Transport – Karnataka First

EIB Global announces 300 million euro loan for Bengaluru suburban railway network

EIB Global, the arm of the European Investment Bank (EIB) for financing activities outside the European Union (EU), on Friday, announced it would provide a 300 million euro loan to build a new suburban railway network covering four dedicated rail corridors in Bengaluru.

The network will stretch over a total of 149 km and include 58 stations and two depots.

At a meeting here, EIB Vice-President Nicola Beer and Karnataka Rail Infrastructure Development Company Ltd’s (KRIDE) Director of Finance Awadhesh Mehta, formally announced the loan towards Bengaluru suburban railway network will help cut pollution and carbon emissions and improve safety for women passengers.

“This funding complements the 500 million euros we allocated for the construction of the Bengaluru Metro R6 line, addressing Bengaluru’s mobility challenges by developing a clean, modern and efficient public transport system,” said Beer.

“The two projects we are financing in Bengaluru aim to create India’s most integrated rail network, providing seamless connectivity with all other modes of public transport in the city,” Beer said in a statement.

The earlier 500 million euro loan was given to build the 23 km Bengaluru Metro R6 line and purchase a fleet of about 96 metro cars. The EIB has so far financed metro projects in Agra, Bengaluru, Bhopal, Kanpur, Lucknow, and Pune, with a total of 3.25 billion euros committed since 2016 – making India the largest beneficiary of its transport financing outside Europe.

EU Ambassador to India and Bhutan, Herve Delphin, said it marks a major milestone in our collaboration as “we unlock new opportunities for growth, connectivity and positive social, economic and environmental impact, further strengthening the partnership between India and the EU”.

Once fully operational, the Bengaluru transport system will see a 43 per cent drop in CO2 emissions. The estimated daily ridership will be approximately 400,000 trips per day in 2029, the first year of full operation, and is expected to increase to about 1.4 million trips per day in 2040, largely aligned with the projected population growth.

source/content: daijiworld.com (headline edited)

NATIONAL: KARNATAKA: INDIA’S FIRST / MANUFACTURING: India’s first indigenous bullet train set to roll by 2026. BEML has been contracted to design, manufacture, and commission by 2026

BEML has been contracted to design, manufacture, and commission India’s first indigenous bullet trains, each with eight cars. The trains will offer modern amenities as part of India’s high-speed rail initiative and are set to roll out by late 2026.

India is advancing its high-speed rail ambitions by developing indigenously built bullet trains. The first bullet train is expected to be manufactured in Bengaluru, featuring a design speed of 280 kilometers per hour (kmph) and an operational speed of 250 kmph. This train is slated for rollout by December 2026.

State-owned BEML has secured a contract worth Rs 866.87 crore to design, manufacture, and commission India’s first indigenously built bullet trains. BEML announced it will supply two high-speed trainsets, each comprising eight coaches, under an order placed by Indian Railways’ Integral Coach Factory (ICF).

BEML stated that each coach would cost Rs 27.86 crore, with the total contract value also covering design costs, one-time development expenses, non-recurring charges, and the costs of jigs, fixtures, tooling, and testing facilities.

KEY DEVELOPMENTS:

While Indian Railways initially considered Japanese technology for bullet trains on the Ahmedabad-Mumbai route, discussions remain inconclusive.

As a result, India may now deploy locally developed trains for this corridor. Notably, BEML’s cost per coach is significantly lower than the Rs 46 crore quoted by Japan for similar bullet train coaches.

BEML highlighted that the infrastructure from this project will be leveraged for future high-speed rail projects across India.

The project, a major milestone in India’s high-speed rail initiative, will deliver trainsets with a 280 km/h test speed.

In comparison, the Japanese Shinkansen E5 series, initially considered for the Mumbai-Ahmedabad line, can achieve speeds of 320 km/h.

The trains will be produced at BEML’s Bengaluru facility and are expected to be delivered by the end of 2026.

They will feature fully air-conditioned Chair Car configurations with modern amenities, including reclining and rotatable seats, accommodations for passengers with restricted mobility, and onboard infotainment systems.

source/content: indiatoday.in (headline edited)

KARNATAKA: SPACE INNOVATION: Bengaluru Start-up Bellatrix Aerospace Unveils Groundbreaking Low Earth Orbit Satellite

Bellatrix Aerospace, a Bengaluru-based start-up, has unveiled an ultra low earth orbit satellite capable of operating at 200 km altitude, thanks to its in-house developed propulsion systems.

This breakthrough aims to significantly enhance satellite performance and could revolutionize satellite applications.

A Bengaluru-based space-sector start-up has set a new milestone by unveiling an ultra low earth orbit satellite capable of operating at an altitude of 200 km. This remarkable feat was achieved through advanced propulsion systems developed in-house.

The satellite, known as Project 200, was showcased by Bellatrix Aerospace. It was officially unveiled by Indian National Space Promotion and Authorization Centre (IN-SPACe) Chairman Pawan Kumar Goenka.

Traditionally, Low Earth Orbit satellites are deployed at altitudes around 450 km to avoid atmospheric drag. Placing satellites in lower orbits typically results in them falling back to Earth more quickly. However, Bellatrix Aerospace’s co-founder and CEO, Rohan Ganapathy, stated that their cutting-edge propulsion technology enables satellites to maintain 200 km orbits for years, rather than deorbiting in a few days.

Ganapathy highlighted that operating at 200 km significantly boosts satellite performance, improving communication latency and image resolution while reducing costs compared to 450 km altitude satellites. This innovation promises to be a game changer, delivering new capabilities previously unachievable by satellites, according to Bellatrix’s co-founder and COO, Yashas Karanam.

Bellatrix Aerospace has also pioneered the use of water-fueled plasma thrusters and high-performing green propulsion alternatives, marking a pivotal step towards reimagining future space operations.

(With inputs from agencies.)

source/content: devidiscourse.com (headline edited)

KARNATAKA: AVIATION/ DEFENCE : Bengaluru company Flying Wedge unveils indigenous bomber UAV

The Bengaluru-based company said the UAV would address India’s need for an advanced unmanned combat aircraft and boost efforts toward self-reliance in a segment critical to modern warfare.

Defence and aerospace company Flying Wedge on Friday unveiled its bomber UAV – FWD-200B – which it said would advance India’s unmanned air combat prowess with cost-efficiency and indigenous capabilities.

The Bengaluru-based company said the UAV would address India’s need for an advanced unmanned combat aircraft and boost efforts toward self-reliance in a segment critical to modern warfare. Flying Wedge had, in 2023, secured a DGCA type certification for its indigenous UAV technology.

FWD-200B is a MALE (medium altitude, long endurance) UAV with a fuel capacity of 100 kg. It comes with optical surveillance payloads and is integrated with missile-like weapons for precision air strikes. The UAV has a maximum speed of 370 kmph (200 knots), an endurance capacity of 12 to 20 hours, and a ground control station range of 200 km. At six metres long, with an eight-metre wingspan, the aircraft can carry a maximum take-off weight of 498 kg and has an operational altitude of 9,000 ft above mean sea level.

After unveiling a full-scale model of the UAV, Suhas Tejaskanda, founder of Flying Wedge, said plans were on to fly the aircraft during May. The company is engaging with the Army Design Bureau (ADB) – which leads the Indian Army’s Make in India initiative – to pursue possibilities of induction into the Armed Forces.

Flying Wedge, through the ADB, is taking the certification process forward with the Indian Army. The ADB’s Regional Technology Node is set to coordinate these efforts based on an evaluation of the aircraft across parameters.

“By June, we’ll be observing the flight dynamics and the behaviour of the aircraft and probably, over the next three months, we should be able to get the aircraft to CEMILAC (Centre for Military Airworthiness and Certification),” Tejaskanda told reporters.

Tejaskanda said the company was also aiming to sell the aircraft to countries in Africa and South-East Asia that are, at present, buying highly-priced UAVs like the Predators from the US. He said the cost involved in the production of an FWD-200B was about Rs 25 crore.

source/content: deccanherald.com (headline edited)

KARNATAKA: TRAFFIC MANAGEMENT: AI IMPLEMENTED: Bengaluru introduces AI traffic management systems across 41 junctions: Report

Bengaluru has implemented an AI-driven Adaptive Traffic Control System (ATCS) at 41 junctions, reducing the need for manual traffic management.

Motorists in Bengaluru are set to see a reduction in traffic police manually managing intersections and adjusting signal lights due to a new technological upgrade. The city has introduced an advanced AI-powered Adaptive Traffic Control System (ATCS), which has been implemented at 41 junctions, automating traffic signal operations in real-time, the Deccan Herald reported.

This upgrade is part of Bengaluru’s broader initiative to fully automate its traffic control systems, reducing the need for human intervention and aiming for more efficient traffic management. Among the 41 junctions now equipped with the ATCS, seven have received entirely new signal systems, while 34 others have been modernized from older camera-based models, the report noted.

By the end of December, Bengaluru is expected to have 165 junctions operating with these state-of-the-art AI-driven signals. This expansion includes 136 upgraded junctions and 29 newly installed systems, focusing mainly on areas in the southern and western regions of the city, which are less affected by major construction projects, according to MN Anucheth, the Joint Commissioner of Police (Traffic), who spoke to the publication.

The new ATCS signals offer three operational modes: a manual override mode for emergency scenarios such as ambulance or VIP passage; a Vehicle Actuated Control (VAC) mode that utilizes computer vision technology to monitor and adjust traffic light timings based on real-time vehicle counts; and the ATCS mode, which coordinates signals across multiple intersections for improved traffic flow, the publication said.

Initial implementations of this system have been observed on KR Road, Rose Garden Road, and Hudson Circle, where the VAC mode is now operational. Key junctions now featuring the ATCS include NR Square Junction, Town Hall Junction, BMTC Junction on KH Road, Minerva Circle, and RV Teachers College.

As of September, Bengaluru has approximately 900 junctions managed manually by traffic personnel, with around 405 equipped with signal systems. By year-end, the city expects to surpass 500 signalized junctions, including the new ATCS installations and additional adaptive signals, the publication added.

source/content: hindustantimes.com (headline edited)

INTERNATIONAL: NATIONAL: KARNATAKA / ROAD TRANSPORT: Germany’s FlixBus expands to South India, offers Rs 99 fares from Bengaluru for intercity routes

FlixBus to commence operations in South India on September 10.

FlixBus India will connect a total of 101 cities and 215 stops nationwide.

Germany-based travel-tech firm FlixBus India announced its expansion into South India on September 3. The company will begin operations on September 10, offering services from Bengaluru to Chennai and Hyderabad.

Subsequently, services will be extended to Coimbatore, Madurai, Tirupati, Vijayawada, and Belagavi.

FlixBus has partnered with six bus operators so far, and plans to expand further by adding 33 cities across Andhra Pradesh, Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, and Kerala and more than 200 connections throughout South India. FlixBus India will connect a total of 101 cities and 215 stops nationwide.

As part of its Bengaluru launch, FlixBus also announced a special promotional fare of Rs 99. “This offer is exclusively available for the new routes launched around Bengaluru, with the booking period running from September 3 to September 15 and the departure period spanning from September 10 to October 6,” said a statement from FlixBus.

Karnataka Minister for Commerce & Industries, Infrastructure MB Patil, global FlixBus leaders Max Zeumer, COO, and Daniel Krauss, Co-founder, were present at the launch.

Patil said, “We welcome FlixBus not only as a foreign investor in Karnataka but also as a partner in our journey toward sustainability.”

Surya Khurana, Managing Director of FlixBus India, said, “After the success of our operations in North India, expanding to South India is the next step in our journey to revolutionise intercity travel”,

“In South India, FlixBus will continue its strategic collaboration with local bus operators, employing its proprietary technology platform to enhance business operations. Through network planning, revenue management, and yield optimization, FlixBus ensures an efficient and seamless travel experience for both passengers and operators, committing to quality, safety, and exceptional customer service,” the company stated.

“These standardized buses, equipped with BS6 engines, adhere to stringent emission norms, significantly reducing pollutants and reinforcing FlixBus’s dedication to environmental sustainability. Each bus is outfitted with state-of-the-art facilities, including ABS (anti-lock braking system), ESC (electronic stability control), and 2-point seat belts for all seats, ensuring the highest level of passenger safety and comfort”, it adds.

source/content: moneycontrol.com (headline edited)

KARNATAKA: ENGINEERING INNOVATION: Bengaluru’s Sci560 exhibition reveals city’s scientific evolution

The Sci560 exhibition at Science Gallery Bengaluru highlights the HAL HT-2 aircraft, a key symbol of the city’s military-industrial-academic synergy.

Bengaluru is much more than just a hub for IT giants and startups; it’s a city with a rich scientific heritage spanning over a century, shaping its identity as India’s premier science and technology city. Starting Saturday, Science Gallery Bengaluru is inviting the public to explore this legacy through its latest flagship exhibition, Sci560. Running until the end of the year, the exhibition takes visitors on a journey through the city’s transformation from a serene garden city to a bustling industrial, military, and IT powerhouse.

Jahnavi Phalkey, director of Science Gallery Bengaluru, explains that Sci560 explores the ‘long 20th century,’ beginning in the late 19th century and extending into the present. “We aim to unravel the various layers of Bengaluru’s evolution into the city it is today,” she says. This transformation is illustrated through a series of thoughtfully-curated exhibits, borrowed from the city’s premier scientific institutions.

A central theme of the exhibition is Bengaluru’s identity as a ‘military-industrial-academic complex,’ a concept that Phalkey finds particularly fitting. Drawing a parallel with Silicon Valley, she notes, “The history of Silicon Valley is often described as a ‘blue sky metropolis,’ reflecting both visionary thinking and the aerospace industry.

Many of these elements also apply to Bengaluru in its own unique way. The exhibition’s primary focus is to explore what makes Bengaluru a military-industrial-academic complex. Over the years, these elements have become deeply embedded in the city’s fabric.”

Bangalore Torpedo

Gayatri Manu, senior programme associate at Science Gallery Bengaluru, highlights how the exhibits showcase the city’s diverse scientific contributions. “One of the key exhibits is the HAL HT-2, the Hindustan Trainer 2 aircraft, which was India’s first domestically-designed and developed aircraft – a significant milestone achieved in 1951,” she says.

“The idea originated from a professor at IISc, the manufacturing was carried out in Bengaluru at Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL), one of the first major public sector undertakings post-Independence, and the aircraft served the Indian Air Force for nearly three decades. This story exemplifies how industry, military, and academia collaborated to advance scientific research in India, a crucial narrative we wanted to highlight.”

Another fascinating exhibit is the Bangalore Torpedo, developed in the early 20th century with origins in the weaponry devised during Tipu Sultan’s reign.

Throughout its duration, Sci560 will be accompanied by a variety of workshops, lectures, and live experiments, offering visitors opportunities to engage directly with the scientific concepts on display. These programmes are designed to be highly interactive, encouraging visitors not just to observe but also to participate in the scientific process.

(Sci560 opens on Aug 24 at Science Gallery Bengaluru, Bellary Rd and runs through Dec 31. For more info, visit bengaluru.sciencegallery.com)

source/content: newindianexpress.com (headline edited)

Mangaluru: Supreme Bajaj launches world’s first CNG bike ‘Freedom 125’

Supreme Bajaj unveiled the world’s first CNG bike, the Freedom 125 NG04, under the theme ‘Freedom Ride the Change’ on Wednesday, August 14, at its showroom in Balmatta.

During the launch event, Col Nitte Sharath Bandhary, president of Mangaluru University College Alumni Association, expressed his admiration for the innovative vehicle, stating, “Riding two-wheelers has always been a pleasure for me. The Freedom 125 is special because it runs on both CNG and petrol, making it economical and environmentally friendly. I’m delighted that this dealership has thrived for 57 years, thanks to the exceptional leadership at Supreme Bajaj Motors. As they continue to grow, focusing on service will help expand their reputation across the state.”

Aroor Kishore Rao, director of Supreme Auto Dealers Pvt Ltd, emphasized the company’s commitment to customer satisfaction, remarking, “Bajaj vehicles are trusted nationwide for their innovation and service. My father founded this showroom, and it has grown over 57 years to include four dealerships across the state, with immense support from our customers. The Freedom 125 CNG bike can cover up to 300 kilometers on a single fill, and with around 30 CNG filling stations available, it’s set to become a game-changer.”

Aroor Arjun Rao, director of Supreme Auto Dealers Pvt Ltd, Sai Shankar, GM of GAIL Gas Ltd., Shiva Prasad (DGM), Guruprasad (DGM Service), Raghavendra Prasad (AGM 3 Wheeler), Shankar Bhat, Manager, and other dignitaries were also present at the event.

Key features of Bajaj Freedom 125 NG04:

World’s first CNG bike, featuring a 125cc air-cooled, single-cylinder engine compatible with both CNG and petrol.
Equipped with two tanks: a 2 kg CNG tank and a 2-litre petrol tank.
Available in three variants: NG04 Drum, NG04 Drum LED, and NG04 Disc LED.
First-in-Class Mono Linked type Suspension and a fully digital speedometer with Bluetooth connectivity.
Priced from Rs 95,000 for the base NG04 Drum variant to Rs 1,10,000 for the NG04 LED Disc variant.
Tested rigorously for customer safety, passing 11 additional safety tests.
Customers can enjoy up to 50% savings on rides and up to Rs 1.34 lakh in overall savings with the CNG bike.

“We have received over 120 bookings, and today, we are proud to deliver the first batch of these vehicles to our esteemed customers,” Aroor Arjun Rao announced.

source/content: daijiworld.com (headline edited)

KARNATAKA: TRANSPORT / METRO RECORDS: Bengaluru Metro’s TBM ‘Tunga’ sets new tunnelling record

‘Tunga’ tunnelled 308 meters in July, surpassing the previous record of 273 meters set by ‘Urja’ in May 2022.

The Tunnel Boring Machine (TBM) ‘Tunga’ of Bengaluru Metro has set a new record for tunneling in the city. In July, ‘Tunga’ successfully tunnelled 308 meters, surpassing the previous record of 273 meters set by TBM ‘Urja’ in May 2022.

This achievement marks a significant milestone for Bengaluru Metro, highlighting the project’s progress and the efficiency of the tunneling operations. The record-breaking performance of ‘Tunga’ is expected to expedite the completion of the metro’s underground sections, providing a much-needed boost to the city’s transportation infrastructure.

Meanwhile, in an unrelated event, the city of Manali has been cut off due to heavy rains and landslides, affecting connectivity and causing disruptions. Efforts are underway to restore access and ensure the safety of residents and tourists in the region.

This record-breaking achievement by ‘Tunga’ reflects the advancements in engineering and the dedication of the Bengaluru Metro team, setting a new benchmark for future tunneling projects in the city.

source/content: newindianexpress.com (headline edited)

NATIONAL / KARNATAKA: BOEING’s LARGEST : PM Modi inaugurates Boeing’s largest campus outside US in Bengaluru

Boeing’s new campus will also serve as the hub for Indian startups and universities.

While inaugurating the Boeing India Engineering and Technology Centre (BIETC), Prime Minister Narendra Modi said Bengaluru is a city that connects aspirations with innovation and achievement.

“Bengaluru connects India’s technological capability with global demand,” said PM Modi in Bengaluru.

This is Boeing’s largest centre outside the US, built with an investment of Rs 1,600 crore which is also Boeing’s largest such investment. Modi also launched Boeing’s Sukanya Program that aims to support the entry of more girl children from across India into the country’s aviation sector. The program will provide opportunities for girls and women from across India to learn critical skills in the science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) fields and train for jobs in the aviation sector.

Boeing’s centre in Bengaluru will house engineering, test, research and technology teams, performing advanced high-quality aerospace engineering works. It includes support in structural and systems design, manufacturing, aircraft testing system development, and digital solutions that drive sustainability in aviation. The centre will also work in areas like Artificial Intelligence, Machine Learning, Internet-of-Things, Cloud Solutions, Model-Based Engineering, and Additive Manufacturing to enhance quality, safety, and productivity.

Boeing’s new campus in Bengaluru will also serve as the hub for Boeing’s work with Indian startups and universities. Currently Boeing has collaborated with seven incubators, including Society for Innovation and Entrepreneurship – IIT Mumbai, Foundation for Innovation and Technology Transfer – IIT Delhi, Innovation and Entrepreneurship Center – IIT Gandhinagar, IIT Madras Incubation Cell, Society for Innovation and Development – IISC Bengaluru, T-Hub Hyderabad, and Technology Business Incubator – KIIT Bhubaneshwar. Together, they host the Boeing University Innovation Leadership and Development program (BUILD) annually in India.

The Boeing’s Sukanya Program was launched in the backdrop that India leads the world with women comprising 15 percent of all pilots, exceeding the global average of 5 percent. The Indian aviation sector is also witnessing a surging demand for pilots. More than a doubling of the current roster of 9,000 pilots will be required. Under this program Boeing is establishing Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) Labs in girls’ schools, especially in tier 2 and 3 towns, to expand awareness, knowledge, and exposure to careers in aviation.

With around 150 locations planned, local program managers will engage with as many as 75,000 students through these STEM labs, with the intent of reaching 60 percent of the young girl students. The initiative will support learning through various digital products, including Virtual Procedure Trainer, Virtual Airplane, and Private Pilot License ground school courses. Boeing will also provide scholarships for training, covering aspects such as foundation, jet bridge, type rating, and more.

Besides this Boeing will have full-flight simulator capacity to support the women’s pilot program and collaborate with customers to ensure candidates are airline-ready. These investments – both hard assets, and Competency-based Training and Assessment (CBTA) courseware aim to produce a large pipeline of female pilots entering the airlines annually.

During the inauguration PM Modi was joined by the Governor of Karnataka Thaawar Chand Gehlot, Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah, Leader of the Opposition – Karnataka Legislative Assembly R. Ashoka and Stephanie Pope Boeing’s Chief Operating Officer, along with other senior Boeing executives.

source/content: theweek.in (headline edited)