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The Mumbai Railway Vikas Corporation (MRVC) has issued an e-tender worth INR 21,000 crore for procuring and maintaining 2,856 air-conditioned Vande Metro suburban coaches over 35 years. This initiative is a part of the Mumbai Urban Transport Project (MUTP) Phases 3 and 3A, aims to modernize the city's suburban railway network and reduce overcrowding. The new coaches will operate in 12-, 15-, and 18-car formations, with maintenance depots at Bhivpuri on the Central Railway line and Vangaon on the Western Railway line. Global bids are scheduled to open in December 2025, with the first prototype expected within two years of contract award.
The Mumbai Railway Vikas Corporation has issued an e-tender worth INR 21,000 crore for the purchase and 35-year maintenance of 2,856 air-conditioned Vande Metro coaches. This initiative is part of the ongoing Mumbai Urban Transport Project (MUTP) Phases 3 and 3A, aimed at modernizing the suburban railway network and enhancing the commuter experience. Advertisement
The new fleet will run in 12-, 15-, and 18-car formations to increase passenger capacity and reduce overcrowding on key suburban routes. Maintenance will be conducted through two dedicated depots, one at Bhivpuri on the Central Railway line and the other at Vangaon on the Western Railway line. These depots have been strategically planned to ensure efficient upkeep and long-term serviceability of the new fleet.
Global bids for the tender are set to open on 8 December 2025, with the official bid opening scheduled for 22 December 2025. The first prototype train is expected to arrive in Mumbai approximately two years after the contract is awarded.
The project aligns with the Make in India initiative, promoting domestic manufacturing and the integration of modern technology. The new coaches will feature automatic doors, energy-efficient systems, and improved signaling compatibility to enhance safety and commuter convenience.
The purchase is expected to reduce congestion, improve on-time performance, and provide a more comfortable commuting experience. The upgraded fleet forms part of a wider set of infrastructure improvements under MUTP Phases 3 and 3A, which also include signaling upgrades, track renewal, and station modernization.
MRVC Chairman and Managing Director Vilas Sopan Wadekar said that the tender represents a significant step toward modernizing Mumbai's suburban rail system. The new coaches are expected to enhance passenger safety, improve operational efficiency, and support long-term urban mobility objectives. The project reflects Mumbai's broader strategy to develop a modern, sustainable, and reliable suburban railway network capable of meeting the demands of a growing population.
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