RITES-led JV wins Train Upgradation Contract for Delhi Metro RS1 Project

New Delhi, India (Metro Rail Today): In a significant development for Delhi's public transportation, a joint venture led by RITES Limited, alongwith R2P Asia-Pacific and ACT Fiberglass, has been awarded the contract to retrofit and upgrade 22 train sets from the Delhi Metro's RS-1 rolling stock fleet. This contract focuses on trains operating on the 65.35 km Blue Line, which includes lines 3 and 4.

The train sets involved in this retrofit project are currently stationed at the Blue Line's Najafgarh Depot. Originally built and supplied in 2002 by the MRM Consortium—comprising Mitsubishi Corporation, Hyundai Rotem Company, and Mitsubishi Electric Corporation—these trains were initially designed as four-car units. Over the years, BEML has supplied additional intermediate coaches through two contracts, transforming them into six- and eight-car train sets.

Metro trains typically have a lifespan of 35 to 40 years, meaning these RS-1 units, which have been in operation for over two decades, are now experiencing what can be described as a "midlife crisis." To address this, the Delhi Metro Rail Corporation (DMRC) has planned extensive upgrades.

The upgrade will involve significant enhancements to various components of the train sets, including:

• Interior Overhaul: Saloon and cab interiors will be completely revamped.
• Electrical Systems: Upgrades to electrical panels to improve reliability and performance.
• Safety Features: Installation of CCTV cameras, a fire detection system, and emergency protocols.
• Passenger Amenities: New LCD-based digital route maps and mobile charging facilities will be added to enhance the travel experience.

DMRC initially invited bids for this contract in October 2023, with an estimated budget of ₹102.06 crore and a project completion timeline of three years. Following the opening of technical bids in February 2024, four bids were submitted.

Financial Bid Comparison

The financial bids submitted were as follows:

• RITES – R2P Asia-Pacific – ACT Fiberglass JV: ₹87.57 crore (L1)
• Escorts Kubota – Railway Equipment Division JV: ₹90.62 crore (L2)
• Lalbaba Industrial Corporation – DTI India Holdings JV: ₹98.19 crore (L3)
• Autometers Alliance – DTL Group JV: ₹134.98 crore (L4)

The winning bid from the RITES-led JV, at ₹87.57 crore, was significantly below DMRC's budget estimate, which is expected to expedite the contract award process.

According to RITES' announcement to the Bombay Stock Exchange (BSE), the company holds a 49% stake in the joint venture, which translates to an approximate share value of ₹42.91 crore, inclusive of GST. Once finalized, this will mark DMRC’s second major retrofit contract, following the award of a ₹46.62 crore contract to the Escorts – Naledi Rail Engineering JV in September 2022 for ten other train sets from the same RS-1 fleet.

The upgrades to the RS-1 rolling stock are expected to enhance the overall efficiency and safety of the Delhi Metro, thereby improving the daily commute for millions of passengers in the capital. With the contract set to be awarded shortly, the modernization of these vital train sets is on the horizon, promising a smoother and more reliable travel experience for users of the Blue Line.