Tender norms for monorail, an elevated Mass Rapid Transit System (MRTS), at Thiruvananthapuram and Kozhikode in Kerala, have been revised to tackle the issue of lack of interest from overseas firms.

Kerala Monorail Corporation (KMCL), an SPV set up by the state government, is implementing both the projects. The Delhi Metro Rail Corporation (DMRC), is a general consultant for the projects.

As per the revised norms, the rolling stock manufacturer need not be the lead partner. Instead, the rolling stock manufacturer should become a technical partner. The supplier credit norm has also been removed in the wake of the directive of the Urban Affairs Ministry, thereby avoiding the clause that the company coming forward should mobilise funds for the project. This has paved the way for domestic borrowing.

In addition to this, tender formalities will be reduced from three stages to two to save time and to stick to the road map fixed for the flagship project of the state.

With this, the DMRC will invite fresh bids for development of the projects once Kerala Monorail Corporation approves the revised norms.