Chennai (Metro Rail News): The Chennai Metro project has advanced as Alstom Transport India, BEML, and Titagarh Rail Systems have submitted bids for Phase 2’s rolling stock package, ARE04A.
Bidding Process
Initial Contract: In November 2021, CMRL issued a tender for the rolling stock contract ARE04A. The goal was to operate 12 trains, each with 3 coaches, on Lines 3 and 5 for 39 years. Only Titagarh Wagons submitted a bid for this contract, but their bid was rejected because it did not meet the contract requirements.
In response to this, the CMRL suspended the tender and decided to switch towards a procurement model.
Later in February 2024, CMRL re-invited the bids for the package ARE04A and Alstom, BEML and Titagarh bid for the contract.
Chennai Metro’s Rolling Stock Package ARE04A
The Chennai Metro’s rolling stock Package ARE04A includes the design, manufacturing and supplying of 32 new train sets for Phase 2.
CMRL’s Brief Scope: Design, Manufacture, Supply, Testing, Commissioning, Training of Personnel and Comprehensive Maintenance Contract for Fifteen (15) years of Standard Gauge Metro Rolling Stock (Electric Multiple Units).
Contract Requirements
As per the tender document, the awarded contractor must deliver the specific no of trains as per the deadline mentioned in the contract.
Train Delivery Schedule | Number of Trains | Delivery Deadline from Commencement Date | Time Period |
Prototype Train | 1 (3-coach) | 630 days | 1.7 years |
Next Batch | 6 trains | 840 days | 2.3 years |
The following Batch | 6 trains | 900 days | 2.5 years |
Third Batch | 6 trains | 960 days | 2.6 years |
Fourth Batch | 6 trains | 1020 days | 2.8 years |
Final Batch | 7 trains | 1090 days | 3 years |
Train Specification
Specification | Details |
Operating Speed | 80 km/h |
Design Speed | 90 km/h |
Train Length (3-coach) | 22,600 mm (22.6 m) |
Train Width | 2,900 mm (2.9 m) |
Passenger Capacity (3-coach train) | 980 passengers |
Chennai Metro Rail Ltd. (CMRL) on standard gauge tracks as 32 train-sets of 3 cars with a configuration: DMC+TC+DMC.
- DMC = Driving Motor Car
- TC = Trailer Car.
The trains will be stabled and maintained either at Madhavaram Depot (lines 3 & 5), Semmancheri Depot (Line 3) or Poonamallee Depot (Line 4). However, CMRL has not decided yet on which Line they are going to operate 32 trains specifically.
The Process Ahead
The bids submitted by Alstom, BEML and Titagarh have now been sent for technical evaluation. After the completion of the technical evaluation, the financial bids will be opened for the technically qualified bidder to reveal the lowest bidder for the contract.