Three firms bid for Track Work Contract T-1 of Mumbai–Ahmedabad Bullet Train Project

New Delhi, India (Metro Rail Today): The Mumbai–Ahmedabad High-Speed Rail (MAHSR) project has reached another milestone as three major infrastructure firms submitted bids this week for Package T-1, the final and crucial track installation contract covering the Maharashtra segment of the 508.17-kilometre high-speed corridor.

The National High Speed Rail Corporation Limited (NHSRCL) opened technical bids on Wednesday, revealing three contenders for the contract. These include a joint venture of DRA Infracon and Delhi Metro Rail Corporation (DMRC), a second joint venture formed by KEC International and Rahee Infratech, and a standalone bid from infrastructure giant Larsen & Toubro Ltd. (L&T).

• Joint Venture of DRA Infracon and Delhi Metro Rail Corporation (DMRC)
• Joint Venture of KEC International and Rahee Infratech
•  Larsen & Toubro Ltd. (L&T)

Package T-1 is significant as it spans approximately 156.86 kilometres across Maharashtra, covering three major civil segments of the bullet train corridor. These include Package C-1, a 1.028-kilometre underground section that houses the Bandra-Kurla Complex (BKC) High-Speed Rail Station, which is currently under construction by the MEIL–HCC joint venture. Package C-2 consists of a 20.377-kilometre underground tunnel being built by Afcons Infrastructure, while Package C-3 features a 135.45-kilometre elevated viaduct that includes three stations, currently under development by L&T.

The scope of Package T-1 involves the complete design, supply, construction, testing, and commissioning of track infrastructure between Mumbai’s BKC station (Km -0.255) and Zaroli Village (Km 156.600), which sits on the Maharashtra–Gujarat border. NHSRCL invited bids for this work in October 2024 with a contract period of 2,157 days, or approximately 5.9 years, though the estimated project value remains undisclosed at this stage.

In keeping with international high-speed rail standards, the MAHSR project will utilize the Japanese J-Slab track system rather than conventional ballasted tracks typically used in Indian railways. This advanced system offers improved stability, reduced maintenance, and long-term cost efficiency for trains running at speeds above 300 km/h. NHSRCL has also previously released educational materials showcasing the design and operational advantages of the J-Slab system, which is central to India’s vision of future-ready transport infrastructure.

With the submission of bids for Package T-1, all three major track packages for the Mumbai–Ahmedabad bullet train are now in progress. Track installation for Package T-2, which covers the 237.10-kilometre stretch between Zaroli and Vadodara in Gujarat, is currently underway by IRCON International. Simultaneously, Larsen & Toubro is progressing on Package T-3, covering the final 114.60 kilometres from Vadodara to the Sabarmati Depot and maintenance workshops.

In support of these efforts, L&T established a High-Speed Rail Track Slab Manufacturing Facility (TSMF) in Anand, Gujarat, in October 2023. This specialized facility is expected to play a critical role in the domestic manufacturing of precision-engineered slab tracks required for India's bullet train ambitions.

Looking ahead, the bids for Package T-1 will now undergo a detailed technical evaluation, a process expected to take several months. Once completed, the financial bids of technically qualified bidders will be opened to determine the lowest and most competitive offer. The successful bidder will then be awarded the contract for executing the final stretch of track works within Maharashtra, marking a key step toward the completion of India’s first high-speed rail line.