Mumbai Railway Vikas Corporation Limited (MRVC) has issued a tender for 2,856 air-conditioned Vande Metro suburban cars under MUTP-3 and 3A. The project involves design, supply, and 35-year maintenance with new depots at Bhivpuri and Vangaon. Strict eligibility criteria mandate Class-I local suppliers, SPV formation, and conflict-free participation.
Introduction:
The Mumbai Railway Vikas Corporation Limited (MRVC) has invited bids for the Procurement cum Maintenance of 2,856 Vande Metro Cars in 12, 15, and 18-car configurations. Beyond procurement, the project includes comprehensive 35-year maintenance and creation of new depots, making it one of the most ambitious suburban rail tenders in India’s history.
| Tender Reference Number | MRVC/G/IIIA/RS/101/R1 |
| Bid Security | Rs. 50 crores |
| Contract Period |
|
| Document Download/Sale Start Date | 06-09-2025 |
| Bid Submission Start Date | 08-12-2025. |
| Bid Submission End Date | 22-12-2025 |
| Pre Bid Meeting Date | 10-11-2025 |
| Bid Opening Date | 22-12-2025 |
Scope of Work:
- Rolling Stock Supply:
- Design, development, manufacture, supply, testing, and commissioning of 2,856 Vande Metro suburban cars.
- Rakes to be air-conditioned and conforming to broad gauge standards.
- New Maintenance Depots:
- Two depots at Bhivpuri (Central Railway) and Vangaon (Western Railway).
- Equipped for heavy repairs, overhauls, and regular maintenance over a 35-year lifecycle.
- Upgradation of Existing Carsheds:
- Carsheds at Mumbai Central, Kandivali, Virar, Kurla, Kalva, and Sanpada to be modernized.
- Equipped with specialized machinery, tools, and testing systems for minor and unscheduled maintenance.
- Comprehensive Maintenance:
- All supplied rakes to be maintained for their codal life of 35 years.
- Maintenance to adhere to global best practices and contractual standards.
- Training Infrastructure:
- Motion-based driving simulators and training centers at each new depot.
- Lodging capacity for at least 50 operating and maintenance personnel at a time.
Eligibility Criteria:
- Local Suppliers Only:
- Participation restricted to Class-I Local Suppliers under the Make in India policy.
- Entity Structure:
- Bidders may be single entities, partnerships, or consortiums/joint ventures.
- A bidder cannot be part of more than one consortium.
- SPV Requirement:
- The selected bidder must form a Special Purpose Vehicle (SPV) under the Companies Act, 2013 within 30 days of the Letter of Award (LoA).
- This SPV will serve as the technology partner for project execution.
- Guarantee Obligation:
- Selected bidders must furnish an unconditional, irrevocable guarantee within 30 days of LoA to confirm compliance with contractual obligations.
- Conflict of Interest Clause:
- Bidders with overlapping ownership, advisory roles, subsidies, or legal representation with competitors are disqualified.
- Any breach leads to forfeiture of bid security.
- Technology Restrictions:
- Bidders relying on third-party propulsion technology must meet stringent conditions.
- If technology was acquired within 10 years, proof of no intellectual property claims from the original owner is mandatory.
- Financial and Technical Strength:
- Bidders (or lead members of consortiums) must demonstrate strong financial standing and technical experience, particularly in propulsion systems.
Project Timelines:
- Rolling Stock Delivery: 90 months (7.5 years).
- Depots and Shed Upgradation: 42 months from appointment date or 30 months from land handover.
- Maintenance Period: 35 years.
Strategic Significance:
The combination of strict eligibility norms and a wide-ranging scope ensures only capable and credible entities participate. The project not only strengthens Mumbai’s suburban network but also aligns with India’s localization goals, skill development, and infrastructure modernization under MUTP-3 and MUTP-3A.
Conclusion:
MRVC’s tender for 2,856 Vande Metro cars is a game-changer, combining procurement, depot development, and 35-year lifecycle maintenance. With strict eligibility criteria favoring local suppliers, conflict-free participation, and SPV-based execution, the project ensures transparency and quality delivery. It will significantly modernize Mumbai’s suburban rail ecosystem for decades ahead.
Source: MRVC – Tender Update | Image Credit (representational): MoR
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