Mumbai to Get AC Vande Metro Trains to Ease Overcrowding

10 Sep 2025 CW Team

Tender for Coaches and Maintenance

The Mumbai Railway Vikas Corporation Ltd (MRVC) has floated a global tender worth around Rs 21 billion for the procurement and maintenance of 2,856 air-conditioned coaches. The project covers supply, 35 years of comprehensive maintenance, and the construction of two new maintenance depots for the Central and Western Railways as part of the Mumbai Urban Transport Project (MUTP) Phase III and IIIA.

Tender submissions will open on 8 December 2025, with bids being evaluated from 22 December 2025. Sources suggest that the first prototype rakes are expected to arrive in Mumbai within two years of the contract being awarded.

Advanced Features for Commuters

The new Vande Metro coaches will be fully vestibular, air-conditioned and optimised for suburban service. Features will include automatic door-closing systems, improved acceleration and braking, cushioned seating, mobile charging points, onboard infotainment, and vendor compartments with separate air-conditioning ducts.

Safety, Speed and Operational Efficiency

These coaches will be equipped with safety systems that meet global standards, enhanced braking technology and passenger-friendly flow designs. Capable of speeds up to 130 km per hour, they promise faster, safer and more punctual services across Mumbai’s rail corridors.

The HVAC system will be upgraded to maintain consistent cooling and passenger comfort even under Mumbai’s extreme weather conditions, improving the daily commute experience.

Official Statement

“The project represents a massive leap forward in urban transport infrastructure for Mumbai and will drastically improve the daily commute for millions while enhancing safety, energy efficiency, and service quality,” said Mr Vilas Sopan Wadekar, Chairman & Managing Director of MRVC.

Mumbai’s suburban railway network is set for a significant upgrade with the introduction of fully air-conditioned Vande Metro local trains in 12, 15 and 18-coach configurations. The move aims to reduce overcrowding and enhance commuter comfort.Tender for Coaches and MaintenanceThe Mumbai Railway Vikas Corporation Ltd (MRVC) has floated a global tender worth around Rs 21 billion for the procurement and maintenance of 2,856 air-conditioned coaches. The project covers supply, 35 years of comprehensive maintenance, and the construction of two new maintenance depots for the Central and Western Railways as part of the Mumbai Urban Transport Project (MUTP) Phase III and IIIA.Tender submissions will open on 8 December 2025, with bids being evaluated from 22 December 2025. Sources suggest that the first prototype rakes are expected to arrive in Mumbai within two years of the contract being awarded.Advanced Features for CommutersThe new Vande Metro coaches will be fully vestibular, air-conditioned and optimised for suburban service. Features will include automatic door-closing systems, improved acceleration and braking, cushioned seating, mobile charging points, onboard infotainment, and vendor compartments with separate air-conditioning ducts.Safety, Speed and Operational EfficiencyThese coaches will be equipped with safety systems that meet global standards, enhanced braking technology and passenger-friendly flow designs. Capable of speeds up to 130 km per hour, they promise faster, safer and more punctual services across Mumbai’s rail corridors.The HVAC system will be upgraded to maintain consistent cooling and passenger comfort even under Mumbai’s extreme weather conditions, improving the daily commute experience.Official Statement“The project represents a massive leap forward in urban transport infrastructure for Mumbai and will drastically improve the daily commute for millions while enhancing safety, energy efficiency, and service quality,” said Mr Vilas Sopan Wadekar, Chairman & Managing Director of MRVC.

Infrastructure Urban

07 Nov 2025

Welspun Enterprises Wins 910 MLD Panjrapur WTP Contract

Welspun Enterprises (WEL), the infrastructure and energy arm of Welspun World, has secured a major contract from the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) to design, build and operate a 910 million litres per day (MLD) Water Treatment Plant (WTP) at Panjrapur, Maharashtra.Valued at approximately Rs 31.45 billion, the project encompasses end-to-end civil, mechanical, electrical and instrumentation works, including the construction of a treated water sump and pumping station. Of the total value, nearly Rs 11.56 billion is allocated to Operations & Maintenance (O&M), with an additional..

Infrastructure Energy

07 Nov 2025

Mitsubishi Power Wins Boiler Upgrade Contract for O Mon 1 Plant

Mitsubishi Power, a power solutions brand of Mitsubishi Heavy Industries, (MHI), has been awarded a contract to support the oil-to-natural-gas fuel conversion at the O Mon 1 Thermal Power Plant in Can Tho, southern Vietnam. As the OEM of the plant’s existing boiler, Mitsubishi Power will supply key equipment—including new gas burners—and implement a selective catalytic reduction (SCR) system to reduce NOx emissions and help the plant meet stricter environmental standards.The O Mon 1 facility includes two 330 MW units that commenced operations in 2009 and 2015, with all major equipment or..

Equipment

07 Nov 2025

Liebherr’s 10,000th XPower Wheel Loader Joins BERGER’s Fleet

BERGER Rohstoffe GmbH has welcomed the 10,000th Liebherr XPower wheel loader to its operations at the Schlag granite quarry in Passau. The milestone machine, officially handed over at Liebherr’s Bischofshofen plant in May 2025, underscores the long-standing partnership between BERGER, Liebherr, and the Beutlhauser Group. Equipped with Liebherr’s signature power-split travel drive, the new L 580 XPower is already delivering strong results under demanding quarry conditions.At the Schlag quarry, BERGER Rohstoffe processes approximately 200,000 tonnes of Bayerwald granite annually into high-qu..