JSPL sole bidder for Head Hardened Rails contract of Mumbai Metro Line 4, 4A, 5 and 9

Mumbai, India (Metro Rail Today): Mumbai Metropolitan Region Development Authority (MMRDA) has announced that Jindal Steel & Power Ltd. (JSPL) remains the solitary bidder for the supply of 16,600 MT of head hardened rails for the city's metro lines 4, 4A, 5, and 9. The technical bids for packages CA-202 and CA-203 were opened today, reaffirming JSPL's significant role in this critical infrastructure development.

These specialized tracks, set to adhere to the 60E1 – 1080 grade specifications outlined in the Indian Railway Specification T-12-2009, will undergo a specialized heat treatment process, enhancing their strength, reducing residual stress, extending their lifespan, and minimizing maintenance requirements.

Following the re-invitation of bids in August 2023, MMRDA has set a 365-day deadline for both contracts. While Package CA-202, previously known as CA-150, is estimated at Rs. 78.09 crore, the estimate for CA-203, formerly CA-159, remains undisclosed.

Lines 4 & 4A, spanning 32.32 km and 2.88 km respectively, will connect Wadala, Kasarvadavali, and Gaimukh through 34 elevated stations. Meanwhile, Lines 5A and 9, covering 12.72 km and 11.38 km respectively, will establish crucial connections between Kapurbawdi, Dhamankar Naka, Dahisar East, and Mira Bhayandar through a series of elevated stations.

JSPL's repeated emergence as the only bidder for these contracts indicates their unique position as the sole Indian rail manufacturer capable of producing these specialized tracks. The Raigarh, Chhattisgarh-based rail plant boasts a robust production capacity of 30,000 tonnes of head-hardened rail per month, solidifying its pivotal role in the Mumbai Metro's expansion endeavors.

MMRDA's future actions regarding the single bid received are yet to be determined. If dissatisfied, the authority may opt for a retendering process. However, if deemed satisfactory, the technical bid submitted by JSPL will undergo rigorous evaluation, propelling the tendering process into its subsequent phases.

Notably, other line-related track-work contracts have been progressing steadily, including Apurvakriti Infrastructure's contract for Lines 4 and 4A (Package CA-161), Rahee Infratech's involvement in Line 5A (Package CA-167), and Paras Railtech's engagement in Line 9 (Package CA-166). This collective effort signifies a concerted push toward advancing Mumbai's vital metro network.