RVNL floats ₹297.45-crore Power Systems Tender for Kolkata Metro Purple Line

Kolkata, India (Rail & Metro Today): Rail Vikas Nigam Limited (RVNL) has invited bids for a ₹297.45-crore contract to develop power distribution and traction infrastructure for Kolkata Metro’s Purple Line, strengthening efforts to advance the Joka–Esplanade corridor in West Bengal. The contract covers power systems for underground sections between Mominpur and Esplanade, associated tunnels and the elevated stretch between Joka and IIM.

The tender represents an important infrastructure package for the Diamond Park–Joka–Esplanade corridor, which is being developed to improve metro connectivity across southern and central Kolkata. Reliable power supply and traction infrastructure will be essential to supporting train operations once the relevant sections are ready for service.

Contract Covers Power Distribution and Third-Rail Systems

The scope of work includes engineering, supply, erection, testing and commissioning (ESET&C) of power distribution equipment, traction substations and a 750-volt direct-current (DC) third-rail traction system.

The package will cover four underground stations between Mominpur and Esplanade, along with the associated tunnels and the elevated section between Joka and IIM. The installation of power distribution equipment and traction substations will support the supply and management of electricity required for metro operations.

Under a third-rail system, electric trains draw traction power from a conductor rail installed alongside the running rails. The 750 V DC arrangement specified in the tender will form part of the traction power infrastructure required for the covered sections. Its installation and commissioning will need to be coordinated with other railway systems and civil works.

Advancing Kolkata Metro’s Purple Line

The Purple Line, also known as the Joka–Esplanade corridor, is intended to expand rapid transit access across parts of Kolkata that have historically had limited metro connectivity. The corridor’s development involves a combination of elevated and underground infrastructure, presenting different engineering and systems-integration requirements.

Power distribution and traction systems are critical components of metro projects, supporting dependable train operations and the wider functioning of the railway network. Timely completion of such packages is therefore important for subsequent testing, commissioning and the introduction of passenger services on the relevant sections.

RVNL’s tender adds to the range of infrastructure works required to develop the corridor. Coordination among civil contractors, electrical systems providers and other project stakeholders will be essential to ensure that the installations meet technical and operational requirements.

The tender has been identified as RVNL-KOL-EL-METRO-21, with an estimated contract value of ₹297.45 crore. 

The tender notice’s detailed submission schedule, eligibility conditions and completion period should be checked against the official procurement documents issued by RVNL.

As Kolkata continues to expand its metro network, the timely delivery of traction power and electrical infrastructure will remain an important factor in bringing new sections into operation and improving public transport connectivity across the city.