Five firms compete for Electrical and Mechanical Contract of Bangalore Metro Blue Line

Bengaluru, India (Metro Rail Today): In a significant development for Bangalore's urban transport infrastructure, five firms have submitted bids for the Electrical and Mechanical (E&M) contract known as E&M-6, associated with the city's ambitious 57 km Blue Line of Bangalore Metro Rail Project. This announcement came after the Bangalore Metro Rail Corporation Ltd. (BMRCL) opened technical bids on Thursday, marking a key milestone in the ongoing expansion of the metro system.

The Blue Line, part of Bangalore Metro's Phase 2A (Outer Ring Road Line) and Phase 2B (Airport Line) projects, aims to create a vital transport link connecting Silkboard to KR Puram and the Bengaluru International Airport. This corridor will feature 30 stations strategically located along the Outer Ring Road and national highway NH-44, enhancing connectivity and reducing travel time for commuters in the rapidly growing city.

The E&M-6 contract encompasses critical electrical and mechanical works at 28 stations, two traction substations (TSS), and a cut-and-cover section extending approximately 718 meters adjacent to Yelahanka Air Force Station. It is important to note that the E&M works for the Airport City Metro Station (KIA West Station) and KIA Terminals Station will be handled under a separate contract.

BMRCL initially invited bids for Package E&M-6 in September 2024, with an estimated value believed to be around ₹183 crore. The completion deadline for the project is set at 1.5 years, highlighting the urgency and significance of this contract in the overall development of the metro system.

List of Bidders

The following companies have entered the bidding process for the E&M-6 contract:

1. Blue Star Ltd.
2. Jakson Ltd.
3. Power Mech Projects Ltd.
4. Toyota Tsusho India Pvt. Ltd.
5. Universal MEP Projects & Engineering Services Ltd. 

The scope of work includes the installation of Low Tension (LT) panels, LT cables, lighting systems, hydraulic systems, fire safety systems, Uninterruptible Power Supply (UPS) systems, Diesel Generators (DG), Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning (HVAC), and Building Management Systems (BMS) across the specified stations and sections.

Following the submission of bids, BMRCL will conduct a technical evaluation, a process that may take several months. Once this evaluation is complete, the financial bids from the technically qualified bidders will be opened to determine the lowest bidder, who will likely be awarded the contract.

As of now, projections suggest that Phase 2A of the Blue Line may not open until the fourth quarter of 2026, while Phase 2B is expected to follow suit in the third quarter of 2027. Challenges related to train availability could further impact the timeline, as the first batch of BEML trains from the rolling stock contract 5RS-DM is anticipated to be allocated primarily for the Pink Line, which is currently in a more advanced construction phase. The first of the 53 trains, produced at BEML’s facility in CV Raman Nagar, is expected to roll out in the fourth quarter of 2025.

The competition for the E&M contract on Bangalore Metro's Blue Line underscores the city's commitment to enhancing its public transport infrastructure. As the evaluation process unfolds, stakeholders and commuters alike will be watching closely to see which company emerges as the contractor for this critical project, which promises to reshape Bangalore's transportation landscape for years to come.