Mumbai’s suburban railway network, the city’s lifeline that ferries over seven million commuters daily, is set for its most ambitious modernisation drive with the launch of a mega rolling stock tender. The Mumbai Railway Vikas Corporation (MRVC) has invited bids worth ₹21,000 crore for the procurement and long-term maintenance of 2,856 air-conditioned Vande Metro coaches, a move expected to transform urban mobility and passenger experience in the city.
According to tender documents, the new coaches will be supplied in 12-car, 15-car, and 18-car formations to match route requirements and operational feasibility. These rakes will be fully air-conditioned, aiming to significantly raise travel comfort, improve safety standards, and enhance capacity on Mumbai’s high-density suburban network. Officials confirmed that the procurement package includes not only the supply of trains but also a 35-year comprehensive maintenance contract. The supply period for the rakes has been set at 90 months, with the first prototype expected to be rolled out within two years of contract award. Two new depots will also be developed for maintenance, along with upgrading existing car sheds to handle the sophisticated Vande Metro fleet.
The tender process will formally open on 8 December 2025, and bids will be evaluated on 22 December 2025. The tender number MRVC/G/IIIA/RS/101/R1 has been assigned, with an earnest money deposit of ₹50 crore specified for bidders. Industry experts note that this procurement exercise is among the largest single rolling stock contracts floated in India. Beyond sheer scale, it also carries a strong sustainability mandate. The rakes are expected to reduce the city’s dependence on outdated, energy-inefficient stock and align suburban operations with net-zero urban mobility goals. Modern trains, officials added, will improve operational efficiency by consuming less energy, providing regenerative braking, and offering climate-resilient interiors suited for Mumbai’s humid conditions.
The project is being implemented under the Mumbai Urban Transport Project (MUTP-III and MUTP-3A), with the new rakes to play a central role in easing overcrowding. Experts emphasised that seamless, reliable and comfortable suburban rail is not just a transport upgrade but also an equity measure—ensuring that the working population, regardless of gender, occupation or income level, has access to safe and sustainable travel. Another highlight is the commitment to the government’s Make in India initiative. A senior MRVC official confirmed that domestic manufacturing and technology integration will be prioritised to build industrial capacity within the country while reducing dependence on imports.
With this tender, Mumbai positions itself at the forefront of modern suburban rail, one that aligns with global sustainability targets and local commuter needs. While challenges of execution, funding, and timely delivery remain, the vision is clear—a cleaner, greener, and more equitable suburban travel system for the financial capital of India.
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