MRVC floats ₹21,000 crore Tender for 2,856 Vande Metro Suburban Coaches for Mumbai Region

Mumbai, India (Metro Rail Today): In a massive infrastructure push aimed at revolutionizing Mumbai’s suburban rail network, the Mumbai Railway Vikas Corporation (MRVC) has floated a ₹21,000 crore global tender for the procurement and maintenance of 2,856 Vande Metro coaches. This procurement is part of the broader Mumbai Urban Transport Project (MUTP) Phase III and IIIA, designed to enhance commuter capacity, safety, and comfort across one of the world’s busiest suburban rail systems.

The tender marks a pivotal shift in the modernization of the Mumbai suburban railway, as it transitions from traditional EMUs (Electric Multiple Units) to modern, high-capacity, energy-efficient Vande Metro rakes, which will be manufactured under the ‘Make in India’ initiative.

Tender Scope and Project Details

The contract includes:

• Design, manufacture, supply, and commissioning of 2,856 stainless steel AC coaches

• Long-term maintenance of these coaches for 35 years

• Integration of coaches into both existing and future infrastructure developed under MUTP-III and IIIA

The new rakes are expected to provide:

• Improved acceleration and braking systems

• Modern interiors with automatic doors

• Advanced passenger information systems

• Enhanced safety features

The project is a joint initiative of MRVC, Indian Railways, and the Government of Maharashtra, with funding support from multilateral institutions such as the Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank (AIIB).

Mrs. Mamta Shah, MD & CEO of Urban Infra Group, commented on the development, “The MRVC tender is a transformational step for Mumbai’s lifeline—the suburban rail network. Transitioning to Vande Metro-class coaches will dramatically elevate the commuter experience, improve punctuality, and position Mumbai as a global model for high-capacity, sustainable urban transit.”

Meeting Future Demand with Vande Metro Technology

Mumbai's suburban railway currently caters to over 7.5 million daily commuters, making it one of the most congested and high-density transit systems globally. The introduction of Vande Metro rakes, with modern propulsion and reduced maintenance needs, is expected to:

• Increase passenger capacity per rake

• Reduce turnaround time and delays

• Improve energy efficiency and lower carbon footprint

• Minimize wear-and-tear-related service disruptions

These new trains will also complement other infrastructure upgrades underway across the city, including quadrupling of lines, new terminals, and digital signalling systems.

The ₹21,000 crore initiative reflects Indian Railways’ vision to modernize suburban networks in megacities through next-generation rolling stock. This is especially significant for Mumbai, where rail transport accounts for over 75% of daily commuter traffic.

With this procurement, MRVC aims to transform Mumbai’s rail ecosystem into a world-class urban mobility system—safe, comfortable, and efficient for the future.