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South Eastern Railway Issued Bids for Upgrading Electrical System on Kharagpur-Tatanagar Section

South Eastern Railway has issued bids for upgrading the electric traction system for the Kharagpur-Tatanagar section of the Kharagpur Division of South Eastern Railway.  

Tender Details 

Opening Date1 Jul 2025
Closing Date20 Aug 2025
EMD₹ 91,06,500
Tender IdSEROHE-KGP-TATA-2X25KV-RT-SER HQ-ELECTRICAL/SOUTH EASTERN RLY
Tender NoSEROHE-KGP-TATA-2X25KV-RT
Pre-Bid Conference Date25/07/2025

Contract Amount: Rs. 179 Cr 

Contract Duration: 24 Months

Contracts Scope of Work: Design, Supply, Erection, Testing and Commissioning for upgradation of Electric traction system from 1 x 25 KV to 2 x 25 KV traction system for Kharagpur-Tatanagar section of Kharagpur division of South Eastern Railway to meet 3000 MT loading target. 

Additionally, South Eastern Railway also floated a tender for two major Kavach contracts. The total combined value of both contracts stands at 419.79 crores.

  • Contract 1 included the Supply, Installation, Testing & Commissioning Of Kavach On Hun Routes (1040 Rkm), Including Associated Works On Section Of Kharagpur, Adra, Ranchi & Chakradharpur Division Of South Eastern Railway. 
  • The Contract 2 included The contract 2 included the Design, Supply, Erection, Testing & Commissioning Of 132 Kv Traction Substation, Sectioning & Paralleling Post (sps), And Sub Sectioning & Paralleling Post (ssps) In 2x25kv System On Muri-ranchi-tori Section Of Ranchi Division Of South Eastern Railway To Meet 3000mt.  

To know about the full details of Contracts, Click Here.

E-Vehicle Charging Facility Installed at Guldhar and Duhai RRTS Stations

In a step forward towards promoting a sustainable and environmentally friendly transport system, the National Capital Region Transport Corporation (NCRTC) has successfully installed fast Electric Vehicle (EV) charging stations at the Guldhar and Duhai Namo Bharat Stations. 

Each fast charging station is equipped with high-voltage charging units with a capacity of 50 kW, enabling accelerated charging for electric vehicles. These charging units can recharge four-wheelers to about 80% in just 30 minutes. 

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The charging points at both stations are designed to accommodate multiple types of electric vehicles. The Guldhar station is equipped to charge one vehicle at a time, whereas the Duhai station can charge two vehicles simultaneously. In addition to the new charging stations, the e-vehicle charging facility is also available at the Sahibabad Namo Bharat station. 

Electric vehicle users can access these facilities through the “ElectreeFi” mobile application, which is available on both the Google Play Store and the Apple App Store. The entire EV charging process is facilitated exclusively through the application. To utilise this service, users must register on the app, reserve an online slot for charging at the selected Namo Bharat station, and commence charging their electric vehicle within minutes. Furthermore, the application provides real-time monitoring of charging status and incorporates a secure digital payment option. 

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These newly established charging stations will facilitate enhanced and efficient charging capabilities. This initiative underscores NCRTC’s ongoing commitment to integrating clean energy solutions and improving last-mile connectivity. 

Shri Ashwini Vaishnaw Unveils RailOne App to Ease Passenger Convenience 

In a move to streamline passenger experience and convenience, the Indian Railways has unveiled a new mobile application, RailOne, designed to consolidate various passenger services into a unified platform. 

The application was officially launched by Union Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw during the 40th Foundation Day of the Centre for Railway Information Systems (CRIS) held at the India Habitat Centre in New Delhi. 

https://twitter.com/AshwiniVaishnaw/status/1940055954441035867

The RailOne app facilitates access to a range of services, including unreserved and platform ticket booking, real-time train tracking, grievance redressal, e-catering, porter booking, and taxi services. 

Users who book unreserved and platform tickets through the app will receive a 3 per cent discount. Furthermore, Reserved ticket booking will continue to be available via IRCTC.

RailOne operates under the authorisation of IRCTC, in collaboration with various private partners. The application provides login capabilities through mPIN, biometric identification, and existing RailConnect and UTS credentials, enabling users to access multiple services without the necessity of separate applications

The Ministry of Railway said, “The app is available for download on the Android Play Store and the iOS App Store. It integrates all the passenger services such as Unreserved & platform tickets with a 3 per cent discount, Live train tracking, Grievance redressal, E-catering, Porter booking, and Last-mile taxi,” as reported by Business Standard. 

Titagarh Bags Package CA-241 of Mumbai Metro’s Line 5 

MUMBAI (Metro Rail News): The Mumbai Metro Rail Project progressed as Mumbai Metropolitan Region Development Authority (MMRDA) has announced Titagarh Rail Systems as the lowest bidder for the contract to supply five major critical systems under Package CA-241 of Line 5 ( Orange Line ), which spans 24.90 km from Thane to Bhiwandi to Kalyan. 

The MMRDA floated a tender for this contract in February 2024, with an estimated cost of Rs. 2,640.72 crore. During the technical bid round 3 firm submitted bids for the contract. Out of 3 firms, 2 qualified for the financial bid opening stage. 

The scope of work under Package CA-241 includes the supply of 5 major critical systems for Line 5 of the Mumbai Metro. These systems under Package CA-241 include; 

  •  Supplying rolling stock (22 trains with 6 coaches each)
  •  CBTC signaling & train control (S&T)
  • Telecommunication System 
  • Platform screen doors (PSDs)
  • Depot machinery and plant (M&P) at Kasheli Depot. 

MMRDA’s Brief Scope: Design, Manufacture, Supply, Installation, Integration, Testing and Commissioning of Rolling Stock, Communication Based Signalling & Train Control, Telecommunication, Platform Screen Doors Systems and Depot Machinery & Plant of Line 5 (Phase 1 – Kapurbawadi – Kasheli – Dhamankar Naka & Phase 2 – Dhamankar Naka – Bhiwandi – Kalyan APMC) of Mumbai Metro Rail Project of MMRDA, including 15 Years of Comprehensive Maintenance After 2 Years of Defect Liability Maintenance Period

Recently, MMRDA approved projects worth more than Rs 12,000 crore to Speed Up Metro Work in Mumbai. For example, Larsen & Toubro Ltd bagged the highest value Package CA-234  worth Rs 4,788 crore for Mumbai Metro Line 4 & Line 4A. Read here to know more about this news.

Titagarh Rail to Supply 12 Trainsets for Pune Metro at ₹430.53 cr

PUNE (Metro Rail News): The consortium of Titagarh Rail Systems Ltd & Titagarh Firema S.p.A. has bagged another major rolling stock contract worth ₹430.53 cr for the Pune Metro project. This contract involves the procurement of 12 additional trainsets as an addendum under Clause A.6 of the original agreement (Contract No: P1/RS-01/2018). The provision allows for expansion beyond the initially agreed quantity to meet the increasing operational requirements of the metro system.

Contract Details

Under this contract, the consortium is responsible for the design, manufacture, supply, testing, and commissioning of electrical multiple units and personnel training. The contract is scheduled to be executed within 30 months. 

Central Approval for Pune Metro Phase II

Recently, the extension of the Aqua Line of Pune Metro, which comes under Phase 2, received approval from the central government, with a total estimated cost of Rs 3,626.24 crore. See the completed detail here.

15 Trainsets to Join the Fleet of Pune Metro for Efficient Operations

PUNE (Metro Rail News): In response to growing ridership, Pune Metro is set to expand its fleet with 15 new trains (45 coaches). This move will increase the total number of operational trains from 34 to 49 and the number of coaches from 102 to 147. Each train will consist of three coaches.

These additional trains are being procured to support the two newly approved metro corridors. Recently, the Central Government approved the extension of the Vanaz-Ramwadi corridor (Aqua Line) in both the eastern and western directions under Phase 2. 

Approved Routes Under Phase 2

Line Approved RouteLengthStations
Aqua Line (Western Extension)Vanaz to Chandani Chowk (Corridor 2A)1.12 km2 stations
Aqua Line(Eastern Extension)Ramwadi to Wagholi/Vitthalwadi (Corridor 2B)11.36 km11 stations
Total12.75 km13 stations

Atul Gadgil, director (works), Pune Metro, mentioned, “With the Centre’s approval for two new lines, the need for more trains has become essential,” as reported by Hindustan Times. 

Atul Gadgil also said, “We are planning to reduce train frequency from the current 7 minutes to 5 minutes, and later to 3 minutes, as the number of passengers is increasing. If needed, we will add more coaches to the existing trains, expanding from 3 to 6 coaches and also purchase new trains.”

According to data from Pune Metro, Line 2 (Vanaz to Ramwadi) has consistently achieved higher ridership levels than Line 1 (PCMC to Swargate). 

Between May and June 27, 2025, Line 2 recorded a total of 2,596,984 passengers, whereas Line 1 accommodated 2,114,611 passengers. In May 2025 alone, Line 2 achieved ridership of 2,615,914, as compared to Line 1’s 2,146,951 passengers, as reported by Hindustan Times.

Patna Metro: TBM-1 Achieves Breakthrough at PMCH Station of Line 2 

PATNA (Metro Rail News): The Patna Metro Phase 1 progressed as Larsen & Toubro’s TBM-1 (DZ1090) achieved a breakthrough at the PMCH Station of Line 2. Line 2 of Patna Metro spans 14.05 km from Patna Junction Railway Station to New ISBT.

This development was recorded under the 8km underground Package PC-03, which connects Rajendra Nagar and Patna Junction Railway Station of Line 2.

TBM-1 (DZ1090) is a 6.65m diameter EPB machine manufactured by China Railway Construction Heavy Industry Co. Ltd. (CRCHI). For its second assignment, TBM-1 constructed a 1068m tunnel for the down-line between Patna University and PMCH.

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Photo Credit: Samarth Kerur

TBM-1 (DZ1090) was relaunched in June 2024 and constructed a 1068m tunnel for the down-line between Patna University and PMCH in 12 months. Prior to this, TBM-1 constructed a 1494m tunnel for the down-line between Moin-ul-Haq Station and Patna University Station in 11 months.

 In December 2021, Larsen & Toubro bagged the Package PC-03 from Delhi Metro Rail Corporation (DMRC) at Rs. 1989 crore with a 42-month deadline.

Package PC-03’s Brief Scope: Design and Construction of Twin Tunnel by Shield TBM, Tunnel by Cut & Cover, Underground Ramp at Rajendra Nagar and Six Underground metro stations viz. Rajendra Nagar, Moin Ul Haq Stadium, University, PMCH, Gandhi Maidan & Akashvani with Entry/Exits & Connecting subway including Architectural Finishing, Water Supply, Sanitary Installation & Drainage works on New ISBT to Patna Station of corridor-2 of Phase-I of Patna MRTS.

Banaras Locomotive Works Delivers 2 Locomotives to Mozambique

In an effort to boost rail equipment exports and optimise the use of domestic manufacturing facilities, Indian Railways’ Banaras Locomotive Works (BLW) has successfully exported two of the ten planned locomotives to Mozambique.

The Mozambique Railways (CFM) awarded the contract to the BLW through RITES for the manufacturing and supply of 10 state-of-the-art 3300 HP AC-AC diesel-electric locomotives.

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Out of the 10 locomotives, 2 locomotives have been successfully delivered to Mozambique in June, while the remaining 8 locomotives are scheduled to be delivered by December 2025. 

 “The global contract for 10 locomotives was awarded to RITES, a public sector undertaking (PSU) of the Ministry of Railways, which further got the locomotives manufactured at BLW. These are advanced diesel locomotives of 3300 horsepower. It is capable of running at a maximum speed of 100 kmph on Cape Gauge (1067 mm). BLW has exported locomotives to Mozambique earlier as well,” said a senior official of the Ministry of Railways.

The data from the BLW indicates that a total of 10 Cape Gauge diesel locomotives, each with a capacity of 3000 HP and utilising AC-AC technology, have been supplied to Mozambique’s state-owned rail operator, CFM, since the initial shipment in 2008-09. In the financial years 2021-22 and 2022-23, five locomotives were delivered and are currently operating successfully within Mozambique. 

These 3300 HP diesel locomotives are equipped with various amenities to enhance the comfort of the driver, including a refrigerator, hot plate, mobile holder, aesthetically designed cab, and toilet facilities, all built to international standards. 

On June 20, Prime Minister Modi flagged off a state-of-the-art locomotive manufactured at the Marhowrah Plant, marking the first locomotive exported from this facility to the Republic of Guinea. 

Since its establishment on April 23, 1956, the Banaras Locomotive Works, formerly known as Diesel Locomotive Works, has produced over 10,000 locomotives for various sectors, including Indian Railways, steel plants, mines, ports, and export markets. 

ONDC Integration to Ease the Journey of Bangalore Metro Commuters

BANGALORE (Metro Rail News): The Bangalore Metro Rail Corporation Limited (BMRCL) is planning to integrate with the Open Network for Digital Commerce (ONDC), which will enable Namma Metro passengers to soon book tickets through a range of popular mobility apps.

The ONDC platform’s collaboration with over ten mobility applications will offer commuters the flexibility to select their preferred application for comprehensive trip bookings. 

This initiative will enhance last-mile connectivity, empowering commuters to plan and pay for their entire journey, whether utilising an auto-rickshaw, boarding a BMTC bus, or riding the metro within a single application, such as Tummoc, Rapido, among others. The objective is to provide a seamless, door-to-door travel experience, thereby mitigating the challenges associated with navigating multiple platforms. 

This project is a part of a broader strategy aimed at integrating public transportation, facilitating easier connections across various segments of a journey. Commuters will soon be able to purchase metro tickets, recharge smart cards, and obtain bus passes through a unified digital platform. 

BMRCL has already initiated progress in this direction by partnering with a private technology company to enable metro ticketing via multiple applications. 

Additional measures include the implementation of QR code-based ticketing through WhatsApp, launched in 2022, and collaborations with Paytm and Amazon Pay for smart card top-ups and mobile ticketing. However, these solutions had previously failed to address first and last-mile transport requirements. This digital transformation is anticipated to promote public transportation usage by reducing wait times and enhancing accessibility.

DBEC – Hill International JV Wins GC Contract of Gurugram Metro’s New Corridor

GURUGRAM (Metro Rail News): Gurugram Metro Rail Limited (GMRL) has declared Deutsche Bahn Engineering (DBEC) – Hill International JV as the lowest bidder for the general consultant contract of Gurugram Metro’s New Corridor, which spans 28.8 km and will connect Millennium City Centre with the Cyber City through 27 stations. 

GMRL floated tender for this contract in May 2024 with a total estimate of Rs 135 Crores. Subsequently, GMRL revised the deadline to encourage the participation of companies and firms that possess experience in executing similar metro projects.

 A senior GMRL official, who was present during the negotiations in Panchkula, mentioned, “The negotiations to hire the general consultant were held in Panchkula on Friday, and the bidder was finalised. The contract for the general consultant will be awarded as soon as all formalities have been completed. The joint venture of DBEC and Hill International was found to be most suitable. The general consultant will oversee the entire project from start to finish, and the period of work is four years,” as reported by Hindustan Times. 

The contract’s scope of work focuses on ensuring the effective planning, implementation, and commissioning of the new metro corridor in Gurgoan. Key responsibilities include:

  • Reviewing the DPR to validate feasibility and alignment with project goals.
  • Assessing and approving designs for safety, efficiency, and compliance.
  • Preparing tender documents to enable transparent contractor selection.
  • Supervising construction to ensure quality, timelines, and specifications are met.
  • Overseeing testing and commissioning to confirm system readiness.
  • Developing disaster management and security plans to ensure operational resilience.
  • Preparing property development plans to support long-term sustainability and growth.
  • Providing technical guidance to coordinate stakeholders and drive successful execution

The GMRL official stated that SYSTRA has already been appointed as the detailed design consultant for the project, and SYSTRA has conducted geotechnical and other relevant surveys. It is currently finalising the alignment and design for this new corridor of the Gurugram Metro project.

A Senior official from GMRL said, “The general consultant will be responsible for the construction and supervision and commissioning of the entire metro network. We have also floated the tender for the award of civil construction work for the first phase of the metro and received eight bids from major firms. The bids for this tender are also being analysed,” as reported by GMRL.