Four Bidders qualify for Civil Contract Package AGCC-07 of Agra Metro Rail Project

Agra, India (Metro Rail Tooday): In a significant development for the Agra Metro Phase 1 project, four companies have been shortlisted for the highly anticipated civil construction contract AGCC-07. This contract is a key component of the metro's expansion, focusing on the construction of Line-2, which will span 15.09 kilometers and connect Agra Cantonment to Kalindi Vihar through 14 elevated stations.

The Uttar Pradesh Metro Rail Corporation (UPMRC) is managing this pivotal contract, which includes the construction of the entire viaduct for Line-2, 14 elevated stations along the route, a 530-meter viaduct leading to the Kalindi Vihar Depot, and a 2.61-kilometer viaduct connecting from north of Sadar Bazar metro station to Line-1’s PAC Depot. Notably, the scope of AGCC-07 has expanded to include Package AGCC-06, which originally covered the Agra Cantt – Sanjay Place section. This package was scrapped by UPMRC in October 2023 and merged into AGCC-07.

UPMRC issued the invitation for bids in December 2023, with an estimated budget of Rs. 1529.29 crore and a project completion deadline of 24 months. The technical bids were opened in March 2024, revealing six contenders. After a thorough evaluation, four bidders have been qualified: Afcons Infrastructure Ltd. (AIL), Dilip Buildcon (DBL) – Evrascon JV, Larsen and Toubro Ltd. (L&T), and NCC Ltd.

Two bidders, Ceigall India Ltd. (CIL) and T and T Infra Ltd., were disqualified. The disqualification of Ceigall India Ltd., in particular, is noteworthy as they were recently awarded the contract for Agra Metro Line-1’s Package AGCC-05 in March 2024. The exact reasons for their disqualification from AGCC-07 remain unclear, though it may relate to not meeting specific tender requirements or failing to provide necessary documentation.

The AGCC-07 contract encompasses a broad range of construction activities, including the design and construction of the elevated viaduct from Agra Cantt. Metro Station to Kalindi Vihar Metro Station, and the construction of a viaduct connection and ramp from near Sadar Bazar Metro Station to the Corridor-1 Depot at PAC ground. The contract also includes the building of the Depot Entry/Exit lines viaduct with ramp, and the construction of 14 elevated stations including Agra Cantt, Sadar Bazar, Pratap Pura, Collectorate, Agra College, Hariparvat Chauraha, Sanjay Place, M.G. Road, Sultanganj crossing, Kamla Nagar, Ram Bagh, Foundry Nagar, Agra Mandi, and Kalindi Vihar. Additionally, the scope includes ancillary works such as architectural finishes, water supply, sanitary installation, drainage, external development, fire fighting, fire detection, E&M works, and PEB structures.

The technical evaluation process by UPMRC has taken five months, which is longer than usual. This delay may be attributed to the pending approval from the European Investment Bank (EIB), which is financing the project with a €450 million loan.

The financial bids for AGCC-07 are scheduled to be opened on August 13, 2024. The competition among the qualified bidders will determine who will secure this major infrastructure contract. The outcome of this process will be crucial in advancing the Agra Metro Phase 1 project.

Agra Metro Line-2 is a critical addition to the city’s expanding metro network. At Agra College Station, passengers will have the option to interchange with Line-1 (Sikandra – Taj East Gate), where an underground station is currently under construction by Afcons – SAM India JV as part of Package AGCC-02.

As the financial bidding phase approaches, further clarity on the project’s progress will emerge. Stay tuned for updates on the winning bidder and subsequent developments in the Agra Metro Phase 1 project.