KPIL–Gulermak JV bags ₹762.50 crore underground civil contract for Kanpur Metro Line 2

Kanpur, India (Metro Rail Today): In a significant milestone for the Kanpur Metro Phase 1 project, the consortium of Kalpataru Projects International Ltd. (KPIL) and Gulermak JV has been awarded a substantial contract worth Rs. 762.50 crore for the underground tunneling and construction work of Package KNPCC-11. This package, encompassing an approximately 4.08 km section of Kanpur Metro Line-2 (Agriculture University – Barra-8), marks a crucial step forward in enhancing the city's urban transportation infrastructure.

Project Scope and Highlights

The awarded contract covers the development of twin tunnels and the construction of three underground stations at Rawatpur, Kakadeo, and Double Pullia. Connecting Agriculture Depot to Double Pullia Ramp, this segment adds another dimension to Line-2's expansion. KNPCC-11 stands as the third underground package in the expansive 32.38 km Kanpur Metro Phase 1 project, following Line-1’s KNPCC-05 (Chunniganj – Nayaganj) and KNPCC-06 (Nayaganj – Transport Nagar).

Bidding Process and Contract Details

The Uttar Pradesh Metro Rail Corporation (UPMRC) initiated the bidding process in February 2023, estimating the project at Rs. 1025 crore with a 30-month deadline. Following the opening of technical bids in July, financial bids were disclosed in October, with the KPIL – Gulermak JV emerging as the lowest bidder. This victory underscores their expertise and commitment to contributing to Kanpur's metro infrastructure.

Brief Scope of the Contract: Design and Construction of TBM Tunnel, Cut and Cover Tunnel, ramp after Double Pullia, ramps in Agriculture Depot for mainline and depot connections, and three underground metro stations (Rawatpur, Kakadeo, and Double Pullia) including Architectural finishes on Corridor-2 of Kanpur MRTS Project.

Financing and Timeline

The financing for this contract will be facilitated by the European Investment Bank (EIB) through a €650 million (approximately Rs. 5661 crore) loan approved in July 2020. This strategic financial backing ensures the smooth execution of the project, reflecting the global interest in contributing to India's robust metro network.

With the contract finalized, anticipations are high for groundwork and pre-construction activities to commence in Q1 2024, followed by the initiation of actual construction work in early Q2 2024. Tunneling operations are expected to commence in mid-2025, showcasing the intricate planning required for such underground endeavors.

Future Prospects and Continuity

Given Gulermak's success in winning this contract, there's speculation regarding the potential reuse of their Terratec tunnel boring machines (TBMs) from Package KNPCC-05, where they are nearing completion of their final tunneling assignments. The specifics of this are expected to unfold by mid-2024, further shaping the trajectory of Kanpur Metro's Phase 1.

This contract is the first of two civil packages for Line-2, with the other (KNPCC-12) comprising two disjointed elevated sections featuring five stations. Bids for KNPCC-12's construction were invited in November, and the technical bid opening date is scheduled for January 9, 2024.

The awarding of KNPCC-11's contract represents a pivotal moment for Kanpur's metro expansion, affirming the city's commitment to robust and efficient urban transportation.