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Chennai Metro Phase II Records Three TBM Breakthroughs in 3 Days

CHENNAI (Metro Rail News): Chennai Metro Rail Limited (CMRL) has recorded 3 TBM breakthroughs in three consecutive days, adding momentum to the underground works on Chennai Metro Phase II. The latest came on October 1, when downline TBM Adyar broke through at RK Salai Station on Corridor 3.

The three breakthroughs were recorded across two underground corridors between September 29 and October 1.

Chennai Metro records 3 breakthroughs in 72 hours

The sequence began with the Kaveri TBM on September 29, followed by Maruthan on September 30 and Adyar on October 1.

  • 29 September: Corridor 3 downline TBM Kaveri broke through at Kilpauk Medical College Station.
  • 30 September 30: Corridor 5 downline TBM Maruthan broke through at Villivakkam Station.
  • 1 October: Corridor 3 downline TBM Adyar broke through at RK Salai Station.

The latest breakthrough is also the 10th TBM breakthrough under the TU02 contract.

Adyar completes 915-metre drive

TBM Adyar was deployed for tunnelling between Royapettah and RK Salai stations along Chennai Metro Corridor 3. The downline tunnel is 915 metres long. The drive began on December 29, 2025, and was completed on October 1, 2026, taking 277 days.

The tunnel forms part of the 12-km underground section between Kellys and Taramani, where L&T is executing the tunnelling works with eight TBMs. The corresponding upline drive was completed earlier by TBM Bhavani, which broke through at RK Salai on October 13, 2025.

TBM passed below busy urban stretch

The Royapettah–RK Salai drive involved tunnelling below or close to several existing structures along Royapettah High Road. The machine negotiated sections near:

  • Peters Bridge
  • EPFO building
  • Andhra School
  • Several commercial shop lots

The tunnel was constructed at an overburden of about 9 to 13 metres through silty sand. The tunnelling team carried out 11 cutterhead interventions during the drive.

Despite the relatively shallow alignment and the presence of existing structures, CMRL said the work was completed without major ground settlement or reported damage to surrounding infrastructure.

Chennai Metro Corridor 3 gains another tunnelling milestone

The latest breakthrough adds to the progress on Corridor 3, one of the underground sections of Chennai Metro Phase II. The repeated breakthroughs in a short period also reflect the pace of tunnelling activity now underway across the Phase II network. However, TBM breakthroughs mark the completion of individual tunnel drives and are followed by track, systems, station and other works before a corridor can enter testing and commissioning.

The three breakthroughs in three days give Chennai Metro Phase II a visible tunnelling push, with Corridor 3 recording two of the three milestones. The focus now shifts to completing the remaining tunnel drives and moving the finished sections towards the next stages of construction, systems installation and commissioning.

Also Read: Chennai Metro Phase-2 Advances as L&T’s ‘TBM Kaveri’ Breaks Through at Kilpauk 

Gurugram Metro Phase II Gains Momentum as Haryana Government Clears Rs 1,662 Cr Civil Works Package

GURUGRAM (Metro Rail News): Haryana has approved a ₹1,662-crore civil works package for Gurugram Metro Phase 2, clearing the way for Gurugram Metro Rail Limited (GMRL) to invite bids in the first week of October. The package covers a 15.3-km elevated corridor from Sector 9 to DLF Cyber City, including sections where the Metro will run above existing road traffic.

The tender approval marks the next major step towards construction of the second phase, which will extend Metro connectivity deeper into Old Gurugram and towards the city’s major employment hubs.

Gurugram Metro to cover 14 stations across key areas 

Gurugram Metro Rail Limited is expected to float the tender within a week of the state government’s approval, according to a senior official quoted by Hindustan Times.The proposed corridor will have 14 stations and run through a mix of residential areas, established neighbourhoods and commercial districts. The alignment will cover:

  • Sector 7
  • Sector 4
  • Sector 5
  • Sector 3
  • Ashok Vihar
  • Bajghera Road
  • Palam Vihar Extension
  • Palam Vihar
  • Sector 23A
  • Sector 22
  • Udyog Vihar
  • DLF Cyber City

The corridor will provide a link between Old Gurugram and major employment centres in the eastern part of the city.

Gurugram Metro to run above traffic on two road stretches

Around 2 km of the Phase 2 alignment will use flyover-cum-Metro structures. These sections are planned along Old Delhi Road and Bajghera Road, where the Metro viaduct will be constructed above road traffic.

The arrangement is intended to allow road movement to continue below the elevated Metro structure while accommodating the new rail corridor above. The civil works tender will include these double-decker sections at Bajghera and Old Delhi Road.

Interchanges planned with Rapid Metro and Namo Bharat

Phase 2 is also being planned as a network extension rather than an isolated corridor. The alignment will provide interchange opportunities with the Rapid Metro network and the proposed Namo Bharat corridor. It will allow passengers to transfer between different regional and urban rail systems.

The connection to Cyber City is particularly significant as the area is one of Gurugram’s major commercial and employment centres.

Gurugram Metro Phase 2 at a glance

InformationDetails 
Civil works package₹1,662 crore
Corridor length15.3 km
Stations14
CorridorSector 9-DLF Cyber City
StructureMainly elevated
Double-decker/flyover-cum-MetroAround 2 km
Implementing agencyGurugram Metro Rail Limited

The approval moves Gurugram Metro Phase 2 from planning towards procurement. Its eventual completion would add a new east-west connection across several densely developed parts of the city while linking Old Gurugram with Udyog Vihar and Cyber City and connecting the Metro network with other regional rail systems.

Also Read: Gurugram Metro expansion: First 160 tonne U-girder installed near Cyber Park

L&T Pushes Hyderabad Metro Rail Stake Sale Deadline to December 31 

HYDERABAD (Metro Rail News): Larsen & Toubro has pushed back the deadline for selling its entire stake in L&T Metro Rail (Hyderabad) Ltd (LTMRHL) to 3 December 2026. The transaction, valued at ₹1,461.47 crore, has already missed two earlier completion targets.

L&T disclosed the revised timeline in a regulatory filing on Wednesday, following earlier updates in April and July.

Third deadline revision for Hyderabad Metro exit

L&T had initially expected to complete the divestment by June 30, 2026. The deadline was later moved to September 30, and has now been extended by another three months.

The company has agreed to sell its entire holding in LTMRHL to Hyderabad Metro Rail Ltd, a Telangana government enterprise, for ₹1,461.47 crore.

L&T said the estimated completion date has been revised to December 31, 2026, without detailing the specific reason for the latest extension.

Hyderabad Metro stake sale timeline

  • April 2026: L&T targeted June 30 for completion.
  • July 2026: Completion target revised to September 30.
  • October 1, 2026: New estimated completion date set for December 31.

L&T has cited financial pressure

L&T has been seeking an exit from the Hyderabad Metro concession for some time. The company holds more than 90% of the project entity and has previously cited accumulated losses and operational difficulties.

In a communication to the Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs (MoHUA), L&T Metro Rail had raised concerns over the financial position of the operator.

The company said it had not received the expected financial assistance from the Telangana government despite repeated follow-ups. According to L&T, the delay in support had increased financial pressure on the concessionaire.

Project faced cost and time overruns

L&T has attributed the financial strain to several structural, regulatory and project-related issues. The company had pointed to delays and additional costs arising from:

  • Land and property acquisition
  • Right-of-way issues
  • Changes in alignment
  • Utility shifting
  • Other factors outside the concessionaire’s control

These issues contributed to cost and schedule overruns during the development of the Hyderabad Metro project. L&T had earlier sought a mechanism through which its stake could be transferred to the state or central government, potentially through a new special purpose vehicle.

Transaction still awaits completion

The latest extension keeps L&T’s proposed exit from Hyderabad Metro pending until the end of 2026. The ₹1,461.47-crore transaction will transfer L&T’s interest to the Telangana government-owned entity once the required conditions for completion are met.

Also Read: Hyderabad Metro old city project gains momentum; tender process to begin soon 

Chennai Division Replaces Manual Level-Crossing Barriers with Faster EOLBs

CHENNAI (Metro Rail News): Chennai Division of Southern Railway has been continuously trying to boost operational safety and facilitate rail and road traffic and it has achieved a major milestone in modernizing the Level Crossing gates across the key routes. Traditional manual lifting barriers are being gradually replaced with modern Electrically Operated Lifting barriers (EOLB) at an estimated cost of Rs 30 lakhs per unit.

Indian Railways have upgraded 70 out of 43 level crossing (LC) gates with Electrically Operated Lifting Barrier (EOLB). The new system will make gate operations faster, safer and more reliable. The upgrades will improve waiting time for road users at crossings and prevent them from passing through while staff operates the gate manually.

EOLBs commissioned in different sections of Chennai division

Considerable progress has taken place across all major sections of the division. The Chennai Beach-Chengalpattu section has successfully upgraded all 13 of its LC gates with EOLBs.

Additionally, EOLBs have been commissioned in at 19 out of 31 LC gates in the Chengalpattu-Arakkonam section, 11 out of 29 gates in the Gudur section, 8 out of 10 gates in the Chennai Central Arakkonam section, 7 out of 9 gates in the Arakkona-Katpadi section, 6 out of 14 gates in the Arakkona-Renigunta section, 3 out of 8 gates in the Katpadi-Jolarpettai section, 3 out of 29 gates in the Chengalpattu-Villipuram section. The remaining LC gates will soon be featured with EOLBs.

To further strengthen safety measures, the Chennai Division has put into operation Sliding Booms at 133 out of 143 LC gates. The emergency Sliding Booms can be operated manually in a few minutes in the event of an emergency or any kind of physical damage to the MLB or EOLB barrier caused by road vehicles. This ensures that the gate interlocking system stays intact, allowing trains to pass securely without lowering speed or disrupting service schedule and routine while the repairing of the system is taking place.

Also Read: Chennai Metro Phase-2 Advances as L&T’s ‘TBM Kaveri’ Breaks Through at Kilpauk 

Indian Railways Sanctions Rs 122 Cr to Add Second Track on Barbil-Bolanikhadan Section

ODISHA (Metro Rail News): Indian Railways clears Rs 122 crore for doubling the 6 km Barbil-Bolanikhadan section of Southern Eastern Railway’s mineral corridor in Odisha. According to the Railway Ministry, this move is expected to add 8.9 million tonnes per annum of freight capacity and reduce delays to iron ores trains.

The Barbil-Bolanikhadan railway section handles around 9 MTPA of traffic including around six loaded rakes of originating Iron Ore traffic every day but is currently a single line stretch.

This traffic includes high grade iron ore and pellets moved from SAIL’s Bolani mines and private sidings from various sites including Rungta, Khatau and Narbheram to steel plants and ports.

This Addition is expected to enhance freight capacity 

The doubling of the Barbil-Bolanikhadan railway section addresses potential capacity constraints as mining, industrial and port activity extends while strengthening rail connectivity for Iron Ore movement to steel plants and ports.

As per the government this will increase the freight capacity constraints on the mineral corridor and support the movement of growing volumes.

The section has been identified under Indian Railway’s Energy, Mineral and Cement corridor. The addition of a second track is being undertaken ahead of the full utilisation of increased capacity at SAIL’s mines, ports and steel plants.

Also Read: Amit Shah Flags Off India’s First LNG Train and Inaugurates Rs 1,472 Cr Railway Project in Ahmedabad

Chennai Metro Phase-2 Advances as L&T’s ‘TBM Kaveri’ Breaks Through at Kilpauk 

CHENNAI (Metro Rail News): Chennai Metro Phase-2 underground tunneling works reached a significant milestone following the successful breakthrough of the Downline Tunnel Boring Machine (TBM) ‘Kaveri’ at the Kilpauk Medical College Station. 

The 685-meters drive by Larsen & Toubro Ltd. passed below active railway tracks, a lake, medical college buildings and existing Metro tunnels, making it one of the more technically sensitive drives on the section. The breakthrough was achieved on the downline between Chetpet and KMC stations after 252 days of tunnelling.

Chennai Metro Phase-2 tackles key tunnelling challenges 

In February 2024, tunnelling commenced between Chetpet Station and KMC station, deploying two TBMs, “Tamarabhaani” and “Kaveri”. On 26 November 2026, the Upline TBM Tamarabharani achieved its breakthrough and on 29 September 2026, the Downline TBM Kaveri completed its drive.

The total length of the tunnel is 685 meters, executed by Larsen & Toubro Ltd. The TBM successfully negotiated several critical structures during the 685 meters drive. Kaveri had to pass:

  • Beneath five active Southern Railway tracks near Chetpet Station, with around 18 metres of ground cover.
  • Below the Chetpet Eco Park lake.
  • Near several Kilpauk Medical College buildings, with ground cover ranging from 21 to 26 metres.
  • Close to the existing Phase-I Metro tunnels, with only 6.1 metres of minimum clearance between Phase-I and Phase-II tunnels.

The tunnelling team also carried out 10 cutterhead interventions during the drive. Despite the number of sensitive structures along the alignment, Chennai Metro Rail Ltd. (CMRL) said the drive was completed without any major ground settlement or reported adverse impact on existing infrastructure.

252-days tunnel drive

The downline drive took 252 days to complete. The result is particularly significant at the points where the new tunnel passes below active railway infrastructure and near the existing Metro tunnels. Maintaining ground stability at these locations is critical because even small changes in ground conditions can affect structures above the tunnel.

Also Read: Chennai Metro Phase II: PM Modi Likely to Inaugurate Poonamallee-Vadapalani Stretch on Oct 11

GMRC Floats ₹356.54 Cr Tender for Surat Metro Phase-1 Extension to HSR Station

SURAT (Metro Rail News): Gujarat Metro Rail Corporation (GMRC) has invited bids for the construction of a 4.4 km elevated viaduct and three stations under the Surat Metro Rail Project Phase-1 Extension.

The ₹356.54 crore package will extend Surat Metro Corridor-II from Saroli Metro Station towards Surat High-Speed Rail (HSR) Metro Station, strengthening the connection between the metro network and the high-speed rail infrastructure.

Tender details

InformationDetails
AuthorityGujarat Metro Rail Corporation (GMRC) 
Tender Number GMRC/CONS/VDCT+STNS/SURAT/PH-1 EXT./2026
Estimated Cost₹356.54 crore
Tender security₹3.56 crore
Completion period24 months
Pre-bid meeting3 October 2026, 11:30 AM
Bid submission deadline7 November 2026, 3:00 PM
Tender validity180 days

Scope of work

The scope of work includes construction of 4.4 KM elevated viaduct and 03 numbers stations (Including E&M and Excluding Architectural, Finishing & Roofing) from Saroli Metro Station to Surat HSR Metro Station Under Corridor – II in Connection with Surat Metro Rail Project Phase – 1 Extension. 

About Surat Metro Phase 1 extension

The Surat Metro Rail Project Phase 1 Extension is a 4.4 km elevated extension planned to connect the city’s metro network with the upcoming Mumbai-Ahmedabad Bullet Train infrastructure.

The extension will lengthen Corridor-II, or the Green Line, from its existing terminus at Saroli towards the upcoming Mumbai-Ahmedabad Bullet Train station at Antroli. The project is being implemented by Gujarat Metro Rail Corporation (GMRC). 

Also Read: DB Engineering & Consulting Signs Contract for Surat Metro 

Goa Water Metro Project Moves Ahead as State Cabinet Approves SPV for Namo Tarang

GOA (Metro Rail News): The Goa Cabinet has approved the formation of a special purpose vehicle (SPV) to develop and operate the proposed Namo Tarang – Goa Water Metro. The move comes as Kochi Metro Rail Limited (KMRL), which is preparing the project’s DPR, is expected to complete the report by October, while funding from the Centre is yet to be formally confirmed.

The SPV will be responsible for implementing, financing, operating and maintaining the water metro once it becomes operational.

River Navigation Department to set up SPV

The government has designated the River Navigation Department (RND) as the nodal agency for incorporating the SPV under the Companies Act, 2013. RND will work with the state Finance and Law department to finalize the companies:

  • Memorandum and Articles of Association
  • Staffing structure
  • Governance agreement
  • Other incorporation requirements

The project SPV will also act as the main agency for coordinating with the center and its departments during project execution.

KMRL DPR expected by October

KMRL was appointed to prepare the Detailed Project Report (DPR) for the Goa Water Metro. According to the state government, nearly half of the DPR work has been completed. The report is expected to be submitted by October. 

The DPR will form the basis for assessing the project’s technical requirements, cost, implementation plan and funding needs. The Goa government had also requested the Centre to provide ₹10 crore towards the cost of preparing the DPR.

Central funding remains pending

While the state has moved ahead with the institutional structure, the project’s funding plan is not yet settled. Chief Minister Pramod Sawant has sought full funding from the Union Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways. 

The Union ministry has given an in-principle indication that it could consider the project for central funding. However, the state has not yet received a formal written confirmation. This leaves the funding arrangement as one of the key issues to be settled after the DPR is completed.

SPV to handle implementation and operations

The proposed company will have a role beyond construction. Its responsibilities will include:

  • Coordinating with the Central government and its agencies
  • Securing financial support
  • Implementing the project
  • Managing project execution
  • Operating the water metro
  • Maintaining the system after commissioning

The creation of the SPV is therefore intended to establish a dedicated institutional structure before the project moves into the execution stage.

Also Read: Goa Water Metro DPR Under Preparation as Feasibility Study Is Completed

Namo Bharat Travel Gets Easier as NCRTC Introduces Trip Pass for NCMC Users 

DELHI (Metro Rail News): For thousands of commuters who travel regularly on Namo Bharat, everyday journeys are set to become more convenient. NCRTC has introduced a Trip Pass facility on Namo Bharat for NCMC users, offering a convenient way for regular travellers to plan and pay for their journeys in advance while saving significant time during their daily commute.

Namo Bharat is currently serving over 1.1 lakh commuters on a daily basis. Of these a large number of commuters travel between a definite Point A and B. This new facility is a welcome step for these commuters who travel frequently between the same two stations. Instead of purchasing a ticket for every journey or repeatedly recharging their NCMC cards, commuters can now purchase a Trip Pass for multiple trips in advance. This reduces the need for repeated transactions and saves valuable time that would otherwise be spent purchasing tickets or topping up their cards, making the overall journey faster and more seamless.

The Trip Pass is designed for commuters who regularly travel between the same Point A (origin) and Point B (destination). Once a Trip Pass is loaded on the NCMC card, the applicable trip is automatically deducted when the commuter travels between these points. For example, a commuter regularly travelling from A (Sarai Kale Khan) to B (Modipuram) can purchase the required number of trips in advance and use the pass for these journeys. The pass can also be used multiple times in a day, provided the commuter travels between the same designated stations for which the pass has been purchased.

A journey from Sarai Kale Khan to Modipuram costs ₹210 in Standard Coach and ₹250 in Premium Coach. While ₹2,000 is the maximum limit for NCMC card wallet recharge, for a commuter travelling to and fro regularly between these two stations, this amount can be used up in just four days, or even less than a week. With a Trip Pass, commuters can plan and pay for multiple journeys in advance, reducing the need for frequent wallet recharges and the time spent on these transactions.

The Trip Pass is valid only for the pre-selected source and destination stations for which it is purchased. If a commuter travels between different stations, the regular fare for that journey will be deducted from the balance available in the NCMC card’s Global Wallet.

For instance, if a commuter has a Trip Pass for Sarai Kale Khan to Begumpul but travels only up to a station before Begumpul , the lower applicable fare will be charged from the Global Wallet, provided sufficient balance is available. Similarly, if the commuter travels beyond Begumpul and the Global Wallet does not have sufficient balance to cover the additional fare, the commuter will need to recharge the wallet before exiting at the destination.

In other words, the Trip Pass covers the journey between the specific source and destination stations selected at the time of purchase. For journeys outside that selected route, the trip pass shall not be applied and fare will be deducted from the global wallet. Namo Bharat commuters can also avail a 10% discount on every journey. Under the loyalty programme, commuters earn one point for every rupee spent on a journey aboard Namo Bharat trains using NCMC cards. Each Loyalty Point is worth ₹0.10, and 300 Loyalty Points can be redeemed for a free trip.

Commuters can choose from different Trip Pass options based on their travel frequency. The Trip Passes are available for both Standard and Premium coaches, with options ranging from 1 to 40 trips. The number of trips can be selected based on how frequently a commuter travels between the same two stations. 

S. No.Trip PassValidity (in days)Refund
1115Non-refundable
2230Non-refundable
3530Non-refundable
41030Non-refundable
51560Fixed deduction of an admin fee of ₹200
62060Fixed deduction of an admin fee of ₹200
74090Fixed deduction of an admin fee of ₹200

Trip Passes can be purchased from the counter commonly located near the AFC gates. Further top-ups of the Trip Pass can be done at EFOs or Ticket Vending Machines (TVMs) at Namo Bharat stations. By completing these transactions in advance, regular commuters can spend less time at ticket counters or vending machines during their everyday journeys.

NCRTC has been consistently working towards making the Namo Bharat travel experience more convenient, comfortable and commuter-friendly. With the introduction of the Trip Pass, NCRTC has added another layer of convenience for its regular commuters, particularly school and college students, working professionals, businessmen and other regular travellers using Namo Bharat for their daily commute.

The facility is designed to make everyday travel on Namo Bharat simpler, smoother and more convenient, giving regular commuters greater control over their travel while reducing the time and effort spent on routine transactions.

Also Read: Delhi-Karnal & Delhi-Bawal Namo Bharat Corridors Near Cabinet Approval

Mumbai-Ahmedabad Bullet Train : First Steel Bridge Launched in Thane

MAHARASHTRA (Metro Rail News): On, 28th September the first steel bridge for the Mumbai-Ahmedabad bullet train was successfully launched over Nashik highway at Dive-Anjur village in Bhiwandi, Thane district. The 100 meter long steel bridge weighing 1,405 MT was fabricated nearly 1300 km away in Tiruchirappalli, Tamil Nadu, before being transported to Maharashtra.

Bullet Train project boosts indigenous fabrication at site

A key moment about the Mumbai-Ahmedabad bullet train project is that the steel structure was fabricated nearly 1300 KM away from the installation site at a workshop in Trichy, Tamil Nadu. The structure was transported to Maharashtra and then assembled at site for the launch.

This demonstrates the growing capability of Indian Industry to successfully handle the fabrication, transportation, assembling and delivery of complex infrastructure for the country’s most advanced technological project. The manufacturing included precise cutting,drilling,welding and painting carried out as per designs and specifications. Every production batch of steel was tested through Ultrasonic Testing (UT). Welders and supervisors were certified by International Welding professionals. 

The project demonstrates India’s own indigenous capabilities in engineering, manufacturing, technology, and material development, aligning with the objectives of the Make in India initiative. 

Installation of the steel bridge for the bullet train project

The 100 meter bridge was assembled on temporary trestles which were approximately 17.5 metres above the ground. This was made possible with the help of 22 skid arrangements and 54,076 Tor-Shear Type High Strength Bolts.

The assembled bridge was then pulled into position with the help of an automatic mechanism which had two hollow jacks, each with a capacity of 150 MT, along with pre-tensioned, Macalloy Bars. height is 14 metres and almost 15 metres in width.

Bridges made of steel are particularly more suited for crossing highways, expressways, major rivers and railway lines, where longer durability is required. Out of the 28 steel bridges planned for Mumbai-Ahmedabad Bullet train corridor, 16 have already been completed.

Also Read: Mumbai-Ahmedabad Bullet Train Corridor to Use Movable Crossings for 320 km/h Operation