Rahee Infratech awarded Track Contract for Nagpur Metro Phase 2

Nagpur, India (Metro Rail Today): In a significant development for the Nagpur Metro, Rahee Infratech Ltd. has emerged as the lowest bidder for the supply and installation of ballasted tracks for the 43.8 km Phase 2 project. The announcement was made by the Maharashtra Metro Rail Corporation Ltd. (Maha-Metro) on Thursday, marking a crucial step forward in the expansion of the city's metro network.

The specific contract, designated as Package T-01, encompasses track work for a small but vital section of the Nagpur Metro Orange Line. This 1.746 km at-grade section is part of the 18.7 km Reach 1A, connecting Khapri to Butibori MIDC ESR. The at-grade section runs from chainage 19550 to 21296.917 and includes two new metro stations: Eco Park Station and Metro City Station.

In addition to the basic track installation, Rahee Infratech will also be responsible for supplying specialized head-hardened rails (60E1 – 1080 grade), track fastenings, and 1 in 9 turnouts. These turnouts are crucial for allowing the system’s CRRC trains to switch tracks between the up and down lines, ensuring operational flexibility and efficiency.

Maha-Metro had initiated the bidding process for this contract in March 2024, with an estimated cost of ₹7.96 crore and a stringent deadline of 150 days for completion. The technical bids were opened in April, revealing two contenders: Rahee Infratech and NMC Industries.

The financial bids for the contract were as follows:

• Rahee Infratech: ₹9.42 crore (L1)
• NMC Industries: ₹9.61 crore (L2)

Rahee Infratech’s bid of ₹9.42 crore was 18.34% higher than Maha-Metro’s estimate of ₹7.96 crore. Although this difference of Rs. 1.46 crore is relatively small in the context of large infrastructure projects, it still presents a challenge in the contract award process. Negotiations will be key to finalizing the contract terms.

The situation with the Nagpur Metro contract is reminiscent of a similar scenario with the Patna Metro back in 2021. For the Patna Metro’s track contract PT-7, JSPL’s bid was ₹8.91 crore, which was 16.47% higher than the Delhi Metro Rail Corporation’s (DMRC) estimate of ₹7.65 crore. This discrepancy led to the contract being re-tendered, with SAIL ultimately securing the PT-7R contract in 2024.

Such precedents highlight the complexities involved in large-scale infrastructure projects, where initial bids often exceed estimates, necessitating further negotiations and sometimes re-tendering.

This track contract is the second significant systems-related contract in Phase 2 of the Nagpur Metro, following the electrical and mechanical contract E&M-02. The successful completion of these contracts is crucial for maintaining the timeline and ensuring the smooth expansion of the metro network.

The addition of the Khapri to Butibori MIDC ESR section is expected to significantly enhance connectivity and accessibility within Nagpur. The new metro stations, Eco Park Station and Metro City Station, will serve key areas and contribute to the overall efficiency of the transportation system.

The award of the track contract to Rahee Infratech Ltd. represents a major milestone for the Nagpur Metro Phase 2 project. With specialized components and a stringent deadline, this project will test the capabilities of Rahee Infratech and set the stage for further advancements in the city’s metro infrastructure. As negotiations proceed, stakeholders remain optimistic about overcoming the financial bid challenges and moving forward with the construction. This development not only promises improved transportation for Nagpur but also serves as a testament to the ongoing efforts to enhance urban mobility in India.