Page 40 - Construction_Opportunities_April_2026

INFRASTRUCTURE TICKER TAPE

MAJOR CAPACITY UPGRADE PLANNED FOR KOLKATA from the current Train Protection and Warning System (TPWS) to
METRO BLUE LINE AT `671.7 CRORE OUTLAY. the more advanced Communication-Based Train Control (CBTC)
The Centre has approved rail infrastructure projects worth `895.3 system. The power system revamp includes seven new traction
crore aimed at upgrading the North-South metro corridor and substations worth `291 crore, upgrades to auxiliary and traction
rebuilding a key ageing railway bridge, marking a significant substations, and a shift in power supply from 11 kV to 33 kV
boost for the state’s transport network. across key sections. Strengthening works will also be carried out
Of the total allocation, `671.7 crore has been earmarked for the between Esplanade and New Garia, along with improvements
modernisation of the Blue Line of the Kolkata Metro Blue Line, on elevated stretches between Netaji and Kavi Subhas stations.
while `223.5 crore will be used to reconstruct the railway bridge The CBTC system, which allows trains to operate as “moving
over the Damodar river under the South Eastern Railway network. blocks” by continuously communicating with track signals,
Officials said the Blue Line upgrade is expected to dramatically is expected to enable even shorter headways of around 90
improve commuter experience, particularly by reducing waiting seconds in the future. Current operations are limited by older
times. A Metro Railway official noted that once the project is signalling systems and a maximum speed of 55 kmph, except
completed, the corridor will be capable of operating at a on select stretches such as Noapara to Dakshineswar where trains
2.5-minute headway, significantly increasing train frequency from can run up to 80 kmph.
current levels. The line currently serves around six lakh passengers The Blue Line also faced operational disruption in July 2025,
daily. The 41-year-old corridor, which runs through Kolkata, was when the Kavi Subhas terminal station was shut after cracks
originally designed for trains at five-minute intervals, but rising were detected in one of its platforms. Since then, services have
demand has pushed the system beyond its intended capacity. been curtailed up to Shahid Khudiram, the second-last southern
Officials said higher frequency operations are now essential to station, and reconstruction work on the terminal is expected to
ease peak-hour congestion. begin shortly. Officials added that the existing power infrastructure
To enable faster and more frequent services, the upgrade will is nearing saturation and increasingly difficult to maintain due
involve a comprehensive overhaul of infrastructure, including to spare parts shortages. The planned upgrades are expected
installation of traction substations at each station, replacement to improve reliability, reduce disruptions, and support long-term
of the existing steel third rail with aluminium, and a transition capacity expansion on one of the city’s busiest metro corridors.

HYDERABAD METRO TAKEOVER: TELANGANA GOVT GETS ownership, although detailed legal and procedural frameworks
`13,615 CRORE BOOST FROM IRFC. for executing the takeover are yet to be finalized.
The Indian Railway Finance Corporation has agreed to extend Officials indicated that work is now underway to complete the
a `13,615 crore loan to the Government of Telangana for the necessary formalities, including structuring the agreement
proposed takeover of the Hyderabad Metro Rail from L&T Metro and addressing operational aspects of the transfer. A formal
Rail Hyderabad, marking a significant step toward bringing the announcement outlining the modalities of the takeover is
urban transit network under state control. expected in the near future.
According to official sources, the State Cabinet has been The move is seen as a major policy decision aimed at
informed that the financing arrangement has been approved, strengthening public oversight of urban transport infrastructure
with a repayment period of 20 years backed by a government in Hyderabad, where the metro rail system plays a critical role
guarantee. The loan is expected to facilitate the transition of in daily commuting.

40 CONSTRUCTION OPPORTUNITIES|APRIL 2026