BEML bags 210-Coach Rolling Stock Contract for Chennai Metro Phase 2

Chennai, India (Metro Rail Today): BEML Ltd. was awarded the contract to supply 210 coaches for Chennai Metro’s Phase 2 project by Chennai Metro Rail Ltd. (CMRL) on September 18, 2024. BEML emerged as the lowest bidder in a competitive process, with the coaches designated for operation on the new 45.4 km Line-3 (Madhavaram – Siruseri SIPCOT) and 44.6 km Line-5 (Madhavaram – Sholinganallur).

This rolling stock contract, identified as ARE02A, involves the supply of standard gauge coaches configured as 70 train sets of three cars each (DMC+TC+DMC). The contract also includes a comprehensive 15-year maintenance agreement.

CMRL initially faced challenges in the bidding process, with no submissions received during the first round from July 2021 to May 2022, leading to the tender’s cancellation in June 2022. Speculations suggest that stringent loan requirements from the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA), which mandates a substantial Japanese content, may have deterred bidders.

After re-inviting bids in July 2023, technical bids were opened in May 2024. BEML and Titagarh Rail Systems participated, with reports indicating that BEML's bid was approximately Rs. 14.7 crore per coach, while Titagarh's was around Rs. 15.6 crore per coach. If confirmed, BEML's total bid would be around Rs. 3087 crore.

The scope of the project includes the design, manufacture, supply, testing, commissioning, and training of personnel for the metro rolling stock, in addition to maintenance of depot machinery and plant.

Chennai's upcoming trains will adhere to Grade of Automation-4 (GoA4) standards, enabling driverless operations. Meanwhile, Alstom is nearing the rollout of its first 3-coach train for the 26 km Line-4, with production having commenced earlier this year.

Additionally, bidding for another rolling stock contract for Line-3 and Line-5, comprising 96 coaches under Package ARE04A, is currently underway, with technical bid openings scheduled for October 19. Stay tuned for more updates!