Bhubaneswar Metro receives 22 bids for Phulapokhari Depot Construction Contract

Bhubaneswar, India (Metro Rail Today): The Bhubaneswar Metro Phase 1 project has reached a significant milestone as 22 firms have submitted bids for the civil construction work of the Phulapokhari Depot & Workshop. This development comes after the Delhi Metro Rail Corporation (DMRC) opened technical bids in April 2024. The high level of participation highlights the growing interest and competition in India's metro construction sector.

The Phulapokhari Depot, designated under Package BBC-02, is a crucial component of the Bhubaneswar Metro's infrastructure. Spanning 16 hectares, this facility will serve as the train stabling and maintenance hub for Bhubaneswar Metro’s Line-1. This line, which extends 26 kilometers, will connect Trisulia Square to Biju Patnaik Airport, featuring 20 elevated stations along the route.

Scope of Work

The contract’s scope is extensive, encompassing the design and construction of pre-engineered buildings (PEB) for workshops, stabling, and inspection sheds. The project also includes the construction of substructures such as foundations, pits, grade slabs, RCC columns, and beams for PEB buildings. Additionally, the contract covers the construction of RCC buildings for administrative offices.

Bidding Process

DMRC initiated the bidding process in January 2024, setting a relaxed deadline of 36 months (3 years) for project completion. The estimated cost for this package is ₹104.74 crore. The technical bids, which opened in April, saw an unprecedented response, with 22 firms participating. The list of bidders includes:

• Ahluwalia Contracts India Ltd.
• Amara Raja Infra Pvt. Ltd.
• Bridge and Roof Co India Ltd.
• Dineshchandra R. Agrawal Infracon Pvt. Ltd.
• Diversified Energy Solutions Pvt. Ltd.
• Himcon Engineers India Pvt. Ltd.
• ISGEC Heavy Engineering Ltd.
• Lisha Engineers Pvt. Ltd.
• Metcon India Realty and Infrastructure Pvt. Ltd.
• MIA Construction Pvt. Ltd.
• Pragati Construction Consultants
• PREMCO Rail Engineers Ltd.
• Quality Buildcon Pvt. Ltd.
• Ranjit Buildcon Ltd.
• Shree Balaji Engicons Ltd.
• S K Construction
• SPD Constructions Ltd.
• UDRA Construction Pvt. Ltd.
• URC Construction (P) Ltd.
• Varindera Constructions Ltd.
• Vishal Builders
• YFC Projects Pvt. Ltd.

The bids have been under evaluation since early April, a process that typically takes a few months to complete. Once the evaluation is finalized, the financial bids of the technically qualified bidders will be opened. This step will reveal the lowest bidder, who will most likely be awarded the contract.

Ongoing and Future Developments

Currently, a simple precast boundary wall is being constructed around the depot site under Package BBC-01. Meanwhile, the bidding process for the mainline’s construction is underway, with packages BBC-03, BBC-04, and BBC-05. Technical bids for these packages are scheduled to open on June 6 (for BBC-04 and BBC-05) and June 10 (for BBC-03).

This robust participation in the bidding process underscores the significance of the Bhubaneswar Metro project. The project aims to transform urban mobility in Bhubaneswar, easing traffic congestion and providing a reliable and efficient mode of public transportation. The metro line will enhance connectivity between key areas, fostering economic growth and improving the quality of life for residents.

The Bhubaneswar Metro Phase 1 project is progressing steadily, with substantial interest from construction firms vying for the Phulapokhari Depot contract. This project is a critical step in the city's development, promising to bring significant benefits in terms of transportation efficiency and urban development. As the evaluation process concludes and contracts are awarded, the city moves closer to realizing its vision of a modern, connected, and sustainable urban transit system.