AFD is working with Maha-Metro on the Nagpur and Pune metros.

01 Apr 2019 CW Team

New Delhi-based French Development Agency (AFD) has financed four metro projects in India: Kochi, Bengaluru, Nagpur and Pune. Rajnish Ahuja, Project Manager (Transport), AFD, shares more with SHRIYAL SETHUMADHAVAN.

Success of metro-rail in India

Metro-rail projects are coming up rapidly, which is explained by India's ongoing urban transition. We expect 500 million new urban dwellers by 2050: such growth is unprecedented in speed and scale. As more people move to cities, pressure on existing public transport systems—mainly public buses—increases, and the efficiency and quality of the service drops. Metros provide people with an efficient and comfortable alternative.

In Tier I and Tier-II cities, this public transport is especially relevant. AFD, the French development bank, has supported the metro in Kochi and Bengaluru, and is currently working with Maha-Metro on the Nagpur and Pune metros as well.

Metros in India have improved connectivity, increased accessibility for people living further from city centres, and reduced travel time. Recent drives to introduce technological innovations and promote integration with other modes of transport under the new Metro Rail Policy have further improved the quality of services proposed. With this and the growing demand for metro rail, it is safe to say metro-rail projects in India have been quite successful.

How can the sector benefit?

The success rate of PPPs in this sector is yet to be ascertained. Without a clear idea of what their potential return on investment (RoI) could be, fewer private companies are currently willing to engage in PPPs. The sector could also benefit from the development of more innovative financing patterns, including bringing in private partners on the operations phase. Finally, owing to the scale of these projects, it is absolutely vital that land and environment and social issues related to a project are assessed ahead of time. The importance of having a diligently prepared resettlement action plan cannot be overstated.

Importance of metro rail in India

As a country that is rapidly developing and a global leader in the implementation of the Paris Climate change agreement, India is conscious of its carbon emissions and air-quality challenges. The metro is one of the ways to reduce traffic congestion in cities. Also, as more people switch to the metro as the preferred mode of public transport, petrol and diesel consumption will also reduce. Ultimately, the metros aim to be a model mode of transport contributing to a low-carbon, climate-friendly future.

New Delhi-based French Development Agency (AFD) has financed four metro projects in India: Kochi, Bengaluru, Nagpur and Pune. Rajnish Ahuja, Project Manager (Transport), AFD, shares more with SHRIYAL SETHUMADHAVAN.Success of metro-rail in IndiaMetro-rail projects are coming up rapidly, which is explained by India's ongoing urban transition. We expect 500 million new urban dwellers by 2050: such growth is unprecedented in speed and scale. As more people move to cities, pressure on existing public transport systems—mainly public buses—increases, and the efficiency and quality of the service drops. Metros provide people with an efficient and comfortable alternative. In Tier I and Tier-II cities, this public transport is especially relevant. AFD, the French development bank, has supported the metro in Kochi and Bengaluru, and is currently working with Maha-Metro on the Nagpur and Pune metros as well. Metros in India have improved connectivity, increased accessibility for people living further from city centres, and reduced travel time. Recent drives to introduce technological innovations and promote integration with other modes of transport under the new Metro Rail Policy have further improved the quality of services proposed. With this and the growing demand for metro rail, it is safe to say metro-rail projects in India have been quite successful. How can the sector benefit?The success rate of PPPs in this sector is yet to be ascertained. Without a clear idea of what their potential return on investment (RoI) could be, fewer private companies are currently willing to engage in PPPs. The sector could also benefit from the development of more innovative financing patterns, including bringing in private partners on the operations phase. Finally, owing to the scale of these projects, it is absolutely vital that land and environment and social issues related to a project are assessed ahead of time. The importance of having a diligently prepared resettlement action plan cannot be overstated. Importance of metro rail in IndiaAs a country that is rapidly developing and a global leader in the implementation of the Paris Climate change agreement, India is conscious of its carbon emissions and air-quality challenges. The metro is one of the ways to reduce traffic congestion in cities. Also, as more people switch to the metro as the preferred mode of public transport, petrol and diesel consumption will also reduce. Ultimately, the metros aim to be a model mode of transport contributing to a low-carbon, climate-friendly future.

Infrastructure Urban

04 May 2026

Jyoti Structures FY26 profit rises 56.5%

Jyoti Structures (JSL) recently reported strong financial results for the quarter and year ended 31 March 2026, driven by disciplined execution, cost management and steady progress across its order book.For Q4 FY2025-26, total income rose 44.2 per cent to Rs 2.41 billion from Rs 1.67 billion in Q4 FY2024-25. EBITDA increased 58.6 per cent to Rs 237 million, while EBITDA margin improved by 89 basis points to 9.84 per cent. Profit before tax grew 53.3 per cent to Rs 188.5 million, and net profit rose 51.9 per cent to Rs 181.4 million.For FY2025-26, total income grew 53.1 per cent to Rs 7.72 bill..

Infrastructure Energy

04 May 2026

Cat BEPU to Power Doppstadt Separator at IFAT 2026

Caterpillar’s Cat Battery Electric Power Unit (BEPU) has been selected by Doppstadt to power its SWS 6 Spiral Shaft Separator, which will be showcased for the first time at IFAT 2026 in Munich, Germany, from 4–7 May.The compact plug-and-play BEPU is designed to replace a diesel engine within the same space, using the same mounting locations and relative machine position. It integrates the battery, motor, inverter, onboard charging, cooling and controls, enabling OEMs to electrify existing chassis platforms without extensive redesign.Caterpillar and Cat dealer Zeppelin Power Systems have be..

Infrastructure Urban

04 May 2026

VECV sales rise 6.9% in April 2026

VE Commercial Vehicles, a joint venture between Volvo Group and Eicher Motors, recorded sales of 7,318 units in April 2026, compared to 6,846 units in April 2025, registering 6.9 per cent growth. The total included 7,159 units under the Eicher brand and 159 units under the Volvo brand.Eicher branded trucks and buses reported sales of 7,159 units during the month, up 6.6 per cent from 6,717 units in April 2025. In the domestic commercial vehicle market, Eicher sales rose 8.6 per cent to 6,797 units from 6,257 units a year earlier.Exports declined 21.3 per cent, with VECV recording 362 units in ..