Afcons Infrastructure wins ₹1,007 crore civil contract for Bhopal Metro Rail Project

Bhopal, India (Metro Rail Today): Afcons Infrastructure has emerged as the lowest bidder for the construction Package BH-05 of the Bhopal Metro Phase 1 project’s 12.915 km Blue Line (Line-2). This significant infrastructure development will connect Bhadbhada Chauraha to Ratnagiri Tiraha through 14 elevated stations, enhancing urban mobility in the region. This financial bids were opened by Madhya Pradesh Metro Rail Corporation Ltd (MPMRCL) 

The contract package includes the construction of the entire Blue Line’s viaduct, 13 stations, and a ramp leading to the Subhash Nagar Depot. This depot will also serve the 14.99 km Orange Line, connecting Karond Circle to AIIMS, which will accommodate and maintain 27 Alstom Movia train sets.

Notably, the Bhopal Metro's Blue Line was previously designated as the Red Line. The Bogda Pul Station, which will serve as an interchange with the Orange Line, is being constructed by URC Construction as part of Package BH-03.

MPMRCL initiated the bidding process for the Blue Line construction in June 2023, funded by the European Investment Bank (EIB) through a €400 million loan. The estimated value of the contract stands at ₹1,121.63 crore, with a construction deadline of three years.

The technical bids were opened in October 2023, revealing seven bidders, four of whom qualified for the financial round. Here’s a breakdown of the financial bid values:

• Afcons Infrastructure Ltd: ₹1006.74 crore (L1)
• Kalpataru Projects – Gulermak JV: ₹1,028.49 crore (L2)
• Larsen & Toubro Ltd. (L&T): ₹1,069.20 crore (L3)
• Tata Projects Ltd.: ₹1,337.38 crore (L4)

Afcons’ bid of ₹1,006.74 crore is significantly lower than MPMRCL’s estimated budget, indicating a competitive edge that is likely to expedite the contract award process.

Package BH-05 represents the last major civil contract pending award for Bhopal Metro Phase 1. With a swift contract approval, Afcons will commence basic site preparation activities by the end of the year. This contract marks Afcons' second major metro project win this year, following their success with the 11.2 km Kochi Metro Pink Line’s Package KBC-3, awarded in June.

The awarding of the Bhopal Metro Line 2 construction contract to Afcons Infrastructure is poised to significantly boost the city’s public transport capabilities. As preparations begin, Bhopal residents can look forward to enhanced connectivity and reduced travel times, further solidifying the city’s commitment to modernizing its infrastructure.