Bi-RIDE issues ₹1,017 crore Global Hybrid Signalling Tender for Bengaluru Suburban Rail Line 2 and 4

Bengaluru, India (Rail & Metro Today): The Bengaluru Integrated Rail Infrastructure Development Enterprise Limited (Bi-RIDE) has invited bids for the deployment of an advanced European Train Control System (ETCS) Level-2 Hybrid-based signalling and train control system over 5G, along with associated telecommunications infrastructure, for Corridors 2 and 4 of the Bengaluru Suburban Transport Project (BSTP).

The tender, numbered Bi-RIDE/BSTP/ST/C2C4/2026, has an estimated value of ₹1,017.19 crore and covers the design, manufacture, supply, installation, testing and commissioning of the complete signalling and telecommunications systems for both corridors. The bid security has been fixed at ₹10.17 crore.

The pre-bid meeting is scheduled for November 19, 2026, while the deadline for submission of bids is January 5, 2027.

Different Implementation Timelines for Corridors 2 and 4

According to the tender schedule, the contractor will have 21 months from the date of the Letter of Award (LoA) to complete the works for Corridor 2, followed by a 24-month Defect Liability Period (DLP). For Corridor 4, the completion period is 30 months from the LoA, followed by the same 24-month DLP.

The selected contractor will be responsible for delivering the complete signalling and telecommunications package under a Design and Build Agreement with Bi-RIDE. The scope includes system design and manufacturing, equipment supply, installation across the designated corridors, testing and final commissioning.

ETCS Level-2 Hybrid Signalling Integrated with 5G

A key feature of the procurement is the proposed integration of ETCS Level-2 Hybrid technology with 5G-based communication infrastructure. The system is intended to provide the train control and signalling framework required for modern suburban railway operations, supported by associated telecommunications facilities.

The deployment will require coordination between signalling equipment, train control systems and communication infrastructure to ensure that the installed systems meet the technical and operational requirements specified by Bi-RIDE.

The detailed technical specifications, scope of services and contractual obligations are set out in the Employer's Requirements, General Conditions of Contract, Particular Conditions of Contract and other documents included in the bid package.

International Bidders Eligible to Participate

The tender permits eligible firms originating from all countries to participate in the works, goods and services contracts, subject to the applicable KfW procurement guidelines. This provision opens the procurement to international railway technology companies with relevant experience in signalling, train control and telecommunications systems.

Bi-RIDE has prescribed a two-stage evaluation process. Technical submissions will first be assessed against the stipulated qualification and evaluation criteria. Only bidders meeting the technical requirements and qualifying in this stage will have their financial bids opened.

The contract is to be awarded to the bidder whose offer is technically suitable, substantially responsive and the lowest evaluated bid. The date and time for opening financial bids will be communicated through the e-tendering portal.

Strengthening Bengaluru's Suburban Rail Infrastructure

The tender marks an important procurement milestone for the Bengaluru Suburban Transport Project, which is intended to strengthen the city's public transport network through an integrated suburban rail system.

The proposed signalling and telecommunications package will form a critical part of the operational infrastructure for Corridors 2 and 4. Its implementation is expected to create opportunities for both domestic and international technology providers to participate in Bengaluru's expanding railway infrastructure programme.

With an estimated contract value of more than ₹1,017 crore, the procurement highlights the importance of advanced signalling and communication technologies in developing a modern suburban rail network. The outcome of the bidding process will determine the technology partner responsible for delivering these systems for the two corridors.