EOI Invited to Supply 50 Coaches for Nashik Metro Neo

Maharashtra Metro Rail Corporation Limited (Maha Metro) earlier this week invited Expression of Interest (EOI) applications from electric trolley bus manufacturers to supply 50 coaches for the 32 km Nashik Metro Neo project.

Metro Neo is a low-cost electric trolleybus-based transit system aimed to built in cities with a population of less than 10 lakh (tier-3) and suburbs of bigger cities. Rubber-tyred articulated electric buses will run by drawing power from an overhead electrical (OHE) system.

  • Date of Pre-EOI Meeting: 20.04.2021 at 11:00 Hrs
  • Submission Deadline: 05.05.2021 at 16.00 Hrs
  • Date & Time of Opening of EOIs: 05.05.2021

Tender Notice: NS1-RS-02/2021

Scope: Expression of Interest for Design, Manufacture, Supply, Testing, Commissioning of Tyre Based Electric Bus Running on OHE at Nashik for Maharashtra Metro Rail Corporation Ltd.

MahaMetro wants the coaches to be of modern design, lightweight, be made of stainless steel / aluminium with regenerative braking, and operate on 750V DC flexible Overhead Catenary System (OCS).

They also require minimum 75% of the coaches to be manufactured indigenously per MoHUA’s directives to promote the ‘Make in India’ or AatmaNirbharBharat campaign.

Source: MoHUA – view system specifications issued in November 2020.

Nashik Metro Neo’s Detailed Project Report (DPR) with 2 corridors was prepared by RITES and approved by Maharashtra’s cabinet in August 2019. MahaMetro is looking to operate 36 coaches on Line-1 and 14 coaches on Line-2.

  • Line-1: Gangapur – Nashik Road Railway Station (22 km, 20 stations)
  • Line-2: Gangapur – Mumbai Naka (10 km, 10 stations)
Source: MoHUA – view project information & Google-based map

On Wednesday, the Ministry of Finance’s Public Investment Board (PIB) had recommended this Rs. 2100 crore project for approval by the Central Government’s cabinet.

The following table is best viewed on a desktop device. If on mobile, swipe to see Corridor 2’s specs.

Design Data of Trolley Buses

ParametersCorridor 1Corridor 2
Number of coaches3614
Maximum Design Speed70 kmph70 kmph
Maximum Acceleration1.3 m/s^21.3 m/s^2
LengthMore than 20mMore than 15m
Width2.55 m2.55 m
Height3.5m approx3.5m approx
Coach BodyAluminium/Stainless SteelAluminium/Stainless Steel
Axle loadAround 10 TonneAround 10 Tonne
Carrying Capacity250 Persons200 Persons
ArticulationDouble Articulated vehicleSingle Articulated vehicle
Traction System750 V DC
Braking SystemElectrodynamic Regenerative BrakeService or station brakesEmergency brakeParking brake
Auxiliary Power UnitBatteries or/and ultra capacitors
Energy Management SystemLighting, heating, air conditioning, ventilation, actuators, Wi‐Fi, and passenger information systems etc
Interior LayoutMore number of standing Area, swift evacuation of the passenger in short dwell period.
DoorDoors of adequate width shall be provided. All the doors shall be equipped with handles, Press buttons shall be provided which will allow the passengers to open and close individual doors from both inside and outside when halting at stops.
Drivers Compartment1. The driver’s compartment shall separate the driver from the passengers thus protecting him from disturbing influences. The driver’s compartment shall be designed keeping in view the driver’s comfort and safety. The driver’s seat shall be designed to meet the latest ergonomic requirements.
2. The instrument panel in the driver’s compartment shall consist several indications which will help the driver to know about the status of he vehicle. The indications may include speed of the vehicle, status of batteries, voltage of overhead contact system etc.
Passenger Safety Features1. CCTV camera on board
2. PA-PIS System
3. Emergency evacuation system
4. Fire and smoke detectors
5. Fire retardant design
6. Signage for passenger safety and information
Selection of technology1. Passenger comfort & safety
2. Proven equipment with high reliability
3. Energy efficiency
4. Light weight equipment and coach body
5. High rate of acceleration and deceleration
6. Optimized scheduled speed
7. Flexibility to meet increase in traffic demand
8. Aesthetically pleasing Interior and Exterior
9 .Low Life cycle cost
10. Adequate HVAC

Here’s MahaMetro’s concept video from 2019:

I’m not sure why they’d have different but awfully close length specifications for both lines’ coaches. To optimize manufacturing costs, ideally there should be one specification.

Anyhow, this EOI process is just a “feeler” to see which vendors out there would be interested and capable of bidding for the coaches. When it concludes, MahaMetro will invite bids from the shortlisted firms. I’m curious to see who submits applications!

For more updates, check out my Home Page!

– TMRG

written by

Global traveler who prefers mass rapid transit

19 Responses to "EOI Invited to Supply 50 Coaches for Nashik Metro Neo"

  1. Hari Puttar says:

    have the construction started of Nashik metro neo ??

    Reply
  2. Kanishka says:

    Any news of civil work’s tendering process?

    I must say that not opting for AFC gates at MetroNeo Stations is a mistake. MahaMetro must design the station entry/exits for AFC gates…whether they install AFCs at the time of commissioning OR 10years later is a different matter…

    Reply
  3. Vishal Kumar says:

    Hi TMRG
    See this update on Patna metro:-
    https://youtu.be/QrkpM8Kj0iA

    Reply
    • TMRG says:

      BMRCL has used different processes for Phase 2A and 2B. How come Central Govt’s pending approval didn’t matter when opening technical and financial bids for Phase 2A?

      Reply
      • SHAM says:

        It isn’t about different processes. The BM report is incorrect. Date has been postponed because they made changes to 2B station designs (now with island platforms). Also, 2A tenders were opened with CM’s permission who may be reluctant to give any more.
        Since they have already spent some 1500 crores for phase-2A/2B with their own (BMRC/state) finances. They may not be in a position to spend anymore until loans are released but that would need GoI approval first that is taking forever.

        Reply
        • TMRG says:

          So that means another bungled up report with the quoted BMRCL official not being forthright. Good pressure tactic, if that was intention, but not in the right spirit.

          CM’s role in PH2A/2B’s tendering process is insignificant. Each step (publishing, opening tech bids, opening fin bids, awarding) needs the chief lender’s approval. In this case, ADB’s. Facing heat, the CM got carried away with inflating what his office can do.

          Reply
  4. ANOOP KUMAR MALHOTRA says:

    Since eco mobility is important these days, the coaches should be designed in a way that space for passengers cycle is available. This will also help in promoting use of cycle.

    Reply
  5. Hardik Shankhala says:

    Is Metro neo going to acquire land for the project if yes then How much..??

    Reply
    • TMRG says:

      I don’t track land acquisition. Best would be to reach out to MahaMetro

      Reply
      • Hardik Shankhala says:

        I tried but thier Email is restricted to particular user only. i don’t know any other way. So i contacted you sir. I am asking this questions because i think i gonna affect from this so i need the information in advance so i can plan accordingly and take necessary action

        Reply
  6. Laxmi Paswan says:

    Hello there,
    Can we get a hint that when Metro neo will get approval..?? it’s been already a Year..

    Reply
  7. Hardik Shankhala says:

    Is Metro Neo Cancelled..?? I’ve been reading several articles about it that because it didn’t get mentioned in the Union budget it been cancelled or Delayed..?? What Exactly is situation can you Explain please..??

    Reply

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