Bhubaneswar Metro: DMRC Invites Bids to Procure 39 Rolling Stock for Line 1

Bhubaneswar (Metro Rail News): On 18 July, Delhi Metro Rail Corporation (DMRC) floated the tender for the procurement of 39 standard gauge coaches for Bhubaneswar Metro’s  26.024 km long  Phase 1 project within Package BRS1.

The Bhubaneswar Metro project will enhance urban mobility by introducing 39 metro coaches. These coaches will be organised into 13 train sets, each comprising three coaches configured as DMC (Driving Motor Car) + TC (Trailer Car) + DMC (Driving Motor Car).  These 13 trainsets will operate on Line 1 of the Bhubaneswar Metro, which connects Biju Patnaik Airport and Trisulia Square through 20 stations. Each trainset will feature 3 coaches.

Traction for Rolling Stock

The metro trains operating in Bhubaneswar will utilise the Third Rail System to get electrical supply. The Phulapokhri Depot, which is currently under construction, will manage the trains for the Bhubaneswar Metro Phase 1 project.

Features of Bhubaneswar Metro

According to the DMRC’s guidelines, the 3-coach trains will be designed to accommodate 972 passengers. The new coaches will be constructed from stainless steel, ensuring they remain lightweight. Additionally, the trainsets will be compatible with Automatic Train Protection (ATP), Automatic Train Control (ATC), and Automatic Train Operation (ATO) modes.

Key Points about the Contract

1. Estimated Cost: Rs. 509.68 crore
2. Deadline: 154 weeks
3. Pre-Bid Meeting Date: 2 August, 2024
4. Bid Submission Deadline: 29 August, 2024

The delivery schedule for the train sets is outlined as follows:

• The prototype train set must be delivered to Phulapokhari Depot within 102 weeks (2 years) from the commencement date specified in the contract.
• The next batch of 4 train sets is required to be delivered within 137 weeks from the commencement date.
• An additional 4 train sets should be delivered within 145 weeks from the commencement date.
• The final set of 4 train sets must be delivered within 154 weeks from the commencement date.

The notice specifies that Bhubaneswar Metro’s trains must adhere to Grade of Automation-2 (GoA2) standards. This level of automation is one step below driverless operations (GoA3) and two steps below unattended train operations (GoA4).

Aligning with the “Make In India” Initiative

To ensure that this contract aligns with the Aatmannirbhar Bharat (Make In India) initiative, DMRC included a clause stating that a maximum of 9 coaches (3 trains) can be manufactured outside of India. The remaining coaches must be manufactured within India. To comply with these bid conditions, the contractor must establish manufacturing facilities locally, either independently or in partnership with an Indian company.