5 Bidders compete for DPR Consultancy of Chennai's Parandur Airport Metro Line

Chennai, India (Metro Rail Today): In the latest development regarding Chennai Metro’s expansion plans, five prominent consulting firms have thrown their hats into the ring to secure the contract for preparing a Detailed Project Report (DPR) for the extension of Line-4 from Poonamallee Bypass to Parandur Airport. This extension, spanning an estimated distance of 40 kilometers, marks a significant step in enhancing Chennai’s public transportation infrastructure.

The ongoing construction of Chennai’s Line-4, which links Light House to Poonamallee Bypass covering 26.1 kilometers, forms a crucial part of the ambitious 116.1 kilometers Chennai Metro Phase 2 project. Following this momentum, a consultant was appointed in April 2023 by Chennai Metro Rail Ltd. (CMRL) to explore the feasibility of extending the line further to Sriperumbudur, potentially adding another 15-17 kilometers to its length.

In a strategic move, the state government decided in late 2023 to extend the line to Parandur, the site of Chennai’s upcoming greenfield airport. This expansion entails substantial land acquisition efforts spanning over 3700 acres, alongside the initiation of master plan design works to facilitate seamless integration of the metro line with the airport infrastructure.

The bidding process for the DPR consultant contract commenced in February 2024, setting a 180-day deadline and an undisclosed estimate for the project. Noteworthy contenders in the bidding race include:

• Aarvee Associates Architects Engineers and Consultants Pvt. Ltd.
• AECOM India Pvt. Ltd.
• Balaji Railroad Systems Pvt. Ltd. (BASRYL)
• SYSTRA MVA Consulting (India) Pvt. Ltd.
• Urban Mass Transit Company Ltd. (UMTC)

Envisioning the alignment of the proposed metro extension, it is anticipated to traverse primarily along NH-48, with potential integration with the under-construction 260-kilometer Bangalore – Chennai Expressway between Sunguvarchatram and Parandur.

With the submission of bids, the focus now shifts to the meticulous technical bid evaluation process, which is expected to unfold over the coming months. Upon completion of this phase, the financial bids of the technically qualified bidders will be unveiled, revealing the frontrunner for the consultant role.

The forthcoming DPR will serve as a comprehensive blueprint, detailing crucial aspects such as route composition (including underground, elevated, and at-grade sections), station distribution, depot infrastructure, rolling stock requirements, ridership projections, operational strategies, and overall project costs.

Adhering to the prescribed schedule outlined in the tender notice, the appointment of the consultant is anticipated by late Q2 (June), paving the way for the unveiling of the DPR’s initial draft in Q1 2025 (January – March), subject to CMRL’s discretion.

In line with previous statements, CMRL aims to procure trains equipped for higher operational speeds, surpassing the conventional design speed of 90 kmph. The envisaged metro stations within Parandur Airport’s precincts are poised to catalyze commercial and hospitality ventures, akin to established aerocities in Delhi, Bengaluru, and Hyderabad.