Mumbai: In a step towards modernising the suburban railway network, the Mumbai Railway Vikas Corporation Ltd (MRVC) has floated an e-tender for the procurement and 35-year maintenance of 2,856 fully air-conditioned Vande Metro suburban coaches. The global bids have been invited in what could be termed one of the most expensive tenders for rolling stock and depots at the cost of Rs 21,000 crore, a senior MRVC official said.“These rakes will be in 12-, 15-, and 18-car formations as per requirements and feasibility of operation, significantly enhancing passenger capacity, comfort, and safety across the city’s lifeline,” said the official. At present, the majority of suburban services in Mumbai are operated with 12-car rakes, with only limited 15-car services. To address future demand and reduce overcrowding, the new procurement provides for both 15-car services on a larger scale and the option of 18-car rakes, subject to feasibility, he added.Two state-of-the-art maintenance depots will also be developed — one each on Central and Western Railway (Bhivpuri & Vangaon) — ensuring dedicated upkeep of the new fleet.The tender, uploaded on Saturday, under the Mumbai Urban Transport Project Phase-3 and 3-A, covers not just the supply of these modern rakes, but also their maintenance for 35 years. The submission of bids will commence Dec 8, with bid opening scheduled for Dec 22. “The tender will also follow the Make in India policy, ensuring significant domestic manufacturing and technology integration,” another MRVC official said. The first prototype rake is expected to arrive in Mumbai about two years after awarding the contract.MRVC chairman and managing director Vilas Sopan Wadekar said, “This ambitious procurement of 2,856 Vande Metro (suburban) coaches represents a massive leap forward in Mumbai’s transport infrastructure. By introducing longer, faster, and safer rakes in 12, 15, and 18-car configurations, we aim to ease overcrowding while ensuring punctuality and passenger safety. With modern features like automatic doors, enhanced technical specifications, and world-class maintenance support, MRVC is committed to delivering a future-ready suburban railway that meets the expectations of millions of daily commuters.”
