Global tender floated for 48 Rolling Stock Coaches for Nagpur Metro Phase 2

Nagpur, India (Metro Rail Today): Maharashtra Metro Rail Corporation Ltd. (Maha Metro) has announced the invitation of tenders for the procurement of 48 new standard gauge coaches for the Phase 2 expansion of the Nagpur Metro project. The coaches, which will form 16 train-sets, are part of Package RS-01 and will serve the Orange and Aqua Lines of Nagpur Metro, extending the network across a 43.8 km stretch.

These 48 coaches will be used in a 3-coach configuration (DMC + TC + DMC) and are set to operate on the recently built Orange and Aqua Lines, which were introduced in Phase 1. The extension of these lines in Phase 2 will connect key locations including Kanhan (north), Butibori MIDC (south), Transport Nagar (Kapsi) (east), and Hingna (west), helping to enhance connectivity within Nagpur.

The newly procured trains will complement the 23 CRRC trains already operating on the Metro network. They will be stationed at two depots: 14 trains (42 coaches) at the Orange Line’s Khapri Depot and 2 trains (6 coaches) at the Aqua Line’s Hingna Depot.

The scope of the contract not only covers the delivery of the rolling stock but also includes the training of operational and maintenance personnel. Additionally, the contract includes 15 years of Comprehensive Annual Maintenance Contracts (CAMC), covering services such as maintenance, emergency repairs, overhauling, and provision of spares, tools, testing and diagnostics equipment, and more.

According to MAHA-METRO's tender documents, the new coaches will feature modern, lightweight stainless steel or aluminum bodies, 3-phase AC drive with VVVF control, regenerative braking, and will be compatible with Automated Train Protection (ATP) and Automated Train Operation (ATO) systems, which will be provided by other contractors.

The tender also specifies that Nagpur Metro’s trains must conform to Grade of Automation-2 (GoA2) standards, one step below fully driverless (GoA3) and two steps below unattended train operations (GoA4). This reflects the modern, semi-automated nature of the system.

Key Tender Details:-

• Contract Period: 156 weeks (3 years)
• Pre-Bid Meeting: March 26, 2025, at 11 AM
• Bid Submission Deadline: April 28, 2025, at 4 PM
• Technical Bid Opening: April 29, 2025, at 4:30 PM

This rolling stock procurement is part of the overall Phase 2 project, funded by the Government of India and the Government of Maharashtra. Notably, the contract does not include a “Make in India” clause, giving the supplier the option to manufacture the coaches at an offshore facility.

The successful supplier will be required to deliver the first prototype train within 90 weeks, the fifth train within 110 weeks, the tenth train within 122 weeks, and the final 16th train within 136 weeks of the contract's commencement date.

This tender marks a key milestone in the ongoing expansion of Nagpur Metro, with major contracts for electrification, trackwork, and telecommunication already awarded in 2024. As the project progresses, industry experts predict Siemens, the contractor for Phase 1’s signaling, will likely be awarded the follow-up contract for signaling works.

The procurement of these new coaches will significantly enhance the capacity and efficiency of Nagpur Metro, making it an even more reliable mode of transport for residents and visitors in the region.