Mumbai Metro’s expansion has gained further traction with the Mumbai Metropolitan Region Development Authority (MMRDA) awarding a ₹79.4-crore contract to an international firm for supplying high-grade rails for upcoming metro corridors. The supply deal marks a critical phase in the city’s effort to expand sustainable public transport and reduce dependence on fossil fuel-based mobility.
The Letter of Acceptance (LoA) was issued after a detailed tendering process that began in early 2025. The scope of the contract includes supplying 6,900 metric tonnes of UIC 60E1 1080 Grade Head Hardened (HH) rails in accordance with the latest Indian Railways standards. The delivery and installation period has been fixed at 240 days, reflecting MMRDA’s intent to fast-track ongoing metro construction and ensure smoother project timelines. The bid process saw participation from two major companies. Following technical evaluation in February, one bidder was disqualified, leaving only one technically compliant proposal. Financial bids were then opened in November, with the selected supplier emerging as the lowest and most competitive bidder at ₹79.4 crore, compared to the rival’s ₹91.1 crore offer.
Officials familiar with the process said the contract is expected to bolster the quality and longevity of metro rail tracks across new corridors. “Head-hardened rails are designed for high durability and reduced maintenance, particularly suitable for heavy metro traffic in densely populated urban regions like Mumbai,” an official explained. The rails will be used in several key metro lines currently under construction, forming part of Mumbai’s expanding rapid transit network. With multiple corridors nearing completion, MMRDA’s focus remains on creating an interconnected, high-capacity public transport grid to ease congestion and reduce emissions. Urban transport experts highlight that the supply of advanced, durable rails represents more than just an engineering upgrade — it reflects the city’s long-term commitment to sustainability. “Investing in durable materials ensures lower lifecycle costs and minimal environmental impact from maintenance and replacements. This is integral to building a low-carbon transport system,” said a mobility planner.
The ₹79.4-crore deal is part of a series of procurement and civil contracts being rolled out to ensure that Mumbai’s metro expansion — one of India’s most ambitious urban mobility programmes — stays on schedule. Once operational, the expanded network is expected to significantly cut private vehicle use, improve air quality, and offer faster, reliable, and energy-efficient mobility to millions of commuters. With this contract, MMRDA reinforces its push toward completing multiple metro lines in the coming years, advancing Mumbai’s transition toward a sustainable, multi-modal urban future.
Also Read: Mumbai Begins Eastern Freeway Extension To Cut Travel Time To 30 Minutes
