K-RIDE floated Tender for Station Work on Priority Section of Bengaluru Suburban Rail Project

Bengaluru, India (Metro Rail Today): The much-anticipated Bengaluru suburban rail project is gaining momentum with the Rail Infrastructure Development Company (Karnataka) Limited (K-RIDE) inviting tenders for station work on the 'priority section.' This development marks a significant step forward in the realization of the 25-km Byappanahalli–Yeshwantpur–Chikkabanavara (Mallige) corridor.

Scope of Work

On June 15, K-RIDE announced the call for tenders for eight stations on the Chikkabanavara–Yeswantpur priority section. This section includes the stations at Benniganahalli (Byappanahalli), Kasturi Nagar, Seva Nagar, Banaswadi, Nagawara, Kanaka Nagar, Hebbal, and Mathikere. The estimated cost for this segment of the project is Rs 455.8 crore, and the tender is expected to be finalized by August. The construction work is slated to be completed within 24 months.

To expedite the project, K-RIDE is inviting two tenders for station work in the priority section. An official from K-RIDE, speaking on condition of anonymity, mentioned that tenders for the remaining stations would be invited shortly. The other tender will cover the remaining stations: Yeswantpur, Shettihalli, Myadarahalli, and Chikkabanavara, all part of the Mallige Line.

Construction Details

The scope of work for these tenders includes the construction of station buildings, civil and structural work, entry and exit structures, steel foot overbridges, and maintenance facilities. This marks the second attempt by K-RIDE to tender the construction of stations along the Mallige Line. In 2023, the initial tender for 12 stations was canceled after the single qualified bidder quoted a price higher than the estimated cost.

Challenges and Progress

K-RIDE had previously awarded the civil work tender for the Mallige Line to Larsen & Toubro (L&T) in August 2022. The project, originally scheduled for completion in 27 months, has faced delays due to coordination issues with the South Western Railway, land acquisition challenges, and the need for tree-felling permissions. Despite these setbacks, progress is being made, and K-RIDE is committed to overcoming these hurdles to keep the project on track.

Platform Screen Doors for Safety

A significant safety feature of the Bengaluru suburban rail project is the inclusion of platform screen doors at all stations. K-RIDE officials have confirmed that tenders for the installation of these doors, along with signaling systems for the Mallige corridor, will be invited soon. This measure aims to enhance passenger safety and streamline boarding and alighting processes.

Rolling Stock Contract and Delays

K-RIDE plans to operationalize the priority section by December 2025 and complete all four corridors by 2027. However, meeting these deadlines appears challenging due to delays in finalizing the rolling stock (train sets) contract. In December 2023, K-RIDE invited tenders for rolling stock under a lease model, aiming to select a lessee to design, manufacture, supply, commission, operate, and maintain the train sets.

The deadline for this tender, which follows a public-private partnership (PPP) model, has been extended to July 2024. The delay is attributed to bidders needing more time to secure financial partnerships. This is the first time an urban rail transit agency in India is procuring train sets on such a large scale under a lease model.

Three firms—Spain-based Construcciones y Auxiliar de Ferrocarriles (CAF), Bharat Heavy Electricals Limited (BHEL), and Bharat Earth Movers Limited (BEML)—have expressed interest in the contract. The selected firm will provide 264 coaches within three to five years and will be responsible for maintenance and supplying train operators for 35 years. K-RIDE's total requirement is 306 coaches.

Exploring Alternatives: Vande Metro

If the lease model does not proceed as planned, K-RIDE is considering the Vande Metro as an alternative. The Vande Metro, a shorter-distance variant of the Vande Bharat Express, is designed for urban commuters traveling up to 250 km. A prototype of the fully air-conditioned, 12-car Vande Metro has been developed by the Chennai Integral Coach Factory (ICF), with trial runs scheduled to begin by August 15.

Progress on Other Corridors

Apart from the Mallige Line, K-RIDE is also progressing with other corridors. In December, the civil work tender for the 46-km Heelalige–Yelahanka–Rajanukunte (Kanaka) Line was awarded to L&T. However, tenders for civil works on the remaining KSR Bengaluru City–Yelahanka–Devanahalli (Sampige) and Kengeri–Cantonment–Whitefield (Parijaata) corridors are yet to be invited.

The Bengaluru suburban rail project, with its ambitious plans and strategic developments, is poised to transform urban commuting in the city. While challenges and delays have been part of the journey, the commitment of K-RIDE and the involvement of various stakeholders provide a hopeful outlook for the project's completion. As Bengaluru continues to grow, the suburban rail project stands as a crucial initiative to meet the city's evolving transportation needs.