STN: India’s National High Speed Rail Corporation Ltd. (NHSRCL) has announced bids for the signaling and telecommunication system under the S1 package for the Mumbai-Ahmedabad Bullet Train project. This high-speed rail line spans 508.17 km and will connect Mumbai and Ahmedabad with 12 stations.
The S1 package includes designing, installing, and commissioning the signaling system for India’s first high-speed rail line. This project has an estimated cost of ₹1.1 lakh crore (approximately $15 billion).
Scope of the S1 Package for Mumbai-Ahmedabad Bullet Train
The S1 package, initially planned as Package EW-2, faced delays due to pending decisions on the rolling stock contract. NHSRCL has now issued a tender notice for this crucial package. The notice requires bidders to sign a non-disclosure agreement (NDA) to access detailed specifications of the signaling system.
According to NHSRCL’s April 2024 brochure, the Mumbai-Ahmedabad Bullet Train will feature Digital Shinkansen – Automatic Train Control (DS-ATC) technology. This system will include a braking mechanism to avoid collisions and prevent overshooting at stations.
However, recent updates from the Integral Coach Factory (ICF) reveal that the project may use the European Train Control System (ETCS) Level 2 for signaling. This system is already in use on the Delhi-Meerut RRTS line.
Tender Details for S1 Package
Key details of the S1 package tender are as follows:
- Completion Deadline: 2555 days (7 years)
- Pre-bid Meeting: February 18, 2025, at 11 am
- Tender Submission Deadline: March 26, 2025, at 3 pm
- Tender Opening Date: March 27, 2025, at 3:30 pm
- IFB Number: Package No. MAHSR-S-1
The scope of work includes the design, manufacture, supply, installation, integration, testing, commissioning, and maintenance of signaling, train control, telecommunication systems, and the operation control center.
Challenges and Updates on the Mumbai-Ahmedabad Bullet Train
While civil construction progresses steadily in Gujarat and Maharashtra, the procurement of systems remains delayed. There is no confirmation on the supplier for E5 Shinkansen train-sets, with both Hitachi and Kawasaki Heavy Industries being potential contenders.
For now, BEML is building two 8-coach train-sets capable of speeds up to 250 km/h. These train-sets will serve as prototypes for testing.
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