India: The Mumbai suburban rail operator MRVC has relaunched the tender for the contract, valued at INR 210 bln ($2.4 bln), covering 2,856 cars.
The new Vande Metro differs from the now well-established Vande Bharat trains in several respects: maximum speed of 130 km/h, formation options of 12, 15 or 18 cars, and wider aisle to increase seating capacity per car.
The successful bidder will be responsible for maintenance for 35 years, as well as the construction of two new depots. Following contract signature, a prototype must be delivered within two years, with the entire fleet to be supplied over 7.5 years.
This tender was originally announced in summer 2023, then valued at INR 446.4 bln ($5 bln), with a five-year delivery schedule. Other terms remain unchanged. The first Vande Metro has already been in operation in India for a year, produced at Indian Railways’ RCF facility in Kapurthala.
