DB Engineering & Consulting partners with GMRC to shape Smart, Sustainable Surat Metro

Gandhinagar, India (Metro Rail Today): In a major boost to urban mobility in Gujarat, DB Engineering & Consulting (DB E&C) India Hub has signed a strategic consulting contract with Gujarat Metro Rail Corporation (GMRC) Limited for Phase-1 of the Surat Metro Rail Project, a development backed by KfW Development Bank of Germany. This collaboration focuses on integrating smart design, sustainability, and community-centric solutions into Surat’s growing metro network.

The agreement was signed last week, signaling the start of an intensive 24-month engagement between DB E&C and GMRC. The partnership aims to bring global best practices to one of India’s fastest-growing Tier-2 cities, with the goal of transforming the Surat Metro into a model for smart, green, and inclusive transport.

“This partnership is a significant step toward developing a metro system that is not only technologically advanced but also people-friendly and environmentally sustainable,” said Mrs. Mamta Shah, MD & CEO of Urban Infra Group. “It highlights the increasing role of international expertise in India’s urban mobility revolution.”

Following the signing, DB E&C’s senior team conducted an inception site visit to Surat to initiate planning and assess on-ground conditions. The visiting team included Sebastian Philipp – Senior Manager, Smart Mobility & Digitalization; Siddhesh Kakade – Business Consultant; Siddharth M – Project Manager, Consulting and Nishant Vyas – Head of Business Consulting, India

Their visit focused on aligning project goals with local realities and preparing a framework for efficient and impactful execution of consulting tasks over the project period.

Key Focus Areas of the DB E&C–GMRC Partnership:

Over the next two years, DB Engineering & Consulting will assist GMRC in a wide range of strategic and operational areas, including:

• Operations and Maintenance Planning

• Non-Farebox Revenue Generation (e.g., advertising, retail, property monetization)

• Integrated Mobility and Multimodal Access

• User-Centric Station Design for accessibility, safety, and comfort

• Training and Capacity Building of metro staff

• Public Outreach and Stakeholder Engagement

These initiatives aim to ensure the long-term financial sustainability, passenger convenience, and eco-conscious operation of the Surat Metro.

Driving Sustainable Urban Transformation

The Surat Metro project is being developed with strong support from KfW Development Bank, in line with Germany’s commitment to supporting climate-resilient infrastructure in developing nations. This further elevates the project as a flagship of Indo-German cooperation in urban transport.

With a focus on low-emission transit, seamless multimodal connectivity, and non-motorized transport integration, the metro is expected to:

• Decongest city roads

• Reduce air pollution

• Improve accessibility for all income groups

• Foster economic activity through better transport infrastructure

“By combining international knowledge with local insights, the Surat Metro can set new benchmarks for urban mobility in India,” said Mr. Nishant Vyas, Head of Business Consulting at DB E&C India. “Our aim is to co-create a metro system that serves the people of Surat for decades to come.”

Background: Surat Metro Phase-1

Surat Metro Phase-1 spans 40.35 km with two corridors:

• Corridor-1: Sarthana to Dream City (21.61 km, 14 stations)

• Corridor-2: Bhesan to Saroli (18.74 km, 18 stations)

The project is being executed at an estimated cost of ₹12,020 crore, with financial support from KfW and French development agency AFD.

As Surat prepares for a leap in urban infrastructure, the DB E&C–GMRC partnership reflects a shared vision of modern, sustainable, and inclusive public transport. With execution underway, the Surat Metro is well on its way to becoming a national model for smart metro development, designed around people, powered by data, and backed by global expertise.