What is ‘world-class’ about Amrit Bharat Express? It runs slowly, and it doesn’t even have AC

See All Articles

Amrit Bharat Express: Easing Migration or Stopping It?

---

I can’t say it with absolute certainty, but I can say with confidence: Bihar has received more new trains in just these few election months than it did in the past eleven years combined.

Right now, India has nine Amrit Bharat Express trains running. Eight of them either start from Bihar or pass through it. And this has sparked a peculiar debate:

What happened to the promises of stopping migration?
Were these trains launched to ease migration—or to accelerate it?

Because the issue was never just about trains. The issue was always migration.

---

Trains and Bihar’s Politics

Trains have always been central to Bihar’s politics. Leaders like Ram Vilas Paswan, Nitish Kumar, and Lalu Prasad Yadav earned praise by introducing new trains. But post-2014, that political relationship faded. Slowly, the demand for new trains went silent.

And now, when there is no public outcry, Amrit Bharat Express trains are being launched one after another.

For a state like Bihar—where leaving and returning is a way of life—any new train feels like good news. But Amrit Bharat Express is not just any train. Its shiny new paint and redesigned coaches create a thrill, a sense that something new is on the rails.

But when politics starts selling you thrill in the name of progress, it’s important to unwrap the package. Because often you’ll find more salt than almonds.

---

“World Class”? Really?

We’re told these are world-class trains. But are they?

• Delhi to Patna: Sampoorna Kranti Express → 13 hours

• Delhi to Patna: Amrit Bharat Express → 15 hours 40 minutes

• Mumbai to Saharsa: Humsafar Express → 36.5 hours

• Mumbai to Saharsa: Amrit Bharat Express → 38 hours

If this is “world class,” then what were the older trains?

The government flaunts features: new seats, bio-toilets, LED lighting, charging ports. But are these really “world-class” in 2025? Even tea stalls have CCTV cameras today.

What matters to workers and migrants is speed. Time is money for those who travel home on short holidays, often losing daily wages. But Amrit Bharat takes longer, not shorter, to complete the same journeys.

---

The Politics of Stops and Speeds

Why are these trains not running daily? Why do they stop at exactly those constituencies that matter during elections?

Take the Gaya–Delhi Amrit Bharat Express:

• Time: 19.5 hours

• Fare: ₹560

Compare it with the Netaji Express:

• Time: 15.5 hours (4 hours faster)

• Fare: ₹520 (cheaper)

So what exactly makes Amrit Bharat “special”?

It seems less like a gift to workers and more like a pre-election spectacle.

---

The Irony of Comfort

In 2006, Lalu Yadav launched the Garib Rath—an AC train at lower fares, aimed at poor migrants. Nineteen years later, in 2025, the Modi government launches a non-AC Amrit Bharat Express from the same Saharsa.

Progress should have meant giving workers air-conditioned comfort at affordable rates. Instead, we have trains with non-AC general and sleeper coaches being dressed up as “world class.”

Is this development—or just clever branding?

---

Migration Made Convenient

Let’s face it: these trains are not stopping migration. They are making migration more convenient.

Because neither are jobs being created in Bihar, nor are wages improving in cities like Surat and Mumbai. The only thing ensured is that migrants can keep leaving and returning—without creating political unrest.

Amrit Bharat Express, then, is not a train against migration. It is a train for migration.

---

The Bigger Question

Why now? Why suddenly, in the months before elections, do Bihar’s tracks fill with new trains?

Why does a state with one-third of households earning less than ₹6,000 a month get new non-AC sleeper coaches instead of real job opportunities?

The truth is: these shiny trains are election promises on wheels. They give the appearance of development while keeping the structure of migration intact.

And Bihar knows this. Its people know the difference between a train that makes headlines and a train that makes their lives better.

So let us ask again:

Are these trains really for Bihar’s progress—or just for its votes?

Tags: Railways,Indian Politics,Video,Hindi,

India’s Hyperloop Revolution: Racing Toward the Future of Transportation

See All Articles

5 Key Takeaways

• India will build the world's first functional hyperloop system, connecting Jawaharlal Nehru Port Trust (JNPT) in Navi Mumbai with the proposed Vadhavan Port in Maharashtra.
• The project is a partnership between the Maharashtra government and TuTr Hyperloop, a startup from IIT Madras, using Linear Induction Motor (LIM)-based technology.
• Hyperloop aims to transport passengers and cargo at speeds up to 700 miles per hour using magnetic levitation in vacuum tubes, drastically reducing travel time and congestion.
• The initiative is part of a larger investment of $4.9 billion across 10 agreements, expected to create nearly 26,000 jobs in Maharashtra.
• Indian Railways and IIT Madras plan to seek further funding and develop a 40-50 km pre-commercial corridor as the next step in scaling the technology.

India Set to Build the World’s First Hyperloop: What You Need to Know
Big news is coming out of India: the country is gearing up to build the world’s first working hyperloop train system! If you’ve ever dreamed of traveling at airplane speeds on the ground, this futuristic project might just make it a reality.
What is a Hyperloop, Anyway?
A hyperloop is a new kind of transportation that uses magnetic levitation to move pods (think train carriages) through a tube with almost no air inside. Because there’s hardly any air resistance, these pods can travel at incredible speeds—up to 700 miles per hour! That’s about three times faster than the fastest trains running today.
Where Will It Be Built?
The first hyperloop in India will connect two major ports: Jawaharlal Nehru Port Trust (JNPT) in Navi Mumbai and the planned Vadhavan Port in Palghar district, Maharashtra. This route is especially important for moving cargo quickly and efficiently, helping to solve long-standing problems with traffic and delays at these busy ports.
Who’s Behind the Project?
The Maharashtra state government has teamed up with TuTr Hyperloop, a startup from the Indian Institute of Technology Madras (IIT Madras). IIT Madras has already built a 422-meter test track for hyperloop technology on its campus, showing that India is serious about making this dream a reality. The project is also getting support from Indian Railways and the Ministry of Railways, with plans to expand to a 24-mile (about 40-kilometer) commercial route if all goes well.
Why Does This Matter?
This isn’t just about moving people or goods faster. As Maharashtra’s chief minister Devendra Fadnavis put it, “Hyperloop is not merely a transport system. It is a disruptive idea that can redefine logistics, mobility, and economic geography.” In other words, this technology could change the way we think about travel and trade, not just in India but around the world.
What’s Next?
The government and its partners are now looking for more funding and the best places to build a longer, pre-commercial hyperloop corridor. If successful, this could create nearly 26,000 jobs and attract billions of dollars in investment.
India’s bold move puts it at the forefront of transportation innovation. If the project succeeds, it could inspire other countries to follow suit—and maybe, one day, we’ll all be zipping around in hyperloops!

Read more

Gurugram Gears Up: 6 New Flyovers & Underpasses to Ease Traffic with Metro Expansion

See All Articles

5 Key Takeaways

• Gurugram will get 6 new flyovers and underpasses alongside the metro expansion to ease traffic congestion.
• The new structures include flyovers and underpasses at key junctions such as Sector 3A-4-5 Chowk, Rezang La Chowk, and Old Delhi Road.
• The total estimated cost for these upgrades is around Rs 350 crore, approved by the state government.
• Phase 2 of the Gurugram Metro will run from Sector 9 to Cyber Hub, with geotechnical surveys already underway.
• Construction of these structures aims to benefit both metro users and road commuters, improving overall connectivity and reducing jams.

Big Changes Coming: Gurugram to Get 6 New Flyovers and Underpasses Alongside Metro Expansion
If you live in Gurugram or travel there often, you know how bad the traffic jams can get, especially during rush hour. But there’s some good news on the horizon! The city is about to get a major upgrade with six new flyovers and underpasses, all thanks to the ongoing expansion of the Gurugram Metro.
What’s Happening?
The Gurugram Metro is moving into its second phase, which will connect Sector 9 to Cyber Hub. To make sure that both metro riders and people driving on the roads benefit, the authorities are planning to build five new flyovers and underpasses at some of the city’s busiest intersections. These new structures are designed to keep traffic moving smoothly, not just while the metro is being built, but also long after it’s finished.
Where Will These Be Built?
Here’s a quick look at where you’ll see these new flyovers and underpasses:

A flyover at Sector 3A-4-5 Chowk on Railway Road
An underpass from Railway Road to Sheetla Mata Road in Sector 5
An underpass from Bajghera Road towards Sector 5 at Krishna Chowk
A flyover at Rezang La Chowk
An underpass on Old Delhi Road towards Udyog Vihar from Sushil Aima Road

Plus, there’s already an integrated underpass and metro station planned at Bakhtawar Chowk as part of Phase 1.
Who’s Building and Paying for This?
The Gurugram Metro Rail Limited (GMRL) will handle the construction, but the cost—about Rs 350 crore—will be covered by the Gurugram Metropolitan Development Authority (GMDA). The state government has already given the green light for this plan.
What’s Next?
Right now, the groundwork is being laid for Phase 2. This includes important surveys like soil testing and checking the water table to make sure everything is safe and sturdy for the new metro line and the flyovers/underpasses. The tendering process (where companies bid to do the work) is about to start soon.
Why Does This Matter?
With these new flyovers and underpasses, Gurugram’s roads should become much less congested, making daily commutes faster and less stressful. Combined with the expanding metro, getting around the city is set to become a whole lot easier.
So, if you’re tired of sitting in traffic, hang in there—help is on the way!

Read more

Delhi Metro Phase IV: New Routes, More Stations, and a Smoother Commute Ahead!

See All Articles

5 Key Takeaways

• Delhi Metro Phase IV spans 112 km and involves six new corridors, with three priority lines under construction.
• The estimated project cost is approximately ₹24,948.65 crores.
• Three priority corridors are expected to be operational by March 2026; the remaining corridors by 2028.
• Phase IV will add 44 new stations, improving connectivity in South, Central, and East Delhi.
• The three main corridors under construction are Janakpuri West–RK Ashram, Maujpur–Mukundpur, and Aerocity–Tughlaqabad.

Delhi Metro Phase IV: What’s New, Where It’s Going, and When You Can Ride
If you live in Delhi or the nearby NCR region, you’ve probably seen a lot of construction happening around the city. That’s because the Delhi Metro is getting a major upgrade with its Phase IV expansion! Here’s everything you need to know about this exciting project in simple terms.
What is Delhi Metro Phase IV?
Delhi Metro Phase IV is the latest expansion of the city’s metro network. The goal is to make it easier for people to travel across Delhi and into nearby areas like Faridabad, especially to new housing and business hubs. This phase will add a whopping 112 kilometers of new metro lines and 44 new stations, making your daily commute smoother and faster.
How Big is the Project?
The entire project is massive, with an estimated cost of about ₹24,949 crore. There are six new metro corridors planned, but right now, construction is focused on three main lines, called the “priority corridors.” These are expected to be up and running by March 2026. The rest of the lines should be completed by 2028.
Which Metro Lines Are Coming First?
Here are the three main corridors under construction:

Janakpuri West to RK Ashram Marg (28.92 km, 22 stations):
This line will connect areas like Krishna Park Extension, Keshopur, Paschim Vihar, Mangol Puri, Madhuban Chowk, Azadpur, Pulbangash, Sadar Bazar, Nabi Karim, and end at RK Ashram Marg.

Good news: The first 2.5 km stretch from Janakpuri West to Krishna Park Extension opened in September 2024!


Maujpur to Mukundpur (12.56 km, 8 stations):


This line will serve places like Yamuna Vihar, Bhajanpura, Khajuri Khas, Sonia Vihar, Soorghat, Jagatpur Village, Jharoda Majra, and Burari.


Delhi Aerocity to Tughlakabad (23.62 km, 15 stations):

This route will connect Mahipal Pur, Vasant Kunj, Kishangarh, Chhatarpur, IGNOU, Neb Sarai, Saket G Block, Ambedkar Nagar, Khanpur, Sangam Vihar-Tigri, Anand Mayee Marg Junction, Tughlakabad Railway Colony, and Tughlakabad.

What’s Next?
With 28 km of new underground tracks and 65 km of above-ground lines, Phase IV will make it much easier to get around South, Central, and East Delhi. Whether you’re a daily commuter or just want to explore the city, these new lines will save you time and hassle.
So, keep an eye out for new stations opening near you—Delhi Metro Phase IV is on its way to make your travel easier than ever!

Read more

All Aboard India’s First Hydrogen Train: A Green Revolution on Rails

See All Articles

5 Key Takeaways

• India is set to launch its first hydrogen-powered train, making it the fifth country globally to adopt this technology after Germany, France, Sweden, and China.
• The inaugural hydrogen train service will operate between Jind and Sonipat in Haryana.
• The train will be the world's most powerful and longest hydrogen-powered train, with a capacity to carry 2,600 passengers.
• Hydrogen for the train will be produced using a 1 MW PEM electrolyser in Jind, with infrastructure for storage and quick refuelling.
• Indian Railways plans to develop 35 hydrogen trains under the 'Hydrogen for Heritage' initiative, with significant investment in supporting infrastructure.

India’s First Hydrogen-Powered Train Is Ready to Roll! Here’s What You Need to Know
Exciting news for India’s railways and the environment! The country is all set to launch its very first hydrogen-powered train, marking a big step towards cleaner and greener transportation. Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw recently shared a sneak peek of this innovative train on social media, and it’s already creating a buzz.
What’s So Special About This Train?
This isn’t just any train. India’s hydrogen-powered train will be the most powerful and the longest of its kind in the world, with the ability to carry up to 2,600 passengers at a time. The first route will connect Jind and Sonipat in Haryana, making India the fifth country—after Germany, France, Sweden, and China—to use hydrogen technology for trains.
How Does It Work?
Instead of running on diesel or electricity, this train uses hydrogen fuel cells. These cells combine hydrogen with oxygen from the air to produce electricity, which powers the train. The only byproduct is water vapor, making it a much cleaner option compared to traditional trains.
The hydrogen for the train will be produced in Jind using a special machine called a Polymer Electrolyte Membrane (PEM) electrolyser. This machine can make about 430 kilograms of hydrogen every day, enough to keep the train running smoothly. There’s also a storage facility that can hold up to 3,000 kilograms of hydrogen, along with equipment to quickly refuel the train.
Why Is This Important?
Switching to hydrogen-powered trains is a big win for the environment. It means less air pollution and a smaller carbon footprint. Plus, it shows that India is serious about adopting new, sustainable technologies.
What’s Next?
The Indian Railways has big plans. They’re looking to introduce 35 hydrogen trains under a project called ‘Hydrogen for Heritage’, especially on heritage and hill routes. Each train is expected to cost around Rs 80 crore, with additional expenses for building the necessary infrastructure.
There are also plans to develop special hydrogen-powered maintenance vehicles, and the government is setting up integrated facilities for hydrogen production, storage, and refueling.
A Glimpse Into the Future
With this move, India is not just catching up with the world but is also setting new standards in eco-friendly travel. The hydrogen train is a symbol of a “future-ready and sustainable India,” as Minister Vaishnaw put it. So, the next time you see a train gliding by, it might just be running on the power of hydrogen!

Read more

Namo Bharat Express: Zoom from Delhi to Alwar in Record Time!

See All Articles

5 Key Takeaways

• The Namo Bharat train will soon connect Delhi to Alwar in Rajasthan, drastically reducing travel time between the two cities.
• The Delhi-Alwar Regional Rapid Transit System (RRTS) will be developed in three phases, with the first phase covering Delhi-Gurugram-SNB.
• A committee has been formed to finalize station locations, especially near Shankar Chowk, to address traffic congestion issues.
• The corridor will largely follow the Delhi-Jaipur highway, but some proposed station locations face approval challenges from local authorities.
• Namo Bharat is India's first regional rapid rail service, currently operating between Delhi and Meerut, aiming to ease traffic congestion in major urban areas.

Namo Bharat Train Coming to Rajasthan: Delhi to Alwar in Minutes, Not Hours!
Big news for travelers and daily commuters in Rajasthan! The super-fast Namo Bharat train, which has already made headlines for connecting Delhi and Meerut in record time, is now set to reach Alwar in Rajasthan. This means that what used to be a long, tiring journey by road could soon be done in just minutes by train.
What is the Namo Bharat Train?
If you haven’t heard about it yet, the Namo Bharat train is India’s first regional rapid rail service. Think of it as a super-fast metro, but for longer distances between cities. It’s designed to help people travel quickly and comfortably, cutting down on traffic jams and making daily commutes much easier.
Currently, the Namo Bharat train runs between Delhi and Meerut, covering 55 kilometers with 11 stops in between. During trial runs, it even managed to cover 82 kilometers in just 57 minutes! That’s a huge time-saver compared to regular trains or driving.
Delhi to Alwar: The New Route
The government has big plans to reduce traffic congestion in and around Delhi, and the new Namo Bharat route to Alwar is a key part of this. The project is being managed by the National Capital Region Transport Corporation (NCRTC), and it will be built in three phases:

Phase 1: The first stretch will run from Delhi to SNB (Shahjahanpur-Neemrana-Bahadurgarh), covering 106 kilometers. This will pass through busy areas like Gurugram and possibly Dharuhera, where traffic jams are a daily headache.
Phase 2: The line will extend from Behror to Sotanala.
Phase 3: Finally, the train will reach Alwar, making it super easy for people to travel between Delhi and Rajasthan.

Where Will the Stations Be?
Most of the station locations have already been decided, except for a few spots like Udyog Vihar and Shankar Chowk in Gurugram. A special committee is working to finalize these locations soon, so construction can start.
Why Is This a Big Deal?
For anyone who’s ever been stuck in traffic on the Delhi-Jaipur highway, this train is a game-changer. It will not only save hours of travel time but also make commuting safer and more comfortable. Plus, it’s expected to benefit people in Haryana as well, since the route passes through several key towns.
So, if you live in Rajasthan or travel to Delhi often, get ready for a much faster, smoother journey. The Namo Bharat train is on its way to Alwar, and it’s set to transform the way we travel!

Read more

Gurgaon Metro Delayed: The Battle Over Cyber City’s Key RRTS Station

See All Articles

5 Key Takeaways

• A high-level Haryana government panel is seeking detailed locations of all proposed RRTS stations in Gurgaon to resolve a deadlock over the Cyber City station.
• Uncertainty over the Cyber City RRTS station location is delaying Phase 2 of the new metro corridor connecting Cyber City and Hero Honda Chowk.
• Two alternative sites for the RRTS station—near Institute of Pesticide Formulation Technology and Cyber Hub—are under consideration, with land and congestion issues complicating decisions.
• The alignment of both the RRTS and metro corridors has been revised multiple times, and finalizing the Cyber City station is critical for integration and project progress.
• Phase 1 of the metro project (Millennium City Centre to Sector 9) is moving forward, with construction contracts expected to be awarded soon and work to begin in September.

Why Gurgaon’s New Metro Line is Stuck: The RRTS Station Puzzle Explained
If you’ve been waiting for Gurgaon’s new metro line to make your commute easier, you might be wondering why things are taking so long. The answer? A big debate over where to put a key station that will connect the metro with the high-speed Regional Rapid Transit System (RRTS) at Cyber City.
Let’s break down what’s happening, why it matters, and what’s next.
What’s the Issue?
Gurgaon is planning a new metro corridor that will run from Millennium City Centre to Cyber City, with a branch to Dwarka Expressway. This line is supposed to connect with the RRTS, a fast train network that will link Delhi and nearby cities. The idea is to make it super easy for people to switch between the metro and RRTS, especially at busy hubs like Cyber City.
But there’s a problem: No one can agree on exactly where the RRTS station at Cyber City should be built. This disagreement is holding up the entire second phase of the metro project.
Who’s Involved?
A special panel set up by the Haryana government recently met to try and solve the deadlock. The meeting included top officials from the Haryana government, Gurugram Metro Rail Limited (GMRL), the National Capital Region Transport Corporation (NCRTC), and others.
While everyone agrees that the metro and RRTS should be well-connected, they couldn’t settle on a location for the Cyber City RRTS station. The panel has now asked NCRTC to provide a detailed map of all proposed RRTS station sites in Gurgaon before making a final decision.
Why is it So Complicated?
There are a few reasons:

Space is tight: Cyber City is already crowded, and there’s limited land available for a big station.
Integration is key: The metro and RRTS need to be close together so people can easily switch between them.
Multiple options: Two other sites are being considered for the RRTS station—near the Institute of Pesticide Formulation Technology (HIL) and Cyber Hub. NCRTC prefers a spot near Shankar Chowk, but the Haryana State Industrial and Infrastructure Development Corporation (HSIIDC) is worried about giving up land and causing more congestion.

How Did We Get Here?
Originally, the RRTS was supposed to run along the Old Delhi-Gurgaon Road. But in 2023, the route was changed to follow the NH8 highway instead. This forced GMRL to change its own metro plans, moving the alignment to better match the new RRTS route.
Now, everything depends on where the Cyber City RRTS station will be. Until that’s decided, the second phase of the metro can’t move forward.
What’s Happening Now?
While the debate continues, GMRL is moving ahead with Phase 1 of the metro, which will run from Millennium City Centre to Sector 9 (about 15 km), with a branch to Dwarka Expressway. Six companies have been shortlisted to build this part, and construction is expected to start in September.
What Does This Mean for You?
If you live or work in Gurgaon, the new metro line will eventually make travel much easier—especially if it connects smoothly with the RRTS. But for now, the project is stuck until officials can agree on the best spot for the Cyber City station.
Stay tuned—hopefully, the next round of meetings will bring some good news and get Gurgaon’s metro moving again!

Read more