Five Firms compete for Agriculture University Depot contract of Kanpur Metro Rail Project

Kanpur, India (Metro Rail Today): In a significant development for the Kanpur Metro Phase 1 project, five reputable civil engineering firms have submitted bids for the civil construction and system installation of the Agriculture University Depot & Workshop, known as Package KNPCC-14. This vital train maintenance facility, overseen by the Uttar Pradesh Metro Rail Corporation (UPMRC), will be situated on a sprawling 37.69-acre parcel within the Chandra Shekhar Azad University of Agriculture & Technology.

Project Overview

The depot is designated to accommodate an undisclosed number of 3-coach Alstom MOVIA train-sets, specifically for the Kanpur Metro’s 8.38 km Line-2. This metro line is set to connect Agriculture University to Barra-8, traversing eight stations, of which three are underground and five elevated. The facility's strategic location within the university premises underscores the integration of urban transport infrastructure with educational institutions.

Bidders in the Race

The five firms vying for the lucrative contract are:

1. KSM Bashir Mohammad and Sons
2. Lisha Engineers Pvt. Ltd.
3. Quality Buildcon Pvt. Ltd.
4. SMS India Pvt. Ltd.
5. Vishnu Saran and Company

Scope of Work

The scope of UPMRC’s brief encompasses Civil, PEB (Pre-Engineered Building), and E&M (Electrical & Mechanical) works for the construction of the depot cum workshop. This includes structural, architectural, plumbing, drainage, external development, road works, electrical installations, mechanical systems, VAC (Ventilation, Air Conditioning), fire-fighting, fire detection, and more. The project, estimated at Rs. 113.20 crore, comes with an 18-month construction deadline.

Project Progress and Future Steps

The bids are currently undergoing a thorough technical evaluation, a process expected to take a few months. Once completed, the financial bids of the technically qualified bidders will be unveiled, revealing the lowest bidder and, presumably, the future contractor for this crucial phase of the Kanpur Metro project.

Notably, KSM Bashir Mohammad and Sons boast prior experience in building Kanpur Metro Line-1’s Polytechnic Depot, while Lisha Engineers recently completed work on Agra Metro’s PAC Depot. Simultaneously, Quality Buildcon is actively engaged in constructing Patna Metro’s New ISBT Depot.

The Future of Line-2

Considering that Kanpur Metro’s Line-2 is relatively short, housing approximately 8-10 train-sets at the Agriculture University Depot is anticipated. As the bids for Package KNPCC-12, the only major civil package still open for Phase 1 and Line-2, progress, the Kanpur Metro project moves one step closer to enhancing urban connectivity and mobility in the region.

Conclusion

The competition among these esteemed firms underscores the significance of the Kanpur Metro Phase 1 project and the critical role the Agriculture University Depot will play in shaping the future of transportation in Kanpur. As the technical evaluation proceeds, stakeholders eagerly await the unveiling of the lowest bidder, marking a pivotal milestone in the construction journey.