CMRL Invites Bids for Chennai Metro Phase 2’s Rolling Stock

Chennai Metro Rail Ltd. (CMRL) on Saturday invited tenders (bids) to procure train-sets (rolling stock) for use on Chennai Metro’s 118.9 km Phase 2 project which will feature 3 new metro lines, 127 stations and 2 train maintenance depots.

ARE03 is the first system package of Phase 2 and the tender documents specifying the trainsets’ exact requirements will go live on the procurement portal on December 26.

The exact number of coaches to be procured has not been specified in the basic 1-pager online or newspaper (below) notices, but CMRL in the past has revealed they are looking procure 288 coaches and wet-lease 126 coaches to run services on the project’s 3 corridors.

Newspaper notice shared by a follower

Unlike Phase 1 where CMRL procured 4-coach Alstom Metropolis trains, CMRL plans to procure and run 3-coach trains expandable to 6-coaches in the future. All trains will most likely be capable of being operated “driverless” on the unattended train operations (UTO) mode.

Package: Phase – II / ARE03

Brief Scope: Design, manufacture, supply, testing, commissioning of standard gauge metro rolling stock (electrical multiple units) and training of personnel for Chennai Metro Project Phase II

  • Duration of Contract: 1340 days + 730 days (DNP)
  • Pre-Bid Meeting: January 21, 2021
  • Bid Submission End Date: March 24, 2021 at 13:00 hrs
  • Technical Bid Opening Date: March 25, 2021 at 15:00 hrs
One of Alstom’s 52 Metropolis train-sets on Chennai’s Phase 1 lines – Photo Copyright: Indian Express

The financier of the rolling stock and other systems’ procurement is unknown, but it could possibly be either Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) or the Asian Development Bank (ADB) which, besides a part of Line-3, is also evaluating a proposal to finance Line-4’s 10 km underground section through a combined $780 million (approx. Rs. 5890 crore) loan.

I’ll update the post if the bid documents, which go live on December 26, contain any further information on specifications, dimensions and funding.

December 23 Update: Bid documents are now live. This tender is only for the 26.1 km Line-4’s coaches. CMRL is looking to procure 78 cars (26 trainsets of 3-car configuration) and will run them in a DMC+TC+DMC configuration with 67% propulsion. Also confirms train-sets must support Grade of Automation level-4 for “driverless” Unattended Train Operations (UTO)

A list of all Chennai Metro Phase 2 tenders (civil, systems) and their status can be viewed here.

For more updates, check out the Chennai section of The Metro Rail Guy!

– TMRG

written by

Global traveler who prefers mass rapid transit

14 Responses to "CMRL Invites Bids for Chennai Metro Phase 2’s Rolling Stock"

  1. Ayush Kumar says:

    CMRL phase 2 will have GoA4, UTO operations?

    Reply
  2. Kanishka says:

    Hi,

    Any update on the merger of IR-operated MRTS with Chennai Metro?

    Reply
  3. Rajesh says:

    When will you start the land acquasation from madhavaram

    Reply
  4. Suresh says:

    Hopes ICF, Chennai gets the order this time..

    Reply
  5. Jagan Sivalingam says:

    Why Chennai metro is opting for three car coaches instead of four car coaches for phase 2 operation ???

    Reply
    • TMRG says:

      Perhaps by looking at ridership figures of Phase 1 lines? With advanced signaling 3-coach trains these days can provide a similar or higher throughput by safely allowing high frequencies.

      Reply
  6. Ravi says:

    Hi TMRG,
    When the Power Supply & Track work packages are expected for Chennai Metro Phase-2?

    Reply
  7. AC says:

    What is the main difference between 78 cars and 210 cars, why they are invited seperately?

    Reply

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