Geomardy wins Geotechnical Contract for Mumbai Metro Line 11

Mumbai, India (Metro Rail Today): Geomarine Dynamics India Pvt. Ltd. (Geomardy) has been declared the lowest bidder for the crucial geotechnical soil investigation contract for Mumbai Metro Line 11 (Green Line), which will stretch 18 kilometers and connect Anik Bus Depot to SPM Chowk via 15 underground stations. This project marks an important development in Mumbai's expanding metro network, set to become the city's third underground line following Line-3 (Aqua Line) and Line-7A (Red Line).

The Mumbai Metro Rail Corporation Ltd. (MMRC) earlier redesigned the alignment for Line-11 to optimize its route. The primary objective of this geotechnical investigation is to gather essential data on the sub-soil conditions. This information will aid in the preparation of detailed designs for the structures, allowing for the appropriate selection of machinery, methods, and technologies during construction. The investigation also aims to minimize potential damage to existing structures throughout the construction phase.

Contact Details

MMRC invited bids for the geotechnical investigation in early August, setting a 90-day deadline with an estimated budget of ₹1.52 crore. Following the technical bid evaluations conducted at the end of August, out of 11 bidders, only seven qualified for the financial bidding stage.

Financial Bid Breakdown

• Geomarine Dynamics India: ₹1.21 crore (L1)
• Genstru Consultants: ₹1.43 crore (L2)
• S & R Geotechniques: ₹1.47 crore (L3)
• CEG Test House and Research Centre: ₹1.63 crore (L4)
• Pureways Infra: ₹1.67 crore (L5)
• Monarch Surveyors & Engineering Consultants: ₹1.82 crore (L6)
• Myrtle Project and Consultancy: ₹1.97 crore (L7)

Geomardy's bid of ₹1.21 crore was approximately 20% below MMRC’s estimate, positioning them favorably for contract award in the coming weeks. As a result, work sites are expected to start appearing along the alignment in Q1 2025, marked by investigation tripods and barricades.

According to MMRC’s tender notice, the geotechnical investigation will involve the drilling of boreholes, which will be spaced at regular intervals of 500 meters along the twin tunnel’s alignment. Each station site will require three boreholes, which will be dug to various depths, including 10 meters, between 10-20 meters, and beyond 20 meters, as specified in the consultant’s borehole plan.

If awarded the contract, Geomardy will be responsible for compiling a comprehensive report that includes:

• Borehole details and locations with georeferenced coordinates
• Area geology and related characteristics
• Water table levels
• Test results
• Borehole-specific foundation recommendations
• Cutoff values
• Soil bearing capacities
• Seismicity data

While this geotechnical investigation is a crucial preliminary step, construction for Mumbai Metro Line 11 is not expected to commence until at least 2027, barring any unforeseen delays. Additional steps that MMRC must undertake before construction can begin include securing financing, preparing detailed designs, appointing a General Consultant, and conducting various environmental and social impact assessments.

Geomardy’s successful bid for the geotechnical contract signifies a critical milestone in the development of Mumbai Metro Line-11, paving the way for enhanced urban transportation in the city. As the project progresses, it promises to address growing mobility needs and improve connectivity across Mumbai.