IRCON International wins ₹494 crore Systems Contract of Mumbai Metro Line 5

Mumbai, India (Metro Rail Today): IRCON International has emerged as the lowest bidder for the crucial second systems contract for Mumbai Metro’s 24.9 km Line-5 (Orange Line). The project will connect the cities of Thane, Bhiwandi and Kalyan.

Currently under construction, the Mumbai Metro Line-5 is being developed in phases. Phase 1, which covers a 12.72 km stretch between Kapurbawdi and Dhamankar Naka, is being built by Afcons Infrastructure under Civil Package CA-28.

The newly awarded Systems Package 2 (CA-239) is integral to the project’s continued progress. This package includes the commissioning of the line's power supply, electrification systems, electrical and mechanical works (E&M), as well as the installation of lifts and escalators at seven elevated stations and at the Kasheli Depot.

The Mumbai Metropolitan Region Development Authority (MMRDA) initiated the bidding process for this contract in February 2024, with an estimated value of Rs. 428 crore. Financial bids for the package were opened on Monday, revealing four bidders. IRCON International's bid of Rs. 494 crore was the lowest among the contenders.

Financial Bids Overview:

• IRCON International Ltd.: ₹494.00 crore (L1)
• Larsen & Toubro Ltd. (L&T): ₹644.00 crore (L2)
• Ashoka Buildocn Ltd.: ₹698.00 crore (L3)
• Rail Vikas Nigam Ltd. (RVNL): ₹765.00 crore (L4)

The contract, expected to be funded by the Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank (AIIB) through a USD 200 million loan, will cover critical infrastructure, including the installation of a 220 kV receiving substation, cabling work, the 25kV overhead catenary system, and the 33kV auxiliary power distribution system. Additionally, the package will involve the installation of a Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition (SCADA) system, as well as lifts and escalators for various stations and the Kasheli Depot. The contract also includes five years of comprehensive maintenance after a two-year defect liability period.

Although IRCON's bid is 15.42% higher than the MMRDA's estimate, negotiations are expected to take place before the final contract is awarded in the coming months. This marks IRCON’s third significant win for Mumbai Metro projects, having previously secured similar contracts for Line-4 (Package CA-236) and Line-6 (Package CA-233), both of which are currently in the financial bid evaluation phase.

In addition to this, technical evaluation is still underway for Line-5’s Systems Package 1 (CA-241), which covers the supply of rolling stock, CBTC signaling, telecommunication systems, platform screen doors (PSDs), and depot machinery for the Kasheli Depot.

With these key contracts progressing, the anticipated commercial operations of Mumbai’s Orange Line are expected to begin no earlier than the fourth quarter of 2027.

This significant milestone highlights the rapid development of Mumbai’s metro network, which aims to improve connectivity and ease the city's growing transportation demands.