Five firms bid for Kanpur Metro Line 2 Construction Contract

Kanpur, India (Metro Rail Today): In a significant development for the Kanpur Metro Phase 1 project, five prominent firms have thrown their hats into the ring for the civil construction work of Package KNPCC-12, spanning 8.38 km on the Agriculture University – Barra-8 stretch. This move follows the opening of technical bids by the Uttar Pradesh Metro Rail Corporation (UPMRC) in a recent session.

The KNPCC-12 package, covering a length of 4.3 km within the larger 32.38 km Kanpur Metro Phase 1 project, comprises two disjointed elevated sections flanking the underground Package KNPCC-11. Notably, KNPCC-11 was awarded to the KPIL – Gulermak JV in December 2023.

The southern section, extending 3.745 km, will feature a viaduct connecting the Double Pullia Ramp and Barra-8, adorned with four elevated stations at Vijay Nagar Chauraha, Shastri Chowk, Barra-7 Station, and Barra-8. On the northern end, beyond the Rawatpur Interchange Station, a 557.8m viaduct is planned, incorporating one elevated station at Agriculture University, adjacent to Line-2’s Agriculture University Depot.

UPMRC had initially called for bids for KNPCC-12 in November 2023, projecting an estimated cost of Rs. 484 crore and setting a 30-month deadline for project completion.

The competitive landscape for KNPCC-12 includes the following bidders:

• Ceigall India Ltd.
• Dineshchandra R Agrawal Infracon Pvt. Ltd.
• HG Infra Engineering Ltd.
• Kalpataru Projects International Ltd.
• Ranjit Buildcon Ltd.

The scope of work outlined by UPMRC encompasses the design and construction of the elevated viaduct and five elevated stations. These stations include Agriculture University Station, Vijay Nagar Chauraha Station, Shastri Chowk Station, Barra-7 Station, and Barra-8 Station. The responsibilities extend to architectural finishing, E&M work, and special spans from the end of the ramp after Double Pullia Station to Barra-8 Station, and from the end of the ramp in Depot to Agriculture University Station.

With bids now submitted, the process moves into the technical evaluation phase, expected to take a couple of months. Subsequently, the financial bids of the technically qualified contenders will be unveiled, shedding light on the lowest bidder and, in all likelihood, the future contractor for the project.

The KNPCC-12 package's design credit goes to SYSTRA MVA Consulting (India), the Detailed Design Consultants (DDC) for Line-2. This particular package, along with Package KNPCC-14, responsible for Agriculture Depot’s construction, are the only civil packages awaiting awards in Kanpur Metro’s Phase 1 project. The latter received five bids in December, adding an extra layer of anticipation to the unfolding developments in the Kanpur Metro expansion.

As the Kanpur Metro Phase 1 project progresses, the emergence of five contenders for KNPCC-12's construction contract sets the stage for a dynamic and competitive phase. The technical evaluation and subsequent financial bid revelation will be closely watched, as the metro project continues to shape the city's infrastructure landscape.