Afcons Infrastructure wins civil contract for Kochi Metro Phase 2 Project

Kochi, India (Metro Rail Today): Afcons Infrastructure Ltd has emerged as the lowest bidder for the civil construction work of Phase 2 of the Kochi Metro project, specifically for Package KBC3. Their bid was the only one deemed technically qualified, positioning them as the front-runner for the contract even before the financial bids were opened. Bids from KEC International – Sadbhav Engineering JV and Rail Vikas Nigam (RVNL) were disqualified due to technical non-compliance with the tender conditions.

Phase 2 of the Kochi Metro will introduce an 11.2 km elevated line, known as the Pink Line, encompassing 11 stations connecting JLN Stadium, Kakkanad, and Infopark (Smart City). The estimated cost of Kochi Metro Phase 2 Project is ₹2,310 crores. Package KBC3 involves the construction of the viaduct and 10 new stations between Palarivattom Junction and Infopark. The construction of entry/exit buildings and architectural finishing will be handled separately.

The bid submitted by Afcons Infrastructure for Package KBC3 is rumored to be ₹2,137.01 crore, although the official estimate from Kochi Metro Rail Limited (KMRL) remains undisclosed. The scope of the project, as outlined by KMRL, includes the design and construction of the elevated viaduct and stations, excluding architectural finishes, building services, link bridges, and entry-exit structures.

The Pink Line's stations will be located at various points along the route, including Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium, Palarivattom Junction, Alinchuvadu, Chembumukku, Vazhakkala, Padamughal, Kakkanad Junction, Cochin SEZ, Chittethukara, KINFRA Park, and InfoPark/Smart City.

However, the issuance of a Letter of Acceptance (LOA) for the contract is subject to formal approval, which is currently pending for a US$122.3 million loan from the Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank (AIIB). AIIB's board conducted a concept review on November 7, 2023, followed by a final appraisal review on February 29, 2024. The outcome of this approval process will determine the timeline and likelihood of the contract being awarded.