India is likely to award a key signalling and telecommunication (S&T) contract for its high-speed bullet train project to a joint venture using European technology, after successful technical assessment of bids.
A partnership between Germany’s Siemens and Ahmedabad-based Dineshchandra R. Agrawal (DRA) Infracon Pvt Ltd has emerged as the lowest bidder. The National High Speed Rail Corporation Ltd (NHSRCL) confirmed the lowest bid at ₹4,100 crore.
An official said, “Technical assessments are complete.” A second official noted that the bid is significantly lower than the initial estimates.
The only other bid came from a consortium of France’s Alstom and India’s Larsen & Toubro (L&T), priced at ₹12,600 crore—over three times higher. Officials attributed the cost saving to greater indigenisation.
Shift From Sole Reliance on Japanese Tech
Earlier, the Railway Board depended entirely on Japanese technology. Now, India is exploring a mix of domestic and European inputs.
The government continues discussions with Japanese suppliers for Shinkansen trainsets. India is testing E3 and E5 variants to evaluate their suitability and required changes for the upcoming E10 variant.
Alongside foreign collaborations, the Integral Coach Factory (ICF) is developing an indigenous bullet train. It has teamed up with BEML, a defence public sector firm.
The ICF-designed train aims to reach speeds of 280 kmph. The unit has priced the project at ₹866.87 crore. Each coach costs ₹27.86 crore. The total price includes design, development, and setup costs for testing and manufacturing.
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