Two global consortia bid for India’s 350 kmph High-Speed Rail Design consultancy contract

New Delhi, India (Rail & Metro Today): The National High Speed Rail Corporation Limited (NHSRCL) has completed the technical bid opening for consultancy services to develop civil structure designs for future high-speed rail corridors under the Bharat High-Speed Rail Programme. The assignment covers civil structures designed for a speed of 350 km/h, with a stipulated completion period of 2,196 days, or approximately six years.

Two international consortiums have qualified in the technical bidding process, bringing together engineering and infrastructure consultancy firms from France, South Korea, Spain, Japan and India.

The tender is identified by reference number NHSRCL/CO/CA/DDC-CIVIL/2026/12, with Tender ID 2026_NHSRC_281756_1. The technical bid opening has been completed in New Delhi.

Two International Consortiums Qualify

The first qualified bidder is the SYSTRA–DOHWA–SMCIPL Consortium, comprising SYSTRA of France, DOHWA of South Korea and SMC Infrastructure Pvt. Ltd. (SMCIPL) of India.

The second qualified bidder is the Técnica y Proyectos, S.A. (TYPSA) Joint Venture, comprising TYPSA of Spain, Nippon Koei Co. Ltd. of Japan and Nippon Koei India Pvt. Ltd.

The participation of these two consortiums brings together international and Indian engineering expertise for the planned civil structures design consultancy. The technical evaluation stage is an important step in the procurement process before subsequent tender stages and the final contract award.

Focus on Civil Structures for 350 km/h High-Speed Rail

The consultancy assignment involves developing civil structure designs to support high-speed railway corridors with a design speed of 350 km/h. Civil structures form a critical part of high-speed rail infrastructure, requiring detailed engineering to meet demanding requirements related to structural performance, alignment and high-speed operations.

The consultancy will support NHSRCL's broader preparations for future bullet train corridors under the Bharat High-Speed Rail Programme. The contract's six-year duration reflects the long-term nature of the design consultancy assignment.

International Expertise for India's Bullet Train Programme

India's high-speed rail development requires specialised engineering capabilities across civil infrastructure, structural design and railway systems. The participation of consortiums combining international consultancies with Indian firms reflects the collaborative approach being taken for these technical assignments.

With the technical bid opening completed, the procurement process has reached an important milestone. Further progress will depend on the subsequent evaluation and award procedures under the tender.

The appointment of the successful consultant will support the development of civil structure designs for future high-speed rail corridors, contributing to the technical groundwork for India's expanding bullet train programme.