Nagpur Metro Expansion: MahaMetro To Procure 16 New Train Sets For Phase 2 At Rs 576 Crore

MahaMetro is set to procure 16 new train sets for Phase 2 of the Nagpur Metro, which is currently under construction on a full scale on all four selected corridors.

Three coaches per train set will add 48 new coaches to the fleet at a cost of Rs 576 crore, Times of India reported.

Tender has already been floated, inviting bids for procurement, staff training, and a 15 year overall annual maintenance contract.

This is an expansion of the MahaMetro plan to increase operating hours to target the night shift workers and air travelers, with a view to significantly increasing total ridership.

Currently, 23 sets of trains (69 coaches) run in the city, with a frequency of 15 minutes in off-peak timings and 10 minutes in peak timings. The system, however, can run with a frequency of 1.30 minutes, if there is sufficient rolling stock to accommodate commuter demand.

“Nagpur Metro stations are designed to accommodate three-coach trains at a time. However, if commuter demand surges, we have the capacity to reduce the frequency from the current 15 minutes frequency to just 1.30 minutes. Additionally, the rolling stock from Phase 1 will also be utilised once Phase 2 becomes operational, making the total stock more than sufficient,” a senior MahaMetro official was quoted as saying by ToI.

MahaMetro has also submitted a Detailed Project Report (DPR) to the state government for approval of 300 more buses to enhance last-mile connectivity, an integral part of city mobility.

The initial request was for 500 buses, but a new DPR for 300 buses at Rs 220 crore was drawn up after a review meeting with Chief Secretary Sujata Saunik.

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