L&T awarded ₹1040.51 crore Civil Contract for Line 4 of Bengaluru Suburban Rail Project

Bengaluru, India (Metro Rail Today): In a significant development, Larsen & Toubro (L&T) has clinched a substantial contract worth Rs. 1040.51 crore for the civil construction work of Corridor 4, known as Kanaka Line, under the Bengaluru Suburban Rail project (BSRP). This marks a crucial step forward in the ambitious 149.35 km BSRP, boosting connectivity and transforming Bengaluru's suburban transportation landscape.

Key Details of the Contract

The contract encompasses the construction of a 46.88 km stretch of Corridor 4, spanning from Heelalige to Rajanukunte. This includes the erection of an 8.96 km viaduct and a 37.92 km at-grade section. Notably, the construction will involve the establishment of 19 stations, with 2 being elevated and 17 at grade. The entire project is under the purview of Karnataka’s Rail Infrastructure Development Company (K-RIDE), which invited tenders in January 2023 with a 30-month deadline.

Awarding of the Contract

L&T emerged victorious in the competitive bidding process, solidifying its position as the lowest bidder when financial bids were opened in August. The official tender number for this significant project is K-RIDE/BSRP/16/2023.

The scope of this contract package, as outlined by KRIDE, involves the design and construction of an elevated viaduct measuring 8.960 km and an at-grade formation extending 37.920 km (excluding Station Buildings). This extensive project spans the corridor between Heelalige and Rajanukunte, contributing to the realization of Corridor 4 of the BSRP.

Noteworthy Infrastructure Elements

One notable feature included in this package is the construction of a 1.2 km long double-decker viaduct on a single pier, serving both Corridor 1 and Corridor 4 near Yelahanka. This innovative approach underscores the project's commitment to efficiency and space optimization.

Project Alignment and Stations

The BSRP's Kanaka Line and the Bangalore Metro project's 56 km Blue Line in Phase 2B will share a common alignment of approximately 500m between Benniganahalli and Channasandra. The strategically planned stations along this line include Rajankunte, Muddanahalli, Yelahanka (elevated interchange), Jakkur, Hegde Nagar, Thanisandra, Hennur, Horamavu, Channasandra, Benniganahalli (interchange), Kagadaspura, Marathahalli (elevated), Belandur Road, Carmelaram, Ambedkar Nagar, Huskur, Singena Agrahara (future), Bommasandra (future), and Heelalige.

Implications and Timeline

This contract, being the second major civil package of the BSRP awarded to L&T, positions the project for substantial progress. Anticipated groundwork is expected to commence in Q2 2024, with full-fledged construction activities slated to begin in Q3 2024. The timeline, however, is contingent on L&T securing a clear right-of-way (ROW) for construction, an aspect that has posed challenges in the ongoing Mallige Line project.

The awarding of the civil construction contract to L&T for Corridor 4 of the BSRP signifies a pivotal moment in Bengaluru's transportation evolution. As the city looks forward to enhanced suburban connectivity, this project holds the promise of transformative changes. With construction set to kick off in the coming months, the residents of Bengaluru can anticipate a more robust and interconnected suburban rail network in the near future.