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Bengaluru Suburban Rail: Double Decker Flyover to approach space limitation 

Narendra Shah and Editorial Team
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Bengaluru Suburban Rail: Double Decker Flyover to approach space limitation 

BENGALURU (Metro Rail News): To address the limited urban space issues in densely populated regions of Bengaluru, Rail Infrastructure Development Company (Karnataka) Ltd. (K-RIDE) has come up with a plan that includes building a double decker flyover in Corridor-2 along Mohan Kumar Road. The plan will optimize the limited ‘Right of Way’ which is accessible in the densely occupied region of Bengaluru. 

K-RIDE, the implementing agency of the Bengaluru Suburban Rail Project (BSRP) announced that the length of the double decker will be 1.2 Kilometer. It will connect Mathikere and Yeshvanthpur along the Corridor-2 of the BSRP.

2 Levels Flyover

The plan consists of a two level flyover structure:

  • LEVEL 1: A Road Flyover

The first level of the Double Decker will have a road flyover. This will improve the mobility of vehicles and reduce traffic.

  • LEVEL 2: An Elevated Suburban Rail Viaduct

The second level of the Double Decker will  have an elevated viaduct for the suburban rail transport. The viaduct will be connecting the Corridor-2 of the BSRP.

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The structure will reduce the requirement of land acquisition and preserve the urban land for optimizing the land use. It is projected to significantly improve the traffic efficiency and the volume of public transport being carried around the Mohan Kumar Road.

About Bengaluru Suburban Rail

The Bengaluru Suburban Project is expected to improve urban mobility in the city with a proposed route of 148-km along four corridors. The foundation of the project was laid by the Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi in June 2022. The cost of the project is ₹15,700 Crore.

Also Read: NHSRCL launches 15th steel bridge for the Mumbai-Ahmedabad Bullet Train Project

NHSRCL launches 15th steel bridge for the Mumbai-Ahmedabad Bullet Train Project

Narendra Shah and Editorial Team
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NHSRCL launches 15th steel bridge for the Mumbai-Ahmedabad Bullet Train Project

AHMEDABAD (Metro Rail News): Following the successful installation of all 13 heavy portal beams in Ahmedabad, the National High Speed Rail Corporation Limited has positioned an 80 m long steel bridge, weighing 1,004 MT over the Anupam Flyover in Ahmedabad for the bullet train project. With this achievement, 15 of the 17 steel bridges planned in Gujarat have now been completed.

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Recent updates on the Bullet Train Project:

Japan to provide E10 Shinkansen series train: The Ministry of Affairs recently released a statement stating that India-Japan discussions are ongoing and progressing well. The train is still under development and will be delivered in early 2030’s. The first section of the Mumbai-Ahmedabad bullet train will be opened in 2027. Therefore, the operations will be commenced with the Indian High Speed Rail train. 

Bilimora Bullet Train Station: Track works on the Bilimora Bullet Train Station have been progressing steadily at station level and construction activities are advancing. 

Vapi Bullet Train Station: Structural works, rail and platform-level slab casting, structural steel erection and roof sheeting have been completed. Mock-ups for the station facade, flooring and false ceiling are also finished. The Vapi Bullet Train Station is currently undergoing RC track bed work at the platform level and electrical installations. 

The heaviest and last portal beam was launched: Marking another significant engineering achievement, the heaviest portal beam of 34.5 m length, weighing 1,640 MT was launched in just 3 hours over the railway line.

First TBM for the Mumbai-Ahmedabad Bullet Train Project was launched: The first TBM tunneling began from the Vikhroli shaft towards the under-construction Mumbai Bullet Train station for the Mumbai–Ahmedabad Bullet Train Project on 5th July, 2026. This was among one of the largest TBMs deployed for rail tunnel construction in India. The tunnelling work is part of the 20.37 km underground section of the high-speed rail corridor. It includes a 7 km undersea tunnel, which is one of the most challenging parts of the project. 

About the Mumbai-Ahmedabad Project: 

India’s first high-speed rail corridor, the Mumbai Ahmedabad Bullet Train project spans across 508 km and will provide connectivity between Maharashtra and Gujarat reducing the travel time to 2 hours 7 minutes. The design speed of the bullet train is 350 kmph and an operational speed of 320 kmph, and is being developed using Japanese Shinkansen technology and operational standards. With an estimated cost of Rs. 1,08,000 crore, 81% of the project is being funded by the Government of Japan through Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) via an ODA loan. The first high-speed rail service on the corridor is expected to commence in August 2027.

Also Read: Mumbai-Ahmedabad Bullet Train Project completes all 13 Portal Beam launches

Assessing Delhi Metro’s idea to build residential buildings above stations

Narendra Shah and Editorial Team
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Assessing Delhi Metro’s idea to build residential buildings above stations

NEW DELHI (Metro Rail News): Recently, Union Minister Shri ML Khattar announced that Delhi Metro will have residential buildings built using the free air space. The idea sparked debate over the feasibility of the project including, but not limited to, issues like load on civic infrastructure, water supply and drainage, and noise pollution.

In a previous article, we explored the financial and housing benefits of the plan. The idea can create a non-fare revenue source for the metro. Additionally, it can provide solutions to the housing problem in the city. This study, however, will assess the feasibility of the project and provide comparison with infrastructure projects around the world including the through-building Metro Station in Liziba, China and a hotel above the Railway Station in Gandhinagar, Gujarat.

Challenges of building residential buildings above metro stations

The plan to build residential buildings involves many infrastructural and social challenges. The primary challenges will be the construction of civic infrastructure such as water supply and drainage issues. The Delhi Development Authority (DDA) will have to tackle these issues before moving forward with the plan.

Along with the infrastructural issues, the plan has social issues like the problem of sound and vibrations through the trains. The residents can have disruptions due to the movements of trains in the stations. The challenge will be to reduce the noise and minimise disturbance to the residence. 

Innovation in other places around the World

  • Liziba, China (The through-building Metro Station)
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Liziba Monorail Station in Chongqing, China is a modern infrastructural innovation where a through building metro line was constructed when the project faced an obstacle due to a building passing through the route. The station now serves as an engineering innovation setting example around the world. Special materials are applied on the train to reduce noise. 

It was a monorail project, so the construction is much different from a metro station. However, it reflects a maneuver that can inspire designing the Delhi Metro’s residential project. The 19-storey building has residential areas on 10 floors from the top while the train passes through the 6th to 8th floor.

  • The Leela Hotel, Gandhinagar (Hotel above Railway Station)
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A prime example of utilizing air space above a railway station exists in Gandhinagar, Gujarat where a luxury hotel is built above a railway station. The Leela Hotel in Gandhinagar is constructed above the Gandhinagar Railway Station. During the announcement, Khattar also mentioned this hotel as a model for the Delhi Metro project. 

The hotel provides an example of similar projects having been built in the same country strengthening Delhi Metro’s aspirations. Taking inspiration from this, Delhi metro can build a similar structure ensuring all the infrastructural and social issues.

Conclusion

Delhi Metro’s aspirations to build residential infrastructure seems like a fruitful idea in both financial and urban housing aspects. Despite these benefits, the idea is challenging on many infrastructural and social sides. The idea is still in the budding phase, however, it can leap into a big structural change in the metro system. In the past, different systems such as Liziba monorail in China and Gandhinagar Railway Station in Gujarat innovated designs to explore such ventures.

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

Chennai Metro expedites construction work on Purple Line under Phase-II

Narendra Shah and Editorial Team
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Chennai Metro expedites construction work on Purple Line under Phase-II

CHENNAI (Metro Rail News): Chennai Metro Rail Limited (CMRL) announced that they have made significant progress on the Phase-II project with the completion of Pilling and U-Gider casting along the Old Mahabalipuram Road (OMR) of the Corridor-3 (Purple Line). The work was carried out by Larsen & Toubro. The work was executed along 10 stations of the corridor connecting Nehru Nagar with Sholinganallur (see Map). 

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According to officials, the team successfully executed the completion of 100% piling works amounting to 3,066 piles between Nehru Nagar and Sholinganallur along the OMR. Moreover, they also executed the structural casting by completing all 582 precast prestressed U-shapped girders.

The pilling work along the busy routes required traffic navigating which was critical along the Thoraipakkam and Sholinganallur junction where the requirement was to integrate two metro stations through flyovers while managing the uninterrupted traffic flow in the route.

CMRL awarded the contract to Larson and Tourbo in May, 2022 to construct the elevated viaduct between Nehru Nagar and Sholinganallur. The corridor is expected to improve connectivity along the Eastern region of the city. 

Chennai Metro Phase-II

The Phase-II of Chennai Metro is projected to add 118.9 km to the network with 128 stations. Three corridors are planned to improve the connectivity in the city. The Corridor-3 (Purple Line) covers Madhavaram to SIPCOT, Corridor-4 (Yellow Line) stretches from Lighthouse to Poonamalle Bypass and the Corridor-5 (Red Line) from Madhavaram to Sholinganallur. The project is expected to be completed by the end of 2028.

Also Read: Indian Railways introduces world’s longest Hydrogen Train

PM Modi inaugurates redeveloped Godhra Railway Station under Amrit Bharat Station Scheme

Narendra Shah and Editorial Team
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PM Modi inaugurates redeveloped Godhra Railway Station under Amrit Bharat Station Scheme

GODHRA (Metro Rail News): Godhra Railway Station has entered a new phase after its redevelopment under the Amrit Bharat Station Scheme. Prime Minister Narendra Modi virtually opened the upgraded station, which has been modernized at a cost of Rs 7 crore. This upgrade includes better passenger facilities and improved accessibility. The redevelopment aims to make travel more comfortable and to transform the station into a modern transport hub for the region.

Station gets a modern makeover

The redevelopment has changed several parts of the station to enhance passenger convenience. Some of the key upgrades include:

  • A new 1,000 sq m modern station façade   
  • A 700 sq m concourse hall  
  • A dedicated ladies’ waiting room  
  • A new second entry gate with a 650 sq m station building  
  • A 1,500 sq m circulating area to improve traffic flow and passenger access  

Better facilities for passengers

The project has also upgraded platforms and passenger amenities throughout the station. The improvements include:

  • Nearly 6,000 sq m of new platform surfacing on Platforms 1, 2/3, and 4/5  
  • Around 3,000 sq m of covered platform sheds to shield passengers from heat and rain  
  • Modern drinking water facilities  
  • Clean and upgraded toilets  
  • Tactile tiles for visually impaired passengers  
  • Digital passenger information systems  
  • New station signs  

The station also features expanded circulating areas, a new approach road, dedicated scooter parking, improved traffic management, upgraded waiting halls, lifts for senior citizens and people with disabilities, and enhanced passenger amenities. 

Part of a nationwide station redevelopment program

Vadodara Divisional Railway Manager Raju Bhadke said the redevelopment shows Indian Railways’ commitment to create modern, accessible, and passenger-friendly railway stations. He noted that the upgraded station will provide a safer, more comfortable, and convenient travel experience while supporting the region’s economic growth. Officials also mentioned that this project is part of the Amrit Bharat Station Scheme, which aims to upgrade railway stations across the country with modern infrastructure, better passenger facilities, and improved connectivity.

Also Read: Indian Railways introduces world’s longest Hydrogen Train

Indian Railways introduces world’s longest Hydrogen Train

Narendra Shah and Editorial Team
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Indian Railways introduces world’s longest Hydrogen Train

JIND (Metro Rail News): Indian Railways has created history with the launch of its first indigenously built Hydrogen Train. Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi flagged off the hydrogen train at Jind Railway Station in Haryana. After the launch PM Modi said, “Today, the country has received its first hydrogen train from here. You may recall, and even today, we read and hear, that India’s first train ran between Mumbai and Thane. Similarly, in the coming future, whenever hydrogen trains are mentioned, the names of Jind, Sonipat, and Haryana will inevitably be included.” Highlighting the significance of the “Make in India” initiative, he hinted that the country will continue building more hydrogen trains indigenously. 

This train features ten coaches with eight passenger cars, with the capacity of carrying around 2,600 passengers and two Driving Power Cars (DPC) positioned at either end of the train. The total traction capacity stands at 2,400 kW, as each DPC generates 1,200 kilowatts (kW) of power which is enough for the train to operate seamlessly. The designed maximum speed of the train is 110 kmph but it operates at 75 kmph on the Jind–Sonipat route. 

India’s largest railway hydrogen storage and refuelling facility has also been built at Jind to support the operations. This specialised facility is capable of storing up to 3,000 kg of hydrogen at a time to keep the train fueled and running efficiently.

The train has been developed under the leadership of Indian Railways with design approval and technical specifications prepared by the Research, Design & Standards Organisation (RDSO). The train’s theme and exterior was designed by Integral Coach Factory (ICF) while M/s Medha Servo Drives integrated and developed the train. 

With this launch, India has become one of the few countries that have the capacity to operate hydrogen-powered trains. PM Modi also stated that the hydrogen train running on the Jind-Sonipat route is the most powerful and longest hydrogen train in the world.

The Union Minister for Railways, Shri Ashwini Vaishnaw was also present at the launch and addressing the public during the speech he said, “Today, India has joined the select group of countries where the complete technology for hydrogen trains is available. In Haryana, rail projects worth ₹18,000 crore, 100% electrification, reconstruction of 34 stations, 16 Vande Bharat and 8 Amrit Bharat services are giving new momentum to development.”

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

HBL Engineering wins Rs 24 cr ICF contract to supply on-board Kavach equipment for Indian Railways

Narendra Shah and Editorial Team
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HBL Engineering wins Rs 24 cr ICF contract to supply on-board Kavach equipment for Indian Railways

CHENNAI (Metro Rail News): HBL engineering has received a Rs 24 cr contract from the Integral Coach Factory (ICF) in Chennai. This contract is for supplying and installing on-board Kavach Loco Equipment (Version 4.0). The order supports the rollout of India’s homegrown train protection system across the railway network. The contract includes the supply, installation, testing and commissioning of the on-board Kavach Loco Equipment (Version 4.0)

Project Overview

InformationDetails
CompanyHBL Engineering Limited
Contract ValueRs 24 crore (Excluding GST)
Completion Date31 March, 2028

Under this agreement, HBL Engineering will oversee the full deployment of the onboard Kavach system on locomotives. The scope of work includes:

  • Supply of On-board Kavach Loco Equipment (Version 4.0)  
  • Installation of the equipment on locomotives  
  • Testing of the system  
  • Final commissioning to prepare the equipment for operation  

The company will carry out the project in phases over the next few months and complete all work by the end of March 2028.

Supporting railway safety

Kavach is India’s Automatic Train Protection (ATP) system. It enhances railway safety by assisting loco pilots, preventing Signal Passing at Danger (SPAD) incidents, and automatically applying brakes when necessary. This latest contract contributes to the ongoing expansion of Kavach throughout the Indian Railways network as the national transporter updates its signaling and safety systems.

About HBL Engineering

HBL Engineering, previously known as HBL Power Systems, produces a variety of batteries, including lead-acid, nickel-cadmium, silver-zinc, and lithium batteries. The company also manufactures railway and defense electronics and offers technology solutions for the rail sector.

In its latest quarterly results, HBL Engineering reported a 41.8% increase in consolidated net profit compared to last year, reaching Rs 63.75 crore. Revenue from operations rose by 27% to Rs 604.12 crore during the fourth quarter of FY26.

Also Read: PM Modi to launch India’s First Hydrogen Train tomorrow: All about the Jind-Sonipat Project

Big Rail Boost tomorrow: PM Modi to inaugurate 75 Redeveloped Stations & new railway projects

Narendra Shah and Editorial Team
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Big Rail Boost tomorrow: PM Modi to inaugurate 75 Redeveloped Stations & new railway projects

NEW DELHI (Metro Rail News): In a major push for infrastructure development, Prime Minister Narendra Modi will inaugurate 75 redeveloped railway stations under the Amrit Bharat Station Scheme, including Jalandhar Cantt in Punjab. On this historic day for Indian Railways, the Prime Minister will visit Haryana, Chandigarh, and Punjab, where he will also dedicate and lay the foundation stone of multiple mega infrastructure projects worth thousands of crores in national highways, railways, healthcare, education, and roads.

Developed at a total cost of approximately ₹1,570 crore, this massive initiative of redevelopment has transformed these stations into modern, passenger-friendly facilities. While the upgraded stations feature state-of-the-art amenities, their designs also thoughtfully incorporate architectural elements that reflect the unique local culture and heritage of each region.Major revamped stations:

Jalandhar Cantt Station

Standing out as a crowning jewel of this grand inauguration is the spectacular transformation of the 110-year-old Jalandhar Cantt station into a world-class facility.

The Prime Minister will personally visit the venue to dedicate the upgraded ₹125-crore Jalandhar Cantt station to the nation. Capitalizing on the significance of the venue, he is also expected to use this historic station as a central base to virtually inaugurate the remaining 75 completed Amrit Bharat stations across the country.

Hitech City Railway Station 

Meanwhile, a digital leap forward awaits southern commuters as Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi virtually inaugurates the newly upgraded Hi-Tech City railway station on July 17.

Serving as a vital commuter lifeline on the Hyderabad MMTS network in Telangana, this station sits strategically at the heart of the region’s booming IT corridor—surrounded by tech landmarks like the Cyber Towers, Mindspace, and the HITEC City Metro Station. Given its high-profile location, the successful redevelopment of this bustling transit hub marks a crowning milestone for the nationwide Amrit Bharat Station Scheme.

Among the other notable revamped stations to be inaugurated under the scheme are Maharashtra’s busy Nandura railway station, which handles more than 4,000 passengers on a daily basis, and Delhi’s Modi Nagar railway station. The upgrades also include Odisha’s Kesinga railway station, Rajasthan’s prominent Jaisalmer and Dausa railway stations, and Uttar Pradesh’s Vindhyachal railway station alongside its Panki Dham railway station, which connects thousands of devotees to the sacred Panchmukhi Shri Hanuman Temple.

New Daulatpur Chowk-Kartoli Rail Line 

The newly constructed Daulatpur Chowk-Kartoli rail line, at a cost of around ₹830 crore as part of the Nangal Dam-Talwara-Mukerian project, will also be inaugurated on July 17 by the PM. This Rail line will enhance rail connectivity between Punjab and Himachal Pradesh, benefiting Hoshiarpur and Una districts and improving access to key religious sites and remote areas with a faster and more reliable transportation option.

Launch of New Kartoli-Ambala and Amritsar-Varanasi Train Services 

The Prime Minister will inaugurate the Kartoli-Ambala train service to enhance connectivity in Punjab, Haryana, and Himachal Pradesh, along with the Amritsar (Chheharta)-Varanasi service, linking two of India’s significant spiritual hubs.

Also Read: Hyderabad Metro to add more coaches and strengthen last-mile connectivity 

Shashi Tharoor urges Kerala CM for metro in Thiruvananthapuram

Narendra Shah and Editorial Team
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Shashi Tharoor urges Kerala CM for metro in Thiruvananthapuram

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM (Metro Rail News): Shashi Tharoor, the Member of Parliament (MP) from the Thiruvananthapuram constituency, has written to the Chief Minister of Kerala V.D. Satheesan, about the urgent need of a metro in the city and an extension plan for the metro. The letter is in view of the recently submitted Detailed Project Report (DPR) of a fully elevated 31 km metro project for Thiruvananthapuram. 

According to The New Indian Express, Tharoor wrote a letter to the Chief Minister describing the urgency to decongest the city. He suggested that a comprehensive metro network with extension plans to Technocity (Technopark Phase IV), Vizhinjam International Seaport and the city’s eastern parts over the next 5-8 years should be announced by the government with plans for last-mile connectivity.

Earlier this month, the DPR of the Thiruvananthapuram Metro was submitted by the Delhi Metro Rail Corporation (DMRC) to Kochi Metro Rail Limited (KMRL), the implementing agency. Before the submission of the final DPR, Tharoor urged the CM to give consideration for an underground metro along the busiest routes of the city. 

Debate over Underground Section

The announcement of a fully elevated corridor has initiated a debate over an elevated metro stretch over underground metro construction. An underground metro construction would reduce the land acquisition requirements, which might lessen the project time, as the process is much time consuming. Moreover, it can decrease the traffic disturbance and landscape disruption caused during above ground construction.

While the underground metro seems like a better option, it is not economically viable. It increases the cost of construction by at least three to four times more than the elevated metro construction. Further, the geological complexities also make the construction of underground metro challenging. 

Also Read: DMRC submits DPR of Thiruvananthapuram Metro Project

Hyderabad Metro to add more coaches and strengthen last-mile connectivity 

Narendra Shah and Editorial Team
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Hyderabad Metro to add more coaches and strengthen last-mile connectivity 

HYDERABAD (Metro Rail News): With passenger demand continuing to rise, the Hyderabad Metro Rail Limited plans to increase its capacity by adding more metro coaches to its fleet. In this regard, the Additional Managing Director (AMD) Shri B. Ajith Reddy chaired a review meeting with senior officials from different metro departments to evaluate the operations and developments of existing Metro corridors. 

He directed the officials to initiate talks with manufacturers to arrange more metro coaches at the earliest highlighting the need for safe and convenient travel for the passengers. During the meeting he asked the officials to develop new plans to further enhance connectivity for the travellers. He also added that measures should be taken to maintain and expand the skywalks and other connecting routes between railway and metro stations. The safety measures being implemented for passengers by metro rail security department were also discussed. 

Analysing the 69 km Hyderabad Metro Phase I, the AMD reviewed the passenger amenities, last-mile connectivity, safety measures, parking facilities, station cleanliness, and crowd management strategies. He also stressed the need to incorporate existing transport options with the metro network to strengthen last mile connectivity for the passengers. He further stated that the existing vehicle facilities should be expanded and asked the officials to coordinate with RTC and Transport Department officials to explore suitable solutions. 

During the meeting Shri B. Ajith Reddy announced that he plans to personally visit the site and evaluate the station operations and maintenance. He also reviewed the development of proposals for the Public Rapid Transit System (PRTS) in high-density areas such as Hitec City, Raidurg, Gachibowli, Financial District, and Kondapur. 

The meeting was attended by Chief Electrical Engineer Mr. D.V.S. Raju, Chief Signaling & Technical Engineer Mr. Swapan Kumar Das, Chief Project Manager Mr. B. Anand Mohan, General Manager Mr. M. Vishnuvardhan Reddy, Chief Engineer Mr. Y. Saipareddy, General Manager (Security) Sri Srinath Reddy and other senior officials. 

Also Read: DMRC floats electrical tender for Rithala-Kundli Corridor (Phase IV)

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