India’s first bullet train project connecting Ahmedabad and Mumbai is moving forward steadily despite experiencing various delays over the years. In a significant development, a consortium led by Siemens has been awarded a crucial contract by the National High Speed Rail Corporation Limited (NHSRCL) to handle the signalling and telecommunications systems for this high-speed rail corridor.
The consortium includes Dineshchandra R Agrawal (DRA) Infracon Private Limited, Siemens Limited, and Siemens Mobility GmbH. Together, these firms will be responsible for delivering and implementing state-of-the-art signalling and telecommunication systems that are vital for operating the Mumbai-Ahmedabad bullet train efficiently and safely.
As part of this contract, Siemens will be deploying the European Train Control System (ETCS) Level 2, which is an advanced signalling and train control mechanism. This system is capable of supporting train operations at speeds of up to 350 kilometres per hour. It offers key features such as real-time monitoring, continuous wireless connectivity for communication, and a centralised traffic control mechanism. These capabilities ensure that the train can function with high precision and safety standards expected from modern high-speed rail systems.
The ETCS Level 2 system is not new to global rail infrastructure. It has already been successfully adopted and implemented in more than 50 countries around the world. Its selection for India’s first bullet train project underscores the nation’s intention to align with globally accepted best practices in rail safety and technology.
The National High Speed Rail Corporation Limited (NHSRCL), the government-owned entity overseeing the bullet train venture, is in charge of managing and executing all aspects of this pioneering infrastructure initiative. NHSRCL has been entrusted with transforming India’s rail transport landscape through the introduction of high-speed rail services that match international standards.
In an official communication, Siemens Limited confirmed the awarding of the order, describing it as being worth approximately Rs 4,100 crore in total. The company’s specific share in this contract stands at Rs 1,230 crore. This amount will cover Siemens Limited’s responsibilities in designing, installing, and maintaining the advanced signalling and telecommunication systems over the long term.
According to Siemens Limited’s official statement, “The order valued at approximately Rs. 4,100 crores, includes Siemens Limited’s share of Rs 1,230 crore for the design, installation, and long-term maintenance of advanced signaling and telecommunications technologies.”
The company also elaborated on the execution timeline and maintenance plan for the project. “The project is expected to be executed over a period of 54 months, with Siemens providing 15 years of maintenance services, ensuring lifecycle reliability,” the statement further noted.
This approach indicates that Siemens is not only tasked with the initial installation but is also responsible for ensuring that the systems remain functional and reliable for a significant duration following completion. This long-term commitment reflects a focus on durability and operational consistency.
Speaking on behalf of Siemens Limited, Sunil Mathur, the managing director and chief executive officer of the company, expressed both pride and confidence in undertaking such an important national assignment. He said, “As a consortium, we are proud to partner with National High Speed Rail Corporation Limited, in the prestigious high-speed rail project. This project reflects our commitment to ‘Make in India’ and delivering technologies that promote sustainable and future-ready mobility.”
Mathur’s remarks underline the broader significance of this contract, which not only advances India’s transport infrastructure but also reinforces the government’s ‘Make in India’ initiative. By sourcing technologies that are both cutting-edge and tailored for the future, the project aims to pave the way for a modernised rail network across the country.
The Mumbai-Ahmedabad bullet train project is a central element of India’s high-speed rail ambitions. Once completed, it will drastically reduce travel time between the two cities and serve as a blueprint for future high-speed rail corridors in other parts of the country.
Despite earlier hurdles, such as land acquisition challenges and shifts in construction timelines, the project appears to be gaining fresh momentum. The awarding of this crucial contract suggests that groundwork for operational readiness is well underway.
The involvement of Siemens, a global leader in rail technology and infrastructure, adds further credibility to the technical execution of the project. With a robust track record in supplying and maintaining rail systems worldwide, Siemens brings both experience and technological expertise to the table.
Furthermore, the inclusion of Indian partner Dineshchandra R Agrawal (DRA) Infracon Private Limited as part of the consortium signifies a balanced approach combining international know-how with domestic implementation capabilities. This collaborative model is in line with current trends in large-scale infrastructure development, where global partnerships enhance both speed and quality of delivery.
In essence, the integration of the ETCS Level 2-based signalling and communication system is a key milestone in making the Mumbai-Ahmedabad bullet train operational. These systems are essential to ensure that the trains can run at high speeds while maintaining stringent safety and communication standards.
Overall, the contract signifies a major step forward for the bullet train initiative, reinforcing India’s aspirations to transform its rail transportation network into a modern, efficient, and world-class system. With clear timelines, advanced technologies, and experienced players on board, the project is now poised to take significant strides towards completion.