RITES wins DPR Consultancy Contract for Chennai Metro's Koyambedu – Avadi Corridor

Chennai, India (Metro Rail Today): In a recent development, RITES Ltd. has emerged as the lowest bidder for the Detailed Project Report (DPR) contract concerning the proposed metro corridor linking Koyambedu and Avadi in the north-western region of Chennai.

This forthcoming elevated metro line, spanning approximately 16.07 kilometers, is slated to traverse through key areas including Thirumangalam, Mugappair, and Ambattur. Envisioned as an extension of Chennai Metro’s Line-5 (Madhavaram – Sholinganallur), which forms a crucial segment of the ongoing 116.1 km Chennai Metro Phase 2 initiative, the project aims to enhance connectivity and facilitate smoother commuting for residents.

The detailed feasibility report for the line, meticulously crafted by L&T Infrastructure Engineering in mid-2023, outlines an estimated construction cost of approximately ₹6,376.18 crore, encompassing the construction of 15 tentative elevated stations along the route.

The Chennai Metro Rail Limited (CMRL), in February 2024, initiated the bidding process for the DPR consultant contract, setting a deadline of 180 days for submission, with the estimated project cost undisclosed at the time.

Following the closure of the technical bid submissions in April 2024, scrutiny revealed the participation of six bidders. However, the bid submitted by AECOM India – URS Scott Wilson India JV was deemed non-compliant with the tender conditions, leading to its disqualification.

Financial bid evaluations were conducted on May 21, with the following results:

• RITES Ltd: ₹0.95 Crore (L1)
• Balaji Railroad Systems Pvt. Ltd.: ₹1.04 Crore (L2)
• SYSTRA MVA Consulting: ₹1.15 Crore (L3)
• Aarvee Associates: ₹1.26 Crore (L4)
• Urban Mass Transit Company: ₹1.82 Crore (L5)

As illustrated in the indicative alignment map, the proposed Avadi – Koyambedu metro line aims to streamline transportation and cater to the burgeoning needs of commuters in the region.

The timeline for the issuance of the contract remains uncertain, pending further updates from CMRL. However, if the contract is finalized in June, stakeholders may anticipate a glimpse of the DPR’s initial draft by the first quarter of 2025 (January – March), subject to CMRL’s decision to disclose such information.

The DPR is poised to furnish comprehensive insights into various aspects of the project, encompassing the line’s length, route composition, station distribution, depot establishment, rolling stock requirements, ridership projections, operational strategies, and overall expenditure.

Additionally, in line with CMRL’s press release in September 2023, the appointed DPR consultant will explore the feasibility of extending the line beyond Avadi to Pattabiram, considering factors such as the establishment of the new TIDEL Information Technology Park, land availability, and future growth prospects.

RITES’ emergence as the lowest bidder for the DPR consultancy underscores a significant milestone in the progression of the Avadi – Koyambedu metro line project, signaling a step forward towards bolstering Chennai’s urban transit infrastructure and fostering sustainable development in the region.