Delhi Metro Rail Corporation Limited (DMRC) has invited international bids for the design, manufacture, supply, testing and commissioning of 68 Broad Gauge metro cars for the upcoming Rithala–Narela–Nathupur Corridor (Line-1 Extension) under its Phase IV expansion programme.
The tender (IFB No. RS20) has been issued under a loan agreement (Loan No. ID-P329) between the Government of India and the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA), signed on March 27, 2025. While rolling stock procurement will be financed through the JICA loan, the long-term maintenance component will be funded by DMRC.
Scope of Work
The contract covers:
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Design, manufacture, supply, testing and commissioning of 68 Broad Gauge metro cars
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Training of DMRC personnel
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Supply of depot machinery & plants (M&Ps)
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Special tools, jigs & fixtures
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Testing & diagnostic equipment
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Test benches and material handling equipment
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Comprehensive maintenance for 15 years
The execution timeline includes:
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150 weeks for design, manufacture, supply, testing and commissioning
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104 weeks Defects Liability Period (DLP)
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780 weeks comprehensive maintenance (including DLP)
The project forms part of the DMRC Phase IV expansion, aimed at extending metro connectivity toward North Delhi’s rapidly developing urban clusters.
International Competitive Bidding
The procurement will follow JICA’s Single-Stage: Two-Envelope International Competitive Bidding (ICB) procedure and is open to eligible bidders from approved source countries.
Given the scale and technical complexity, the contract requires bidders to demonstrate prior experience in:
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Supply and commissioning of metro rail cars
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Long-term maintenance and performance-based responsibilities
Key Dates
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Sale of Bid Documents: 13 February 2026 – 4 May 2026 (15:00 IST)
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Pre-Bid Meeting: 10 March 2026 (Hybrid mode – physical & VC)
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Last Date for Queries: 20 March 2026
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Addendum / Clarifications Issuance: 2 April 2026
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Online Bid Submission Deadline: 4 May 2026 (15:00 IST)
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Offline Technical Bid Submission: 5 May 2026 (15:00 IST)
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Technical Bid Opening: 5 May 2026 (15:05 IST)
Bids are to be submitted through the Government of India’s Central Public Procurement Portal.
Strategic Significance
The Rithala–Narela–Nathupur extension will significantly strengthen metro connectivity in the northern periphery of Delhi, improving last-mile integration and supporting planned urban development in Narela and adjoining areas.
With this rolling stock tender, DMRC moves a step closer to operationalizing the Line-1 extension, reinforcing its focus on capacity augmentation, fleet modernization, and lifecycle-based maintenance contracts.
The 15-year comprehensive maintenance clause reflects a continued shift toward performance-linked rolling stock contracts in India’s urban rail sector.
