SYSTRA India emerges as lowest bidder for Thane Metro Design Consultancy Contract

Thane, India (Rail & Metro Today): Systra MVA Consulting (India) Private Limited has emerged as the lowest bidder (L1) for a design consultancy package covering the architectural and ventilation systems of underground stations on the Thane Metro project in Maharashtra. The company quoted ₹6.63 crore against the estimated cost of ₹4.93 crore, placing its bid approximately 34.5% above the estimate.

Maharashtra Metro Rail Corporation Limited (Maha Metro) opened the financial bids on 15 October 2026. Two bidders participated in the financial bidding, and the contract award remains pending final evaluation.

Systra MVA Consulting submitted the lowest financial bid of ₹6.63 crore. Tandon Consultants Private Limited ranked second, quoting ₹9.90 crore, approximately 49.3% higher than SYSTRA’s bid.

The difference between the two offers is ₹3.27 crore. Although SYSTRA currently holds the L1 position, the final outcome will depend on Maha Metro’s evaluation and applicable procurement procedures.

The tender was published on 6 August 2026, and bids closed on 19 August 2026. The financial bids were opened nearly two months later, on 15 October.

The consultancy package covers detailed design services for architectural and ventilation systems at Thane Metro’s underground stations. These systems are essential to station functionality, passenger comfort, safety and operational efficiency.

Ventilation design is particularly important in underground metro infrastructure, where air circulation, temperature control and smoke management must be carefully integrated with station architecture and other building services. Effective coordination during the design stage can also help reduce construction interfaces and support smoother project delivery.

The appointment of a specialised design consultant will therefore be an important step in advancing the relevant station infrastructure, subject to the contract award and project implementation schedule.

The key feature of the tender is that the lowest bid exceeds Maha Metro’s estimated cost by approximately 34.5%. While the L1 position identifies the lowest financial offer among the participating bidders, it does not establish whether the quoted amount will ultimately be accepted.

The difference between the estimate and the lowest bid may require examination during the authority’s financial and technical review. The available bid information does not establish the reasons for the higher quotation, and no conclusion can yet be drawn about the final contract value.

SYSTRA’s L1 status is provisional until Maha Metro completes the final evaluation and issues the formal award, if approved. The tender will be closely watched for the final decision, particularly given the limited number of bidders and the gap between the lowest offer and the estimated cost.