KPC Projects wins ₹210 crore contract for Soladevanahalli Depot of Bengaluru Suburban Rail Project

Bengaluru, India (Metro Rail Today): In a significant development for the Bengaluru Suburban Rail Project (BSRP), KPC Projects Ltd. has been declared the lowest bidder for the construction of the Soladevanahalli Depot. The depot, a key component of the 149.35 km BSRP, will be used for stabling and maintaining trains on Corridor 2 (Mallige Line), which will connect Baiyyappanahalli Terminal to Chikkabanavara, covering 14 stations along the way.

The Soladevanahalli Depot, along with another depot at Akkupet (Devanahalli), will play a crucial role in housing the project’s rolling stock, which includes 51 trains and 306 coaches. Additionally, KPC’s winning bid will involve the construction of a 1 km at-grade section between Chikkabanavara Station and the Soladevanahalli Depot, a vital infrastructure element for smooth rail operations.

K-RIDE, the Karnataka Rail Infrastructure Development Corporation, had opened tenders for the depot's civil construction in September 2024, estimating the project at ₹170.93 crore with a 24-month construction timeline. Technical bids were opened in December 2024, revealing two contenders: KPC Projects Ltd. and URC Construction Pvt. Ltd. The bids value of both contenders are as under:-

• KPC Projects Ltd.: ₹209.72 crore (L1)
• URC Construction Pvt. Ltd.: ₹213.41 crore (L2)

KPC's bid of ₹209.72 crore was 22.69% higher than the estimated cost, putting the proposal under scrutiny and opening the door for further negotiations.

If K-RIDE and KPC are unable to reach a satisfactory agreement, the contract may be re-tendered, potentially delaying the project further. The tender for the Akkupet Depot construction is also still pending.

KPC Projects' successful bid signals another step forward in the development of the BSRP, which is expected to significantly enhance urban mobility in Bengaluru, easing congestion and improving travel times for commuters across the city.