Three consortia -- those led by Reliance Energy, L&T and IL&FS -- have qualified for the financial round of bidding for the Mumbai metro rail project. These entities having qualified the technical bidding round are now eligible to submit financial bids for the Versova-Ghatkopar link of the Mumbai metro railway project.

The project has reportedly been held up pending finalization of the "gauge issue". The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs has yet to decide on which gauge (broad or medium) would be suited for the metro project. The Versova-Ghatkopar link, passing through Andheri, will be a 15 km stretch with 14 stations en route.

Reliance Energy has teamed up with Comex of France and Metro Rail of Hong Kong. The L&T consortium includes Siemens and Bharat Earth Movers, while IL&FS has Unity Constructions and an Italian company as partners.

Meanwhile, survey work has already been completed for the 36-km Colaba-Mahim-Charkop corridor.