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South Central Railway Floats ₹3,103.69 Cr Tender for Kharsia-Balodabazar New Double Line in Chhattisgarh

Narendra Shah & Editorial Team
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South Central Railway Floats ₹3,103.69 Cr Tender for Kharsia-Balodabazar New Double Line in Chhattisgarh

CHHATTISGARH (Metro Rail News): South Central Railway has invited bids for a ₹3,103.69 crore EPC contract to construct a new broad-gauge double railway line from Kharsia to Balodabazar in Chhattisgarh. The project will also include Y-connectivity from Jharadih and cover major civil, track, electrical and signalling works. 

Tender details 

Details Information
Tender NumberCAO-C-BSP-26-27-16 
Estimated Cost ₹3,103.69 crore
EMD₹62.08 crore
Pre-Bid Meeting01 September 2026, (11:00 AM) 
2d Pre-Bid Meeting22 September 2026, (11:00 AM) 
Bid Submission Deadline08 August 2026,  (22:56 PM) to 11 November 2026 (15:00 PM)  
Completion Period 1275 Days 

Scope of work

The contract includes construction of new BG Double Line from Kharsia (Km 0.00) to Balodabazar (Km 110.500) and Y-connectivity from Jharadih including earthwork in formation, bridges, ROR (Rail Over Rail), ROB (Road Over Bridge), RUB (Road Under Bridge), service buildings, staff quarters, P-Way works (including supply of Ballast, P-way material except Rail), Electrification (2×25 KV OHE, PSI, PLC & Electrical General work), and Signalling & Telecommunication works, along with allied and associated miscellaneous works in connection with Kharsia- Parmalkasa 5th & 6th New BG Line Project under South East Central Railway in the State of Chhattisgarh. 

About the project

The new line will run between Kharsia and Balodabazar in Chhattisgarh and will form part of the broader Kharsia-Parmalkasa 5th and 6th New Broad Gauge Line Project. The package brings together railway formation, structures, track, electrification and signalling works under a single EPC contract.

Also Read: Two Himachal Pradesh Rail Projects Face ₹2,264 Crore Shortfall from State: Shri Ashwini Vaishnaw

Delhi Metro declared among world’s most reliable metro systems

Narendra Shah & Editorial Team
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Delhi Metro declared among world’s most reliable metro systems

NEW DELHI (Metro Rail News): Recently someone asked on social media that “It’s my last day in Bengaluru. What to do?” and one person satirically responded “Leave for the airport, you are already late”. This was a satire, but the reality of urban mobility across India’s tier-1 cities is quite harsh. The metro network is not well-developed and people have to spend hours in traffic. However, in Delhi, it is quite common to leave for the airport at the very last minute and yet be able to catch on the flight because of Delhi Metro’s seamless connectivity. 

Delhi Metro Rail Corporation (DMRC) informed that the Delhi metro has been one of the most punctual metro systems across the world, ahead of several renowned systems including China’s Hong Kong metro, France’s Paris metro and USA’s New York subway. In 2026, Delhi metro recorded a notable 99.95% punctuality so far under the criterion considering 59-seconds behind schedule as delay, positioning itself as a reliable and trustworthy system.

This achievement was a result of Delhi metro’s commitment to punctuality from the initial years. Starting with the 98.27 % punctuality in 2003, the system crossed 99.5% in just two years with a 99.64% punctuality in 2005. In the subsequent years, it maintained over 99.9% punctuality despite becoming larger and the train headway distance being reduced to around 2 minutes and 18 seconds in busiest corridors.

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CBTC: The mechanism behind seamless operation

The Communication Based Train Control (CBTC) system was a key mechanism responsible for the seamless operation of the Delhi metro. This mechanism provides real-time communication about the train’s location, speed and maintains multiple control and communication work. It uses a block mechanism in which the train’s location is calculated in a real-time block model and it prevents collisions by calculating brake curves and applying automatic brakes in case the train passes any Signal Passed At Danger (SPAD).

The Automatic Train Supervision (ATS) function of the system monitors the whole system and fosters punctuality and smooth operation throughout the network. This system keeps the metro on track while maintaining safety and fast operations.

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

Russia proposed Indo-Russian Rail connectivity to reduce dependence on sea routes

Narendra Shah & Editorial Team
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Russia proposed Indo-Russian Rail connectivity to reduce dependence on sea routes

New Delhi (Metro Rail News): Russia is exploring a new railway route that could connect it to the Indian Ocean and India. The idea aims to reduce dependence on two major maritime checkpoints the Strait of Hormuz and the Bosphorus Strait.

Russian Deputy Prime Minister Marat Khusnullin said alternative land routes should be studied. One possible path could pass through Turkmenistan, Iran, Afghanistan and Pakistan before reaching India or the Indian Ocean.

Why is Russia exploring new rail routes to India?

The Strait of Hormuz carries about 25% of global oil trade and 20% of liquefied natural gas shipments. The Bosphorus controls access between the Black Sea and the Mediterranean. Any blockade, conflict or disruption in these areas can quickly affect energy and goods movement.

A rail corridor would offer a land-based alternative that is less affected by sea blockades, weather or naval control. It could also give Russia a more direct overland path toward Asian markets.

Possible Benefits for India from the new rail route?

For India,if developed, such a route could open a direct land connection to Russia and Central Asian countries that are rich in minerals and energy resources. It may also shorten transit times and lower costs compared with the longer sea route via the Suez Canal and Europe.

Possible challenges

The idea is still only at the proposal stage. There is no finalised route, construction plan, timeline or formal agreement yet.Building a railway through several countries would require major political coordination, technical work and investment. Geopolitical challenges, especially involving Afghanistan and Pakistan, remain significant.

The proposal comes at a time when shipping through the Strait of Hormuz has faced disruptions due to regional tensions.

The suggested railway might significantly affect geopolitics and the economy because it offers Russia a new overland route to the Indian Ocean via Central and South Asia.

Also Read: Railway Board Gives In-Principle CBTC Nod for Bengaluru Metro Pink & Blue Lines

Railway Board Gives In-Principle CBTC Nod for Bengaluru Metro Pink & Blue Lines

Narendra Shah & Editorial Team
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Railway Board Gives In-Principle CBTC Nod for Bengaluru Metro Pink & Blue Lines

BENGALURU (Metro Rail News): The Railway Board has given approval for the Communications Based Train Control (CBTC) signalling system for Bengaluru Metro’s Pink Line and the entire Blue Line up to Kempegowda International Airport (KIA). This approval removes a significant hurdle for the Pink Line and allows Bengaluru Metro Rail Corporation Limited (BMRCL) to conduct the remaining safety checks before starting passenger services.

Approval includes Bengaluru Metro’s Pink Line & Blue Line

The Railway Board’s approval applies to:

  • Pink Line (Reach 6): Kalena Agrahara to Nagawara
  • Blue Line Phase 2A and 2B: Central Silk Board to Kempegowda International Airport

The CBTC system will be a key part of the signalling and train control setups on both lines. For the Pink Line, the signalling approval was a major milestone that needed to be cleared before the elevated section between Kalena Agrahara and Tavarekere can open for passengers. BMRCL mentioned that it had been working with the Railway Board and the Research Designs and Standards Organisation (RDSO) over the past month to finish the approval process.

Blue Line approval comes before commissioning

The approval also includes the entire Blue Line from Central Silk Board to Kempegowda International Airport. BMRCL reported that the signalling approval for the Blue Line arrived well before its planned commissioning. This will help the corporation continue testing and finish the necessary safety certification process on time. The Blue Line is being built in two phases and will provide a direct Metro connection to Bengaluru’s international airport.

Pink Line moves closer to passenger operations

After securing signalling approval, BMRCL will now complete the remaining safety and regulatory requirements for the Pink Line. The next steps include:

  • Interim Speed Certificate from RDSO
  • Statutory inspection of rolling stock by the Chief Commissioner of Railway Safety (CCRS)
  • Trial runs on the corridor
  • Final statutory inspection
  • Safety clearance to open the line to passengers

Commercial passenger services cannot start until the required inspections and final clearances are completed.

Pink Line project

The Pink Line is part of Namma Metro’s Phase II expansion. The full corridor will connect Kalena Agrahara with Nagawara. The first section set for opening includes the elevated stretch between Kalena Agrahara and Tavarekere. The signalling approval is therefore an important step towards putting this section into passenger service.

Also Read: Bangalore Metro Pink & Blue Lines Receive Fresh Deadlines under New Leadership 

Ahmedabad Metro Phase 3 Gets PIB Clearance, Dholera Airport Link Moves Closer

Narendra Shah & Editorial Team
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Ahmedabad Metro Phase 3 Gets PIB Clearance, Dholera Airport Link Moves Closer

AHMEDABAD (Metro Rail News): The Public Investment Board (PIB) has approved the proposed Phase 3 expansion of the Ahmedabad Metro. This will create a 60 km network with a planned connection to Dholera International Airport. The Gujarat Metro Rail Corporation (GMRC) is developing the project. It needs final approval from the Union Cabinet before civil construction can start.

Ahmedabad Metro Phase 3 to expand network towards Dholera

A key part of Phase 3 is the new corridor from Thaltej Gam to Badrabad via Godhavi. The line will begin at Shilaj Canal Road and follow the Sardar Patel Ring Road. It will go through important areas and intersections like Bopal and Shantipura before reaching Badrabad near the Ahmedabad-Dholera Expressway. The Badrabad terminal is planned as a future connection point for extensions towards the Dholera Special Investment Region (SIR) and Dholera International Airport. The new corridor is expected to improve connectivity for the growing residential, commercial, and institutional areas in southwest Ahmedabad.

Metro link to Sports Hub

Ahmedabad Metro Phase 3 plan will also link the metro network with the South West Ahmedabad Sports Arena (SWASA) at Godhavi. This sports complex is being developed as a major sporting facility and could host significant events in the future, including those related to Gujarat’s bid for the 2030 Commonwealth Games. A direct Metro connection is expected to make this venue more accessible from different parts of Ahmedabad.

Vadaj Circular Metro to connect major areas

The Phase 3 proposal also includes a circular Metro corridor that will start and end at Vadaj. The proposed loop will cover several parts of western, eastern, and southern Ahmedabad. Key locations include:

  • Akhbarnagar
  • Naranpura
  • Shivranjani
  • Shyamal Crossroads
  • Jivraj Park
  • APMC
  • Pirana
  • Isanpur
  • Amraiwadi
  • Rakhial Road
  • Dudheshwar

The circular route aims to provide an alternative to traveling through the central areas of the city. Major interchange stations are planned at Gujarat University, APMC, Amraiwadi, and Vadaj. These interchanges will allow passengers to move between different parts of the city without going through the central business district.

41 elevated stations planned

The proposed Ahmedabad Phase 3 network will include 41 elevated stations across the 60-km expansion. The new corridors will connect emerging suburban areas with the existing East-West and North-South corridors of Ahmedabad Metro. This will create more interchange options and expand the reach of the city’s Metro network.

Although the Union Cabinet’s final approval is still pending, preparatory work has already begun. According to the information provided, GMRC has hired Detailed Design Consultants (DDCs) to handle the structural alignments. Other preparatory activities include:

  • Geotechnical soil testing
  • Utility diversion planning
  • Utility diversion tenders
  • Structural design work

These activities aim to minimize the time needed before construction starts once the project gets final approval.

Next Step: Union Cabinet approval

The PIB clearance marks a significant step for the Ahmedabad Metro Phase 3 expansion. But, the project still requires final approval from the Union Cabinet before construction can begin. If approved, the expansion will extend Ahmedabad Metro towards rapidly developing areas around the city and create a future transit link to Dholera.

Also Read: Ahmedabad Metro crosses the milestone of 50 Lakh monthly ridership in July

New Metro Line to Connect Thane-Diva via Kalwa and Mumbra

Narendra Shah & Editorial Team
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New Metro Line to Connect Thane-Diva via Kalwa and Mumbra

MAHARASHTRA (Metro Rail News): The Maharashtra government has proposed a new Metro line linking Thane, Kalwa, Mumbra, and Diva to improve public transport in these rapidly growing areas. Maha Metro will conduct a feasibility study and prepare a Detailed Project Report (DPR) in six months. This new line will also connect with the Mumbai-Ahmedabad High-Speed Rail corridor and Metro Line 12.

State approves metro proposal in principle

According to the Hindustan Times Report, The proposal was discussed at a meeting led by Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde in Mumbai on Monday. Transport Minister Pratap Sarnaik, MP Naresh Mhaske, MLAs Ravindra Phatak, Madhavi Naik, and Niranjan Davkhare, along with Thane Municipal Commissioner Saurabh Rao and Maha Metro Managing Director Shravan Hardikar, attended the meeting. Shinde gave tentative approval to the proposal and instructed Maha Metro to submit the DPR within six months. An agency has already been chosen to carry out the feasibility study and prepare the DPR. The final project cost, route, and construction timeline will depend on the DPR.

Proposed metro to link Thane, Dive and Mumbra

The proposed line will connect several tightly populated areas that currently rely heavily on suburban trains and road transport. The route is expected to cover:

  • Thane
  • Kalwa
  • Mumbra
  • Diva
  • Kolbad
  • Old Thane

The corridor will be partly underground and partly elevated. The final route will be determined during the DPR process. Maha Metro MD Shravan Hardikar noted that acquiring land and completing other necessary steps may be simpler than in some other Metro projects, as the proposed route has enough open land.

Link with Bullet Train Corridor and Metro Line 12

A key feature of this proposal is its planned integration with other major transport projects. The Thane-Diva Metro will connect with the Mumbai-Ahmedabad High-Speed Rail Corridor at Mhatardi in Diva. This connection could provide passengers arriving from Gujarat with added access to Thane and nearby areas. The corridor will also link with Metro Line 12 at Manpada. This planned integration would establish a broader Metro network connecting:

Thane – Diva – Dombivli – Taloja – Kalyan – Bhiwandi – Thane

This connection could offer commuters an alternative to the crowded suburban railway system.

Around 3 lakh residents expected to benefit

MLA Niranjan Davkhare mentioned that Kalwa, Mumbra, and Diva have expanded quickly but were not included in the original Metro plans. He stated the proposed corridor could benefit nearly three lakh residents. The new line could also ease pressure on suburban trains and roads. These areas currently experience heavy passenger movement, especially during peak hours. The proposal also aims to enhance connectivity while reducing the need for commuters to make long road or rail transfers.

Maha Metro will now complete the feasibility assessment and prepare the DPR. This report will determine the final route, construction method, project cost, and implementation schedule.

Also Read: Thane Metro Project: MMRCL invites bids for EHV Line Shifting & Diversion

Residential & Commercial buildings around the station: Namo Bharat RRTS TOD plan

Narendra Shah & Editorial Team
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Residential & Commercial buildings around the station: Namo Bharat RRTS TOD plan

NEW DELHI (Metro Rail News): In the Lok Sabha session on Thursday (6th August), the Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs (MoHUA) described the Transit Oriented Development (TOD) plan of Namo Bharat Regional Rapid Transit System (RRTS). As per the plans, there are multiple TOD projects planned around the corridor thereby projecting residential and commercial buildings around the station. 

TOD refers to building residential and commercial infrastructure around the metro and RRTS corridors and stations aligning development with commutation friendly infrastructure. TOD can become a major source of non-fare box revenue for Namo Bharat. It will also become a foundation for the upcoming Namo Bharat projects. 

TOD Plans for Namo Bharat

National Capital Region Transport Corporation (NCRTC), the implementing agency of Namo Bharat RRTS has informed the ministry that it has implemented several interventions across the Delhi-Meerut RRTS route including:

  • It has designed TOD zones of the Delhi-Ghaziabad-Meerut route. The report has been notified in the masterplan with special areas for TOD. 
  • NCRTC has laid out ideas for Influence Zones Plans (IZB) for the TOD nodes at Jangpura and Sarai Kale Khan under Delhi TOD policy, 2021.
  • Further, as per the provisions of Delhi TOD policy, 2026, any new RRTS corridor will be considered for TOD in Delhi. 

Significance of the TOD plan

A Transit Friendly Zone

The TOD plan will present the Namo Bharat RRTS as a commutation friendly zone. The zone will foster higher mobility across the corridor and create new potential for the overall economy. It will make RRTS stations a commercial hub. Moreover, it will utilize the space around the corridor for commercial and residential purposes, fostering optimum utilization of land.  

Non-Fare Revenue

The TOD plan will prove to be an important source of Non-fare box revenue for the system. This way the Namo Bharat will get a new avenue to generate income.  Non-fare box revenue includes the earnings from sources such as parking, lending out commercial and residential spaces. In short, it includes income from all the sources excluding the income from ticketing. For long term financial stability, the system must generate a significant amount through non-fare revenue sources. 

About Namo Bharat

The Namo Bharat RRTS project was introduced to decongest the National Capital Region (NCR) and enhance its connectivity with the satellite cities. The first RRTS corridor in this project, Delhi-Ghaziabad-Meerut RRTS is now operational on an approximately 82 km stretch. Besides, Delhi-Alwar and Delhi-Panipat projects are prioritized for implementation. 

Also Read: Namo Bharat records highest ridership amidst Kanwar Yatra on Monday

NHSRCL Signs Bullet Train Maintenance Machinery Contract 

Narendra Shah & Editorial Team
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NHSRCL Signs Bullet Train Maintenance Machinery Contract 

DELHI (Metro Rail News): The National High-Speed Rail Corporation Limited (NHSRCL) has signed a contract with the KCS-AVADH Consortium to supply specialized machinery for rolling stock maintenance on the Mumbai-Ahmedabad Bullet Train project.

The contract includes the design, manufacture, supply, testing, commissioning, and deployment of the machinery. Meanwhile, construction work at key stations in Vadodara and Bharuch is progressing.

Contract covers specialized maintenance machinery

The agreement with the KCS-AVADH Consortium includes machinery needed to support the maintenance of rolling stock on the Mumbai-Ahmedabad Bullet Train corridor. The scope includes:

  • Design and manufacture of specialized machinery 
  • Supply and deployment of the equipment 
  • Testing of the machinery 
  • Commissioning and operational deployment 
  • Support for rolling stock maintenance activities  

The machinery will become part of the maintenance infrastructure needed for the high-speed rail project.

Mumbai-Ahmedabad Bullet Train project

The Mumbai-Ahmedabad Bullet Train project will link Mumbai with Ahmedabad through a 508 km high-speed rail corridor. The project requires a network of stations, depots, maintenance facilities, track infrastructure, and other systems to support high-speed train operations.The progress at Vadodara and Bharuch stations also show that work is advancing across different parts of the corridor.

The specialized maintenance machinery will help ensure the Bullet Train system is ready for operation, while progress at Vadodara and Bharuch stations brings the passenger infrastructure closer to completion.

Also Read: Mumbai-Ahmedabad High-Speed Rail: Vadodara Bullet Train Station enters final Structural Phase as steel erection begins 

Patna Metro Corridor-1:DMRC floats ₹10.86 Cr tender for track fastening system

Narendra Shah & Editorial Team
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Patna Metro Corridor-1:DMRC floats ₹10.86 Cr tender for track fastening system

New Delhi (Metro Rail News): Delhi Metro Rail Corporation Ltd., on behalf of Patna Metro Rail Corporation Limited, has floated a tender of about ₹ 10.86 Cr for the manufacturing and supply of a track fastening system from Mithapur Null point to Khemni Chak of Corridor-1 for the Patna Metro Rail Project.

Tender Details

Information Details
Tender No2026_DMRC_920561_1 
Approximate cost of work ₹ 10.86 Crores 
Bid Security ₹ 10.86 Lakhs 
Completion period of the Work 05 months
Pre-bid Meeting13.08.2026 at 1100 hrs
Bid submission start date01.09.2026 (from 0900 hrs.) 
Bid submission end date07.09.2026 (up to 1500 hrs.) 

Scope of Work

The scope of work includes manufacturing and supply of the track fastening system from Mithapur Null point to Khemni Chak of Corridor-1 for Patna Metro Rail Project.

About Corridor -01 of Patna Metro Rail Project

Corridor- 1 is part of Phase 1 extension of the Patna Metro network. As part of Phase 1 of the Patna Metro network, Corridor 1 (Red Line) and Corridor 2 (Blue Line) together form the backbone of the city’s new rapid transit system. Corridor 1, spanning approximately 16.86 km from Danapur Cantonment to Khemni Chak, connects western residential areas, government administrative offices, and prominent educational and medical centers across Patna. Khemni Chak serves as a primary interchange hub, allowing seamless connectivity and passenger transfers between Corridor 1 (Red Line) and Corridor 2 (Blue Line), which connects Patna Junction to the New ISBT terminal.

Also Read: Bangalore Metro Pink & Blue Lines Receive Fresh Deadlines under New Leadership 

Bangalore Metro Pink & Blue Lines Receive Fresh Deadlines under New Leadership 

Narendra Shah & Editorial Team
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Bangalore Metro Pink & Blue Lines Receive Fresh Deadlines under New Leadership 

BANGALORE (Metro Rail News): The newly appointed Managing Director of Bangalore Metro Rail Corporation Limited (BMRCL), Jaffer PC, has made the launch of the long-delayed Pink Line and quicker completion of the Blue Line to Kempegowda International Airport his top priorities. He stated that the Metro operator is collaborating with various authorities to secure the remaining approvals for the elevated section of the Pink Line.  

The Pink Line has missed several launch dates, including the most recent goal of August 15. Jaffer mentioned that BMRCL hopes to complete the approval process in stages before opening the corridor for passenger services.

Bangalore Metro Pink Line awaits final safety approvals

The first phase of the Pink Line features a 7 km elevated stretch between Kalena Agrahara and Tavarekere on Bannerghatta Road with six stations. According to Jaffer, BMRCL anticipates receiving approval from the Railway Board for the signaling system within the next few days. Following that, the Research Designs and Standards Organisation (RDSO) will issue the Interim Speed Certificate (ISC).  

He noted that BMRCL has already asked the Chief Commissioner of Railway Safety (CCRS) to inspect the rolling stock, and the commissioner has agreed. The inspection is expected to happen between August 12 and 14. Once these steps are completed, the Commissioner of Metro Railway Safety (CMRS) will conduct a detailed inspection covering:  

  • Trial runs  
  • Signaling and telecom systems  
  • Integration of safety systems  
  • Stations and track  
  • Power supply  
  • Passenger facilities  
  • Overall operational readiness

The Pink Line will open for public services only after the CMRS gives final safety clearance. Sources indicated that BMRCL expects to receive all required approvals by the end of September.  

The full 21 km Pink Line connects Kalena Agrahara with Nagawara under Phase II of the Bangalore Metro project. After the elevated section opens, BMRCL plans to start the remaining underground stretch from Dairy Circle to Nagawara by March 2027. The corporation has already received eight Metro trainsets for the Pink Line and plans to use three to four trains initially on the elevated section.  

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Blue Line to Airport also gets priority  

Jaffer stated that BMRCL is also working to speed up progress on the 58 km Blue Line, which will connect Silk Board with Kempegowda International Airport (KIA). Trial runs on the Outer Ring Road section between KR Pura and HSR Layout are expected to begin in October. BMRCL had previously aimed to open the KR Pura-Central Silk Board section in 2026.  

More trains planned for Green Line 

The new Managing Director mentioned that the CMRS is currently inspecting newly delivered trainsets and checking their integration with the signaling system before they go into service. Officials are already in Bangalore to carry out technical inspections and verify various operational parameters. Sources added that four more trainsets are in production at Titagarh Rail Systems and will be delivered in phases.  

Green Line frequency reduced for inspection  

BMRCL will temporarily reduce Green Line services on Friday night to support the inspection of new trainsets. Trains between Yeshwantpur and Madavara will run every 20 minutes instead of every 10 minutes from 10:30 pm until the end of service. Services between Madavara and Silk Institute will continue according to the regular schedule.

Also Read: Karnataka’s CM outlines 500-km Bengaluru Metro expansion plan 

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