Latest news with #OrangeLine
Time of India
a day ago
- Business
- Time of India
New train of thought? Blue Line to catch up with Orange for joint run by 2028: Officials
Bhopal: Madhya Pradesh Metro Rail Corporation Limited (MPMRCL) has gained fresh impetus in developing Bhopal Metro, following initial delay mostly linked to the pandemic. MPRMCL managing director S Krishna Chaitanya said, "The entire metro network (Orange line and Blue lines, encompassing Phase I and Phase II, is expected to be operational by 2028", indicating a optimistic revised timeline, following early complications in planning and execution, particularly in densely populated regions like Karond, Phase I has undergone strategic realignment. Phase II's implementation has been streamlined through a dedicated organisation, enhanced collaboration with district authorities, and expedited infrastructure planning. According to Chaitanya, as for priority corridor (depot to AIIMS-Bhopal 7 km) crucial infrastructure including entry and exit points at AIIMS and Alkapuri stations will be finished soon. That will enable Bhopal Metro priority corridor to obtain safety certification from the Commissioner of Railway Safety. RSDO certification is expected to come about by Aug 15. These approval is crucial for commencing passenger operations by Oct. The Orange Line, stretching approximately 16 km, will establish connectivity between Karond Circle and AIIMS, featuring two underground stations. The Blue Line, an entirely elevated 14-km route, will connect Bhadbhada Square to Ratnagiri Tiraha.
Korea Herald
6 days ago
- Business
- Korea Herald
Thailand First-Half Investment Applications Hit USD 32.5 billion on Soaring Data Center Sector, Significant Pledges in E&E and Infrastructure, BOI Says
BANGKOK, July 24, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- The Thailand Board of Investment today announced that applications for investment promotion in the first half of 2025 increased by 139% from the year earlier period to a record 1.06 trillion baht (ca. USD 32.5 billion) led by a 20-fold rise to 522.6 billion baht in digital sector pledges, as well as continued investment in the electrical and electronic appliance (E&E) sector, and rail infrastructure. The data center business alone attracted a combined investment value of 521.2 billion baht from 28 projects, as foreign and local tech companies continued to address the soaring demand for cloud services from hyperscalers. Over the past several months, global cloud service companies (hyperscalers) like Amazon Web Services and Google, as well as platforms such as TikTok, have announced plans to expand in Thailand and the region. In other segments of the digital sector, cloud services saw two applications worth a combined investment of 671 million baht, while 59 applications were filed for software and digital platform development projects, representing 669 million baht in combined investment. "The applications during the past six months confirm that our strategy to focus on high-tech and high-value sectors is paying off," said Mr. Narit Therdsteerasukdi, Secretary General of the BOI. "The overall increase in both number of projects and investment value reflects investors' confidence in Thailand's potential and good economic fundamentals. I believe this will allow for full year 2025 applications to exceed last year's performance." The E&E sector came in second amongst target sectors, attracting 125.79 billion baht worth of applications, down 9% from the year earlier period, while the number of projects was up 51% to 268, including investments in the manufacturing of battery cells and high-density batteries, supercapacitors, smart electrical appliances, smart electronics, and printed circuit board assembly (PCBA) using surface mount technology. The automotive and parts sector accounted for 172 applications, up 27%, representing combined investments of 45.2 billion baht, up 14%. The agriculture and food processing sector accounted for 184 applications, up 25%, for a combined investment value of 30.79 billion baht, up 1%. Petrochemicals and chemicals came in fifth with 161 applications, up 63%, worth a combined 26.73 billion baht, up 16%. The renewable energy sector saw a total of 191 applications in the first half, representing a combined 42.24 billion baht of investment, an increase of 4% from a year earlier. Applications during the period also included Bangkok Expressway and Metro PCL's 109.2 billion baht investment in the construction of the Orange Line which will connect Bangkok's western and eastern suburbs, over a distance of 35.9 kilometers, facilitating travel in the city. In the first half of 2025, there were a total of 1,880 applications for investment promotion, an increase of 38% from the same period of last year. In the first half of 2024, some 1,363 applications were filed, with an adjusted investment value of 443.66 billion baht, in which the digital sector accounted for only 25.1 billion baht. The first half performance comes after a record 2024, during which Thailand's total applications for investment promotion soared 35% in value to a 10-year high of 1.14 trillion baht, as the digital sector topped for the first time the sectoral rankings with a combined 243.3 billion baht in pledged investment, ahead of the E&E sector's 231.7 billion baht. FDI Projects Account for 70% of Applications in First Half 2025 From January to June 2025, there was a total of 1,369 foreign direct investment (FDI) applications, an increase of 59% from the year earlier period, which together represented a combined 737.57 billion baht in investment, up 132%, and representing as much as 70% of the total value of applications during the period. Singapore was the largest source of FDI applications in terms of value, mainly due to projects in digital and E&E sectors, with a combined worth of 246.98 billion baht, accounting for 33% of all FDI pledges. The 248 applications by Singapore-based companies also topped the rankings in the digital sector, with a combined investment value of 186.74 billion baht in that industry. Hong Kong followed with 218.64 billion baht worth of projects, accounting for 30% of FDI pledges. The 147 applications by Hong Kong-based entities were also mainly in the digital and E&E sectors. China ranked third with 102.26 billion baht investment worth of applications, accounting for 14% of FDI pledges, from a total of 587 projects. Most projects are in the E&E sector and the petrochemical and chemical industry. The United Kingdom came next with 16 applications worth a combined investment value of 93.73 billion baht, a 25-fold increase from the 3.68 billion filed during the year earlier period, mostly due to projects in the digital sector and the automotive and parts industry. Japan completed the top 5 sources of FDI applications during the first half with a combined value of 49.82 billion baht from 186 projects, mostly in the automotive and parts industry and the E&E sector.
Newsweek
22-07-2025
- Business
- Newsweek
Rail Project Suffers Blow as Trump Cuts $327 Million Funding
Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources. Newsweek AI is in beta. Translations may contain inaccuracies—please refer to the original content. President Donald Trump's administration has pulled $327 million in federal funding from Massachusetts' Allston Multimodal transportation project after signing a law to end the Neighborhood Access and Equity Program. Democratic Governor Maura Healey and state officials confirmed the rescission, which left the state with only $8 million of the original award and prompted a strategic review of the multimodal infrastructure overhaul planned for Boston's Allston neighborhood. Newsweek has contacted the Allston Multimodal Project for comment via email. Why It Matters The decision followed a recent pattern of federal infrastructure funding reversals under the Trump administration. In July, the federal government revoked $4 billion previously earmarked for California's high-speed rail system. State officials and transit advocates have voiced concern that such cuts could stall or derail ambitious public transportation upgrades intended to alleviate congestion, modernize travel and fuel economic revitalization in major metropolitan regions. What To Know The $327 million grant for the Allston Multimodal Project, awarded under the now-eliminated Neighborhood Access and Equity Program, was rescinded as part of a broader federal funding shift. According to official statements from the governor's office, the project's goals include new infrastructure for the Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority, improved connections for underserved areas and eventual redevelopment of the adjacent Beacon Park Yard. State transportation officials said they would retain $8 million and have begun a strategic review of the project's scope and cost in light of the sudden financial shortfall. An Orange Line train at Assembly Station, a rapid transit station in Somerville, Massachusetts, on March 21, 2023. An Orange Line train at Assembly Station, a rapid transit station in Somerville, Massachusetts, on March 21, 2023. Getty Images The grant, originally awarded in 2023, was intended to help realign a stretch of Interstate 90, add a new MBTA commuter rail station in Boston's West Station area, support new pedestrian and bicycle routes, and expand space for local redevelopment. The rescinded Massachusetts grant follows Trump's high-profile withdrawal of $4 billion from California's rail program, which he described as "disastrously overpriced" and a "train to nowhere." The California High-Speed Rail Authority has filed a lawsuit against the Trump administration, alleging that the decision to cut the funding was an "arbitrary and capricious abuse of authority." What People Are Saying Massachusetts Governor Maura Healey said in a news release on July 18: "Massachusetts won this funding to support our communities and our economy—and the Trump Administration needs to restore it. "Why would any President of the United States oppose a project that will improve transportation for residents and visitors alike, create thousands of construction jobs, support local businesses and create space for new housing? We all benefit from that. The people of Massachusetts deserve better from their federal government." Massachusetts Transportation Secretary Monica Tibbits-Nutt said in the news release: "The loss of the Reconnecting Communities and Neighborhoods Grant does not change our commitment to the communities that are counting on this investment. We will move forward with a strategic review of the project, both analyzing the project costs and consulting with an outside engineering firm to assess the project." What Happens Next The Massachusetts Department of Transportation has launched a strategic review of the Allston Multimodal Project, evaluating new ways to achieve the project's transportation and urban planning goals within their reduced financial capacity.
Business Recorder
18-07-2025
- Business
- Business Recorder
CM for digital payment system for public transport
LAHORE: Chief Minister Punjab Maryam Nawaz Sharif presided over a special meeting in which a detailed review was taken regarding Transport Department and Mass Transit Authority. The meeting decided to introduce a digital payment system for Metro Bus and Orange Line in Punjab. It was informed in the meeting that the token system will be abolished in Orange Line train and Metro Bus and a Barcode system will be introduced through card-based payment. Fare can be paid through credit card, debit card/ATM card and mobile account app. Fare can also be paid through NFC i.e. card tap and touch in the mass transit system. Fare can be paid only through credit card and debit card on Metro Bus in Lahore, Multan, Rawalpindi and Islamabad. The token system will be abolished soon by implementing an e-payment system in Lahore's Orange Line train. Fare can be paid through credit card, debit card, payment apps on Lahore's Orange Line train. The meeting also decided to introduce a single card for the mass transit system across the province. The Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif approved the T-Cash card for the mass transit system. Travel on every metro bus or Orange Line across the province will be possible through the T-Cash card system. A separate card will be introduced for students in the mass transit system. The chief minister also gave in-principle approval for recruitment to technical posts from grade 5 to 18 in the transport department. The meeting agreed to introduce electric rickshaws as an alternative to motorcycle rickshaws. The chief minister has sought suggestions and recommendations for the electric rickshaw project. She also gave in-principle approval to organize the first-ever international transport expo in Punjab. She also announced the introduction of a single comprehensive RFID sticker for all matters related to vehicles. Secretary Transport Imran Sikandar Baloch gave a detailed briefing on the Yellow Line Lahore-Gujranwala BRT. It was apprised in the briefing that the supply of electric buses in the districts of Punjab will start from August. The meeting also reviewed the design and colour recommendations of prefabricated bus shelters in Lahore. The work of installing 50 prefabricated bus shelters in Lahore will start soon. Copyright Business Recorder, 2025
Express Tribune
17-07-2025
- Politics
- Express Tribune
Digital transport fare system planned
Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif has decided to introduce a digital payment system for Metro Bus and Orange Line transport in the province. She was presiding over a meeting related to the transport department and Mass Transit Authority, in which she was informed that the token system in the Orange Line train and Metro Bus would be abolished and a barcode system would be introduced for card-based payment. In the planned system, the fare can be paid through credit, debit and ATM cards, as well as mobile account applications. Payment through near field communication (NFC) cards will also be enabled in the mass transit system in Lahore, Multan, Rawalpindi and Islamabad. The token system will be abolished soon for implementing the e-payment system in Lahore's Orange Line train to enable fare payment through cards and apps. It was also decided in the meeting to introduce a single card for the mass transit system across the province. Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz approved the T-Cash card for the mass transit system. Travel on every Metro Bus or Orange Line train across the province will be possible through the card. A separate card will be introduced for students. The chief minister also gave approval in principle for recruitment to technical posts from grade 5 to 18 in the transport department. The participants of the meeting agreed to introduce electric rickshaws as an alternative to motorcycle rickshaws. The chief minister sought suggestions for the electric rickshaw project. She also approved in principle a proposal to organise the first international transport expo in Punjab. The chief minister announced the introduction of a comprehensive radio frequency identification (RFID) sticker for all matters related to vehicles. Punjab Transport Secretary Imran Sikandar Baloch gave a detailed briefing on the Yellow Line Lahore-Gujranwala bus rapid transit (BRT) system. The participants were informed that the supply of electric buses in the districts of Punjab will would begin next month. The meeting also reviewed the design and colour recommendations of prefabricated bus shelters in Lahore. The installation 50 shelters will be initiated soon. Meanwhile, Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz said in her message on World Day for International Justice that where justice was not served, darkness of oppression engulfed the entire society. "If there is no justice, development and prosperity remain an unfulfilled dream."
