RVNL – Rithwik JV wins ₹613 crore civil contract for Bengaluru Suburban Rail Project

Bengaluru, India (Metro Rail Today): In a significant development for the Bengaluru Suburban Railway Project (BSRP), the joint venture (JV) of Rail Vikas Nigam Ltd. (RVNL) and Rithwik Projects has emerged as the lowest bidder for the construction of nine stations under Package C4A of the project. This crucial package, part of the 149.35 km BSRP, covers a stretch of 46.88 km along Corridor 4, which is also referred to as the Kanaka Line.

The package will see the construction of 1 elevated and 8 at-grade stations in southeastern Bengaluru, specifically connecting key locations such as Heelalige, Singena Agrahara, Huskur, Ambedkar Nagar, Carmelaram, Bellandur, Marathahalli, Doddanakundi, and Kaggadasapura. The contract includes a range of critical tasks such as civil works, structural engineering, entry/exit structures, steel foot over-bridges (FOBs), roof structures, and architectural finishing. Additionally, it will encompass essential electrical and mechanical (E&M) works, as well as pre-engineered building (PEB) roof installations.

The bid for Package C4A was opened in September 2024, following the tender invitation issued by Karnataka’s Rail Infrastructure Development Company (K-RIDE) in July 2024. RVNL – Rithwik JV’s bid of ₹613 crore emerged as the lowest, surpassing the other bidder, NCC Ltd., whose bid was valued at ₹627.35 crore.

K-RIDE had estimated the cost for this package at ₹504.11 crore. RVNL – Rithwik’s bid is about 21.6% higher than the estimate, amounting to an extra ₹109.89 crore. With this gap, K-RIDE will now enter into negotiations with the JV to finalize the terms of the contract. Despite the difference, experts suggest that the negotiations may proceed without significant changes, as the need to keep the project on schedule might outweigh potential cost adjustments.

The Bengaluru Suburban Railway Project aims to provide a much-needed transportation upgrade to the city, which faces heavy congestion and growing travel demands. Corridor 4, or the Kanaka Line, is a vital section of the project that will enhance connectivity in the southeastern part of Bengaluru, offering improved access to key residential and commercial hubs. The inclusion of elevated stations will also help reduce land acquisition challenges while maintaining smooth transit operations.

This package’s scope includes:

• Civil, structural, and architectural works for 9 stations, including elevated and at-grade designs.
• Electrical and mechanical systems installation (E&M), including power supply, signaling, and communication infrastructure.
• Pre-engineered building (PEB) roof structures to ensure durability and safety.
• Steel foot over-bridges (FOBs) to facilitate pedestrian access across tracks.
• Detailed design and engineering of all associated works, ensuring that each station meets the stringent safety and operational standards set by K-RIDE.

The Kanaka Line also forms a part of the broader BSRP, which, when completed, will dramatically improve public transportation and reduce travel time across the city. Notably, Corridor 4 will share a 500-meter common alignment with Bangalore Metro’s Phase 2B Blue Line, further integrating the suburban rail system with the city’s metro network.

This development comes just after Larsen & Toubro (L&T) secured a ₹1040.51 crore contract in December 2023 for the construction of viaducts and at-grade embankments on both Packages C4A and C4B, which will connect all 18 stations along the route. These developments are part of the larger push to modernize Bengaluru’s transport infrastructure and provide much-needed relief to its overburdened roadways.