Kalpataru – Gulermak JV wins ₹769 crore civil contract for Bhopal Metro Phase 1

Bhopal, India (Metro Rail Today): In a significant development for the Bhopal Metro Phase 1 project, Kalpataru Projects International Ltd (KPIL) – Gulermak Joint Venture (JV) emerged as the lowest bidder for the underground tunneling and construction works under Package BH-04. The announcement was made by the Madhya Pradesh Metro Rail Corporation Ltd (MPMRCL) today.

The underground tunneling and construction works under Package BH-04 encompass the creation of twin tunnels covering a distance of 3.39 km. These tunnels will connect a ramp south of Sindhi Colony Station with a ramp west of Aish Bagh Crossing Station, incorporating two essential underground stations at Bhopal Junction Station and Nadra Bus Stand.

This particular package holds a pivotal role as it constitutes the first and only underground segment of the expansive 27.87 km Bhopal Metro Phase 1 project. The financing for this construction will be facilitated by the European Investment Bank (EIB) through a €400 million (approx. Rs. 3584 crore) loan agreement inked in December 2019.

The financial bids revealed KPIL – Gulermak JV as the frontrunner with a bid of Rs. 768.99 crore. This bid is notably below MPMRCL's estimate of Rs. 892 crore. The competitive bidding process included prominent players in the infrastructure domain, such as Larsen & Toubro (L&T), ITD Cementation India, Afcons Infrastructure (AIL), Tata Projects Ltd. (TPL), and Hindustan Construction Company (HCC).

Financial Bid Values:

• KPIL – Gulermak JV: Rs. 768.99 crore (L1)
• Larsen & Toubro (L&T): Rs. 823.14 crore (L2)
• ITD Cementation India Ltd: Rs. 835.46 crore (L3)
• Afcons Infrastructure Ltd: Rs. 847.26 crore (L4)
• Tata Projects Ltd: Rs. 869.38 crore (L5)
• Hindustan Construction Company: Rs. 917.54 crore (L6)

The scope of work for Package BH-04 involves the design and construction of twin tunnel cut-cover cross passages, ramps, and two underground stations. The responsibilities extend to architectural finishing, water supply, sanitary installation, and drainage works for the entire underground section from CH 28375 to 31765.

With KPIL – Gulermak JV's bid being substantially below the estimated cost, the contract is poised to be awarded in the coming weeks, expediting the initiation of construction activities. This significant win for the JV follows their success in securing the contract for Kanpur Metro Line-2 in December 2023.

Looking ahead, the groundwork is anticipated to commence in the middle of Q2 2024, with full-fledged construction activities kicking off in Q3 2024. MPMRCL is likely to mandate the deployment of a minimum of two tunnel boring machines (TBMs) for the construction of the six tunnels envisioned in this project.

The successful bid by KPIL – Gulermak JV not only underscores their expertise in the field but also signifies a crucial advancement in the Bhopal Metro Phase 1 project. This contract win contributes to the city's vision for modern and efficient public transportation infrastructure.