AECOM-led JV bags Design Consultancy Contract for Chennai Metro Phase 1 Capacity Enhancement

Chennai, India (Metro Rail Today): Chennai Metro Rail Limited (CMRL) has awarded the Project Management Consultancy (PMC) and Detailed Design Consultancy contract for the Phase-1 Network Capacity Enhancement Project to the joint venture of AECOM India Private Limited and Nippon Koei India Private Limited. The contract, valued at ₹35.97 crore (inclusive of GST), marks a significant step towards increasing the carrying capacity and operational efficiency of Chennai's existing metro network.

The consultancy assignment will focus on upgrading the operational performance of the operational Phase-1 network through enhanced signalling systems, increased train frequency and infrastructure improvements rather than constructing new metro corridors. The project is expected to be implemented over a period of approximately four years.

Global Competition for a Strategic Metro Consultancy

The tender attracted strong international participation, with six technically qualified joint ventures and consortia from India, Japan, South Korea, Spain and Italy competing for the prestigious assignment. The diversity of bidders highlights the growing global interest in India's expanding metro rail sector and the importance of collaboration between domestic engineering firms and international metro specialists.

The winning consortium of AECOM India and Nippon Koei India submitted the lowest evaluated consultancy fee of ₹30.48 crore (exclusive of applicable taxes) and was declared the Most Advantageous Bidder under CMRL's tender evaluation criteria. After including GST and other applicable taxes, the contract value stands at ₹35.97 crore.

Other prominent bidders included the joint venture of Balaji Railroad Systems and Korea National Railway, AYESA with Ayesa India, SYSTRA–SYSTRA MVA India–Ardanuy Ingeniería, Aarvee Engineering with ARX Group SA, and a consortium comprising Consulting Engineers Group, RITES Limited and Italy's RINA Consulting.

Capacity Enhancement Instead of Network Expansion

Unlike conventional metro projects that focus on constructing new corridors, the Chennai Metro Phase-1 Capacity Enhancement Project is aimed at maximising the performance of the existing network. The consultancy will develop engineering solutions to increase train frequency, improve signalling systems and optimise operational throughput, enabling the metro system to accommodate growing passenger demand without requiring additional track infrastructure.

As Chennai continues to witness rising metro ridership, capacity enhancement has become a strategic priority for CMRL to ensure reliable, safe and efficient services while preparing the network for future expansion under subsequent metro phases.

"Enhancing the capacity of existing metro networks is one of the most cost-effective strategies for meeting growing urban mobility demands. Modern signalling technologies, operational optimisation and advanced engineering solutions can significantly increase passenger throughput while improving service reliability and safety. The strong international participation in this consultancy reflects India's emergence as a key destination for world-class urban rail infrastructure and technical expertise," said Mrs. Mamta Shah, MD & CEO of Urban Infra Group.

International Collaboration Driving Metro Excellence

A notable feature of the bidding process was the widespread use of international joint ventures, with every participating bidder combining Indian expertise with specialised global metro consultants or railway organisations. Such partnerships bring together local knowledge of Indian regulatory and construction practices with international experience in metro planning, systems engineering and project management.

The participation of organisations such as Korea National Railway, Nippon Koei, SYSTRA, RINA Consulting and RITES demonstrates the increasing collaboration between Indian and global engineering firms in delivering complex urban transit projects.

Supporting Chennai's Growing Metro Network

The consultancy award forms part of CMRL's broader strategy to strengthen Chennai's metro infrastructure in line with increasing ridership and the ongoing expansion of the city's rapid transit network. By improving operational efficiency and increasing train carrying capacity, the Phase-1 enhancement programme is expected to deliver shorter waiting times, better passenger experience and improved service reliability across the existing metro system.

The project also reinforces Chennai Metro's commitment to adopting advanced technologies and international best practices to build a more resilient, efficient and future-ready urban transport network. As metro systems across India continue to mature, capacity enhancement initiatives such as this are becoming increasingly important for maximising the value of existing infrastructure while supporting sustainable urban mobility.