Patna, India (Metro Rail Today): In a significant development for the Patna Metro Phase 1's Priority Corridor, seven firms have submitted bids for the architectural finishing and pre-engineered building (PEB) roof contract PC-01A. This contract covers five stations along the Malahi Pakri – New ISBT stretch, a crucial segment of the metro's priority corridor.
The five elevated stations in question, spanning 14.05 km along Line-2 (Patna Junction Railway Station – New ISBT), are strategically located at Malahi Pakri, Khemni Chak (an interchange station with Line-1), Bhoothnath, Zero Mile, and New ISBT. The civil construction contract for this stretch (Package PC-01) was awarded to NCC Ltd. in September 2020, with a challenging 30-month deadline. The recent launch of the first of 310 U-girders for the viaduct connecting these stations in January 2023 signifies progress despite the tight timeline.
Delhi Metro Rail Corporation (DMRC) initiated the bidding process for the architectural finishing and PEB roof contract in August 2023, estimating a budget of Rs. 74.95 crore and setting a two-year deadline.
Seven prominent firms have thrown their hats into the ring for this crucial contract:
DMRC's brief outlines the scope of work, encompassing architectural finishing works, DFSE (Drainage, Firefighting, and Electrical), roof sheeting of pre-engineered building (PEB) structures, and detailed civil work for the external facade, water supply, sewage infrastructure, and site development at the five elevated stations of the Patna MRTS Phase-I Project.
Currently, all submitted bids are undergoing technical evaluation, a process that typically takes a couple of months to complete. Once the technical evaluation concludes, the financial bids of the technically qualified bidders will be opened, revealing the lowest bidder who is likely to secure the contract.
Despite progress in certain aspects of the project, the Patna Metro is facing delays. A tender notice for the rolling stock (train) contract is still pending, indicating that trial runs are likely at least two years away. These delays underscore the challenges faced in the execution of large-scale metro projects.
The competitive bidding process for the architectural finishing and PEB roof contract at these pivotal metro stations in Patna reflects the industry's keen interest and commitment to advancing urban infrastructure. As technical evaluations progress, the chosen contractor will play a crucial role in shaping the visual and structural aspects of these key metro stations, contributing to the overall success of the Patna Metro Phase 1.