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There are at least 250 local trains in Mumbai, of which about 240 are running regularly while the rest are on reserve. The plan is to replace the entire fleet with Vande Metro. (Photo: Reuters)
The Ministry of Railways has tendered the purchase of lifetime maintenance of Vande Metro trains for Mumbai
It is near impossible to imagine Mumbai without a picture of people hanging on the doors of its local trains. But this is likely to see an overhaul as the lifeblood of India’s business capital will soon be replaced by the fully air-conditioned Vande Metro station, the first train service of its kind in India.
Last month , News 18 You mentioned that Mumbai might be the first city to have these Vandy Metro trains. Now, the Ministry of Railways has taken the first step in this direction as it has floated the tender for Lifetime Purchase Maintenance of Vande Metro trains for Mumbai. While the design of the Vande Metro trains has not been revealed, it is expected that it will be the modified and deluxe version of the Electric Multiple Unit (EMU) that will be fully air-conditioned.
In May, the Railways Board approved the purchase of 238 Vande Metro lots for Mumbai. Now, this week, Mumbai Railway Vikas Corporation (MRVC) has invited bids online from international bids for the purchase of 2,856 Vande metro buses for the city’s suburban network.
A ministry official said the trains would have either 12 or 15 carriages, depending on the route and demand News 18. Presently, there are at least 250 local trains in Mumbai, of which 240 are running regularly while the rest are reserve. The plan is to replace the entire fleet with Vande Metro. One local train takes about 12 to 15 trips a day. “With Vande Metro trains, the travel experience and comfort of passengers will be greatly increased,” said the official, who requested anonymity.
According to the notice, the tender is not only for the purchase and maintenance of these trains but also for the construction of new depots and the modernization of existing facilities for Vande Metros. New car parks will appear in Phangaon and Bhivpuri.
According to MRVC, bid documents will be available online from July 4th. The last date for submitting bids is September 29.
Mumbai may have to wait a few more years
While the process is starting, Mumbai may have to wait a bit as the complete transformation may take up to two years. The document states that the stipulated completion period for the supply of AC presses along with the construction of new stalls in Vangaon and Bhivpuri will take 84 months or seven years. Moreover, the period of 420 months or 35 years for the overall annual maintenance of these shovels and maintenance bunkers.
Even for the delivery of the first Metro Vande, the ministry official said, it would take at least three to four years. “The replacement will be done in stages. When we get the handover, we will replace the trains. The local train network is divided into Western and Central Railways, and these regions can choose the size of trains they need for their sections,” the official added.
The tender will be done through an open international tender using requests for bids prepared on the basis of Indian Railways’ standard contract terms, the document states.
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