Four firms compete for Electrification Contract of Mumbai Metro Line 7A and 9

Mumbai, India (Metro Rail Today): In a significant development, four prominent firms have submitted bids for the 25 kV AC OHE electrification contract of Mumbai Metro’s Red Line, comprising Line-7A & Line-9. The Mumbai Metropolitan Region Development Authority (MMRDA) opened technical bids, marking a crucial step in advancing the electrification infrastructure for these key metro extensions.

Project Overview

Line-7A and Line-9 are extensions of the operational 16.5 km Line-7, currently under construction by J Kumar Infraprojects through civil Package CA-48 since March 2020. The underground Line-7A spans from Gundavali to Airport Colony to CSIA, covering a 3.17 km southern extension with a focus on rigid OHE (ROCS) installation. On the other hand, the elevated Line-9, from Mira Bhayandar to Dahisar East, encompasses an 11.38 km northern extension and will be equipped with flexible OHE (FOCS).

Bidding Process

MMRDA initiated the bidding process for the electrification contract (Package CA-176) in June 2023, estimating the project at Rs. 108.01 crores with a 30-month deadline. The following four bidders are vying for this crucial contract:

1. BNC Power Projects Ltd.
2. Leena Powertech Engineers Pvt. Ltd
3. Siemens Ltd
4. Texmaco Rail and Engineering Ltd.

Scope of Work

The scope of the contract includes the design, manufacture, supply, installation, testing, and commissioning of 33 kV and 25kV cabling work. This encompasses the complete 25kV OHE system, a switching station, 33kV auxiliary power distribution system, including 33/0.415 kV ASS, and a comprehensive SCADA system for Metro Line 9 and 7A of MMRDA in Mumbai.

Bid Evaluation Process

The submitted bids have undergone technical evaluation, a process expected to take a few months. Following this, the financial bids of the technically qualified bidders will be opened, revealing the lowest bidder and the likely contractor for the electrification project.

Project Timeline

Tunneling works for Line-7A are currently in progress with TBMs Disha & Dhruv, while superstructure works for Line-9’s viaduct are underway. Despite these advancements, the extensive nature of the project suggests that neither Line 7A nor Line 9 is anticipated to open before mid-2026.

The competitive bidding scenario for Contract CA-176 underscores the significance of these electrification efforts in enhancing Mumbai's metro network. As the evaluation process unfolds, the selected contractor will play a pivotal role in propelling these metro extensions toward operational readiness.