European Technology Takes Lead: Siemens-DRA JV Bids ₹4,100 Crore for Bullet Train Signaling.

India's ambitious bullet train project appears poised to integrate European technology for its critical signaling and telecommunication (S&T) systems, following the successful technical assessment of bids. A joint venture between Germany's Siemens and Ahmedabad-based Dineshchandra R. Agrawal (DRA) Infracon Pvt Ltd has emerged as the lowest bidder for the contract from the National High Speed Rail Corporation Ltd (NHSRCL).

An official, speaking to ET, confirmed that "Technical assessments are complete," and revealed the winning bid stood at ₹4,100 crore. This figure is "significantly lower than initial estimates," according to a second official, leading to substantial cost savings.

The only other bid received for the tender, a partnership between France's Alstom and India's Larsen & Toubro (L&T), was considerably higher at ₹12,600 crore. Officials indicated that "Opting for indigenisation has led to this substantial cost saving," hinting at a strategic shift in procurement.

While the Railway Board has historically relied exclusively on Japanese technology for bullet train projects, this development suggests India may now embrace a more diversified approach, incorporating a tailored mix of domestic and European partners.

Concurrently, discussions with Japanese companies are ongoing regarding the supply of Shinkansen trainsets. India is expected to receive E3 and E5 variant Shinkansen trainsets for feasibility assessment and to identify any necessary modifications for the E10 trainsets currently under development.

In a parallel and significant domestic effort, the Integral Coach Factory (ICF) has been tasked by the government with developing a bullet train capable of speeds up to 280 kmph. This railway production unit is collaborating with the defense public sector enterprise BEML to bring these trains to fruition.

ICF has priced these indigenously developed trains at ₹866.87 crore, with each coach costing ₹27.86 crore. The comprehensive contract value covers design costs, one-time development costs, non-recurring charges, and one-time costs for essential jigs, fixtures, tooling, and testing facilities.