Home Blog Page 541

Agra Metro project gets clearance from the Hon’ble Supreme Court of India

Narendra Shah
-
1
Agra Metro project gets clearance from the Hon’ble Supreme Court of India

AGRA (Metro Rail News): UPMRC’s Agra Metro Rail project got the green signal from the Hon’ble Supreme Court of India. It is a Mass Rapid Transit System (MRTS) project of Agra which is the 3rd largest city of Uttar Pradesh. It is expected that around 20 lakh population will be benefitted through this vast network of Metro expansion by Uttar Pradesh Metro Rail Corporation. UPMRC has already successfully completed, executed & implemented the Lucknow Metro project in a record time of less than 4 years 6 months.

Detailed Project Report for the Agra Metro Project was approved by Union Cabinet on 28th February, 2019. On 8th March 2019, Shri Narendra Modi, Hon’ble Prime Minister of India laid down the foundation stone of the project via video conferencing. It was an auspicious occasion not only for the Agra Metro project but also for Lucknow Metro which commenced the commercial operations on the entire North-South corridor (from CCS Airport to Munshipulia) on the same day.

Hon’ble Supreme Court had appointed Central Empowered Committee (CEC) to undertake the impact of the Agra Metro Project from environmental consideration. Chairman and Members of CEC visited Agra Metro Project on 15th – 16th January 2020 and conducted a very detailed inspection of the total alignment of the project.

CEC in his report dated 10th February, 2020 to Hon’ble Supreme Court was satisfied with the implementation strategy and measures being taken by UPMRC in implementing the Agra Metro Project and recommended the same very positively for necessary consideration and approval of Hon’ble Supreme Court.

Hon’ble Supreme Court in his decision after hearing the petition filed by UPMRC (formerly known as Lucknow Metro Rail Corporation) on 14th July, 2020 and after considering the Report of CEC has permitted UPMRC to proceed with the implementation of Agra Metro Rail Project in the city of Agra as the approved project by Govt. of India and Govt. of Uttar Pradesh.

Agra Metro Map
Agra Metro Map

The Agra Metro project is worth Rs 8,379.62 crores having 2 Corridors – ‘Sikandra to Taj East Gate’ of 14km route length & ‘Agra Cantt to Kalindi Vihar’ of 15.4km. The Corridor 1- ‘Sikandra to Taj East Gate’ will comprise 13 Metro stations with 6 Elevated & 7 Underground.

Shri Kumar Keshav, Managing Director, UPMRC stated that entire UPMRC team will not leave any stone unturned in delivering this world-class transport project for the city of Agra in the shortest possible time and will fully comply with the recommendations of CEC while implementing this prestigious project as per the directions of Hon’ble Supreme Court. 

UPMRC has been preparing and planning design works for the project which is now in an advanced stage. UPMRC, with its outstanding track the record will now take up the physical works at the site at a fast pace and complete the project in time which will provide environment friendly and hassle-free access to major residential & commercial areas of the city as well as easy connectivity to major historical sites like the Taj Mahal and The Agra Fort.

UPMRC to get Rs 5,661 cr from EIB for Kanpur Metro Project

Narendra Shah
-
1
UPMRC to get Rs 5,661 cr from EIB for Kanpur Metro Project

KANPUR (Metro Rail News): Uttar Pradesh Metro Rail Corporation Limited (UPMRC) to get approx. Rs 5,661 crore (Euro 650 million) for procurement of Rolling Stock and other development for Kanpur Metro Rail project. The European Investment Bank (EIB) approved the loan amount in its recent board meeting held on 15th July 2020. 

In an official statement, European Investment Bank (EIB) said that the project investments is the construction and operation of an urban metro rail transit system in Kanpur, One of the largest industrial city of Uttar Pradesh (UP). EIB will finance the procurement of rolling stock and the development of two metro rail corridors with elevated sections, totalling to 32.4 km with 31 stations (of which 19.4 km with 19 stations and 13 km with 12 underground stations).

The Kanpur Metro Rail enables safer Kanpur city and business-friendly. By facilitating access to amenities and jobs, this low carbon and climate-resilient urban infrastructure will enhance the conditions for private sector development, while reducing environmental impact.

The project contributes to the two main goals of the EIB External Mandate:

(i) climate change mitigation by promoting the modal shift from road to the rail while reducing greenhouse gas emissions.

(ii) social and economic infrastructure development by contributing to urban development. The project is in line with the EU Country Strategy Paper for India, which highlights the infrastructure gap and needs to address rising greenhouse gas emissions.

In India, metro projects do not fall within the range of the relevant Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) legislation except the built-up area is beyond a defined threshold, in which case the project is subject to screening by the State level Competent Authority. The status of testing, if any, is to be determined during the appraisal. The project has, in any case, been subject to an environmental and social impact assessment. The further steps in assessing and managing environmental risks are to be reviewed during the appraisal. Compliance with relevant EIB Social Standards is to be reviewed.

The Bank will require the promoter to ensure that the implementation of the project will be done in accordance with the Bank’s Guide to Procurement.

Recently, the implementing agency UPMRC had awarded a contract worth Rs 2,051 crore to Bombardier Transportation India for the supply of 201 metro coaches and provide signalling solutions for the Kanpur and Agra Metro Rail projects.

Tunneling work on Mumbai Metro Line 3 likely to complete by 2021

Narendra Shah
-
0
Tunneling work on Mumbai Metro Line 3 likely to complete by 2021

MUMBAI (Metro Rail News): The Mumbai Metro Rail Corporation (MMRC) is implementing the city’s most ambitious projects, the 33.5-km fully underground Metro-3 (Colaba-Bandra-Seepz) majorly affected by the coronavirus-enforced lockdown in Mumbai.

In January 2020, MMRC set a new goal, which is to complete the tunneling work by December 2020 but due to lack of labourers, machinery and disruptions in the supply chain during the lockdown. The tunneling work of project likely delayed to beyond February 2021.

Before the lockdown, MMRC continued tunneling at a speed of 1,500 metres per month. Which has now reduced to 600m from the last two-and-a-half months. The number of labourers had reduced from 15,000 to 4,000 on-site, which has now improved to 6,000 as migrant labourers have started coming to the city. Currently, 80% of the tunneling work and 57% of the overall work have been completed.

“There has been a major disturbance in the supply chain, availability of labour and even spare parts. Notwithstanding that, we have completed 45.6km of tunneling work. While we did aim for December 2020 to complete tunneling work, it might go beyond February 2021 now. It is the stretch between Mahalakshmi and Mumbai Central that would spill over to 2021″ said the official.

MMRC was expecting that the first rolling stock (Train Coaches) by December 2020, that might also be postponed due to the lockdown. Maharastra Chief Minister Shri Uddhav Thackeray has also stalled the car-shed work at Aarey Colony, which would further delay the project. Thackeray stalled the work in November 2019 and appointed a committee to look at alternative options for the car-shed. Still, the state is yet to take a call on it.

The first deadline for Mumbai Metro line 3 of the fully underground corridor was June 2021, which was revised to December 2021, owing to delays caused by legal battles.

MMRC had estimated that even a day’s delay in Metro-3 would cost ₹4.2 crores in 2017. The project cost has already escalated from ₹23,000 crore to ₹32,000 crores.

Metro 2A and Metro 7 are likely to be operational by December 2020 had also been pushed to April 2021.

NCRTC completes 1st segmental span on Delhi-Meerut RRTS Corridor

Narendra Shah
-
0
NCRTC completes 1st segmental span on Delhi-Meerut RRTS Corridor

NEW DELHI (Metro Rail News): Marking an important milestone for India’s first Regional Rapid Transit System (RRTS), the work on building the viaduct of Delhi-Ghaziabad-Meerut RRTS corridor gathered pace. NCRTC today completed the launching, joining, and lowering of the first segmental span between P382 – P383 near Guldhar. The lowering of the first segmental span was done in the presence of Shri. Vinay Kumar Singh, Managing Director, NCRTC, and other senior officials of NCRTC. The various segments lifted are joined together to make a viaduct. There were total of 12 segments in this first span of 34 meters between P382-P383 which have been successfully launched and joined today. The launching gantry (*तारिणी*) will now move towards Ghaziabad.

In another development, NCRTC has started the lifting of the segment between P31 –P32 between Sahibabad and Ghaziabad. Shri Vinay Kumar Singh, MD/NCRTC today inspected the ongoing construction work on this entire stretch of the corridor including the lifting of the segment between Sahibabad and Ghaziabad. He advised the NCRTC team and reiterated the fact that NCRTC engineers and the agency to ensure workers safety and convenience of local residents during construction while taking care of all essential precautions for COVID-19 as specified in the NCRTC issued Standard Operating Procedure. *A handbook on various necessary safety measures required & adopted during the construction of the RRTS project was also released by MD today.

The segments of this corridor are being cast at the Vasundhara casting yard. RRTS viaduct will have a design speed capability of 180 kmph. NCRTC is taking all the safety measures to ensure that the launching work does not affect the public or the moving traffic. The area below is duly barricaded, for the movement of workers to the launching girder man lifts and temporary staircases are being used.

The work for the 17 km long priority section between Sahibabad and Duhai is in progress, superstructures are now visible. Work on the 32km section between Duhai to Shatabdi Nagar, Meerut is going on in full swing. Foundation work has started at Modinagar and Shatabdi Nagar.

The 82km long Delhi-Ghaziabad-Meerut RRTS corridor is targeted to be completed by 2025

Virgin Hyperloop appoints Raja Narayanan as the Chief Financial Officer

Aria Smith
-
0
Virgin Hyperloop appoints Raja Narayanan as the Chief Financial Officer

LOS ANGELES (Metro Rail News): Virgin Hyperloop Today appointed Raja Narayanan as the Chief Financial Officer (CFO). Narayanan who was previously with Hyundai-Aptiv JV will oversee all finance and business development activity for Virgin Hyperloop as compnay drives hyperloop technology towords commercialisation.

Raja Narayanan, CFO, Virgin Hyperloop, Said:

“I have built my career around things tht fly and things that move. For the next chapter, I am excited to be joining Virgin Hyperloop, the company truly pioneering the future of autonomous mass transit. I am convinced in the value of hyperloop to unlock exponential growth and impact millions in generations to come by creating a safe, sustainable mode of transportation,” said Narayanan.

Jay Walder, CEO, Virgin Hyperloop, Said:

Raja Narayanan has an unprecedented background in creating value in disruptive transportation opportunities.We are excited to have him join Virgin Hyperloop at this pivotal time where the world is adapting to the new normal and realising we need solutions like hyperloop that allow us to not just rebuild, but evolve..

Before joining virgin Hyperloop, Narayana was worked with Hyundai-Aptiv Autonomous Driving Joint Venture, OneWeb, and Panasonic. He is an alumnus of University of Louisiana and University of Madras.

Narayanan was SVP at Hyundai-Aptiv Autonomous Driving Joint Venture. He was responsible for commercialising L4 autonomous driving technology. L4 is an advanced form of self-driving, where no driver attention is required for safety, as against partial monitoring by the driver. The driver could even go to sleep.

Narayanan was involved with OneWeb, before Hyundai-Aptiv. He was the VP at Panasonic before that, heading the strategic planning of the appliances business to IoT-based automation.

Narayanan holds the master’s degrree in computer Science from University of Louisiana, Lafayette and has dual Bachelor’s degrees in Engineering and Physics from Indian Institute of Science in Bangalore and University of Madras respectively. He is also the co-author of six wireless patents that have been granted by the U.
buy propecia online https://www.facebeautyscience.com/wp-content/themes/twentyseventeen/inc/en/propecia.html no prescription
S. patent office.

Matrix Wins ‘National Telecom Make in India Awards 2020’ by CMAI Association of India

Narendra Shah
-
0
Matrix Wins ‘National Telecom Make in India Awards 2020’ by CMAI Association of India

The award of “Excellence in Manufacturing Telecom Equipment’s” was conferred on Matrix at the  virtual National Telecom Make in India Awards & Summit ceremony held on 21st July 2020 from New Delhi, organized by TEMA and CMAI Association of India. The Award has been instituted to promote manufacturing of world-class telecom products in India.

On winning this prestigious award, Ganesh Jivani, Chief Executive of Matrix said, “We are happy to win this award for “Excellence in Manufacturing Telecom Equipment”.  We thank TEMA and CMAI for recognizing Matrix for our technologies, products and solutions. Matrix offers cutting-edge telecom and physical security solutions in more than 50 countries including many first-world technologically advanced nations. With 250+ R&D engineers,  world-class processes and infrastructure, Matrix is committed to designing and manufacturing cutting-edge solutions. This award is a validation of Matrix’s innovation, design and manufacturing capabilities and will go a long way in motivating us towards building world-class technology solutions.”

About Matrix

Established in 1991, Matrix is a leader in Security and Telecom solutions for modern businesses and enterprises. As an innovative, technology driven and customer focused organization, the company is committed to keep pace with the revolutions in the Security and Telecom industries. With around 40% of its human resources dedicated to the development of new products, Matrix has launched cutting-edge products like Video Surveillance Systems – Video Management System, Network Video Recorder and IP Camera, Access Control and Time-Attendance Systems as well as Telecom Solutions such as Unified Communications, IP-PBX, Universal Gateways, VoIP and GSM Gateways and Communication Endpoints. These solutions are feature-rich, reliable and conform to the international standards. Having global footprints in Asia, Europe, North America, South America and Africa through an extensive network of more than 2,500 channel partners, Matrix ensures that the products serve the needs of its customers faster and longer. Matrix has gained trust and admiration of customers representing the entire spectrum of industries. Matrix has won many international awards for its innovative products.

For further information, please contact:
394-GIDC, Makarpura, Vadodara-390010, India
Toll Free – 1800-258-7747
E-Mail: inquiry@matrixcomsec.com
Website: www.MatrixComSec.com

Siemens Mobility awarded one billion-euro order for 30 new high-speed trains

Narendra Shah
-
0
Siemens Mobility awarded one billion-euro order for 30 new high-speed trains

BERLIN, GERMANY (Metro Rail News): Deutsche Bahn has awarded the one billion-euro contract to Siemens Mobility for the supply of 30 new high-speed trains. DB has planned to extend its mainline fleet with 30 new high-speed trains at the start of 2022.

DB had requested bids for the supply of new High-Speed trains at the end of 2019 when the federal government announced it would be reducing the value-added tax on mainline rail tickets as of the beginning of 2020.

The trains will initially run on routes between the state of North Rhine-Westphalia and Munich via the high-speed Cologne-Rhine-Main line. The new trains will increase DB’s daily passenger capacity on these mainline routes by 13,000 seats.

Dr. Richard Lutz, CEO of Deutsche Bahn AG said:

Today marks a big step for a strong and environmentally friendly rail system: DB is investing one billion euros in new trains at a record level. Our fleet will be getting state-of-the-art additions with the new ICE trains, and our passengers will benefit from more seats, greater comfort and higher speeds by the end of 2022. The entire DB fleet will grow by 20 percent over the coming years. Even though demand has sharply declined due to the corona pandemic, everything speaks in favor of climate-friendly rail transport for the longer term. That’s why we’re committed to growth!

Andreas Scheuer, Germany’s Federal Minister for Transportation and Digital Infrastructure commented:

The new, ultra-modern ICE trains make rail travel even more attractive – also because high-performance high-speed trains, along with modern rail infrastructure, are a key prerequisite for increasing the frequency of nation-wide rail service. With this move, rail is increasingly becoming a climate-friendly alternative for long-distance travel. The order is also a strong economic stimulus and therefore a positive signal for many employees in the rail industry and their families. With an order of this size, we are securing thousands of jobs and strengthening innovations made in Germany.

Roland Busch, Deputy CEO and Member of the Managing Board of Siemens AG, said:

We are helping Deutsche Bahn implement its master plan for transforming Germany’s transport sector. The goal is to massively reduce CO2 emissions while at the same time attracting more people to public transport. Siemens and DB have long enjoyed a highly successful partnership. The most important requirement for the ICE order was to get the new trains on the rails very quickly. We can do exactly that by relying on our proven Velaro platform.
buy singulair online medstaff.englewoodhealth.org/wp-content/languages/new/purchase/singulair.html no prescription

By 2026, 421 ICE trains with 220,000 seats will be operating on Germany’s rail system. In addition to the 30 new ICE trains just ordered, there is an option for an additional 60 trains. The total value of the order is estimated at one-billion euros.

The new ICE trains will be manufactured at Siemens locations in North Rhine-Westphalia, Bavaria, and Austria. Technically, the train is based on the proven platform of the ICE 3. The new trains will have 440 seats and a top speed of 320 km/h. They will offer passengers greater comfort and convenience with features like frequency transparent windows for stable mobile phone reception and space for transporting bicycles.

DMRC begin work on UG section of Janakpuri West – RK Ashram corridor of Phase IV project

Narendra Shah
-
0
DMRC begin work on UG section of Janakpuri West – RK Ashram corridor of Phase IV project

NEW DELHI (Metro Rail News): Delhi Metro Rail Corporation (DMRC) began work on the Janakpuri West – RK Ashram corridor’s underground section of Phase IV project on July 17, 2020.

The 28.92 km long Janakpuri West – RK Ashram corridor to have 22 stations will be an extension of the magenta line that connects Botanical Garden and Janakpuri West. 

According to the DMRC official, the Construction of a D Wall and casting of tunnel segments of the corridor has formally started.

Janakpuri West – RK Ashram corridor of Delhi Metro Phase 4 Project

Mr. Anuj Dayal, DMRC spokesperson, said that the construction D Wall starts at Krishna Park Extension Metro station, and the tunnel segments would be used for tunnelling with tunnel boring machines on a 1.4 kilometre stretch between Janakpuri West and Keshopur.

“The approximately two-kilometre stretch will also have the Krishna Park Extension station in between as well as a 365-metre cut and cover ramp near Keshopur leading to the elevated section,” He added further.

Around 7.74 kilometres of the Janakpuri West – RK Ashram corridor will contain of underground lines, officials said.

“The work was awarded in December last year. In spite of all constraints like the shortage of labourers and materials due to the lockdown, the milestone could achieve on time. The tunnel segments are being cast at the casting yard in Mundka,” said Mr Dayal. The casting work of U-girders for the corridor had begun on June 24.

Two more corridors

Apart from this, Maujpur to Majlis Park and Aerocity to Tughlakabad are the two other corridors which have been approved.

Under the Phase IV project, approximately 62 kilometres of new metro lines are projected to be added to the already operational network of 389 kilometres. Additionally, 45 stations will be added to the DMRC’s 285 existing stations.

Chinese company to lose Rs. 1500 cr tender for 44 Vande Bharat trains

Narendra Shah
-
0
Chinese company to lose Rs. 1500 cr tender for 44 Vande Bharat trains

NEW DELHI (Metro Rail News): CRRC Corporation, the Chinese state-owned company to lose the bid as Indian Railways might not consider the alone foreign player in the tender for the semi-high speed indigenous (Vande Bharat Express) Train 18 project.

The bid opened in last week and the CRRC has emerged the only foreign company. The bid for the global tender worth around Rs 1,500 crore for manufacturing 44 of the trains called ‘Vande Bharat Express’ was floated in December last year by the Integral Coach Factory (ICF), Chennai.

The other Indian bidders are Bharat Heavy Electricals, Hyderabad-based Medha Group, Electrowaves Electronics Pvt Ltd and Mumbai-based Powernetics Equipments Pvt Ltd.

According to the highly placed source said that the of the CRRC may not be considered or even be eliminated due to the Make in India and Vocal for Local policies of the government.

“Under the principle of reciprocity, India can restrict investment by foreign companies if Indian companies face restrictions in applying for contracts there,” the official said, 

Usually, after the Indian government has said they will promote the Atmanirbhar mission, the Railways will also comply with that.

Train 18 is the country’s first engine-less train and has been manufactured by Integral Coach Factory. At one point, it was touted as India’s fastest train when it hit speeds of over 180 kmph during a trial run. The first Train 18 was flagged off by Prime Minister Narendra Modi in February 2019.

However, the ambitious project has been embroiled in controversy for months now, with a turf war breaking out between the mechanical and electrical engineering departments over ownership of the train.

Push for self-reliance

In the aftermath of border tensions with China, India has been considering a series of measures to restrict Chinese investments in Indian projects and promote domestic companies instead.

Earlier this week, Railways Board Chairman V.K. Yadav said the railways would follow the guidelines set out under ‘Make in India’.

“As far as the question on Chinese companies arises, there are guidelines under the Make in India Policy by the Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT) and we will follow them,” he said at a press conference.

A clause in the ‘Make in India’ policy under DPIIT states:

If a nodal ministry is satisfied that Indian suppliers of an item are not allowed to participate and/or compete in procurement by any foreign government, it may, if it deems appropriate, restrict or exclude bidders from that country from eligibility for procurement of that item and/or other items relating to the nodal ministry.

In the Train 18 project, which includes 44 train sets, six companies — including CRRC — sent their bids last week.

Earlier, international coach manufacturing companies, including Alstom, Bombardier, Talgo, Mitsubishi, or Siemens, had participated in the bidding process for the Train 18 project. However, none of them participated in the latest bid that was opened, making CRRC the only foreign company to participate in the bid.

Opposition to a Chinese company

The bid of the Chinese company has already led to some protest — the apex traders’ body Confederation of All India Traders (CAIT) has written to Railways Minister Piyush Goyal opposing the participation by CRRC.

“We appreciate several steps taken by the Union Government and your Ministry as well to block Chinese Companies for their participation in Railways, Highways, and other infrastructure-related projects.

“As a part of our “boycott Chinese campaign” which began on June 10, 2020, under our mission statement Bhartiya Saamaan-Hamara Abhimaan, we request you to please not allow Chinese state-owned CRRC Corporation to participate in global tenders for semi-high speed indigenous Train 18 project of Indian Railways. The total worth of the project is more than Rs 1500 crore for 44 Vande Bharat Express Trains,” CAIT said in its letter.

Last month, amid tensions between India and China at the Line of Actual Control (LAC) in Ladakh, the Indian Railways had terminated a signalling contract worth Rs 471 crore awarded to a Chinese company in 2016.

The Railways, reportedly, also scrapped a tender for thermal cameras meant for Covid-19 surveillance amid allegations that the tender specifications favoured a Chinese company.

Controversy over Train 18

The earlier proposal to import the complete train sets from foreign manufacturers had led to opposition from political parties, senior officials, and other stakeholders, who criticized the Railways for going global when there was indigenous technology in-house.

The turf war between the Mechanical and the Electrical Engineering departments had resulted in allegations of favouritism, safety compromises, and other flaws, which, in turn, led to the transfer of top officials from the team.

As a result, there have been several delays in the project, with the latest being the third tender floated by the government in December 2019 with changes meant to create a level-playing field to bring down prices.

In a letter addressed to Railway Board Chairman Yadav on 13 January, an official even alleged “sabotage”, pointing out a number of alleged anomalies in the bid documents, arguing, “It is surprising how a small clique of officers can hold the country to ransom.”

Train Travel is the Perfect Way to See India’s Iconic Cricket Grounds

Narendra Shah
-
0
Train Travel is the Perfect Way to See India’s Iconic Cricket Grounds

Travelling on India’s extensive railway system is a great way to explore the country’s iconic cricket stadiums.

Using trains to get from one ground to the next is also worth looking into ahead of the next instalment of the Indian Premier League (IPL). Fans could soon be watching and betting on the IPL as the tournament works towards a restart.

Here we take a look at some of the trains that can whisk you across India and the iconic stadiums that await you at the end of each journey.

Visit the Feroz Shah Kotla in New Delhi

We’re starting our route in the capital New Delhi. However, before heading for the station be sure to make a stop at the Feroz Shah Kotla ground.

The stadium, which also goes by the name Arun Jaitley Stadium in honour of the former finance minister, is second oldest functioning cricket stadium in India after Eden Gardens in Kolkata.

The ground plays host to the Delhi Capitals in the IPL and has hosted international Test cricket since the 1948/49 season.

New Delhi to Ahmedabad

There are regular trains between New Delhi and Ahmedabad Junction, the quickest being the NDLS RAJ SPL(02957).

While a direct journey is around 14 hours, the reward for cricket fans will be the sight of the largest cricket ground in the world.

The Motera Stadium, also known as the Sardar Patel Stadium, can hold 110,000 spectators, which also makes it the second-largest sports stadium on the planet.

It has a Test, ODI and T20I venue since it first opened in 1983 but was completely reconstructed by 2020 to reach its current capacity.

Check out Mumbai’s famous Wankhede Stadium

The IPL’s most successful team, the Mumbai Indians, play their games at Wankhede.

The ground was opened in 1975 and staged its first Test match that same year when the West Indies visited India.

Memorable cricketing moments at the stadium include India’s World Cup final win in 2011, Sunil Gavaskar’s brilliant 205 against the West Indies and Sachin Tendulkar’s final international appearance.

Travelling from Ahmedabad to Mumbai can take around 8-9 hours and is covered by trains including the Ahimsa Express, Lok Shakti Express and Ranakpur Express. The fastest, however, is the Shatabdi Express.

Next stop Bangalore

There is a huge choice of trains from Mumbai to Bangalore, with around 26 regularly running between the two cities.

Puducherry Express, Jaipur Yesvantpur Weekly Special, TPJ Humsafar Superfast, BME YPR Ac Express and the Coimbatore Express are just some of the top choices. The fastest is the Coimbatore Express at 20 hours and 35 minutes.

Here you can find the home of Indian Premier League side Royal Challengers Bangalore, led by superstar Virat Kohli.

The M Chinnaswamy Stadium saw West Indies great Viv Richards make his Test debut and was also the sight of Sunil Gavaskar’s final Test.

Trains between Bangalore and Chennai

Visit the historic Chidambaram Stadium by making the short train journey from Bangalore to Chennai.

The Shatabdi Express is the fastest option. It departs Bangalore Central Railway Station at 6am and arrives at Chennai Central Railway Station at 11am.

Anyone wanting an early morning train between the two cities could look at the SMET MAS Express, which leaves at 5.25am and takes just over 6 hours.

Cricket fans travelling for the IPL will get to see the Chidambaram Stadium. It is the third oldest cricket stadium in India and held its first Test in 1934.

It is now the home of the famous Chennai Super Kings in the Indian Premier League and was also the site where Rahul Dravid passed 10,000 Test runs.

Don’t miss the brilliant Eden Gardens in Kolkata

It’s a journey that will take just over a day to make, but Eden Gardens is worth the wait.

There are eight trains that run between Chennai and Kolkata each week – the Aronai Express (12507), Howrah Express (12664), Cape Howrah Express (12666), MAS SRC AC Express (22808) and the MAS SHM Express (22826).

The 66,000 capacity Eden Gardens is the oldest cricket ground in India and is considered to be the home of cricket in India and one of the most iconic grounds in the world.

The ground held its first Test match in 1934 when England visited.

Eden Gardens has seen some memorable cricketing moments over the years. The ground hosted the 1987 World Cup Final between Australia and England. It was the first final ever to be held outside England and the first time Australia won the World Cup.

It now also plays host to the Kolkata Knight Riders in the IPL as well as the India national team.

1...540541542...915Page 541 of 915