3 Firms bid to construct new Metro Bhawan for UPMRC in Lucknow

Lucknow, India (Metro Rail Today): In a significant development for the Uttar Pradesh Metro Rail Corporation (UPMRC), three prominent civil engineering firms have submitted bids for the construction of the new Metro Bhawan headquarters in Lucknow. This comes after UPMRC opened the technical bids for Package LKCC-15 last week. The move to a new, larger headquarters underscores UPMRC’s expanding operations and the increasing demands on its infrastructure.

Currently, UPMRC operates out of a modest three-story building in Ambedkar Park. However, with three operational metro systems in Lucknow, Kanpur, and Agra, and more projects in the pipeline, the need for a larger office space has become evident. The new Metro Bhawan will be strategically located near the Sachivalaya Station on the Lucknow Metro, providing a centralized location for UPMRC's operations.

The new headquarters will also house the Operational Control Centre (OCC) for Lucknow Metro. This facility will manage train operations across the 22.8 km Line-1, which connects Lucknow CCS Airport to Munshi Pulia, ensuring efficient and smooth metro services for the city.

Project Details and Bidding Process

UPMRC invited bids for the construction of the new building in March 2024, with an estimated budget of Rs. 120.80 crore and a completion deadline of 600 days. The technical bids were opened on May 29, marking the beginning of the evaluation process.

The three firms that have submitted bids are:

• KSM Bashir Mohammad and Sons
• Lisha Engineers Pvt. Ltd.
• Quality Buildcon Pvt. Ltd.

These firms bring extensive experience in constructing metro rail depots across North India. KSM Bashir Mohammad and Sons previously built the Polytechnic Depot for Kanpur Metro Line-1 and were awarded the contract for the Agriculture University Depot on Line-2 in March 2024. Lisha Engineers completed the PAC Depot for Agra Metro in 2023, and Quality Buildcon is currently working on the New ISBT Depot for Patna Metro.

The scope of work includes the design and construction of the Metro Bhawan cum OCC Building. This encompasses structural work, architectural finishing, plumbing, drainage, external development, road works, electrical and mechanical works, HVAC, fire detection, and firefighting systems. The comprehensive nature of the project reflects the critical role the new headquarters will play in UPMRC’s operations.

The bids have now been forwarded for technical evaluation, a process that is expected to take a couple of months. Once the technical evaluation is completed, the financial bids of the technically qualified bidders will be opened. This step will reveal the lowest bidder and most likely contractor for the project.

The construction of the new Metro Bhawan is a strategic move for UPMRC. The centralized location near the Sachivalaya Station will facilitate better coordination and management of metro operations. Additionally, housing the OCC in the same building will streamline operations and enhance the efficiency of the metro system.

The new headquarters is not just a response to the current operational needs but also a preparation for future expansions. As UPMRC continues to develop new metro lines and systems, the need for a robust and well-equipped headquarters becomes paramount. The new Metro Bhawan will provide the necessary infrastructure to support these expansions and ensure the smooth operation of the metro systems.

The submission of bids by three experienced firms marks a significant step forward in the construction of UPMRC's new Metro Bhawan headquarters. This project is crucial for accommodating the growing needs of UPMRC as it expands its metro operations across Uttar Pradesh. The new headquarters will play a vital role in managing and coordinating these operations, ensuring the continued success and efficiency of the metro systems in Lucknow, Kanpur, and Agra.