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18 April 2025
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Apr 18, 2025Rail Business Daily
LNER has revealed that since the launch of its market-leading information portal, over one million customers have received live journey updates, listened to top entertainment and ordered food straight to their seats.
In the last year alone, 1.3 million customers accessed the portal while travelling, by scanning a QR code found on the back of seats or at their table. Friday 13 December proved to be the most popular day for scans, with December being the busiest month overall. The data comes as LNER prepares to roll out updates to its onboard digital offering, improving functionality, navigation and design.
Over 393,000 food and drink orders have been placed by LNER customers, with one of the most popular items being a cup of Yorkshire Tea. Over 82,000 cups have been delivered direct from the onboard café bar to customers’ seats in the last twelve months alone.
Routes from LNER, the podcast where compelling conversations with well-known guests meet incredible journeys, is also available to stream direct from the portal. Season One, hosted by renowned presenter and broadcaster Clara Amfo, is now available to stream in full, featuring guests Mel B, Tom Grennan, Dynamo, Lennie James, Maisie Adam, and many more. Season Two – coming soon – will also be available through the portal, allowing LNER customers to enjoy top, original entertainment from the comfort of their seat.
Danny Gonzalez, Chief Digital and Innovation Officer at LNER, said: “It has been brilliant to see just how many of our customers have been using our onboard portal since it launched a year ago. From live journey updates, to entertainment, to ordering catering direct to your seat – the intention was to create a one-stop digital destination for all your needs, to help our customers receive the best possible experience when they travel with us. We’re really excited to show you what’s coming next!”
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Hungary Prepares To Upgrade 1,000 Km Of RailwayHungary has announced a comprehensive plan to modernize its railway infrastructure, which includes the rehabilitation of 1,000 km of railway over the next few years.
Funding has already been secured in full, confirmed Minister of Construction and Transport János Lázár before the Parliament’s Economic Committee. The plan marks one of the largest coordinated investments in railway infrastructure in Central Europe and reflects a long-term strategic vision with clear objectives for economic growth and regional competitiveness.
The Hungarian railway network totals 8,000 km, of which 6,000 km are operational. Since 2010, Hungary has completed 103 railway projects worth HUF 2.091 billion (approximately EUR 5.4 billion), which has enabled the upgrade of 1,800 km of railway.
New works — another 1,000 km — are to be carried out, and Lázár said that all the funding is already available, including through European Investment Bank credit instruments, designed to compensate for European funds that are still blocked.
Lázár emphasized that large railway investments involve a development cycle of about eight years — a period that Budapest explicitly integrates into public planning.
In addition, the minister warned that in the next EU financial year, funding for rail and road projects may no longer be available if they are not partially classified as investments with military relevance. Such a reclassification, permitted by European regulations, would allow access to additional funds from extra-budgetary sources.
This approach shows not only financial pragmatism, but also that Hungary treats its rail infrastructure as a strategic asset essential to its regional positioning.
The minister also reported significant operational results:
Hungary also offers one of the cheapest public transport systems in the EU.
At the same time, Budapest is rolling out a major investment package around Liszt Ferenc Airport, worth €2.5 billion, by 2035. This includes:
This type of integrated investment — rail + airport + road — is rare in Central Europe and illustrates Hungary’s strategic focus on increasing its economic and logistical attractiveness.
Lázár stated that the Hungarian state is seeking to gain a strategic advantage by strengthening corridors to the West:
“If the western routes pass through here, Hungary gains a position of influence, and the GDP-generating capacity of the inland regions can increase significantly.”
This positioning clearly shows how Budapest views rail infrastructure: not just as a technical project, but as an element of economic and geopolitical policy.
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07 December 20252 min readHungary Prepares To Upgrade 1,000 Km Of Railway
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07 December 2025
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Cardiff Central Railway Station To Receive £140 Million RevampCardiff Central railway station is set to undergo renovation as the Government has given the green light on a 140 million GBP revamp project.
Improvements to the station will include the modernisation of the station as a whole, whilst aiming to preserve both the history and heritage of the building itself.
Works will be carried out to expand the station’s concourse in order to increase capacity and improve passenger flow, with improved waiting areas, enhanced retail offerings and cycle storage facilities also set to be installed.
The station is set to remain open whilst construction is carried out, and the scheme will be led by Transport for Wales, with the investment of up to 140 million GBP being provided by the Department for Transport, Cardiff Capital Region and the Welsh Government following the recent approval of associated business cases.
This week will also see the first meeting of the newly reorganised Wales Rail Board in Cardiff, in which the Board will oversee the prioritisation of the rail spending review settlement, assess progress on current rail projects and identify projects for future delivery.
Following the meeting; Transport for Wales will publish ‘Today, Tomorrow, Together’, – a vision document for the future of rail in Wales, later this month.
This is a major milestone for our ambitious plans to upgrade Cardiff Central station, a key hub on our South Wales Metro and gateway to Wales’ capital city.
The joint £140m investment between Welsh Government, UK Government and Cardiff Capital Region will modernise and enhance the station, benefitting passengers and accommodating our ambitions for long term growth.
The newly revamped Wales Rail Board will also meet for the first time today to discuss future projects such as this and relevant funding.
I’m extremely pleased that Vernon Everitt will Chair the board as he brings a wealth of experience and expertise, that will help lead us into the future.
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05 December 20252 min readCardiff Central Railway Station To Receive £140 Million Revamp
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05 December 2025
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€200 Million Loan For Modernization Of Czech RailwaysThe Czech Republic has received funding from the European Investment Bank (EIB) to comprehensively modernise and renew its national railway network. 200 million euros (approximately USD 215 million) in loans. This significant investment aims to increase the safety, sustainability and competitiveness of the railway network by strengthening both passenger and freight transport capacity.
The Ministry of Finance will distribute the funds received to the administrator of the National Railway System Správa železnicThe projects will focus on the renewal of regional and Trans-European Transport Network (TEN-T) lines. It is also planned to procure new maintenance vehicles and equipment to increase the network's efficiency. All work will be carried out Until 2030 expected to be completed.
EIB Vice President Marek Mora stated that this initiative reinforces cooperation between the EIB and the Czech Republic, stating that investing in safer, greener and more efficient rail infrastructure helps the country achieve its climate goals and improves the quality of travel for millions of passengers.
The new loan will be funded by the EIB for the Czech railway infrastructure between 2023 and 2027. For 2,2 billion euros It is part of a broader framework of cooperation for which it expects to provide resources of up to 2,37 billion dollars.
A critical part of this funding comes from the European Commission Just Transition Mechanism Jiří Svoboda, General Manager of Správa železnic, said that the loan allows for continued modernization, in particular by increasing line capacity to meet the growing demand from both passenger and freight operators. ETCS He added that the implementation of the (European Train Control System) has improved safety, but future electrification remains a significant challenge.
Approximately 100,000 people are under the EU's Just Transition Mechanism. 30 million euros The grant will finance sustainable transport projects in Moravia-Silesia, Ústí nad Labem, and Karlovy Vary, the coal regions most affected by the energy transition. Emma Toledano Laredo of the European Commission emphasized that this investment will reduce emissions, shorten journey times, and make rail a more attractive option.
The Czech Republic has electrified a third of its 9.463-kilometre railway network and is recording steady growth in passenger volumes thanks to this modernisation and international connections.
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28 October 20252 min read€200 Million Loan For Modernization Of Czech Railways
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28 October 2025
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Illinois Launches $400M Construction Pipeline Across Metro EastThe announcement highlighted targeted funding for 223 local projects as part of Rebuild Illinois, a $50.6bn initiative spread across six years – and the largest construction program in the state’s history.
“Our Rebuild Illinois program is getting shovels in the ground and putting Illinoisans to work on projects that are vital to community interest and helping grow the entire state,” said Governor Pritzker.
“Starting with improvements to major streets and corridors in Fairview Heights, Granite City, Cahokia Heights, and Belleville, these projects are improving congestion and safety in the Metro East area – making people’s lives easier, enhancing productivity, and generating more economic activity, all while creating good, quality jobs.”
The program also includes special funding to help address local transportation needs, particularly in disadvantaged or economically distressed communities. Of the 223 total awards, 177 are for road projects, 34 for bike and pedestrian improvements, 10 for transit, and two for ports.
“For a community to thrive, it needs to have the infrastructure to support itself,” said representative Katie Stuart of Edwardsville. “These new investments are going to support jobs, encourage development, and further improve vital travel corridors that residents depend on every day.”
Among the local projects supported through the $400m pipeline are several key initiatives, such as $9.6m for road construction in Cahokia Heights and $5.8m for road improvements in East St. Louis.
Illinois Department of Transportation’s (IDOT) $50.6bn initiative spans multimodal investments across roads, bridges, aviation, rail, waterways, and pedestrian infrastructure, surpassing last year’s record-setting $41.4bn program.
Passed in 2019, Rebuild Illinois remains the largest capital program in state history and the first to include every mode of transportation. To date, IDOT has completed $20.8bn in improvements statewide, covering more than 21,000 lane miles of highway, 815 bridges, and over 1,100 safety projects.
“[These] investments in Fairmont City [are] a game changer for our community,” said Mayor Michael Suarez. “These improvements will make our roads safer, support local businesses, and create opportunities for families who live and work here.”
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23 October 20252 min readIllinois Launches $400M Construction Pipeline Across Metro East
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23 October 2025
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A Huge €4 Billion Investment In The Bavarian Railway NetworkGerman rail infrastructure operator DB InfraGO aims to comprehensively renew the Bavarian-wide rail network, improve connectivity and modernise infrastructure by 2026. 4 billion euros (about $4,3 billion) is preparing to make a record investment in . This large budget aims to ensure the efficiency and reliability of Bavaria's transport system in the long term.
As part of the investment plan, more than 500 kilometers of rail and more than 200 transfer hubs will be renovated to improve train travel efficiency and service safety. The project encompasses not only new construction but also station improvements.
Among the regions receiving significant improvements is the Munich S-Bahn network, which will undergo extensive upgrades across lines S2, S4, and S7. The Allgäu regional network will also receive updated lines and improved suburban operations. DB InfraGO CEO Philipp Nagl stated that this funding represents a 10% increase over 2025 levels and will develop Bavaria's rail backbone with support from Germany's Special Fund for Climate Neutrality and Infrastructure.
Bavarian Transport Minister Christian Bernreiter welcomed the investment plan, emphasizing that funding should be spread across both major cities and rural routes. He particularly highlighted DB InfraGO, the long-awaited railway connecting Bavaria, Saxony, and the Czech Republic. Electrification of the Franconia-Saxony corridor urged to accelerate.
Accelerating the modernization of this corridor, which is currently dependent on diesel locomotives and where thousands of daily passengers suffer due to the closure of the bridges over the Pegnitz River, is vital for both regional and cross-border connectivity.
This major initiative reflects Bavaria's commitment to sustainable transport. The program aligns with Germany's climate plan and aims to deepen economic ties across Central Europe by combining infrastructure revitalization with clean energy targets, creating a successful model for future national rail policies.
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22 October 20252 min readA Huge €4 Billion Investment In The Bavarian Railway Network
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22 October 2025
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Türkiye'S Railway Network To Exceed 17 Kilometers By 2028Transport and Infrastructure Minister Abdulkadir Uraloğlu's statements regarding the 2026 budget and railway projects reveal Türkiye's focus on ambitious growth in transportation and logistics. The Ministry, aiming to revitalize the railway mobilization that began in the early years of the Republic but was subsequently interrupted, views railways not only as a national means of transportation but also as a strategic lever for Türkiye's indispensable position within the global logistics network. Uraloğlu emphasized his vision of transforming Türkiye into "the undisputed logistics superpower of Eurasia," stating that investments in this area will strengthen the country's economic and strategic independence.
The targets shared by Minister Uraloğlu indicate that the railway network will grow rapidly. By the end of 2026, Türkiye's total railway line length is expected to exceed 14,437 kilometers, while high-speed train (HST) line length is expected to exceed 2,769 kilometers. This growth momentum is expected to be maintained in the following years. The line length is planned to reach 15,934 kilometers in 2027 and 17,728 kilometers in 2028. The HST line length, in particular, is projected to reach 5,343 kilometers in 2028, nearly doubling the current length.
The plan is to gradually increase the share of double-track railway length in the total main line, which is critical for network standardization and efficiency. This ratio will be raised to 19 percent in 2026, 21 percent in 2027, and 26 percent in 2028, thus improving line capacity and operational flexibility.
The Ministry has identified increasing the share of railways in passenger and freight transport as a key strategic objective. The plan is to raise existing railway standards and accelerate new, high-standard railway investments, with a particular focus on freight transport.
The most important pillar of this strategy is the integration of industrial zones, ports, and logistics centers into the main railway network via branch lines. This integrated development approach aims to reduce logistics costs by facilitating regional industries' access to international markets from production and freight centers. Furthermore, railways are being equipped with the most advanced technologies through smart transportation systems and digital transformation initiatives, improving safety and efficiency. Türkiye's efforts to eliminate foreign dependency and become a regional technology hub by investing in domestic and national railway technologies are also noteworthy.
The announced budget figures demonstrate the strong financial commitment behind these ambitious targets. Expenditure on railway construction, operation, and services is projected to exceed 377 billion lira in 2026. This figure represents an investment plan that will reach 474 billion lira by 2028.
Within the scope of this investment program, infrastructure construction of high-standard railway lines such as Ankara-İzmir, Mersin-Gaziantep and Adapazarı-Halkalı Critical sections of the line are among the priority projects.
Minister Uraloğlu emphasized that, in addition to intercity projects, the development of urban rail systems is also being prioritized. The target is to increase the length of the urban rail system from 465,8 kilometers by the end of this year to 522,1 kilometers by 2027. At the same time, the proportion of signaled railway lines is planned to increase to 76 percent by 2028, maximizing the safety and capacity of the railway network.
As a result of these comprehensive investments, the railway's share in passenger transport is planned to increase. This share is targeted to reach 5,93 percent in 2026 and 7,6 percent in 2028. With these strategic investments in the railway sector, Turkey is on the verge of a major transformation aimed at both revitalizing domestic trade and becoming an indispensable link in global logistics corridors.
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22 October 20253 min readTürkiye'S Railway Network To Exceed 17 Kilometers By 2028
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22 October 2025
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Saudi Arabia Makes $7 Billion Historic Railway InvestmentSaudi Arabia is investing $7 billion in a historic infrastructure project that will fundamentally change the country's transportation landscape. “Land Bridge” This giant railway line called (Land Bridge) is on the Red Sea coast. Jeddah to Dammam on the Persian Gulf via Riyadh This new corridor will reduce travel time, especially between Jeddah and the capital Riyadh. under four hours aims to revolutionise transport across the Kingdom by reducing
About 1.500 Mileage This route, which will span 1,000 miles, will completely reshape how passengers and freight move between the Kingdom's two coasts. The line will support both freight and passenger transport, becoming a vital trade artery connecting the country's ports, factories, and logistics centers. The sheer scale of the project positions Saudi Arabia among the global leaders in modern rail infrastructure.
This expansion of Saudi Arabia Vision 2030 strengthens its economic diversification and sustainability goals within the scope of the Saudi Railway Company (SAR) extends its national network over 5.300 km Over 8.000 km As part of this initiative, key industrial centers such as Yanbu and King Abdullah Port will also be integrated into the network. This new infrastructure will encourage foreign investment, increase national productivity, and support tourism growth.
SAR aims to provide faster travel and comfort to passengers. 15 new trains capable of reaching speeds of 200 km/h This initiative supports the modernization of not only passenger transport but also freight transport, making domestic trade smoother and more environmentally friendly.
In addition to commercial routes, Saudi Arabia is also targeting the luxury travel market to promote tourism. The route extends from Riyadh to Qurayyat. “Desert Dream” A luxury train line called Desert Dream is being developed. It is designed for first-class travel and scenic experiences. 1.290 km It will be a journey. Furthermore, with environmental responsibility at the heart of national policy, hydrogen-powered trains are planned to enter service in the future. This highlights the Kingdom's focus on clean energy and innovation.
More than 2,6 million passengers used Saudi railways in the second quarter of 2025. “Land Bridge” The project positions Saudi Arabia as the logistics and transportation heart of the Middle East, based on an integrated system combining air, sea and land transportation.
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21 October 20252 min readSaudi Arabia Makes $7 Billion Historic Railway Investment
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21 October 2025
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Saudi Arabia Launches $7 Billion Railway ProjectEarlier this year, Saudi Arabia began construction on the $7 billion Landbridge railway, a massive project aimed at transforming the country's logistics and transportation infrastructure. This long-awaited project, which will stretch from Jeddah on the Red Sea to Dammam on the Persian Gulf, will connect the country's major industrial centers, ports, and logistics hubs, creating a vital east-west corridor for freight and passengers. With over 1.400 km of new and upgraded track, the Landbridge ranks among the most ambitious infrastructure projects not only in the Middle East but globally.
The Land Bridge has the potential to revolutionize Saudi Arabia's transportation network. At the heart of the project is a new 950 km line connecting the capital, Riyadh, with the country's largest port city, Jeddah. This main line extends a further 146 km north from Jeddah to King Abdullah Port.
The network includes critical components such as a 115 km line from Dammam to the industrial hub of Jubail, improvements to the existing Riyadh-Dammam link, the Riyadh ring road, and a 172 km extension from King Abdullah Port to Yanbu Industrial City. Upon completion, freight transport will be efficiently transported between Jeddah, Dammam, Jubail, Riyadh, King Khalid Airport, King Abdullah Port, and Yanbu. Authorities estimate that this comprehensive network could save the Kingdom $4,2 billion in transportation costs annually and create 200.000 new jobs in related sectors. The project also includes seven new logistics hubs that will enhance the Kingdom's multimodal transportation capacity.
A key early phase of the project is the Riyadh rail link. This 35-kilometer line, running from north to south of the city, is critical to integrating Saudi Arabian Railways' North-South Railway with the Eastern Rail Network. Expressions of interest have been invited from leading contractors for the development of this section. The contract will include viaducts, signaling systems, infrastructure, and civil works, bringing the rail link up to international standards. This integration will ensure the successful integration of the new Landbridge network with existing lines, facilitating freight movement throughout the kingdom.
The Landbridge project is a strong example of international collaboration. The project is being implemented by the Saudi China Landbridge Consortium, a partnership between Saudi Arabian Railways and the China Civil Engineering Construction Corporation, with local support from Al-Ayuni Contracting. International firms such as Systra, Thales, WSP, ALG Infrastructure, and Calx Consultancy are also involved. In December 2023, Hill International (USA), Italferr (Italy), and Sener (Spain) were appointed to provide project management services. This pool of international expertise aims to ensure the project is completed on time and to global standards.
The $7 billion Land Bridge railway is one of Saudi Arabia's most ambitious steps toward strengthening its economic diversification and logistics hub position in line with its Vision 2030 goals. This massive project will not only modernize freight and passenger transportation but also strengthen its strategic position within regional and global trade corridors, paving the way for the country's future economic growth.
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20 October 20253 min readSaudi Arabia Launches $7 Billion Railway Project
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20 October 2025
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Eib Global Finances India’S Green Metro Revolution With €289.5 Million For Nagpur And Pune ExpansionThe European Investment Bank (EIB), through EIB Global, has approved €289.5 million to strengthen sustainable urban transport in India. The financing includes €240 million for the Nagpur metro extension and €49.5 million for the Pune metro. The move strengthens India’s sustainable transport infrastructure, promising cleaner air, reduced congestion, and faster urban mobility while reinforcing Europe’s commitment to India’s climate and growth goals.
Introduction:
In a major push towards sustainable urban mobility, the European Investment Bank (EIB), through its development branch EIB Global, has sanctioned €289.5 million in new financing to support the expansion of metro networks in Nagpur and Pune.
The funding package includes:
This financial commitment builds upon the EIB’s ongoing partnership with India, aligning with the country’s green transition and the European Union’s Global Gateway strategy, which emphasizes sustainable and inclusive growth.
Transforming Urban Mobility:
The latest investment underscores EIB Global’s confidence in India’s urban transport sector, aiming to make commuting faster, safer, and cleaner for millions.
The two metro projects will shift passenger traffic from roads to rail, reducing dependence on fossil fuels and mitigating pollution levels.
According to EIB estimates, these projects will:
By encouraging a modal shift towards public transport, these initiatives align with India’s climate commitments and its broader sustainable development goals.
Nagpur Metro Extension – A Model for Sustainable Growth:
The EIB’s €240 million loan will fund the extension of Nagpur’s metro network, which plays a vital role in the city’s green urban transformation.
Projected Benefits:
This expansion is expected to create a long-term environmental and social impact, providing efficient, affordable, and eco-friendly transport to one of central India’s most dynamic cities.
Pune Metro Expansion – Strengthening Success:
In Pune, the EIB’s €49.5 million top-up loan complements its earlier €600 million investment that funded the construction of two metro lines covering 31.25 km with 30 stations and 102 metro cars.
Since March 2022, the Pune metro has already transported over 100 million passengers, demonstrating strong public adoption. The new financing will help extend the system’s reach, improve last-mile connectivity, and enhance passenger convenience.
Impact Highlights:
With these improvements, Pune continues to emerge as one of India’s leading examples of sustainable city transport planning.
India – EIB’s Largest Transport Partner Outside Europe:
EIB financing in India’s transport sector has now surpassed €3.6 billion, making the country the largest beneficiary of EIB transport support outside Europe. This achievement underscores India’s strategic importance within the EIB’s global development portfolio.
Key Figures:
This ongoing partnership reflects the EU’s long-term commitment to helping India achieve its green transition, while also supporting job creation and economic inclusion.
Driving the Global Gateway Vision:
The projects in Nagpur and Pune form part of the EU’s Global Gateway Investment Agenda, which aims to foster sustainable and reliable infrastructure connections worldwide. EIB Global plays a pivotal role in implementing this agenda, supporting investments across digital, climate, energy, transport, health, and education sectors.
Under the initiative:
Insights:
Nicola Beer, EIB Vice-President, emphasized the human and environmental impact of these metro projects, stating, “By extending Nagpur’s metro and further supporting Pune’s network, we are helping to deliver cleaner air, safer travel, ad faster connections for millions of people. These projects show how European financing can have a direct impact on people’s daily lives while supporting India’s green transition.”
EIB Global – A Catalyst for Sustainable Partnerships:
Established in 2022, EIB Global serves as the EIB Group’s arm for activities beyond Europe. Its mission is to strengthen international partnerships, support sustainable investments, and ensure that European finance contributes directly to global development goals.
With offices around the world, EIB Global brings European expertise closer to local communities, fostering impactful collaboration with development banks, governments, and private enterprises. Its emphasis on climate action, infrastructure, and inclusive growth makes it a cornerstone of Europe’s sustainable outreach.
Conclusion:
EIB Global’s €289.5 million investment in Nagpur and Pune metros underscores the growing partnership between India and the EU for sustainable urban transport. Beyond infrastructure, these projects represent a shared vision of cleaner air, reduced emissions, and inclusive mobility — essential pillars for India’s green future.
Source: EIB – Press Release | Image Credit (representational): Nagpur Metro
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17 October 20254 min readEib Global Finances India’S Green Metro Revolution With €289.5 Million For Nagpur And Pune Expansion
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17 October 2025
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Pm Modi Inaugurates Final Phase Of Mumbai Metro Line-3 And Launches Integrated Mobility App “Mumbai One”Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi inaugurated Phase-2B of the Mumbai Metro Line-3 (Aqua Line), stretching from Acharya Atre Chowk to Cuffe Parade, built at a cost of Rs. 12,200 crore. He also launched “Mumbai One,” India’s first integrated mobility app. Together, the fully underground metro and the app mark a major leap toward seamless, digital-first commuting across Mumbai.
Introduction:
Mumbai entered a new era of connectivity and convenience as Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, inaugurated the final phase of Mumbai Metro Line-3, also known as Aqua line and launched the “Mumbai One” Integrated Common Mobility App, creating India’s most comprehensive public transport network under one digital platform. This marked the completion of the city’s first and only fully underground metro corridor.
With the completion of the Aqua Line, Mumbai now boasts its first fully underground metro corridor, stretching 33.5 km from Cuffe Parade in South Mumbai to Aarey JVLR, spanning 27 stations along the route. Constructed at a total cost exceeding Rs. 37,270 crore, this metro line is designed to transform urban transport for millions of commuters by reducing congestion, cutting travel time, and improving air quality.
Completion of the Final Phase:
The inauguration of Phase 2B, stretching from Acharya Atre Chowk to Cuffe Parade, completed the last leg of the Aqua Line, which has been years in the making. The newly opened section, constructed at an estimated cost of Rs. 12,200 crore, now provides South Mumbai with its first-ever underground metro connectivity.
For the first time, key heritage and commercial districts like Kalbadevi, Girgaon, Fort, Kala Ghoda, and Marine Drive are linked directly through the metro network. Commuters can now reach Aarey JVLR from Cuffe Parade in under an hour, cutting travel time by more than half compared to traditional road routes.
This stretch also enhances accessibility to Mumbai’s central business and administrative zones, including the Bombay High Court, Mantralaya, Reserve Bank of India (RBI), Bombay Stock Exchange (BSE), and Nariman Point, giving professionals and visitors a smoother and more efficient travel option.
Features and Benefits of Line-3:
The Mumbai Metro Line-3 not only promises to reduce vehicular traffic and pollution but also supports the city’s sustainability goals. By offering quick, safe, and reliable travel, it is expected to become the preferred choice for daily commuters and tourists alike.
The line passes through important intersections such as Bandra-Kurla Complex (BKC) — a major commercial hub — and provides a direct link to Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport, ensuring smooth intermodal connectivity.
A Leap Toward Integrated Digital Mobility – “Mumbai One” App:
Coinciding with the inauguration, the Prime Minister launched “Mumbai One”, a cutting-edge digital platform designed to revolutionize how citizens move across the Mumbai Metropolitan Region (MMR). It is India’s first integrated common mobility app, bringing together 11 public transport operators (PTOs) under a single, unified system.
These include:
With this integration, “Mumbai One” makes it possible for commuters to plan and execute entire multimodal journeys using a single digital interface.
Key Features of the “Mumbai One” App:
The “Mumbai One” app offers a host of features aimed at enhancing commuter experience and streamlining mobility across the city.
The app aims to create a truly integrated and commuter-centric experience, allowing passengers to plan, book, and manage their entire journey through one platform. With its unified approach, “Mumbai One” enables smooth transitions between transport modes, reduces dependency on cash or paper tickets, and promotes a cleaner, faster, and smarter travel culture in India’s financial capital.
A Symbol of Modern Infrastructure:
The Mumbai Metro Line-3 represents not just a technological feat, but also a commitment to sustainable urban growth. By reducing traffic congestion and curbing air pollution, the metro contributes significantly to improving Mumbai’s quality of life and environmental health.
This fully underground corridor has also been engineered to preserve the city’s heritage structures while minimizing surface disruption. With modern safety systems, noise reduction technologies, and energy-efficient trains, the Aqua Line aligns with global standards in urban transport.
Another Step Toward a Connected India:
The inauguration of the Mumbai Metro Line-3 marks a defining moment in India’s ongoing journey toward world-class urban infrastructure. It demonstrates how technology, design, and governance can come together to transform one of the world’s most densely populated cities into a model of efficient, sustainable urban living.
By linking business hubs, entertainment zones, and the airport in a single seamless corridor, the Aqua Line redefines the city’s rhythm — ensuring that travel time becomes productive time.
Conclusion:
With the inauguration of Mumbai Metro Line-3 and the launch of the Mumbai One App, the city steps into a new era of smart, sustainable mobility. The project not only strengthens connectivity and convenience but also reflects India’s growing vision of modern urban transformation — efficient, inclusive, and future-ready.
Source: Mumbai Metro | Image Credit: Mumbai Metro
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09 October 20255 min readPm Modi Inaugurates Final Phase Of Mumbai Metro Line-3 And Launches Integrated Mobility App “Mumbai One”
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09 October 2025
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Los Angeles Metro Makes $1.5 Billion Major MoveThe Los Angeles Metro (LA Metro) is in the news with its ambitious, highly acclaimed project that radically strengthens the region's transportation infrastructure, sustainability, and mobility. 1.5 billion dollar The new section of the A Line, which extends to Pomona and was completed with a massive budget, has integrated key cities in the San Gabriel Valley into the metro network. The project strengthens connections in the region while also regional development and sustainability is seen as a strategic investment.
This extension of the LA Metro A Line has entered service nine miles (about 14.5 km) long and Glendora, San Dimas, La Verne and the final stop Pomona NorthIt connects to the subway network, seamlessly extending rail service from Long Beach via downtown Los Angeles (Union Station) to Pomona.
Passenger transportation on the new line September 19, 2025 It officially opened on September 30th, and the ribbon-cutting ceremony was held with great enthusiasm from local residents. The extension significantly reduces travel time for passengers; they can now travel from Union Station to Pomona. in just over an hour What's more, trains operate at short eight-minute intervals during rush hour, allowing passengers to benefit from faster and more frequent services.
in Pomona North Metrolink's San Bernardino Line This extension, connecting to the Los Angeles area, offers convenient travel not only within the Los Angeles area but also throughout the Inland Empire. It also significantly improves daily transportation for thousands of students at nearby colleges and universities along the route.
Los Angeles Metropolitan Transportation Authority Chairman Stephanie WigginsWiggins stated that the project “creates the potential for over one million residents.” Wiggins added that increased accessibility benefits regional economies and encourages public transportation throughout the region. cleaner air He emphasized that it provides.
The new stations are designed to support modern and sustainable mobility. Each station has parking, bicycle parking and electric vehicle charging stations Additionally, thanks to integration with Foothill Transit buses, passengers can travel non-stop.
The $1.5 billion project, largely funded by county sales taxes and state subsidies, launched in 2020. This investment is part of LA Metro's 2028 Olympic and Paralympic Games It is also fully compatible with the long-term mobility planning it has prepared for.
The project also revives the region's transportation history. The current crossing was once the site of Pacific Electric's famous railway before it was retired in 1951. To Their Red Wagons (Red Cars). Today, this historic line is home to state-of-the-art light rail trains, providing modern and green transportation brought it back.
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06 October 20253 min readLos Angeles Metro Makes $1.5 Billion Major Move
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06 October 2025
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Asian Development Bank Approves $190 Million Funding For Indore Metro Rail ProjectThe Asian Development Bank (ADB) has sanctioned a $190 million loan for Indore’s metro rail project. The initiative will build an underground metro line, modernize public transport, and create opportunities for women and marginalized communities, aiming to reduce pollution, improve mobility, and foster inclusive growth in Madhya Pradesh’s largest city.
Introduction:
Indore, the bustling commercial capital of Madhya Pradesh, is set for a major transformation in its public transport landscape. The Asian Development Bank (ADB) has approved a $190 million loan to support the Indore Metro Rail Project, a move expected to ease congestion, cut pollution, and empower vulnerable communities.
A Game-Changer for Urban Mobility:
The approved project focuses on the construction of an 8.62-kilometer underground metro line with seven modern stations. This crucial stretch will connect Indore’s highly congested areas to the city’s airport, significantly reducing travel time and easing traffic bottlenecks. Designed with state-of-the-art features, the stations will include:
According to ADB’s Country Director for India, Mio Oka, “Indore’s rapid urbanization has led to congestion, pollution, and limited mobility for vulnerable populations. This project will not only modernize public transport but also empower women and marginalized communities.”
Promoting Inclusive Growth:
The metro project goes beyond mobility—it is designed to be an engine of inclusive economic development. Women and self-help groups will have access to commercial spaces at select stations, providing new platforms for entrepreneurship. Training, internship, and capacity-building programs will also be introduced to increase women’s participation in the transport sector.
Additionally, the project’s design ensures safety audits and monitoring of ridership data to continuously improve user experience.
Environmental Benefits:
Indore, like many Indian cities, struggles with deteriorating air quality due to rising vehicular traffic. The new metro system is projected to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by nearly 12,414 tons of CO₂ equivalent annually. Cleaner air, reduced dependence on private vehicles, and improved connectivity are expected to enhance the city’s livability.
Seamless Connectivity through Multimodal Integration:
The initiative emphasizes multimodal integration by linking the metro with existing bus and feeder services, educational hubs, commercial markets, and other transit networks. A detailed multimodal study will align the metro with Indore’s airport, railway, and bus terminals. This will ensure smooth transfers and create a more efficient, passenger-friendly ecosystem.
The project also ties into Indore’s Transit-Oriented Development (TOD) policy, which aims to promote sustainable growth by developing residential and commercial spaces around high-capacity transit corridors.
Implementation Timeline:
The Madhya Pradesh Metro Rail Corporation Limited (MPMRCL) has been entrusted with implementing the project. Operations are expected to begin by January 2030, aligning with Indore’s aspirations to become a smart, sustainable, and inclusive urban hub.
Conclusion:
The $190 million ADB-backed Indore Metro project is more than an infrastructure upgrade—it is a blueprint for sustainable, inclusive urban growth. With modern mobility solutions, environmental safeguards, and opportunities for women and marginalized groups, Indore is poised to become a model smart city, driving development while safeguarding its communities and environment.
Source: ADB – Press Release | Image Credit: ADB
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04 October 20253 min readAsian Development Bank Approves $190 Million Funding For Indore Metro Rail Project
Rail Analysis
04 October 2025
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