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Indian Railways commissions Kavach 4.0 on Tundla – Panki Dham rail section

Narendra Shah & Editorial Team
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Indian Railways commissions Kavach 4.0 on Tundla – Panki Dham rail section

UTTAR PRADESH (Metro Rail News): The North Central Railways announced successful commissioning of Kavach 4.0, the Automatic Train Protection (ATP) system, on the 207 Route Kilometers (RKm) Tundla to Panki Dham rail section in Uttar Pradesh. This work was executed by Kernex Microsystems, . With this addition, the total length of Kavach network in the North Central Railway (NCR) Zone has expanded to 652 RKm.

https://twitter.com/CPRONCR/status/2072918339849244777

The upgraded Kavach 4.0 supports train operations at the speed of up to 130 kmph. The Kavach 4.0 system has further shown backing for trains operating at a speed of 160 kmph over an allocated section of 175 RKm.

The commissioning of the system involved successful trials exercised by the Kanpur Shatabdi Express train and the Sikkim Mahananda Express train. Moreover, this project was successfully allied with the Hitachi Electronic Interlocking System, further strengthening the safety and operations.

The project consisted of installation of Kavach at 39 stations, order of 10 W, AP-7 locomotives, over 4,600 RFID tags installations, building of 17 communication towers, laying of 48-core OFC, and building 30 equipment rooms. Before commissioning the system was tested by Research Design and Standard Organization, North Central Railway and Italy based Italicertifier’s Independent Safety Assessment.

The implementation of this work has been a major step toward the strengthening of safety standards in the Indian Railway. The Kavach ATP system is India’s indigenous system for safe railway operation.

Also Read: Chennai Metro Phase II: Poonamallee Bypass–Vadapalani section nears launch

Chennai Metro Phase II: Poonamallee Bypass–Vadapalani section nears launch

Narendra Shah & Editorial Team
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Chennai Metro Phase II: Poonamallee Bypass–Vadapalani section nears launch

CHENNAI (Metro Rail News): After five years of construction, the first leg spanning from Poonamallee Bypass to Vadapalani of the Chennai Metro Phase 2 has neared its launch. This section is part of Corridor 4.

Unlike Phase 1, Chennai Metro Phase 2 will feature driverless trains that will run in Grade of Automation 4 (GoA4). As of now, CMRL has received 34 trainsets out of 36, the remaining trainsets will reach the Poonamallee depot by July.

Initially,  CMRL plans to deploy 15 trainsets on the 14.6 km Poonamallee Bypass and Vadapalani corridor that will operate at 10-minute intervals. Even after receiving safety clearance from the Commissioner of Metro Rail Safety (CMRS) nearly 5 months ago, the launch date has not been decided.

The delivered trains are currently undergoing mandatory inspections including routine static tests, routine dynamic tests, signaling and telecommunications (S&T) static tests, S&T dynamic tests, integration tests and service trials. Every train undergoes these inspections before official passenger services are commenced.

An official also confirmed that the Poonamallee Bypass and Vadapalani corridor is ready for its launch. The request to finalise the inauguration date has been sent to the Centre and awaits approval, as reported by TOI.

Once operational, this line will provide the first metro connectivity to several western suburbs of Chennai and significantly reduce travel time between Poonamallee, Porur and Vadapalan. 

Chennai Metro Phase II 

The Phase II of Chennai Metro has been planned for a length of 118.9 Km network with 128 metro stations. It consists of three corridors. The total estimated cost of the project is Rs 63,246 Crore.

CorridorsNamesLength
Corridor 3Madhavaram to SIPCOT45.8 km
Corridor 4Lighthouse to Poonamalle Bypass26.1 km
Corridor 5Madhavaram to Sholinganallur47.0 km

Phase II will add approx. 118.9 Km of new metro lines connecting the North to South and East to the West of Chennai and significantly enhance the metro connectivity. As stated by CMRL the project is proposed to be completed by the end of 2028.

Also Read: Ashwini Vaishnaw to launch first Tunnel Boring Machine for Mumbai-Ahmedabad Bullet Train Project

Ashwini Vaishnaw to launch first Tunnel Boring Machine for Mumbai-Ahmedabad Bullet Train Project

Narendra Shah & Editorial Team
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Ashwini Vaishnaw to launch first Tunnel Boring Machine for Mumbai-Ahmedabad Bullet Train Project

NEW DELHI( Metro Rail News): India’s first Bullet Train Project will reach an important milestone on Sunday when Ashwini Vaishnaw will launch underground tunnelling work between Vikhroli and Bandra Kurla Complex (BKC) in Mumbai. 

According to a PTI report, This is going to be the first time that a Tunnel Boring Machine (TBM) will be used for the Mumbai-Ahmedabad Bullet Train Project. 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.  

Tunnel work to begin from Vikhroli

According to officials from the National High Speed Rail Corporation Limited (NHSRCL), the Railway Minister will push a button to start the TBM operation located 56.6 metres below ground level at Vikhroli. The first TBM will dig a tunnel of around 5.8 km from Vikhroli to the BKC station. The second TBM is currently being assembled at Sawli and it is expected that this TBM will be ready within a week. It will excavate the 9.7 km section between Sawli and Vikhroli, which includes the 7 km undersea stretch.  

Tunnel construction plan

The underground tunnel extends from BKC to Shilphata and it spans a total length of 20.37 km. The 15.4 km stretch between BKC and Sawli will be built using TBMs. The remaining 4.8 km between Sawli and Shilphata has already been completed using the drill-and-blast method. The tunnel will run about 65 metres below ground level. It will have a single tube with twin tracks for trains running in both directions. A senior from Indian Railways said each TBM can excavate nearly 300 metres every month. Once both machines start working, the project team expects to complete around 600 metres of tunnelling each month.

Among the largest TBMs used in India

Afcons Infrastructure Limited is building this section. It brought the two customised German-made TBMs to India by sea from China in March 2026. Each machine has a cutter head diameter of 13.6 metres, making them among the largest TBMs used in any railway project in the country. The project also includes: 

  • A shaft at Vikhroli with a depth of around 56 metres.  
  • A shaft at Sawli with a depth of around 39 metres.  
  • Construction of 39 equipment rooms at 37 locations along the tunnel route.  

Afcons has previously worked on major projects such as the Chenab Bridge, the under-river tunnel of Kolkata Metro’s East-West Corridor, and the Atal Tunnel under Rohtang Pass.

About the Bullet Train Project 

The Mumbai-Ahmedabad High-Speed Rail Corridor stretches 508 km and will become the country’s first bullet train route. The corridor will connect Mumbai (BKC), Thane, Virar, Boisar, Vapi, Bilimora, Surat, Bharuch, Vadodara, Anand, Ahmedabad and Sabarmati. Bullet trains on the route will run at speeds of up to 320 kmph. This train is going to have limited stop service and will only halt at Surat, Vadodara, and Ahmedabad. It will cut travel time between Mumbai and Ahmedabad to about 2 hours and 7 minutes. 

Also Read: High-Speed Rail: NHSRCL invites bids to design civil structures for future 350 kmph bullet train corridors

Indian Railways sanctioned Rs 135 cr flyover project to ease conjunction on Rourkela-Bondamunda section

Narendra Shah & Editorial Team
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Indian Railways sanctioned Rs 135 cr flyover project to ease conjunction on Rourkela-Bondamunda section

ODISHA (Metro Rail News): Indian Railways has approved a Rs 135 crore rail flyover project at Bondamunda in Odisha. The project aims to improve train movement on the busy Rourkela-Bondamunda section. It will separate freight and passenger trains, allowing Indian Railways to handle the traffic more efficiently. 

The new flyover will stretch 4.9 km from Bondamunda ‘A’ cabin to Bondamunda Link ‘B’ cabin under South-Eastern Railway. Indian Railways has planned this project to meet the rising demand for freight transportation from the region’s mining and steel industries.

The need of this project 

The Rourkela-Bondamunda section is an important industrial rail corridor. Freight traffic on this route is expected to rise in the coming years because of:

  • Expansion of SAIL’s Barsua-Taldih-Kalta mining complex  
  • Higher production at Rourkela Steel Plant  
  • Planned doubling of this High-Density Network (HDN) route  

It is expected that in coming years more freight trains will run on this corridor. That’s why Indian Railways decided to build the flyover to improve traffic flow and avoid delays. The new structure will separate freight trains from passenger train operations. This will reduce congestion at Bondamunda Yard and improve train movement on the route. It will increase line capacity and enhance operational efficiency. This project will also help in making train operations more reliable by reducing conflicts between passenger and freight trains.

Major boost for freight movement

Once this project becomes operational, the corridor will handle an additional 8 million tonnes of freight traffic every year. The extra capacity will support the transportation of minerals, steel products and other industrial cargo. Indian Railways has included the project under its Energy, Mineral, and Cement Corridor program. This program focuses on strengthening rail infrastructure in industrial regions and improving logistics for industries that depend heavily on freight transportation.

Also Read: Bengaluru-Mumbai Vande Bharat Sleeper moves closer to launch with arrival of trainsets

Bengaluru-Mumbai Vande Bharat Sleeper moves closer to launch with arrival of trainsets

Narendra Shah & Editorial Team
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Bengaluru-Mumbai Vande Bharat Sleeper moves closer to launch with arrival of trainsets

NEW DELHI (Metro Rail News): Indian Railways is planning to expand Vande Bharat Sleeper operations between Bengaluru, and India’s financial capital, Mumbai. Against this backdrop, the premium Vande Bharat Sleeper trainsets have arrived at Bengaluru. This train will connect the KSR station in Bengaluru with Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus in Mumbai. Bengaluru-Mumbai Vande Bharat Sleeper will improve the connectivity between Bengaluru and Mumbai via Hubballi-Dharwad Region and Belagavi in Karnataka, and Pune in Maharashtra.

As per The Indian Express, the new trains are manufactured by BEML, through an Integral Coach Factory (ICF) technology based in Chennai. Before entering passenger services, the train will undergo trials and safety checks. The train’s technical systems, ability to brake, communication facilities, and safety mechanisms will be checked by railway experts. 

The train is currently stabled at SMVT station in Bengaluru, it is expected to be launched after receiving the tests approvals and successful trial results. 

This will be the second Vande Bharat Sleeper train after the Howrah-Kamakhya Vande Bharat Sleeper Express, which was launched in January, 2026. The first train reduced the travel time between the stations by almost 6 hours. 

Features of Bengaluru-Mumbai Vande Bharat Sleeper Trains

The train will have 16 coaches in total, comprising eleven 3-tier coaches, four 2-tier coaches and one 1st AC Coach. The total passenger capacity will be 823, with 611 in 3T, 188 in 2T and 24 in 1AC. 

The semi-high speed train is designed with an operational speed up to 180 kmph. Moreover, the train is equipped with the Kavach automatic train protection system, ensuring collision prevention and safe train operations.

The train is designed for long overnight travelling, covering around 800 to 1200 km. The train offers ergonomically designed berths for comfortable long journeys.

Also Read: Titagarh and TuTr Hyperloop partners to develop Freight Hyperloop Tech

Titagarh and TuTr Hyperloop partners to develop Freight Hyperloop Tech

Narendra Shah & Editorial Team
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Titagarh and TuTr Hyperloop partners to develop Freight Hyperloop Tech

KOLKATA (Metro Rail News): Titagarh Rail System Limited, India’s leading rolling stock manufacturer, and TuTr Hyperloop, an IIT Madras based startup focused on freight Hyperloop systems, entered a strategic collaboration on Thursday (2nd July). The objective of this partnership is to develop India’s first Hyperloop technology equipped freight transportation system.

The scope of this collaboration includes the evaluation, designing, development, integration, and exploring the commercialization of high-speed and energy-efficient freight transportation systems in view of future requirements of transportation and infrastructure.

The Hyperloop technology can have practical solutions for the future of transportation. The focus of this agreement is to set up a structured framework to evaluate the application of Hyperloop technology for cargo and freight transportation across both national and international markets. Through this initiative, the companies aim to promote India’s growth through advanced indigenous technology, under the Made in India and Aatmanirbhar Bharat initiatives.

Mr. Prithish Chowdhary, Deputy Managing Director at Titagarh, talked about the technology driven future of transportation and the strategic alliance with TuTr Hyperloop for the freight Hyperloop technology. Moreover, he showed commitment to produce advanced indigenous technologies and India’s goal of Viksit Bharat.

Dr Aravind Bharadwaj, Co-Founder at TuTr Hyperloop, showed confidence in the alliance with Titagarh and said that they will create next-generation solutions for cargo transportation. He further expressed his vision to reach the global market with our indigenous technology.

What is Hyperloop Technology?

A conventional high-speed train can move at an exceptional pace; yet factors like ground friction and aerodynamic force limit them to a certain maximum speed. The Hyperloop technology presents a solution to this drawback.

It envisions pods moving through near-vacuum tubes at supersonic velocities. However, currently, this technology is at a developing stage, and several institutions are working to turn this vision into a reality. It is often seen as a major technology in shaping the future of transportation.

Also Read: Evolving High-Speed Rail: The Maglev and Hyperloop Era

Gurgaon Metro: DPR finalised for Sector 56 to Pachgaon metro corridor

Narendra Shah & Editorial Team
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Gurgaon Metro: DPR finalised for Sector 56 to Pachgaon metro corridor

GURGAON (Metro Rail News): The Haryana Mass Rapid Transport Corporation Limited (HMRTC) has finalised the DPR for a new Gurgaon Metro corridor linking Sector 56 on Golf Course Extension Road to Pachgaon on the Delhi-Jaipur Highway. The estimated cost of the project is Rs. 10,428 crore. The DPR includes 28 stations and the length of the corridor is 35 km. The Haryana State Industrial and Infrastructure Development Corporation (HSIIDC) will provide Rs 1,500 crore towards the implementation of this metro project.

A dedicated metro station is proposed to be constructed in the underdeveloped Global City, a mixed land use township in Sector 36A, Gurugram, which is being developed across 1000 acres by HSIIDC. 

This new metro corridor will be connected to three major transit points, i.e Rapid Metro and two proposed Namo Bharat Line. At Sector 56, the new line will directly link to the existing Rapid Metro, which currently operates from Cyber City to Sector 56. 

At sector 61, this new metro line is planned to intersect with the proposed Namo Bharat line running between Gurgaon and Greater Noida via Faridabad and Noida.

At Pachgaon, which is the southern end of the line, an intersection station is planned that will connect the passengers to the proposed Delhi-Bawal Namo Bharat corridor. At Vatika Chowk, an additional interchange is also planned where a future metro corridor from Bhondsi to Rajiv Chowk is proposed to pass through.

The funding structure of the project includes the Centre covering 10% of the project cost. The remaining cost will be divided between 20 per cent equity from the Haryana government and 80 per cent through institutional borrowing from banks.

The DPR has been submitted by the HMRTC to the Haryana Government. Once the Chief Minister approves the DPR, the construction will begin once the project receives statutory clearances.

Also Read: DMRC submits DPR of Thiruvananthapuram Metro Project

Jaipur Metro Phase II: RMRCL floats Rs 1,131 cr civil works tender 

Narendra Shah & Editorial Team
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Jaipur Metro Phase II: RMRCL floats Rs 1,131 cr civil works tender 

JAIPUR (Metro Rail News): The Rajasthan Metro Rail Corporation Limited (RMRCL) has invited bids for constructing a significant segment of the Jaipur Metro Phase II project. This package covers the design and construction of an elevated metro corridor alongside 12 elevated stations, including architectural finishing works. The estimated cost of the project is Rs 1,331.58 cr.

Tender Information 

InformationDetails
Tender ID2026_RMADB_571803_1
Estimated CostRs 1,331.58 crore
Pre-Bid Meeting20 July 2026, 4:30 PM 
Last Date for Bid Submission18 August 2026 
Bid Opening Date29 August 2026  
Bid Validity180 days

Scope of work

The chosen contractor will design and construction of elevated viaduct and 12 elevated stations (including architectural finishing) viz. Collectorate, Panipech, Ambabari, Chomu Puliya, Vidhya Nagar Sec-2, Vidhya Nagar, VKI Road No 5, VKI Road No 9, VKI Road No. 14, Harmada, Harmada Ghati & Todi Mod under Jaipur Metro Phase- II MRTS. 

About Jaipur Metro Phase II

Jaipur Metro Phase-II will expand the city’s metro network and improve public transport connections in growing areas of Jaipur. This project is part of a program funded by the Asian Development Bank (ADB) and it is being implemented by Rajasthan Metro Rail Corporation Limited (RMRCL). It is approximately 41 km long North-South transit corridor, which connects Prahladpura to Todi Mod. Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi is expected to lay the foundation of this project on 4th of July. 

Also Read: PM Modi to lay foundation stone for Jaipur Metro Phase II on July 4

DMRC submits DPR of Thiruvananthapuram Metro Project

Narendra Shah & Editorial Team
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DMRC submits DPR of Thiruvananthapuram Metro Project

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM (Metro Rail New): The Detailed Project Report (DPR) of the long-awaited Thiruvananthapuram Metro project has been submitted by Delhi Metro Rail Corporation (DMRC) to Kochi Metro Rail Limited (KMRL), the project’s implementing agency.

According to the Times of India, KMRL is currently reviewing the DPR. Afterwards, they will send it to the state government for approval, which is expected to be done in 30 days and later after the state government approves the project, it will move on to the central government for the final approval and work sanctions.

Earlier, the state government of Kerala had approved the alignment of the first phase of the metro in November, 2025. The cost of the project was estimated at a cost of approximately Rs 8,000 Crores.

Phase 1 corridor 

The alignment of the first phase has not changed from the previously approved route. It will be a 31 km long corridor running between Pappanamcode and Enchakkal via Pattom, Government Medical College, Kazhakkoottam, Akkulam and Thiruvananthapuram International Airport. Kazhakkoottam is proposed for the maintenance depot of the Phase 1 corridor.

There will be 27 stations in the first phase. It includes the busiest areas, comprising the Techopark, major residential and commercial areas, the secretariat, railway station and airport.

Need for a Metro in Thiruvananthapuram

The Thiruvananthapuram metro project has been delayed for a long time. The city’s increasing number of vehicles and urban traffic congestion require a transportation upgrade. The city is a major commercial and technological hub in Kerala and it also serves as the administrative capital of the state. The project had faced uncertainty due to the population criterion under the National Metro Rail Policy, 2017.

Also Read: Centre approves direct metro line from Kalyani Nagar Station to Pune International Airport

Centre approves direct metro line from Kalyani Nagar Station to Pune International Airport

Narendra Shah & Editorial Team
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Centre approves direct metro line from Kalyani Nagar Station to Pune International Airport

PUNE (Metro Rail News): The highly awaited Kalyani Nagar-Pune Airport Metro route received final in-principle approval. This new metro line will be integrated with all 4 Pune Metro lines, providing a direct connection to Pune International Airport.

Union Minister of State for Civil Aviation and Cooperation, Shri Murlidhar Mohol, chaired a review meeting where the route received its final approval. The meeting was attended by senior officials including MahaMetro’s Managing Director Shrawan Hardikar, Pune Municipal Corporation Commissioner Nawal Kishor Ram, MahaMetro Directors Atul Gadgil and Vinodkumar Agarwal, City Engineer Aniruddha Pawaskar, along with senior officials from Pune Municipal Corporation, corporators, and local citizens. 

During the Union Minister’s visit he reviewed the important proposed metro corridors, including Vanaz to Chandani Chowk, Ramwadi to Wagholi, S.N.D.T. College Metro Station to Warje-Manikbaug, and the Airport Connectivity project. He also asked the officials to expedite the work on pending metro lines and ensure better coordination between Maha-Metro and the PMC for seamless project implementation. 

Pune Metro currently has an operational length of 33.1 km across two fully functional corridors: 

Metro LineStations Length 
Line-1 (Purple Line)PCMC (Pimpri-Chinchwad Municipal Corporation) to Swargate17.4 km
Line-2  (Aqua Line)Vanaz to Ramwadi15.7 km

Underconstruction Lines 

Metro LineStations Length 
Line 3Hinjawadi to Civil Court23.20 km
Line 4Kharadi to Khadakwasla31.63 km

The Civil Court Station at present serves as the interchange station for Line 1 and 2 and will also link to Line 3. The proposed Line 4 corridor will link to the Kalyani Nagar Metro Station which comes under Line 2, providing airport connectivity to all four Metro lines, enhancing metro connectivity and improving overall urban mobility of the city.

Once this line receives approval from Pune Municipal Corporation, the proposal will be sent to the Maharashtra government and then the Centre for final approval.

Also Read: PM Modi to lay foundation stone for Jaipur Metro Phase II on July 4

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