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Tender for mobile network on Aqua Line draws a blank; MMRCL to seek advice from central, state govts
MMRCL's tender to provide shared mobile coverage on the Aqua Line received no bids by the deadline. The authority will seek guidance from central and state governments on whether to float a fresh tender or explore other solutions, after earlier withdrawals by operators and questions raised in pre-bid interactions.
Why It Matters
A lack of bidders delays mobile connectivity on Mumbai's fully underground Aqua Line, affecting commuters and highlighting regulatory and infrastructure challenges for in-tunnel telecoms.
Timeline
6 Events
MMRCL to seek advice from central and state governments
April 27, 2026
MMRCL said it would seek guidance from the central and state governments on whether to float a fresh tender or explore other solutions.
Bid submission deadline passes with no bids
April 20, 2026
Last date for submitting bids for the tender elapsed; no bids were submitted.
Telecom firms pressure over IBS handover and ROW charges
March 23, 2026
RJIL, Airtel and Vodafone Idea wrote to MMRCL requesting that the IBS infrastructure installed by Aces be handed over to RJIL; they also claimed the ROW charges in the fresh tender were exorbitant.
Tender floated for Aqua Line mobile coverage
March 20, 2026
MMRCL floated the tender for providing shared mobile cellular coverage on the Aqua Line (33.5-km Metro 3 corridor). Last date for submitting bids was April 20.
Pre-bid meeting held; vendors raise queries
March 2026
During the pre-bid meeting, a few companies raised queries which were addressed by MMRCL; none submitted bids by the April 20 deadline.
Mid-March 2026: Vodafone Idea and BSNL withdraw from Aqua Line connectivity
March 2026
Vodafone Idea and BSNL pulled out from providing connectivity on restricted portions of the Aqua Line after the contract with Aces was nixed.