First construction tender launched for ₹6,225 crore Bhubaneswar Metro Rail Project

Bhubaneswar, India (Metro Rail Today): In a significant development for the Bhubaneswar Metro Phase 1 project, the Delhi Metro Rail Corporation (DMRC) has officially opened tenders for the civil construction work of Package BBC-03. This package is a crucial component of the metro network, connecting Trisulia Square to Biju Patnaik Airport through an impressive stretch of 20 elevated stations. The estimated cost of the Bhubaneswar Metro Phase 1 project is ₹6,225 crore.

The elevated section, spanning 7.122 kilometers, is part of the larger 26-kilometer Line-1, linking Capital Hospital to Acharya Vihar Square. The six elevated stations along this route include Capital Hospital, Bapuji Nagar, Bhubaneswar Railway Station, Ram Mandir Square, Vani Vihar, and Acharya Vihar Square.

With a deadline set at 36 months, the estimated cost for Package BBC-03 is ₹630.65 crore. Prospective bidders should take note of the pre-bid meeting scheduled for March 19, 2024, at 11.00 am, with the bid submission deadline on April 23, 2024, at 3.00 pm. The technical bid opening is slated for April 2024 at 3.00 pm.

The scope of DMRC's responsibilities for Package BBC-03 includes the part design and construction of the elevated viaduct and the six mentioned stations. It's noteworthy that this excludes architectural finishing. The designated stretch spans from Chainage 625.00 m to 7747.00 m of Bhubaneswar Metro Rail Project Phase-I.

A close examination of the project reveals adjustments to station locations. While the initially planned Sishu Bhawan Station between Capital Hospital and Bapuji Nagar is no longer part of the project, the location of Bapuji Nagar Station has been shifted slightly southward to compensate for the change.

The Biju Patnaik Airport Station and the associated viaduct leading to it will be addressed in a separate package, pending design approval from the Airports Authority of India (AAI). West of Acharya Square, construction falls under Package BBC-04.

Package BBC-03's construction will be entirely funded by the Government of Odisha and other suitable means of Bhubaneswar Metro Rail Corporation Ltd (BMRCL). An intriguing note in the tender documents mentions that this is "Non-JICA funded work," indicating that the Japan International Cooperation Agency has not been involved in financing this particular phase. However, it remains likely that JICA will play a role in funding the systems component, including rolling stock, signaling, and telecommunication.

The initiation of tenders for Package BBC-03 marks a crucial advancement in Bhubaneswar's metro infrastructure, bringing the city closer to a modern and efficient public transportation system.