Make In India: 3 Indian Cos Express Interest In Mumbai Monorail Projects

Days after town authority MMRDA (Mumbai Metropolitan Region Development Authority) scrapped bids by two Chinese firms, as many as three companies have expressed interest in manufacturing rakes for Mumbai's monorail projects.

In June, MMRDA scrapped the Rs 500 crore contract for sourcing 10 rakes for the Jacob Circle-Wadala-Chembur monorail project wherein two Chinese firms had expressed their interest to supply the rakes, stating that the companies were "dictating" terms.

The authority in a tweet said, "Three Indian Companies have shown interest in designing and developing Mono rail rolling stock! After giving first order for make in India metro coaches for Line 2 and 7, @MMRDAOfficial hopefully will get develop mono rail coaches in India."

MMRDA commissioner R A Rajeev had earlier said that the authority was in talks with Indian companies including Bharat Heavy Electricals (BHEL) and Bharat Earth Movers (BEML) and a private sector player Titagarh had expressed their bid for the contract.

"BHEL, BEML have expressed their interest," an MMRDA official said.

BEML has already bagged the contract for manufacturing metro rakes for Metro 2A (Dahisar-DN Nagar) and Metro-7 (Dahisar E-Andheri E).

Last year, MMRDA had floated a global tender to design, manufacture and supply 10 rakes and had received bids from China's CRR Corporation (China Rail Road Corporation) and BYD (Build Your Dreams) as well as an American firm.

However, the authority later cancelled the tender in January this year, when bidders were seeking changes in the terms.

In February, the authority reinvited the bids and the size of the contract was around Rs 500 crore.

According to MMRDA, the Chinese firms which had again bid for the contract were continuously asking for revisions in terms and conditions and eligibility criteria.

MMRDA also said that due to the current economic situation that has arisen following the COVID-19 pandemic and in line with the various polices announced by the government to encourage 'Make in India' schemes, it has been decided to look for Indian technology partners for development and long term support.