Leena Powertech wins ₹122 crore Electrification Contract for Mumbai Metro Line 7A & 9

Mumbai, India (Metro Rail Today): In a landmark move for Mumbai’s rapidly expanding metro network, Leena Powertech Engineers Pvt. Ltd. has successfully secured the crucial 25 kV AC Overhead Electrification (OHE) contract for the Mumbai Metro’s Red Line extensions, namely Lines 7A and 9. The Mumbai Metropolitan Region Development Authority (MMRDA) confirmed this significant development on Tuesday, marking a pivotal advancement in the electrification of these essential metro lines.

Line 7A and Line 9 are critical extensions of the currently operational Line-7 (Gundavali – Dahisar East), a 16.5 km stretch that serves as a vital artery for numerous commuters. These extensions are designed to improve connectivity and provide efficient transit solutions throughout Mumbai’s bustling metropolis.

Line 7A is an underground extension spanning 3.17 km from Gundavali to the Chhatrapati Shivaji International Airport (CSIA), encompassing key regions such as Airport Colony. Due to its underground construction, this line will primarily utilize rigid OHE (ROCS).

Line 9 is an elevated extension covering 11.38 km from Mira Bhayandar to Dahisar East, employing flexible OHE (FOCS) systems. This northern extension aims to meet the increasing transportation demands of suburban Mumbai, offering a vital link for daily commuters.

The Electrification Contract

MMRDA initiated the tender process for this electrification contract, labeled Package CA-176, in June 2023. The project has a financial projection of Rs. 108.01 crore and a strict completion timeline of 30 months. Technical bids were reviewed in December 2023, with four firms competing for the contract. However, bids from BNC Power Projects Ltd. and Texmaco Rail and Engineering Ltd. were deemed technically non-compliant, narrowing the competition to Leena Powertech Engineers Pvt. Ltd. and Siemens.

Financial Bids and Scope of Work

The financial bids were as follows:

Leena’s bid of Rs. 122.09 crore exceeded MMRDA’s estimated cost of Rs. 108.01 crore by 13.03%. Despite this overestimate, it is anticipated that Leena’s bid will be accepted, potentially after some negotiations to finalize the terms.

The contract includes the design, manufacture, supply, installation, testing, and commissioning of 33 kV and 25 kV cabling work, a complete 25 kV OHE system along with switching stations, a 33 kV auxiliary power distribution system including 33/0.415 kV Auxiliary Substations (ASS), and a complete Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition (SCADA) system for both metro lines 9 and 7A.

Indicative Route Map

The route maps for Lines 7A and 9 illustrate the extensive network these extensions will cover, enhancing connectivity to significant hubs across Mumbai.

This contract marks Leena’s second major electrification project for the Mumbai Metro. Previously, Leena Powertech Engineers Pvt. Ltd. – Cimechel Electric Company JV was responsible for the OHE electrification system of Line-7 (Dahisar East – Gundavali) under Package CA-65. This prior experience highlights Leena’s capability and reliability in managing large-scale electrification projects.

Construction activities for these lines are progressing at full speed. Tunnel Boring Machines (TBMs) Disha and Dhruv are actively working on the tunneling for Line-7A, while the superstructure works for Line-9’s viaduct are advancing swiftly.

In March 2024, Rahee Infratech was awarded the contract for standard gauge ballastless track work for both lines under contract CA-167. Given the current pace of development, the commissioning of both extensions is expected in approximately 2.5 years, potentially opening to the public by early 2027.

The awarding of the electrification contract to Leena Powertech Engineers Pvt. Ltd. signifies a major milestone in the ongoing expansion of Mumbai’s metro network. With their proven track record and competitive bidding, Leena is well-positioned to deliver a robust and efficient electrification system for Lines 7A and 9. This development not only promises to enhance connectivity across Mumbai but also underscores the city’s commitment to improving its public transportation infrastructure