Five Firms compete for Track Work Contract of Patna Metro Phase 1

Patna, India (Metro Rail Today): In a significant step for the Patna Metro Phase 1 project, the Delhi Metro Rail Corporation (DMRC) has opened technical bids for the installation of ballastless standard gauge tracks along the 6.107 km Priority Corridor of Line-2. This key section, connecting Malahi Pakri to the New ISBT via five elevated stations, is set to be the first to open as part of the overall metro development.

DMRC invited bids for the track installation contract (Package PT-09) in November 2024, with an estimated cost of Rs. 24.89 crore and a 180-day timeline. On December 31, the technical bids from five firms were opened, and the following bidders were revealed:

• Apurvakriti Infrastruc Pvt. Ltd.
• Paras Railtech Pvt. Ltd.
• Pee Pee Mandal Projects Pvt. Ltd.
• Rahee Infratech Ltd.
• Texmaco Rail and Engineering Ltd.

These bids will now undergo technical evaluation, which is expected to take a couple of months. Once this process is complete, DMRC will open the financial bids of the technically qualified bidders to determine the lowest bidder, who will likely be awarded the contract.

The Scope of Work

The contract involves the installation of ballastless tracks, which includes the supply of essential components such as buffer stops. This work will be carried out along the Priority Corridor, which spans from Malahi Pakri to New ISBT, featuring five elevated stations: Malahi Pakri, Khemni Chak, Bhootnath, Zero Mile, and New ISBT. This corridor will be the first to be operational, marking a significant milestone for the Patna Metro project.

Current Status of Patna Metro Phase 1 Track-Related Packages

This package is the fourth track-related contract to be awarded under Phase 1 of the Patna Metro project. Here’s a status update on the other related packages:

• PT-4R: Design, manufacturing, and supply of UIC-60 Turnouts & Scissor Crossover – Awarded to Voestalpine VAE VKN India.
• PT-7R: Manufacturing & supply of 1200 MT 90 UTS, UIC 60, 13 m, Class A 880 Grade Rails for the New ISBT Patna Depot – Awarded to Steel Authority of India (SAIL).
• PT-8R: Standard gauge track work (ballasted, embedded, and column lines) at New ISBT Depot – Awarded to S.C. Agarwal.
• PT-09: Ballastless track work for the Priority Corridor – Five bids submitted (current update).

Challenges Ahead for Patna Metro

Despite the progress on track work, the Patna Metro’s timeline is still facing delays. The rolling stock and signaling contracts, which are critical for operations, are still pending. These contracts, being financed by JICA, are expected to take additional time, with reports suggesting that commercial operations on the Priority Corridor may not begin until 2027, unless trains are leased from or brought in by Delhi Metro.

With track installation moving forward, the Patna Metro’s Priority Corridor is inching closer to reality, but logistical hurdles remain. Once complete, the metro is expected to drastically improve connectivity across Patna, reducing traffic congestion and offering a reliable mode of public transport for the growing city.