DRA–DMRC JV wins Thane Depot Construction Contract of Mumbai–Ahmedabad Bullet Train

New Delhi, India (Metro Rail Today): In a significant development for the Mumbai – Ahmedabad High-Speed Rail (MAHSR) Bullet Train project, Dineshchandra R Agrawal Infracon – Delhi Metro Rail Corporation (DRA – DMRC JV) emerged victorious as the lowest bidder to construct the Thane Depot (Package D-1). This accomplishment positions them as key contributors to the expansive 508.17 km high-speed rail network.

Thane Depot Overview

The Thane Depot, designated as Package D-1, is an integral component of the MAHSR project undertaken by the National High-Speed Rail Corporation Limited (NHSRCL). Spanning a vast 58-hectare land parcel near Bharodi and Anjur villages in Maharashtra, the depot will play a crucial role in stabling and maintaining Shinkansen train sets. Notably, it is slated to become the project’s second-largest train depot, following the Sabarmati Depot currently under construction north of Ahmedabad.

Depot Facilities

Primarily designed for light maintenance work, the Thane Depot will initially feature 4 inspection lines (expandable to 8 in the future), 10 stabling lines (with a future capacity of 31), an inspection bay, and a washing plant. These facilities are essential for the upkeep and smooth operation of the high-speed trains traversing the Mumbai – Ahmedabad corridor.

Bidding Process

The tendering process for the Thane Depot construction commenced in December 2022, with an undisclosed estimate and a construction deadline of 2010 days (approximately 5.5 years). Technical bids from four contenders were opened in May, leading to the disqualification of KEC International during the evaluation phase due to non-compliance with tender conditions.

Financial Bid Values

• DRA – DMRC JV: Rs. 945 crore (L1)
• Larsen & Toubro (L&T): Rs 1,570 crore (L2)
• SCC – PREMCO JV: Rs 2,100 crore (L3)

Scope of the Contract

The comprehensive scope of work involves the design and construction of the Thane Depot, encompassing civil works, building structures, inspection sheds, maintenance facilities, and the installation, testing, and commissioning of associated works within the state of Maharashtra for the MAHSR project.

Next Steps

While the estimate from NHSRCL remains undisclosed, the bid by DRA – DMRC JV is well below competing bids, indicating a strong likelihood of the contract being awarded to them without an extended retendering process. This success follows their win in November for the redevelopment contract of Ahmedabad Railway Station from the Rail Land Development Authority (RLDA).

Project Progress

This contract marks the final major civil contract pending award for the MAHSR project. In December 2022, Sojitz Corporation – Larsen & Toubro JV secured the civil construction contract for Sabarmati Depot (Package D2). The project's smallest depot, located in Surat, is already under construction as part of the 237.1 km civil Package C4.

DRA – DMRC JV's triumph in securing the Thane Depot construction contract is a testament to their expertise and contribution to the transformative Mumbai – Ahmedabad High-Speed Rail project.