ABB bags driverless traction propulsion contract for Mumbai Metro Lines 5 & 6

Mumbai, India (Metro Rail Today): Global technology major ABB has secured a significant order from Titagarh Rail Systems Ltd. to supply advanced propulsion systems and Train Control and Management System software for Mumbai Metro Line 5 and Line 6, two of the most critical upcoming corridors in the city’s fast-growing metro network. The development marks a major step forward in strengthening sustainable and high-capacity urban mobility for the Mumbai Metropolitan Region.

Mumbai Metro Line 5, also known as the Orange Line, will connect Thane to Kalyan via Bhiwandi, while Line 6, the Pink Line, will run from Swami Samarth Nagar to Vikhroli. Once operational, these corridors are expected to dramatically improve east–west and north–east connectivity, reduce travel time for daily commuters, and ease mounting pressure on Mumbai’s congested road network.

Technology, Scope and Local Manufacturing

Under the order, ABB will deliver a fully integrated traction and control solution for 40 six-car trainsets, including 18 trainsets for Line 6 and 22 trainsets for Line 5. The scope includes traction converters, auxiliary converters, traction motors and TCMS software, designed to deliver high reliability, energy efficiency and optimized lifecycle performance for one of India’s largest metro rolling stock deployments.

Manufacturing and execution will be carried out entirely within India, with traction converters produced at ABB’s Bengaluru facility and traction motors manufactured at Vadodara. The project will be supported by local engineering, testing and service teams, reinforcing ABB’s commitment to localization and long-term support.

Commenting on the development, Mrs. Mamta Shah, MD & CEO of Urban Infra Group, said, “ABB’s order for Mumbai Metro Lines 5 and 6 highlights how advanced rail technologies and localized manufacturing are coming together to support India’s urban transformation. Energy-efficient propulsion systems are essential for making metro projects financially viable, environmentally responsible and commuter-friendly in the long run.”

Milestone for 25 kV AC Metro in India

The order also marks ABB’s entry into the 25 kV AC metro segment in India, a significant technological milestone. The project builds on the strategic partnership between ABB and Titagarh Rail Systems established in 2023, aimed at technology collaboration, co-development and gradual co-production of key propulsion components for Indian metro projects.

Dr. Vinod Shah, Director General of the Indian Chamber of Railway Industries, noted, “This contract reflects the growing maturity of India’s metro rolling stock ecosystem. Collaboration between global technology leaders and Indian manufacturers is strengthening domestic capabilities and creating a resilient value chain aligned with Make in India and Atmanirbhar Bharat objectives.”

Strengthening Sustainable Urban Mobility

Beyond Mumbai, the order is expected to have a wider impact on India’s metro sector by reinforcing domestic manufacturing, supporting skilled employment and promoting low-emission transport solutions. ABB’s energy-efficient propulsion and intelligent control systems are designed to reduce lifecycle energy consumption and environmental footprint, supporting India’s long-term sustainability goals.

With decades of global experience in rail traction and control technologies, ABB continues to position itself as a trusted technology partner for India’s expanding metro networks. As Mumbai Metro Lines 5 and 6 move closer to execution, the ABB–Titagarh collaboration is set to play a pivotal role in enabling faster, cleaner and more reliable urban rail transport for millions of commuters.