Tender floated for Signalling and Telecom Systems for Mumbai-Ahmedabad Bullet Train Project

New Delhi, India (Metro Rail Today): National High Speed Rail Corporation Ltd. (NHSRCL) has taken a significant step forward in the development of the Mumbai-Ahmedabad High-Speed Rail (MAHSR) project by inviting bids for the critical signalling and telecommunication (S&T) system for the 508.17 km rail corridor. This comes as part of the long-awaited S-1 package for the groundbreaking bullet train project, which is slated to cost an estimated ₹1.1 lakh crore (around US $15 billion) and will connect two of India’s major cities, Mumbai and Ahmedabad.

The scope of the S-1 package includes end-to-end design, installation, and commissioning of the high-speed rail line’s signalling and telecommunications infrastructure. This is a crucial step in advancing India’s ambitious plans to launch its first high-speed rail line, designed to revolutionize connectivity and travel times between the two cities, which will include 12 stations along its route.

Originally planned under Package EW-2, the S-1 tender was delayed, likely due to ongoing issues with finalizing the rolling stock contract. The latest tender notice, however, provides limited details, highlighting the need for potential bidders to sign a non-disclosure agreement (NDA) to gain access to more specific information. The prequalification requirement for the tender underscores the importance of confidentiality in securing the system's technological specifications.

As per NHSRCL’s April 2024 brochure, the MAHSR line will incorporate advanced Digital Shinkansen – Automatic Train Control (DS-ATC) technology. This system features a specialized braking mechanism to enhance safety, preventing collisions and overrun incidents at stations. Additionally, the project is expected to employ the European Train Control System (ETCS) Level 2 signaling, already in use on India’s 82.15 km Delhi-Meerut RRTS Line.

The S-1 package’s completion deadline is set for seven years from the contract award, with key milestones including a pre-bid meeting scheduled for February 18, 2025, and tender submissions due by March 26, 2025. The opening of the bids will take place the following day, on March 27, 2025.

Key information

• Scope of Work: Design, Manufacture, Supply, Installation, Over all Integration, Testing Commissioning, and Comprehensive Maintenance, of Signalling & Train Control System, Telecommunication System, and Operation Control Center System on Mumbai Ahmedabad High-Speed Rail Project, India.
• Work Completion Deadline: 2555 days
• Pre-bid Meeting: February 18, 2025 at 11 am
• Date & Time of Submission of Tender: March 26, 2025 at 3.00 pm
• Date & Time of Opening of Tender: March 27, 2025 at 3:30 pm

As civil construction progresses steadily in Gujarat and Maharashtra, the S&T systems procurement remains a point of delay. One key area still unresolved is the selection of the supplier for the high-speed trains, with contenders like Hitachi and Kawasaki Heavy Industries in the running. However, it has been confirmed that BEML is already working on two prototype 8-coach train sets capable of reaching speeds of 250 km/h.

While delays continue to hamper some aspects of the project, the recent move to invite bids for the S&T system signals a step forward in bringing the MAHSR project closer to its long-anticipated launch.