Bullet Train Project: NHSRCL Issues Single Tender Enquiry to BEML for Rolling Stock

By

-

02/03/2026

NEW DELHI (Metro Rail News): National High Speed Rail Corporation Limited has invited a single tender enquiry from BEML Limited for design, manufacture, supply, testing, commissioning, and comprehensive maintenance of rolling stock and allied works for India’s first bullet train project connecting Mumbai and Ahmedabad. The invitation, issued on February 28, 2026, follows a single-stage two-envelope bidding procedure under Package No. MAHSR-BRS-1

The comprehensive package encompasses the complete lifecycle from design and manufacturing through testing, commissioning, and long-term maintenance of trainsets for the 508-kilometre Mumbai-Ahmedabad High Speed Rail Corridor.

Tender Details

Package Number	MAHSR-BRS-1
Invited Bidder	M/s BEML Limited
Tender Issue Date	February 28, 2026
Bid Submission Period	March 11-16, 2026 (09:00-15:00 hrs)
Technical Bid Opening	March 17, 2026 at 15:00 hrs
Bid Document Cost	₹59,000 (including GST, non-refundable)
Bid Security	₹36 crore (physical submission required)

Project Scope

Design, Manufacture, Supply, Testing, Commissioning, and Comprehensive Maintenance of Rolling Stock and allied works for the Project for Construction of Mumbai-Ahmedabad High Speed Rail

Mumbai-Ahmedabad HSR

The Mumbai-Ahmedabad High Speed Rail corridor represents India’s maiden bullet train project, spanning 508 kilometers with 12 stations. It connects India’s financial capital with Gujarat’s commercial hub. The first section of the bullet train corridor is expected to open in August 2027.

Explore how AI-integrated systems are improving comfort, connectivity, and accessibility for passengers across metro and rail networks at the 6th edition of InnoMetro, India’s leading expo for the Metro & Railway industry, which is going to be held on 21-22 May 2026 at Bharat Mandapam, New Delhi

Register Now: https://innometro.com/participate-now?utm_source=metrorailnews&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=innometro_2026_news

Advertisement1

Pune Metro: Apurvakriti Infrastructure Bags ₹44.05 Crore Ballastless Track Contract

By

Kapil Saini

-

28/02/2026

0

PUNE (Metro Rail News): Maharashtra Metro Rail Corporation Limited has signed a contract agreement with Apurvakriti Infrastructure Private Limited valued at ₹44.05 crore for design, supply, installation, testing, and commissioning of standard gauge ballastless track for the elevated section (PCMC to Nigdi) on the North-South Corridor of Pune Metro Rail Project, Reach-1 Extension.

Contract Details

Contract Value	₹44,04,85,700 (₹44.05 crore including GST)
Tender Number	P1A-T01/2025
Contractor	M/s Apurvakriti Infrastructure Pvt. Ltd.
Tender Portal ID	2025_MMRCL_1148975_1

Project Scope

The comprehensive contract encompasses design, supply, installation, testing, and commissioning of standard gauge ballastless track infrastructure for the elevated section between PCMC and Nigdi on Pune Metro’s North-South Corridor Reach-1 Extension. The scope includes:

Supply of 1080 Grade HH Rails meeting international standards
Track fastenings and ancillary components
1in9 and R300 ballastless turnouts for track configurations
Complete ballastless track system installation
Testing and commissioning of entire track infrastructure
Miscellaneous civil and track works

Pune Metro’s North-South Corridor

Currently, Pune Metro Purple Line spans from PCMC Bhawan to Swargate, covering a distance of around 14.66 kilometres and with 14 operational stations.

Discover how AI is bringing the next phase of sustainable urban rail mobility for Viksit Bharat at InnoMetro 2026, India’s prime exhibition and conference for metro & railways, which is going to be held on 21-22 May 2026 at Bharat Mandapam, New Delhi.

Register Now: https://innometro.com/participate-now?utm_source=metrorailnews&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=innometro_2026_news

Advertisement1

Delhi-Meerut RRTS Sees Over 1 Lakh Ridership on Opening Day

By

Kapil Saini

-

27/02/2026

0

NEW DELHI (Metro Rail News): The Delhi-Ghaziabad-Meerut Namo Bharat Regional Rapid Transit System recorded over 1 lakh (100,000) passengers on 23 February 2026. This development was recorded just within 24 hours of the inauguration of the remaining sections of the Delhi Meerut RRTS.

The National Capital Region Transport Corporation reported that ridership crossed the 100,000 mark by the departure of the last train at 10:00 PM. The achievement surpasses previous phased operational highs.

Record-Breaking Ridership

Date	February 23, 2026
Total Ridership	Over 1,00,000 passengers
Previous Record	Over 85,000 passengers (on partial corridor)
Operational Corridor	Complete 82.15 km (Sarai Kale Khan to Modipuram)
Modal Share Shift	Public transport: 37% to 63%

NCRTC Official Statement

In a post on its official social media handle, NCRTC stated: “On 23 Feb 2026, the first full day of operations on the entire Delhi–Meerut Namo Bharat corridor, from Sarai Kale Khan to Modipuram, along with Meerut Metro recorded over 1,00,000 ridership. This is the highest-ever single-day ridership so far on the corridor.

The opening of the entire RRTS line now shifts the modal share in favour of public transport from 37% to 63%..

During the inauguration, PM Modi described the moment as the dawn of a “new era of world-class infrastructure” for Uttar Pradesh and the entire country.

Journey Time

The completion of the corridor has reduced the travel time from Delhi to Meerut from 2.5-3 hours by road to approximately 55-59 minutes via Namo Bharat trains.

Sarai Kale Khan: Multi-Modal Hub

The terminus at Sarai Kale Khan will become a major transportation hub with interchange facilities connecting multiple modes. The station provides connections to Delhi Metro’s Pink Line, Hazrat Nizamuddin Railway Station, Veer Haqeeqat Rai Inter-State Bus Terminal, and Ring Road. Additionally, city bus services converge at the location, creating comprehensive multimodal connectivity.

Sarai Kale Khan will also serve as the terminal for the other two RRTS lines:

Delhi-Panipat corridor
Delhi-Gurgaon-Bawal

The daily ridership on the completed corridor is expected to reach 795,000 passengers as the system matures and commuters increasingly shift from road to rail.

Discover how AI is bringing the next phase of sustainable urban rail mobility for Viksit Bharat at InnoMetro 2026, India’s prime exhibition and conference for metro & railways, which is going to be held on 21-22 May 2026 at Bharat Mandapam, New Delhi.

Register Now: https://innometro.com/participate-now?utm_source=metrorailnews&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=innometro_2026_news

Advertisement1

Delhi Metro: Sam India Bags ₹222.76 Crore Contract for Yuge Yugeen Bharat Station

By

Kapil Saini

-

27/02/2026

0

Delhi Metro's Airport Express line — Representational Image

DELHI (Metro Rail News): Delhi Metro Rail Corporation has issued a Letter of Acceptance to Sam (India) Builtwell Private Limited for Contract EC-01 valued at ₹222.76 crore for the design and construction of Yuge Yugeen Bharat underground station along with PD Area ancillary building, associated entry/exits, and connecting subways under Phase-V(A) of Delhi Metro Transit System.

The comprehensive project encompasses civil, architectural, and finishing works for the underground station infrastructure.

Contract Details

Contract Number	EC-01
Contract Value	₹222,76,50,000.18 (including 18% GST)
Contractor	M/s Sam (India) Builtwell Private Limited
LOA Issue Date	January 15, 2026
Completion Period	21 months from Notice to Proceed
Engineer	PD/Central Vista, DMRC
File Reference	DMRC/20/V/001/2025

Project Scope

The contract encompasses comprehensive design and construction services for the Yuge Yugeen Bharat underground metro station, strategically positioned to serve the redeveloped Central Vista area of New Delhi. The project scope includes:

Design and construction of underground station infrastructure
PD Area ancillary building construction
Associated entry/exit structures for passenger access
Connecting subways providing pedestrian connectivity
Complete civil, architectural, and finishing works

The underground station will serve as a critical transportation node in the Central Vista area, providing metro connectivity to government offices, cultural institutions, and public spaces in the redeveloped zone.

The project forms part of Delhi Metro’s Phase-V(A) expansion, which focuses on extending metro connectivity to areas including the redeveloped Central Vista zone.

Discover how AI is bringing the next phase of sustainable urban rail mobility for Viksit Bharat at InnoMetro 2026, India’s prime exhibition and conference for metro & railways which is going to held on 21-22 May 2026 at Bharat Mandapam, New Delhi.

Register Now: https://innometro.com/participate-now?utm_source=metrorailnews&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=innometro_2026_news

Advertisement1

IRFC Secures USD 400 Million ECB from Japanese Lenders

By

Kapil Saini

-

26/02/2026

0

NEW DELHI (Metro Rail News): Indian Railway Finance Corporation has signed a loan agreement with a consortium comprising Sumitomo Mitsui Banking Corporation, GIFT City Branch, and MUFG Bank Ltd, GIFT City Branch, to raise an External Commercial Borrowing of JPY-equivalent USD 400 million.

The loan is for five years and is unsecured, which means IRFC did not have to provide any specific assets as collateral to get the loan. The interest rate on this loan is linked to TONAR (Tokyo Overnight Average Rate), which is a benchmark interest rate in Japan. So, the cost of borrowing will move based on this Japanese market rate.

The loan agreement reflected that international lenders have strong trust and confidence in IRFC’s financial strength and its long-term plan to fund railway infrastructure projects.

The agreement was executed in New Delhi on February 25, 2026, and disclosed under Regulation 30 of the SEBI (Listing Obligations and Disclosure Requirements) Regulations, 2015. This transaction follows IRFC’s successful re-entry into the ECB market in December 2025, when the company raised JPY-equivalent USD 300 million from overseas markets.

Transaction Overview

Facility Amount	JPY-equivalent USD 400 million
Tenure	5 years
Benchmark Rate	Overnight TONAR (Tokyo Overnight Average Rate)
Security	Unsecured facility
Lenders	Sumitomo Mitsui Banking Corporation (GIFT City Branch) and MUFG Bank Ltd (GIFT City Branch)
Agreement Date	February 25, 2026
Previous ECB (FY26)	JPY-equivalent USD 300 million (December 2025)
Regulatory Disclosure	SEBI Regulation 30 (Listing Obligations and Disclosure Requirements) Regulations, 2015

Loan Agreement Signing

The loan agreement was formally signed by Nav Goel, General Manager (Finance) of IRFC, along with Manoj Kaushik, Executive Director of SMBC, and Parul Shah, Head IBU of MUFG Bank.

Strategic Rationale

Speaking on the occasion, Shri Manoj Kumar Dubey, Chairman and Managing Director & CEO of IRFC, highlighted the strategic importance of diversified funding sources for the corporation. “Following IRFC’s successful re-entry into the ECB market in December 2025, this JPY-equivalent USD 400 million ECB further reinforces investor confidence in IRFC’s strong financial fundamentals and strategic vision,” he stated.

The CMD noted that accessing competitive global financing remains crucial as Indian Railways continues to expand network capacity, upgrade rolling stock, and enhance logistics efficiency. The diversification of funding sources ensures IRFC can meet the substantial capital requirements of India’s railway sector while maintaining financial sustainability.

Discover how AI is bringing the next phase of sustainable urban rail mobility for Viksit Bharat at InnoMetro 2026, India’s prime exhibition and conference for metro & railways which is going to held on 21-22 May 2026 at Bharat Mandapam, New Delhi.

Register Now: https://innometro.com/participate-now?utm_source=metrorailnews&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=innometro_2026_news

Advertisement1

CCEA Approves ₹9,072 Crore Railway Multitracking Plan to Add 307 km Network Capacity Across 4 States

By

Narendra Shah

-

25/02/2026

0

NEW DELHI (Metro Rail News): The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs (CCEA), chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, on February 24 approved three major multitracking projects of the Ministry of Railways at a combined estimated cost of ₹9,072 crore. The projects will add approximately 307 km to Indian Railways’ existing network across Maharashtra, Madhya Pradesh, Bihar, and Jharkhand, with completion targeted by 2030-31.

Three Projects, Eight Districts

The approved projects are: the Gondia–Jabalpur doubling; the Punarakh–Kiul 3rd and 4th line; and the Gamharia–Chandil 3rd and 4th line. Together they span eight districts across the four states, serving high-density freight and passenger corridors managed by South East Central Railway (SECR), East Central Railway (ECR), and South Eastern Railway (SER).

The Gondia–Jabalpur doubling will provide an alternative shorter route from Varanasi and Prayagraj to Chennai, Bengaluru, and Hyderabad. The project also includes a dedicated provision of ₹450 crore for wildlife underpasses and fencing. The Punarakh–Kiul 3rd and 4th line will improve connectivity of northeastern and eastern states with north India, serving NTPC power plants at Barh, Barauni, and Kanti, along with the cement industry in Daniyawan and Warsaliganj. The Gamharia–Chandil 3rd and 4th line will support coal and iron ore transportation to steel plants at Bokaro, Durgapur, and Burnpur, besides catering to mines, power plants, and Special Economic Zones in the region.

Freight Capacity and Logistics Impact

The three projects are critical for the movement of bulk commodities including coal, steel, iron ore, cement, fly ash, fertilizers, limestone, manganese, dolomite, foodgrains, and petroleum products. Once operational, the additional line capacity is expected to generate incremental freight traffic of 52 MTPA (Million Tonnes Per Annum). The government also estimates the shift from road to rail will reduce oil imports by 6 crore litres and cut CO₂ emissions by 30 crore kg — equivalent to the carbon sequestration of one crore trees.

The three corridors are aligned with the PM Gati Shakti National Master Plan, which mandates integrated planning for multi-modal connectivity and logistics efficiency.

Connectivity for 98 Lakh People

Beyond freight, the multitracking projects will improve rail access for approximately 5,407 villages, benefiting a population of around 98 lakh. The enhanced capacity is expected to improve punctuality and service reliability on these routes. Tourist destinations along the corridors — including Kanha National Park, Pench National Park, Chandil Dam, Dalma Wildlife Sanctuary, and Dhuandhar waterfall — will also gain improved connectivity.

Outlook

The three projects are scheduled for completion by 2030-31. With these approvals, Indian Railways continues to press ahead on its capacity augmentation agenda, which has seen sustained CCEA support for multitracking, new lines, and gauge conversion projects under the Union Budget’s ₹2,78,030 crore railway allocation for 2025-26. The operational rollout will be closely watched for its impact on freight throughput on some of the network’s most congested corridors.

Explore how AI-integrated systems are improving comfort, connectivity, and accessibility for passengers across metro and rail networks at the 6th edition of InnoMetro, India’s leading expo for the Metro & Railway industry, which is going to be held on 21-22 May 2026 at Bharat Mandapam, New Delhi

Register Now: https://innometro.com/participate-now?utm_source=metrorailnews&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=innometro_2026_news

Advertisement1

Union Cabinet Approves ₹1,067.35 Crore Ahmedabad Metro Extension to Connect GIFT City

By

Narendra Shah

-

25/02/2026

0

AHMEDABAD (Metro Rail News): The Union Cabinet has approved a 3.33 km extension of the Ahmedabad Metro’s North-South corridor, linking GIFT City (Gujarat International Finance Tec-City) in Gandhinagar to Shahpur, at an estimated cost of ₹1,067.35 crore. The project, to be implemented by Gujarat Metro Rail Corporation Ltd (GMRC), is scheduled for completion within four years.

The approved extension will comprise three elevated stations and is designed to provide seamless metro connectivity to one of India’s most strategically significant financial and technology districts. GIFT City hosts a growing cluster of multinational financial institutions, global technology companies, educational institutions, and commercial establishments, all of which currently lack dedicated metro rail access.

https://twitter.com/AshwiniVaishnaw/status/2026351867614376144

Project Details and Ridership Projections

The 3.33 km elevated corridor will extend the existing North-South line, bridging GIFT City with the broader Ahmedabad-Gandhinagar metro network. According to official projections, the extension is expected to serve approximately 23,702 daily passengers by 2029, rising sharply to over 58,000 daily passengers by 2041 as GIFT City’s commercial ecosystem matures. These ridership figures reflect the rapid growth anticipated in the GIFT City Special Economic Zone, which is being developed as India’s first operational greenfield smart city and international financial services hub.

Economic and Employment Impact

Beyond passenger convenience, the Cabinet approval carries significant economic weight. The project is projected to generate approximately 1,000 direct construction jobs during the execution phase and 250 permanent operational positions once services commence. The connectivity boost is expected to accelerate commuter access for professionals working at multinational firms and financial institutions within GIFT City, reducing dependence on road transport and easing congestion on the Gandhinagar-Ahmedabad corridor.

Next Steps

With Cabinet approval now secured, GMRC will move forward with detailed design, land acquisition, and tendering processes for civil and systems contracts. The four-year implementation timeline places projected commissioning around 2029-30, aligning with the ridership baseline year cited in the DPR. The Ahmedabad Metro network, which has seen steady ridership growth since the inauguration of its initial phases, will receive a significant strategic addition that directly serves India’s ambitions for GIFT City as a global financial centre.

Explore how AI-integrated systems are improving comfort, connectivity, and accessibility for passengers across metro and rail networks at the 6th edition of InnoMetro, India’s leading expo for the Metro & Railway industry, which is going to be held on 21-22 May 2026 at Bharat Mandapam, New Delhi

Register Now: https://innometro.com/participate-now?utm_source=metrorailnews&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=innometro_2026_news

Advertisement1

Railway Minister Flags Off Bhopal-Dhanbad and Bhopal-Chopan Express Trains

By

Kapil Saini

-

25/02/2026

0

BHOPAL (Metro Rail News): In line with the vision to increase the rail connectivity in Madhya Pradesh, Shri Ashwini Vaishnaw, the Union Minister for Railways, Information & Broadcasting, and Electronics & Information Technology, virtually launched 2 train services: Bhopal-Dhanbad-Bhopal New Tri-Weekly Express and Bhopal-Chopan-Bhopal New Weekly Express at Rail Bhawan, New Delhi

Meanwhile, the launch ceremony took place at Bhopal Railway Station, and it was attended by Chief Minister of Madhya Pradesh Dr. Mohan Yadav, Deputy Chief Ministers Shri Jagdish Devda and Shri Rajendra Shukla, Members of Parliament Shri Alok Sharma and Dr. Rajesh Mishra, Members of Legislative Assembly Smt. Radha Singh & Smt. Riti Pathak and other dignitaries.

The new train services will streamline the rail connectivity across Vidisha, Ganj Basoda, Bina, Sagar, Damoh, Katni Murwara, Khanna Banjari, Beohari, Singrauli, Chopan, Chandrapura, and Dhanbad, among others. These services will strengthen inter-state connectivity between Madhya Pradesh, Uttar Pradesh, and Jharkhand, while establishing a direct link between the Singrauli coalfields and key industrial regions with the state capital, Bhopal.

Budget Allocations to Boost Railway Development & Rail Safety in Madhya Pradesh

Madhya Pradesh has been allocated ₹15,188 crore for strengthening railway development in the state. This sum will be used to expand infrastructure, improve security, and increase freight capacity. In addition to this, there are plans to implement the Kavach system over 4,591 route kilometres in Madhya Pradesh.

Amid ongoing railway expansion, the planned freight corridor between Dankuni (West Bengal) and Surat (Gujarat) is expected to benefit Madhya Pradesh by improving freight movement across the region. The corridor will help reduce transit time and improve logistics efficiency for industries operating in the state.

With this connection, Madhya Pradesh will get better access to major ports in Gujarat and Maharashtra, making it easier to transport goods for export and domestic trade.

Discover how AI is bringing the next phase of sustainable urban rail mobility for Viksit Bharat at InnoMetro 2026, India’s prime exhibition and conference for metro & railways which is going to held on 21-22 May 2026 at Bharat Mandapam, New Delhi.

Register Now: https://innometro.com/participate-now?utm_source=metrorailnews&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=innometro_2026_news

Advertisement1

Chennai Metro: CMRL Receives 2 Bids for Additional Escalator Access Works on Line 5

By

Kapil Saini

-

24/02/2026

0

CHENNAI (Metro Rail News): Chennai Metro Rail Limited (CMRL) has disclosed the names of two bidders that have submitted proposals for executing the construction of entry/exit structures to enable additional escalator facilities at elevated stations under the Corridor-5 (ECV-02 package) of Phase-2 of the Chennai Metro Rail Project.

The comprehensive work package includes civil, architectural, and finishing works designed to enhance passenger accessibility and convenience across multiple elevated stations.

Tender Overview

Tender Number	CMRL/CP/TDR-64-CON/2026
Project Value	₹23.70 crore (including GST)
Contract Duration	120 days

Bidder Details

Bidders	Status
Saraswathi Engineering Construction (p) ltd	Accepted-Technical
Priya Engineering Projects Private Limited	Accepted-Technical

Project Scope

CMRL/CP/TDR-64-CON/2026 “Construction of Entry/Exit Structure for Enabling Additional Escalator Including Civil, Architectural and Finishing Works for the Corridor-05 ECV02 Package Elevated Stations of Phase-2 Chennai Metro Rail Project.

Corridor-5, known as the Red Line, is a 47-km corridor that will connect Madhavaram and Sholinganallur.

Also Read: CMRL Plans to Open Metro Corridor-5 Up to Alandur by June

Discover how AI is bringing the next phase of sustainable urban rail mobility for Viksit Bharat at InnoMetro 2026, India’s prime exhibition and conference for metro & railways which is going to held on 21-22 May 2026 at Bharat Mandapam, New Delhi.

Register Now: https://innometro.com/participate-now?utm_source=metrorailnews&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=innometro_2026_news

Advertisement1

Kolkata Metro Floats ₹345.76 Crore Tender for Electrical Works in Phase 1

By

Staff Reporter

-

23/02/2026

0

KOLKATA (Metro Rail News): Metro Railway Kolkata has invited bids for a major infrastructure modernisation project valued at ₹345.76 crore for the replacement and upgradation of equipment at 750V DC traction substations, including third rail and power cables, along with upgradation of 11 KV auxiliary substations to 33 KV auxiliary substations in Phase 1.

The tender, issued on February 20, 2026, follows an open bidding system under a two-packet system and requires completion within 36 months from the commencement date.

Tender Overview

Tender Number	ELM_131R_PSWORK_Dt19-2-26
Value	₹345.76 crore
Earnest Money Deposit	₹1 crore
Tender Document Cost	Nil
Completion Period	36 months
Bid Submission Period	March 6-20, 2026 (up to 11:00 hours)
Pre-Bid Meeting	February 27, 2026 at 12:00 hours
Bid Validity	90 days from bid closing date
Inviting Authority	Chief Electrical Engineer/HQ, Metro Railway Kolkata

Project Scope

Replacement and Upgradation of Equipment of 750 V DC Traction Substation, including Third Rail, Power Cable with Upgradation of 11 KV Auxiliary Substation to 33 KV Auxiliary Substation(Phase 1).

Strategic Importance

The comprehensive modernisation project represents a critical infrastructure upgrade for Kolkata Metro, India’s oldest metro system. The replacement of ageing electrical infrastructure with modern 33 kV systems will enhance power supply reliability, operational efficiency, and safety across the network.

Explore how AI-integrated systems are improving comfort, connectivity, and accessibility for passengers across metro and rail networks at the 6th edition of InnoMetro, India’s leading expo for the Metro & Railway industry, which is going to be held on 21-22 May 2026 at Bharat Mandapam, New Delhi

Register Now: https://innometro.com/participate-now?utm_source=metrorailnews&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=innometro_2026_news

Advertisement1