro Station and ISBT. The trials were witnessed by senior officials of Uttar Pradesh Metro Rail Corporation (UPMRC).

The Phase 1 of Agra Metro Project spans 29.40 km and consists of 2 metro corridors. Currently, the 5.2 km priority corridor of Phase 1 is operational which was inaugurated by Hon’ble Prime Minister of India Shri Narendra Modi in March 2024. The details of the corridor have been mentioned below:

Corridor	Route	Length	Total no of Stations
Line 1	Sikandra – Taj East Gate	14.25 km	14 Stations
Line 2	Agra Cantt. – Kalindi Vihar	15.40 km	15 Stations

The entire Phase 1 of the Agra Metro project is expected to be completed in 2026.

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Bullet Train Project: Breakthrough Achieved in First Mountain Tunnel

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Staff Reporter

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06/01/2026

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Mumbai- Ahmedabad Bullet Train Project has achieved a major milestone with the successful breakthrough of the second tunnel in Palghar, Maharashtra. The Union Minister for Railways, Information & Broadcasting, and Electronics & Information Technology, Shri Ashwini Vaishnaw announced this development on 2 January 2026.

Breakthrough of First Mountain Tunnel Achieved in Bullet Train Project at Palghar Maharashtra 02

This milestone signals the state’s first mountain tunnel breakthrough for the project. The breakthrough was achieved in the nearly1.5-km-long MT-5 tunnel, among the longest in Palghar district, located between Virar and Boisar bullet train stations.

The MT-5 tunnel was excavated simultaneously from both ends and completed within 18 months using the advanced drill-and-blast technique. This method enables real-time monitoring of ground behaviour during excavation.

Breakthrough of First Mountain Tunnel Achieved in Bullet Train Project at Palghar Maharashtra 01

The Mumbai- Ahmedabad Bullet Train Project features a total of 8 mountain tunnels.Out of 8 mountain tunnels, seven are located in Palghar district of Maharashtra, while the remaining one tunnel is in the Valsad district of Gujarat.

The Mumbai- Ahmedabad Bullet Train Project is a 508.17 km long under-construction high-speed rail line designed to connect Mumbai in Maharashtra with Ahmedabad in Gujarat featuring 12 stations.

Stations: Mumbai (Bandra Kurla Complex), Thane, Virar, Boisar, Vapi, Bilimora, Surat, Bharuch, Vadodara, Anand/Nadiad, Ahmedabad, and Sabarmati

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at Bharat Mandapam, New Delhi

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India’s 1st Underwater Rail-Road Tunnel Gets Centre Approval

By

Staff Reporter

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05/01/2026

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Indian Railways — Image for representation.

In line with the vision to streamline Northeast India’s connectivity, an inter-ministerial committee chaired by the expenditure secretary has granted in-principle approval for India’s first 15.8km twin-tube underwater tunnel beneath the Brahmaputra River in Assam and this tunnel will facilitate the movement of both road and rail vehicles. This pioneering project will enhance strategic access and regional integration by linking Gohpur on one bank with Numaligarh on the other.

The underwater infrastructure features two parallel tunnels, each for unidirectional traffic. One tunnel will be dedicated to road vehicles with two lanes, and the other will be for housing a single railway track.

Both the tunnels will be constructed approximately 32 meters beneath the riverbed’s deepest point, positioning this as one of the Northeast’s most intricate infrastructure projects.

The tunnel integrates into a broader 33.7-km package encompassing approach roads and railway lines, with an estimated total cost of Rs 18,600 crore. Funding will be shared across the ministries of road transport and highways, railways, and defence.

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Power Mech Projects Becomes L1 for O & M Contract of Mumbai Monorail

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Staff Reporter

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05/01/2026

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MUMBAI (Metro Rail News): Power Mech Projects Ltd has emerged as a lowest bidder for the Operations and Maintenance contract of Mumbai Monorail Project.

Mumbai Metropolitan Region Development Authority (MMRDA) invited bids for this contract with a 1825 Days deadline. Technical bids were opened on 12 Nov 2025 announcing that 4 firms have submitted bids for this contract.Technical evaluation of the submitted bids occurred on 1 Jan 2026. However, 2 firm bids were rejected during the evaluation round. Subsequently, financial bids were opened for the technically qualified bidders and after the financial evaluation round Power Mech Projects Ltd was declared as the lowest bidder for the contract.

Financial Bid Values

Firms	Bid Value
Power Mech Projects Ltd	₹ 296.4 Cr
Adani Infrastructure Management Services Limited	₹ 308.4 Cr

Contracts Scope of Work: Operations and Maintenance O and M of the Mumbai Monorail Sant Gadge Maharaj Chowk to Chembur.

Currently, the Phase 1 of Mumbai Monorail Project is Operational. The Phase 1 of Mumbai Monorail consists of one corridor which spans 19.54 km connecting Chembur – Wadala – Jacob Circle.

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UPMRCL Invite Bids for Civil Contract Worth Rs. 492 Cr of Lucknow Metro

By

Staff Reporter

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05/01/2026

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LUCKNOW (Metro Rail News): Uttar Pradesh Metro Rail Corporation (UPMRCL) has invited tenders for the civil contract of Phase-1B of Lucknow Metro.

Tender Details

Opening Date	1 Jan 2026
Closing Date	2 Feb 2026
Tender Security /EMD	Rs. 9.84 Crore
Tender Id	2025_UPMRC_261191_1
Tender No	LKCC(02)-02
Approximate cost of work	Rs. 492.22 Crores
Completion period of the Work	30 Months
Pre-bid Meeting	12.01.2026

Contracts Scope of Work: Design and Construction of Main Line Elevated Viaduct from ThakurGanj Metro Station to Vasantkunj Metro Station (approx. 4.6 kms including station length) including construction of ramp (Approx. 740.00m) to connect viaduct & Depot Entry/Exit and 5 nos. of Elevated Metro Stations i.e., Thakurganj, Balaganj, Sarfarajganj, Musabagh & Vasantkunj, including Civil, Associated Ancillary Structures, PEB structures, Architectural work, Water Supply, Sanitary Installation, Drainage, External Development, Fire Fighting arrangement, E&M works in Phase-1B of Lucknow Metro at Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh, India.

Currently, Phase 1A of Lucknow Metro is operational while Phase 2B is under implementation. The details of the corridors have been mentioned below:

Corridor	Route	Elevated	Underground	Total Length	Current Status
Phase 1A	CCS Airport- Munshi Pulia	19.438 km	3.440 km	22.878 km	Operational
Phase 1B	Lucknow Railway Station– Vasant Kunj	4.548 km	6.550 km	11.098 km	Under-Implementation
Total		23.986 km	9.990 km	33.976 km

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