RVNL floats ₹900.75 Crore Tender for Kolkata Metro Rakes, Traction and CBTC Integration

Kolkata, India (Metro Rail Today): In a significant push towards expanding and modernizing Kolkata’s urban rail network, Rail Vikas Nigam Limited (RVNL) has floated a major tender worth ₹900.75 crore for the design, manufacture, supply, testing, and commissioning of metro rolling stock and traction systems. The contract also includes CBTC (Communication-Based Train Control) integration for two critical corridors of the Kolkata Metro.

According to the tender notice No. RVNL-KOL-M-RAKE-1, the scope of work covers 750V DC Traction, broad-gauge 8-car metro rakes (totaling 80 coaches), and advanced CBTC integration for the under-construction Joka–Esplanade and Kavi Subhash–Biman Bandar corridors.

The tender follows a two-packet system and is open to joint ventures (up to two members), though consortium bidding is not permitted. The project duration is estimated at 30 months, and the bidding process is scheduled to close on November 4, 2025, at 11:00 AM.

Key Dates and Details:

• Tender Upload Date: August 15, 2025

• Pre-Bid Conference: September 18, 2025

• Bidding Start Date: October 29, 2025

• Tender Closing Date: November 4, 2025

• EMD: ₹18.02 crore

• Contract Type: Works – General

• Ranking Method: Least Cost (L1)

The Joka–Esplanade line and Kavi Subhash–Biman Bandar corridor are vital parts of Kolkata Metro’s next phase of development. Integration with CBTC will allow high-frequency, driverless-capable operations, bringing Kolkata’s system in line with international best practices in urban transit.

The tender invites bidders to deliver a technically and operationally integrated solution, and the winning contractor will play a crucial role in shaping the city’s future mobility landscape. Once implemented, the new rakes and systems are expected to significantly reduce travel time, improve passenger comfort, and support sustainable urban growth in the Kolkata Metropolitan Region.