Home Blog Page 9

Metro-Like Experience on Roads: PCMC Approves ₹85 Lakh for Maharashtra’s first e-RTS DPR 

Narendra Shah & Editorial Team
-
0
Metro-Like Experience on Roads: PCMC Approves ₹85 Lakh for Maharashtra’s first e-RTS DPR 

Maharashtra (Metro Rail News): There is good news for commuters in Pimpri-Chinchwad, Maharashtra. The Pimpri-Chinchwad Municipal Corporation (PCMC) has approved ₹85 lakh for the Detailed Project Report (DPR) of Maharashtra’s first Electric Rapid Transit System (e-RTS ) pilot project.

The decision followed a presentation made to Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis and the PCMC administration.

Pilot Corridor

The 17-km pilot corridor will run from Godown Chowk to Wakad. The key stops are:

  • Godown Chowk
  • Kudalwadi Chowk
  • Auto Cluster
  • Kalewadi Phata
  • Jagtap Dairy Chowk
  • Wakad

The proposed route will improve connectivity across Moshi, Chikhali, Talawade, Kiwale, Ravet, Wakad and major roads such as the Pune–Nashik Highway, Telco Road, Old Mumbai-Pune Highway, Aundh-Ravet BRT and Mumbai-Bangalore Bypass. It aims to offer faster, greener and more reliable public transport while reducing traffic congestion.

Why e-RTS ?

Electric Rapid Transit System (e-RTS ) is a 100% electric and eco-friendly system that provides a metro-like travel experience on roads. Each vehicle can carry up to 240 passengers and features low-floor boarding for universal access, air-conditioning, Wi-Fi and other premium amenities. It provides quiet, safe and comfortable travel with low operating costs and a service life of more than 20 years.

The project is expected to deliver a modern, efficient and passenger-friendly public transport option for the growing areas of Pimpri-Chinchwad.

Also Read: Goa Water Metro: DPR preparation begins, 9 routes selected for 1st phase

Goa Water Metro: DPR preparation begins, 9 routes selected for 1st phase

Narendra Shah & Editorial Team
-
0
Goa Water Metro: DPR preparation begins, 9 routes selected for 1st phase

PANAJI (Metro Rail News): River Navigation Department (RND) Minister of Goa, Mr. Subhash Phal Dessai announced that the Detailed Project Report (DPR) for the proposed Goa Water Metro project will be completed within the next four months.

The State Government aims to secure 100% Central funding for the project. The briefing was also attended by Shri Loknath Behera (former IPS officer), Managing Director of Kochi Metro Rail Ltd. (KMRL).

The Kochi Metro Rail Ltd (KMRL) will be officially responsible for the DPR for the Goa Water Metro Project.

The DPR will provide a complete roadmap covering route planning, project cost estimates, long-term implementation strategy, tourism potential and the impact on traffic management.

The first phase will cover nine river connectivity routes. The proposed locations identified in the feasibility report include Panaji, Betim, Divar, Chodan, Vanshi, Sarmanas, Narve, Aldona, Cortalim, Madkai, Adpai and Durbhat.

The DPR will provide a complete roadmap covering route planning, project cost estimates, long-term implementation strategy, tourism potential and the impact on traffic management.

Speaking at the press briefing, Minister Subhash Phal Dessai said, “We have selected nine routes in Goa, and the DPR will be placed before the government within the next four months. Looking at the steady work carried out by the State, the Centre has given Goa priority and included it in the first phase. The River Navigation Department is fully committed to ensuring the timely execution of the project.”

Loknath Behera noted that the Water Metro will help reduce pressure on Goa’s roads by offering an alternative mode of transport. It is expected to ease traffic congestion, improve connectivity, boost tourism and create new employment opportunities in coastal and riverine areas.

Also Read: South East Central Railway floats ₹601.90 cr EPC tender for Paradol-Nagpur Road Rail Link in Chhattisgarh

South East Central Railway floats ₹601.90 cr EPC tender for Paradol-Nagpur Road Rail Link in Chhattisgarh

Narendra Shah & Editorial Team
-
0
South East Central Railway floats ₹601.90 cr EPC tender for Paradol-Nagpur Road Rail Link in Chhattisgarh

CHHATTISGARH (Metro Rail News): South East Central Railway (SECR) has invited bids for the construction of a new broad gauge single railway line in Chhattisgarh under the Engineering, Procurement and Construction (EPC) mode. The contract has an estimated value of ₹601.90 crore and forms part of an important railway infrastructure project aimed at improving connectivity in the region.

The project includes the construction of a new railway line from Paradol Takeoff Point to Nagpur Road Station, along with the slewing of a section of the existing Boridand-Chirmiri railway line.

Tender details 

Information Details
Tender NumberCAO-C-BSP-26-27-15
Estimated Cost₹601.90 crore
Earnest Money Deposit (EMD)₹12.04 crore
Completion Period730 days
First Pre-bid Meeting24 August 2026, 4:00 PM
Second Pre-bid Meeting16 September 2026, 4:00 PM
Tender Closing Date27 November 2026, 3:00 PM
Bid Validity 180 days

Scope of work

New Broad Gauge Single Line of railway project comprising the section commencing from Paradol Takeoff Point (km 947.257) To Nagpur Road Station ( Connecting Point-km:964.820) and slewing Of existing Boridand-Chirmiri Line from km:946.640 To km: 947.257 in the state of Chhattisgarh in the South East Central Railway Zone in Epc mode. 

About the project

The project aims to strengthen railway connectivity in Chhattisgarh by creating a new broad gauge rail link and improving the existing railway infrastructure. The new alignment will provide better operational efficiency, improve train movement and support future growth in passenger and freight traffic. The project will also enhance connectivity within the South East Central Railway network and contribute to regional economic development by improving access to important industrial and mining areas.

Also Read: South East Central Railway invites ₹455.02 cr EPC tender for new rail line in Chhattisgarh

Indian Railways’ Kavach Commissioning Remains Pending Despite 2020 Approval

Narendra Shah & Editorial Team
-
0
Indian Railways’ Kavach Commissioning Remains Pending Despite 2020 Approval

NEW DELHI (Metro Rail News): Indian Railways continues the phased implementation of its indigenous Automatic Train Protection (ATP) system, Kavach, across the network. The system received formal approval in 2020, with field trials beginning in 2016.

This update came during a discussion in the Lok Sabha between Union Railway Minister Shri. Ashwini Vaishnaw and Tamil Nadu MP Shri D. Ravi Kumar. Shri Kumar had enquired details on the rollout, including a zone-wise status with focus on the Southern Zone. No complete zone-wise progress report has been shared so far.

Kavach 4.0 has been successfully commissioned mainly on high-density corridors, particularly sections of the Delhi–Mumbai and Delhi–Howrah routes (around 2,569 route km). Earlier, Kavach version 3.2 was deployed on about 1,465 route km of the South Central Railway. Kavch 4.0 was approved by RDSO on 16, July 2024.

What is Kavach?

Kavach is India’s indigenously developed Automatic Train Protection system. It helps loco pilots keep trains within prescribed speed limits by automatically applying brakes if the pilot does not respond in time. It also supports safer operations in poor visibility and bad weather.

Current progress and challenges

According to officials the Kavach system requires RFID tags along the tracks, optical fibre cables, telecom towers, equipment at stations and block sections, and fitment on locomotives. These technical requirements make the installation complex and time-consuming.

Another major hurdle is the training programmes. Specialized training programmes on Kavach are being conducted at centralized training institutes of Indian Railways. By now more than 94,000 technicians, operators and engineers have been trained on Kavach technology. This includes about 57,000 Loco Pilots & Assistant Loco Pilots. 

Current progress of installation of Kavach 4.0 on each route

SectionProgress (Rkm)
Delhi-Mumbai route:1,344 Rkm
Tilak Bridge – Junction cabin – Palwal – Mathura –Nagda –Vadodra-Virar section (Except Mangalmhudi – Panchpipliya) [Passes through Rajasthan also]1248
Vadodara – Ahmedabad section96
Delhi–Howrah route:1,146 Rkm
Chipyana – Tundla – Kanpur – Subedarganj section563
Kanpur – Lucknow section71
DDU(FOC)-Bhabua Road section50
Sasaram – Pheser section43
Gaya – Sarmatarn- Nimiaghat section159
Chota Ambana – Bardhaman – Howrah section260

(from ministry’s written reply)

Safety Improvements

Despite the gradual rollout, the Ministry has reported a sharp drop in consequential train accidents. The number fell from 135 in 2014-15 to 16 in 2025-26 — an overall reduction of about 88%. In the current financial year (up to June 2026), only two such accidents were recorded.

image 1

The Ministry continues to prioritise Kavach expansion on key corridors while addressing the technical and logistical challenges of nationwide deployment.

Also Read: Chennai Metro records highest-ever monthly ridership of 1.06 cr 

Chennai Metro records highest-ever monthly ridership of 1.06 cr 

Narendra Shah & Editorial Team
-
0
Chennai Metro records highest-ever monthly ridership of 1.06 cr 

CHENNAI (Metro Rail News): Chennai Metro Rail Limited (CMRL) reported its highest monthly ridership ever in July 2026, with over 1.06 crore passenger journeys. The network also saw an average daily ridership of 3.42 lakh, the second-highest since commercial operations started.  

The latest figures indicate steady growth in passenger numbers. But, the Metro still operates well below the ridership numbers expected in its Detailed Project Report (DPR).  

Chennai Metro hits new monthly ridership milestone

According to Chennai Metro Rail, 1,06,23,764 passengers used the network in July 2026, making it the highest monthly ridership recorded so far. The average daily ridership for the month reached 3,42,702 passengers. This strong performance shows a steady rise in Metro usage across the city.  

  • Total ridership in July 2026: 1,06,23,764 passengers  
  • Average daily ridership: 3,42,702 passengers  
  • Second-highest daily average since operations began  
  • Previous monthly record: 1,04,68,732 passengers in July 2025  
  • Highest-ever daily average: 3,43,503 passengers in February 2026  

Ridership remains below DPR projections  

Despite the record numbers, Chennai Metro is still carrying far fewer passengers than originally planned. In response to a question from AIADMK Rajya Sabha MP Dhanapal, Minister of State for Housing and Urban Affairs Tokhan Sahu reported to Parliament that the 54 km Chennai Metro Phase I and Phase I Extension have been running since February 2019 and March 2022, respectively. The project cost ₹22,149.92 crore.  

According to the Ministry, the Detailed Project Report predicted a daily ridership of 15.69 lakh passengers in 2026 for the operational corridors. But, the Metro is currently seeing an actual average daily ridership of around 3.14 lakh passengers, which is only about 20% of the expected level.  

Project Timeline 

  • February 2019: Chennai Metro Phase I became operational.  
  • March 2022: Phase I Extension opened for passenger services.  
  • July 2025: Monthly ridership reached a record 1.04 crore passengers.  
  • July 2026: Monthly ridership crossed 1.06 crore for the first time.

Also Read: MoPSW Draws Up National Water Metro Guidelines: 18 Locations Identified Across Country

MoPSW Draws Up National Water Metro Guidelines: 18 Locations Identified Across Country

Narendra Shah & Editorial Team
-
0
MoPSW Draws Up National Water Metro Guidelines: 18 Locations Identified Across Country

NEW DELHI (Metro Rail News): The Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways (MoPSW) is preparing the National Water Metro Guidelines, 2026. These guidelines will help plan, build and run eco-friendly water-based public transport systems across the country. They will also set safety standards and promote clean travel on water.

The new guidelines will cover zero and low-emission technology, standard rules, financing options, environmental safety and smooth coordination between different transport modes.

The Inland Waterways Authority of India, working under the Ministry, has started feasibility studies for Urban Water Metro systems at 18 locations. Studies for 15 of these places are already complete.

The locations identified for feasibility study

Ayodhya, Dhubri, Goa, Guwahati, Kollam, Kolkata, Prayagraj, Patna, Srinagar, Varanasi, Mumbai, Vasai, Mangalore (Gurupura River), Gandhinagar-Ahmedabad (Sabarmati River), Alleppey, Lakshadweep Islands and Andaman & Nicobar Islands are the locations mentioned for the feasibility study in the MoPSW press release dated 21 February 2025. These locations cover 12 states in India.

Kochi  Metro Rail Limited (KMRL) has been appointed to carry out the feasibility study.

These studies check if the project is technically possible, what infrastructure is needed, how operations will work and how useful a water-based public transport system can be.

Four hybrid electric vessels are now running in Varanasi, Ayodhya, Patna and Kolkata. In addition, one Hydrogen Fuel Cell vessel has been deployed in Varanasi under other Ministry initiatives, mentioned in the official public release of MoPSW on 31 July , 2026.

Also Read: South East Central Railway invites ₹455.02 cr EPC tender for new rail line in Chhattisgarh

Kochi Metro observes highest operating profit in FY 2025-26

Narendra Shah & Editorial Team
-
0
Kochi Metro observes highest operating profit in FY 2025-26

KOCHI (Metro Rail News): Continuing its financial growth, Kochi metro has recorded an operation profit for yet another year. In the financial year 2025-26, it registered an operating profit of ₹52.64 crore. A major highlight was a significant share of this amount, around 34%, coming from the non-fare box revenue sources depicting a diverse revenue model of the Kochi metro system.

In 2025-26, Kochi metro earned a total revenue of ₹224.65 crore against the expenses of around ₹172 crore. This resulted in an operating profit of ₹52.64 crore. With this achievement, the total net loss of Kochi metro reduced to 352.49 crore in 2025-26 from 430.50 crore in 2024-25.

Last year, the annual daily ridership of Kochi metro crossed over 1 lakh passengers, marking another major milestone. The rise in ridership led to an increase in the fare box revenue. 

Kochi Metro’s Operating Profit

image

Kochi Metro’s Non-Fare Box Revenue

The share of non-fare box revenue in Kochi metro’s total revenue was around 34%, amounting to ₹76.33 crore. Recently, Shri Tokhan Sahu described the major sources of the Kochi metro system through a written report in Lok Sabha:

The major initiatives undertaken [to enhance Kochi metro’s financial sustainability] includes the following [non-fare box revenue sources]:

• Semi-Naming Rights / Co-Branding of Metro Stations

• Advertisement Rights (Train, Pillar & Station)

• Optical Fiber Cable (OFC) Leasing

• Allied Infrastructure & Parking Facilities

• Short-Term Campaigns, Sponsorships & Shoots

• Rental Income from Commercial & Office Spaces

• Land Monetization

• Development of link bridges

• Operation of feeder service such as Autos & Buses

• Licensing of space for Telecom Tower

• Licensing of space for EV Charging Stations

Also Read: DMRC submits DPR of Thiruvananthapuram Metro Project

South East Central Railway invites ₹455.02 cr EPC tender for new rail line in Chhattisgarh

Narendra Shah & Editorial Team
-
0
South East Central Railway invites ₹455.02 cr EPC tender for new rail line in Chhattisgarh

CHHATTISGARH (Metro Rail News): South East Central Railway (SECR) has invited bids for the construction of a section of the Dallirajhara-Rowghat-Jagdalpur New Railway Line in Chhattisgarh. The Engineering, Procurement and Construction (EPC) contract has an estimated value of ₹455.02 crore and covers a nearly 30-km stretch between Kurkanar and Bhanpuri. “

Tender details

Information  Details
Tender Number CAO-C-BSP-26-27-14
Estimated Cost₹455.02 crore
Earnest Money Deposit (EMD)₹9.10 crore
Completion Period730 days
First Pre-bid Meeting24 August 2026, 11:30 AM
Bid Validity180 days

Scope of work

Engineering Procurement and construction (EPC) contract for construction of New Railway line from Rowghat – Jagdalpur(140Kms) Package- I from Ch 12+700 to 42+600 from Kurkanar to Bhanpuri Excluding Kurkanar station and including Bhanpuri Station In connection of Dallirajhara – Rowghat – Jagdalpur New railway line in the state of Chhattisgarh. 

About the project

The Dallirajhara-Rowghat-Jagdalpur New Railway Line is an important railway infrastructure project in Chhattisgarh. The project aims to improve rail connectivity between the mineral-rich Bastar region and the state’s railway network. The new line will connect Dallirajhara, Rowghat, and Jagdalpur, making passenger and freight transportation faster and more efficient.

Also Read: Maharashtra Railway Infrastructure gets major boost : New lines, doubling existing tracks, and increasing overall capacity

Big Boost for Bihar : Indian Railways approved ₹976 crore Multi tracking project on Danapur-Fatuha section

Narendra Shah & Editorial Team
-
0
Big Boost for Bihar : Indian Railways approved ₹976 crore Multi tracking project on Danapur-Fatuha section

BIHAR (Metro Rail News): Indian Railways has given the green light to a ₹976 crore multitracking project on the 29 km Danapur-Fatuha section in Bihar. The work falls under the East Central Railway and aims to ease congestion while improving the flow of both passenger and freight trains on the busy Patna rail corridor.

The project includes the 3rd and 4th line between Danapur and Patna , a 3rd line between Rajendra Nagar and Patna Saheb ,and 3rd and 4th line between Patna Saheb and Fatuha.

This stretch belongs to the important Delhi–Deen Dayal Upadhyaya Junction,Patna, Kiul, Bhagalpur, Khana, Howrah route. Indian Railways has marked this corridor as its energy, mineral and cement corridor. The main goal of the new lines is to boost freight movement for key industrial areas.

Once ready, the upgraded section will allow 22 extra passenger trains and 18 extra freight trains to run in the first year itself. It is also expected to handle 5.2 million tonnes of freight every year. 

The project will support the upcoming 2,120 MW thermal power plant at Chausa in Buxar district by making it easier to move bulk raw materials and other inputs by rail.

This approval continues Indian Railways’ push to expand capacity on high-density routes. It will strengthen logistics for the energy and industrial sectors and help the socio-economic growth of Bihar.

Also Read: Maharashtra Railway Infrastructure gets major boost : New lines, doubling existing tracks, and increasing overall capacity

Maharashtra Railway Infrastructure gets major boost : New lines, doubling existing tracks, and increasing overall capacity

Narendra Shah & Editorial Team
-
0
Maharashtra Railway Infrastructure gets major boost : New lines, doubling existing tracks, and increasing overall capacity

MUMBAI (Metro Rail News): The Ministry of Railways is working hard to improve train connectivity across Maharashtra. The focus is on building new lines, doubling existing tracks, and increasing overall capacity.

For the year 2026-27, the government has set aside ₹23,926 crore for railway infrastructure and safety works in the state. This amount is more than 20 times the average yearly spending between 2009 and 2014, mentioned in the official press release of PIB Mumbai, released on 29 July 2026.

Current progress

As of 1 April 2026, 52 railway projects have been approved in Maharashtra. These include 13 new lines, 2 gauge conversion projects, and 37 doubling or multi-tracking works. Together they cover 5,956 km and cost an estimated ₹1,42,635 crore.So far, 1,598 km has been completed till March 2026, with ₹34,782 crore already spent.

Important projects advancing fast in Mumbai

The Daund–Manmad doubling project has recently been completed. It will improve train services in the Shirdi region and nearby areas.

On the Ahilyanagar–Beed–Parli Vaijnath new line, the 201-km stretch from Ahilyanagar to Beed–Badwani is already open. Work continues on the remaining portion.

Rahuri–Shani Shingnapur new line and Puntamba–Sainagar Shirdi doubling have been given Special Railway Project status to speed up land acquisition.

Detailed Project Reports are being prepared for several new routes, including Nashik Road–Sainagar Shirdi,Pune–Ahilyanagar,Dharashiv–Beed–Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar, and Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar–Ahilyanagar.

Work is in progress on many important lines such as Ahilyanagar–Parli Vaijnath new line,Wardha–Nande new line,Indore–Manmad new line,Jalna–Jalgaon new line,Solapur–Tuljapur–Osmanabad new line,Panvel–Chowk double line, and Kasara–Manmad third and fourth lines.

The Minister stated that Projects are approved only after talks with the state government and other stakeholders, and followed by the requisite statutory and financial approvals.Construction happens in stages, depending on land availability and official permissions.

Once finished, the new and upgraded lines will connect regions better, make train operations smoother, help move more goods, and support the economic growth of Maharashtra.

Also Read: From Dependency to Dominance: India’s Indigenous High-Speed Signalling System, BTCS

1...8910...947Page 9 of 947