Latest news with #SWR
New Indian Express
18 hours ago
- Business
- New Indian Express
‘Circular Railway DPR around Bengaluru to be ready by August'
BENGALURU: The Detailed Project Report (DPR) for the 288-km Circular Railway Project around Bengaluru will be completed and submitted to the Railway Board by August 2025, stated Divisional Railway Manager, Bengaluru Division, South Western Railway (SWR), Ashutosh Kumar Singh, on Thursday. Singh said the DPR is part of a larger push to expand rail infrastructure. The project is designed to decongest urban traffic through a seven-leg rail network circling the city. Final Location Survey has already been sanctioned, and DPR preparation is under way. Addressing the delays in the Bengaluru Suburban Rail Project (BSRP), the SWR officials clarified that while the project is managed by K-RIDE, the Railway division has provided all requested land for Corridors 2 and 4 of the total 4 corridors. 'For Corridor 1, the process is still on. Once it's finalised, we will hand it over,' an official said. Meanwhile, the KSR Railway Station is set to receive two additional platforms, to the existing 10 platforms, at an estimated cost of Rs 222 crore. The expansion will involve the demolition of a portion of the MG Railway Colony, and a fourth entrance to the station is also planned. Other major infrastructure upgrades include the redevelopment of the Bengaluru Cantonment Station at a cost of Rs 484.58 crore, and the ongoing quadrupling of the 38-km Bengaluru Cantonment-Whitefield section.
Time of India
a day ago
- Business
- Time of India
Detailed project report ready for doubling of Yelahanka-Devanahalli heritage line in Karnataka
Bengaluru: In a step towards enhancing rail connectivity to Kempegowda International Airport and the fast-growing Devanahalli region, the South Western Railway (SWR) has prepared a detailed project report (DPR) to double the Yelahanka–Devanahalli rail line. The 23.7km line, part of the historic Yelahanka–Chikkaballapur route built by the British and operational since 1905, includes heritage stations like Doddajala, Avathihalli, Nandi Halt Station, and Devanahalli. The Rs 455-crore project aims to overcome the limitations of the single track, which has hindered efficient suburban rail services in the corridor. The project is awaiting approval from the railway board. Divisional railway manager (Bengaluru division) Ashutosh Kumar Singh said the DPR had been submitted and traffic justification is being compiled in response to the railway board's queries. "This project will be a game changer for suburban connectivity between Bengaluru and Devanahalli. It will benefit daily commuters and improve last-mile access to the airport," said an official. Efforts to connect Bengaluru city to the airport via rail were initiated four years ago. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like USDJPY đang đi lên không? IC Markets Đăng ký Undo The service failed to attract sufficient passengers, primarily due to operational constraints on the single-track section and lack of frequent services. The new plan is expected to address those shortcomings and align with the city's broader suburban rail vision. In parallel, the Rail Infrastructure Development Company (Karnataka) Limited (KRIDE) is working on a separate suburban rail corridor connecting Majestic to Kempegowda airport and Devanahalli. While SWR and KRIDE will operate on different lines, officials noted that parts of the two corridors may run parallel. Coordination between the agencies is under way to remove level crossings and replace them with subways or roads under bridges to ensure seamless operations.
The Hindu
a day ago
- Business
- The Hindu
SWR saves ₹4 cr. by generating 6.72 million units of power harnessing solar energy
In a push towards sustainable infrastructure and energy independence, South Western Railway (SWR) has saved nearly ₹4 crore in the financial year 2024–25 by generating 6.72 million units of solar power, marking an 18.1% increase from the previous year. According to officials, this aligns with Indian Railways' mission to become the world's first 100% green railway network by 2030. The initiative spans across the three divisions of Hubballi, Bengaluru, and Mysuru, as well as their respective workshops. Manjunath Kanmadi, chief public relations officer of South Western Railway, said, 'Rooftop and ground-mounted solar plants have been installed at stations, offices, level crossings, residential quarters, and even running rooms.' SWR has installed solar panels at 148 railway stations, ensuring that a significant portion of station operations now run on clean energy. In addition, 32 service buildings and 141 level crossing gates across the region have been equipped with rooftop solar panels. To further enhance off-grid energy access, 22 solar-powered pumps have also been installed. Solar energy savings The Hubballi division added 487 kWp of rooftop solar in FY 2024–25 alone, bringing its total installed capacity to 3,036 kWp. 'Caranzol and Kalgurki stations, previously off-grid, are now fully solar-powered. The 100 kWp solar plant at Dharwad station alone generated 1.33 lakh units, meeting 37% of the station's electricity needs,' Mr. Kanmadi explained. According to SWR, the Bengaluru division expanded its solar capacity to 1,473 kWp, with new installations at the MEMU Shed Banaswadi (85 kWp) and the DRM office. The division saved ₹9.5 lakh annually through solar energy. Mysuru division added 55 kWp of solar capacity, bringing its total to 887 kWp. 'SWR's solar plants are maintained under a dual model: CAPEX, where maintenance is managed by the Railways, and OPEX (RESCO model), where developers handle operations for 25 years under Power Purchase Agreements. Our solar expansion is not just about cost savings, but also about creating an environmentally conscious railway network,' said Mr. Kanmadi.
Local Germany
12-06-2025
- Business
- Local Germany
How you can challenge Germany's controversial property tax on your home
Following a major reform to Germany's property tax rules as of the beginning of this year, millions of land- and homeowners are challenging the amount of property tax they owe. Why were the property tax rules changed? Germany's old rules around property tax ( Grundsteuer ) had been ruled unconstitutional in 2018. The Federal Ministry of Finance explains on its website that is was because the old tax code treated similar properties differently (depending on the region) and therefore violated the principle of equal treatment, which is protected by Basic Law. The primary change to the rules that impacts homeowners is that the valuation of properties has been updated. Until the end of 2024 property valuations were based on decades old standard values – these were established in 1964 for properties in former West German states and as far back as 1935 in former East German states. Property valuations have now been reassessed, as of January 1st, 2022. Additionally, a law was added that allows cities to increase the assessment rate on undeveloped plots of land. This was intended to disincentivise speculation on land that might otherwise be developed. In simple terms, the rule reform has seen properties revalued, and for many homeowners in Germany it brought a significant increase in the property tax they owe going forward. REVEALED: Where buyers can find the most property for sale in Germany Widespread objections across Germany But many homeowners do not agree with the property tax increases, and some argue that the new assessments are unfair. Since new valuation assessments were sent out, millions of property owners have appealed. According to a report by Focus Online, 1.4 million objections were received by the tax offices in Baden-Württemberg – meaning that nearly 30 percent of homeowners in the southwestern state feel their assessment was incorrect or unjustified. Advertisement The situation is similar in other German states as well. SWR reported 1.5 million objections in North Rhine-Westphalia, 1.3 million in Bavaria and 440,000 in Rhineland-Palatinate. How you can contest the property tax Generally, to challenge your property tax obligations in Germany you need to contest the property tax assessment, which is sent in the mail by your local tax office. This needs to be done, in writing or with a visit to the tax office, and usually within one month from receipt of the assessment. After you've filed the objection, you have two months to submit a detailed justification, including any evidence you have to support your claim. If the objection is rejected, you can then file a lawsuit with the Fiscal Court within one month of receiving the rejection notice. Regarding the new property tax rules, the homeowners' association Haus & Grund has taken up the issue and is bringing a number of legal challenges against the new property tax. READ ALSO: What Germany's tax authorities need to know if you rent out your home In a post on the association's website it lists several reference numbers for ongoing cases, and suggests that owners can refer to the ongoing lawsuits and file their own objections. The cases, which were filed with courts in Berlin-Brandenburg, Rhineland-Palatinate, Cologne and Düsseldorf, argue that the new property tax rules violate the principle of equality of the Basic Law. Advertisement The cases will force German courts to clarify whether the new property tax rules are compatible with the law. They are expected to go all the way to the Federal Constitutional Court. It will likely be several years before the cases are decided, but if you want to seek compensation for paying excessive property tax from now on, you should file an objection now. If you do intend to bring a lawsuit forward, you'd be advised to seek legal counsel from a homeowners' association like Haus & Grund or similar or a lawyer. Note that this article is written for informational purposes only and should not be interpreted as legal advice.
The Hindu
10-06-2025
- The Hindu
South Western Railway to upgrade tunnel radio for safer operations on Braganza Ghats, one of India's toughest rail sections
In a significant move to boost safety and operational efficiency in one of India's most challenging railway sections, South Western Railway (SWR) is set to implement an advanced Tunnel Radio Communication System in the Castle Rock–Kulem stretch of the Braganza Ghats, located on the Karnataka-Goa border within the Western Ghats. The 26-km section cuts through the Western Ghats, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and is known for its steep 1-in-37 ruling gradient, dense forest cover, and iconic monsoon-fed Dudhsagar Falls. The line, which includes remote stations such as Caranzol, Dudhsagar, and Sonalium, serves both tourists and railway personnel. However, according to SWR officials, the lack of road access and a persistent 'radio black-out' inside the 16 tunnels on this route have long posed safety and communication challenges. Speaking to The Hindu, Manjunath Kanmadi, Chief Public Relations Officer (CPRO) of South Western Railway, said, 'We are installing a cutting-edge radio communication network that brings four separate railway communication channels — VHF, Locotrol, GSM-R and LTE-R — into every tunnel. This is being done using optical-fibre backbones, high-gain repeaters and leaky-feeder cables.' The total cost of the project is ₹12.21 crore, and it is expected to be completed by October 2025. Mr. Kanmadi explained that the system will ensure continuous communication between train drivers, guards, station masters, and control rooms, even inside the tunnels. 'This will significantly improve safety during operations in this ecologically sensitive and remote area. Maintenance teams will also be able to call for assistance instantly,' the he added. Radio system used in UK, Japan rail networks Officials say that the technology mirrors global best practices. SWR's approach is similar to those implemented in leading railway systems around the world. 'The UK's Crossrail (Elizabeth Line) has employed leaky-feeder cables and GSM-R for uninterrupted communication inside London's tunnels. In Japan, the Shinkansen network has tested LTE-R and 5G systems for ultra-fast, low-latency train control in tunnels. Metro systems such as the London Underground also use long leaky-feeder antennas to maintain consistent radio coverage. By adopting this world-class architecture, SWR is joining a group of railways using top-tier communication systems,' Mr. Kanmadi noted. The benefits of the project are that continuous radio coverage will enable quicker emergency responses in the event of a breakdown or landslip. According to officials, it will also allow better coordination between lead and banking locomotives, which is vital on the steep gradients of the ghats. Passengers will benefit from safer journeys, and staff will have a more secure and responsive working environment.
