Kalpataru Projects-Gulermak JV wins ₹762 crore civil contract for Kanpur Metro Rail Project

Kanpur, India (Metro Rail Today): In a significant development for the Kanpur Metro project, the consortium of Kalpataru Projects International Ltd. (KPIL) and Gulermak has secured the contract for the construction of the underground section (Package KNPCC-11) of Kanpur Metro's Line-2, which spans a length of 8.6 kilometers from Rawatpur to Jaurali. The awarded section is expected to connect Agriculture Depot with Double Pullia Ramp, encompassing three key underground stations at Rawatpur, Kakadeo, and Double Pullia.

With an estimated length of about 3.2 kilometers, this phase of the Kanpur Metro project holds substantial promise for enhancing the city's transportation infrastructure and fostering improved connectivity for its residents. The Uttar Pradesh Metro Rail Corporation (UPMRC) had initiated the bidding process for this contract back in February 2023, setting a cost estimate of Rs 1,025 crore and a deadline of 30 months.

Following the opening of technical bids in July, KPIL - Gulermak JV emerged as the front-runner, presenting a competitive bid of Rs. 762 crore, significantly lower than the estimated cost proposed by UPMRC. The financial bid values from other prominent firms such as Hindustan Construction Company (HCC), Tata Projects Ltd. (TPL), J Kumar Infraprojects Ltd (JKIL), Afcons - SAM India JV, Larsen & Toubro Ltd (L&T), and ITD Cementation India were also unveiled during the evaluation process.

The financial position of each bidders are as under:-

• KPIL – Gulermak JV: Rs 762 crore (L1)
• Hindustan Construction Company Ltd (HCC): Rs 829 crore (L2)
• Tata Projects Ltd. (TPL): Rs 895 crore (L3)
• ITD Cementation India Ltd: Rs 898 crore (L4)
• J Kumar Infraprojects Ltd (JKIL): Rs 941 crore (L5)
• Afcons – SAM India JV: Rs 947 crore (L6)
• Larsen & Toubro Ltd (L&T): Rs 990 crore (L7)

The scope of the contract entails the design and construction of Tunnel Boring Machine (TBM) tunnels, a Cut and Cover Tunnel, ramps after Double Pullia, as well as ramps in Agriculture Depot for mainline and depot connections. Additionally, the project involves the development of three underground metro stations at Rawatpur, Kakadeo, and Double Pullia, with a focus on incorporating architectural finishes that align with the project's aesthetic vision and functional requirements.

The financing for this project will be facilitated by the European Investment Bank (EIB) through a substantial €650 million loan (approximately Rs. 5661 crore), which was sanctioned in July 2020. This represents a significant step toward fostering collaborative international partnerships in the development of India's key infrastructure projects.

The successful bid by KPIL - Gulermak JV not only underscores their technical expertise and competitive pricing but also positions them strategically for future collaborations and projects within the rapidly evolving landscape of India's metro development initiatives. As the city of Kanpur gears up for the transformative impact of the Kanpur Metro Line-2, this contract serves as a testament to the collective efforts dedicated to enhancing urban mobility and bolstering sustainable development in the region.