NHSRCL has awarded a consultancy contract worth Rs. 53.65 crore to Italcertifer S.p.A. for a key safety-related assignment. The firm will be responsible for carrying out the Independent Safety Assessment of the Mumbai–Ahmedabad High Speed Rail project. The long-term engagement underscores India’s commitment to global safety standards in high-speed rail development.

Introduction:

The National High Speed Rail Corporation Limited (NHSRCL), the implementing agency for India’s first bullet train corridor, has awarded a significant consultancy contract to Italcertifer S.p.A., an Italy-based engineering and certification firm. The contract pertains to the selection of a consultant for the Independent Safety Assessment (ISA) of the Mumbai–Ahmedabad High Speed Rail (MAHSR) Project.

This appointment represents a critical step in ensuring that the ambitious high-speed rail project adheres to internationally accepted safety benchmarks across its lifecycle, from design and construction to testing and commissioning.

Scope of Work:

Under the contract, Italcertifer S.p.A. will act as the Independent Safety Assessor for the MAHSR project. The scope of work includes a comprehensive and impartial evaluation of safety-related systems, subsystems, and operational procedures. The consultant will assess compliance with applicable standards, identify potential risks, and verify mitigation measures to ensure passenger and operational safety.

Key focus areas are expected to include rolling stock safety, signaling and train control systems, civil structures, power supply, operational readiness, and overall system integration from a safety perspective.

Project Duration and Timeline:

The completion period for the service has been set at 2,558 days, reflecting the long-term and continuous nature of safety assessment activities throughout various stages of the project. This duration aligns with the phased execution of the MAHSR corridor, ensuring that safety oversight remains consistent and rigorous as the project progresses.

The extended timeline also highlights the complexity of high-speed rail systems, where independent safety validation is required at multiple milestones.

Contract Value and Financials:

The contract has been awarded on a lump sum basis, with a total contract value of INR 53,65,28,737.39, excluding Goods and Services Tax (GST). The financial outlay highlights the scale and importance of the consultancy assignment, which involves comprehensive and continuous safety oversight across multiple stages of the project lifecycle.

This significant investment underscores the high priority placed on independent safety assurance for India’s flagship high-speed rail initiative, reflecting NHSRCL’s commitment to adopting rigorous safety protocols and internationally accepted assessment practices.

Significance for the MAHSR Project:

The Mumbai–Ahmedabad High Speed Rail Project is a transformative initiative aimed at redefining intercity travel in India. Engaging an experienced international firm like Italcertifer S.p.A. reinforces NHSRCL’s approach of adopting global best practices, particularly in safety governance and certification.

Independent safety assessment plays a crucial role in building public confidence and ensuring regulatory compliance for high-speed rail operations.

Conclusion:

The award of the ISA consultancy contract to Italcertifer S.p.A. marks a vital milestone for the Mumbai–Ahmedabad High Speed Rail Project. With a strong focus on independent oversight and global safety standards, NHSRCL continues to strengthen the foundation for India’s first bullet train corridor.

Source: NHSRCL – Tender Update | Image Credit (representational): NHSRCL

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