Malaysia-based SMH Rail to supply 40 coaches for Mumbai Monorail

Mumbai, India (Metro Rail Today): The Mumbai Metropolitan Region Development Authority (MMRDA) has awarded a Rolling Stock contract worth Rs 590 crores to the consortium comprising Medha Servo Drives Private Limited and SMH Rail Bhd for the procurement of 40 coaches (10 trainsets) for Mumbai Monorail.

The scope of work includes the Design, Manufacture, Supply, Testing and Commissioning of 10 Nos. of Monorail Train Sets Of 4 Cars each and Training of Personnel for the Mumbai Monorail Project. The supplier has to fulfill the sourcing of 50% local content to align with the government’s Make in India policy.

The tender notice was re-issued by MMRDA for this Rolling Stock procurement package (MONORS3) in August 2020 with an estimate of Rs 546 crore and a completion deadline of 130 weeks. A total of three bidders namely Bharat Heavy Electricals Limited (BHEL), Titagarh Wagons Limited and Medha Servo Drives Private Limited (in JV with SMH Rail Bhd) were submitted their bids.

The procurement of additional coaches will help MMRDA to improve the frequency of Monorail service and increase ridership by allowing the possibility of reducing intervals to low as 5 minutes between each train.

The Mumbai Monorail project demonstrates the successful implementation of ICP that provides leverage for SMH Rail to expand its capability for export by offering a level playing field in the rapidly growing global rail transport market," said Datuk PK Nara, Chairman & Managing Director, SMH Rail Bhd.

"We are committed towards building innovative solutions for the global rail industry and are pleased to offer our expertise towards developing new cars for the Mumbai Monorailalongside our partner Medha Servo Drives," he said.

"With over 20 years of industry experience, we are focused on continuously delivering solutions for our global railway partners to ensure commuters in Mumbai can enjoy a more comfortable and faster travel experience," he further added.

Mumbai Monorail currently operates on a 19.54 km line and connects Jacob Circle in South Mumbai with Chembur in eastern Mumbai.