Six Firms Bid for Civil Contract Package C-02 of Nagpur Metro Phase 2

Nagpur, India (Metro Rail Today): The race to construct Package C2 of the Nagpur Metro Phase 2 project has drawn significant attention as six prominent civil engineering firms submitted their bids following the Maharashtra Metro Rail Corporation Limited (MAHA-METRO)'s opening of technical bids last Thursday. This project is a crucial part of the city's infrastructure development, aiming to enhance urban mobility and connectivity.

Package C-02 focuses on the construction of a 17.624 km viaduct within the Nagpur Metro Orange Line’s 18.7 km Reach 1A, which will connect Khapri to Butibori MIDC ESR. This ambitious undertaking includes the construction of eight elevated metro stations between Jamtha and Butibori, which will be carried out under a dedicated station package, C-09.

One of the most complex aspects of this project is the viaduct along NH-44, featuring two special spans over the Indian Railways lines, with lengths of 79m and 100m, respectively. Additionally, it includes a 1.14 km long, six-lane double-decker section designed to accommodate both vehicular traffic on level one and CRRC metro trains on level two. This innovative design highlights the project's commitment to integrating multiple forms of transport and reducing congestion.

MAHA-METRO invited bids for the construction of Package C-02 in March 2024, with an estimated cost of Rs. 945 crore and a construction deadline of 912 days, or approximately 2.5 years. The technical bids have been submitted by the following firms:

• Dilip Buildcon Ltd. (DBL)
• G R Infraprojects Ltd. (GRIL)
• Kalpataru Projects International Ltd.
• NCC Ltd.
• Rail Vikas Nigam Ltd. (RVNL)
• Tata Projects Ltd.

Each of these companies brings a wealth of experience and expertise to the table, making the competition for this project particularly intense. The firms are required to design and construct an elevated metro viaduct spanning 17.624 km between specific chainages, including railway spans of 79m and 100m lengths. The project also includes a six-lane double-decker portion with a vehicular underpass (VUP) stretching from chainage 25755.211 to 26895.211, covering a total length of 1.14 km within Reach-1A of the Nagpur Metro Phase 2.

The technical bids have now been forwarded for evaluation, a process that can take several months to complete. Following this, the financial bids of the technically qualified firms will be opened to determine the lowest bidder and the most likely contractor for the project. This stage is critical as it sets the foundation for the project's execution, ensuring that the selected contractor can meet the project's demanding requirements within the stipulated timeframe and budget.

In addition to the viaduct, Reach 1A’s eight metro stations will be constructed at the following locations: Ashokvan, Dongargaon, Mohgaon, Meghdoot MIDC, Butibori Police Station, MHADA Colony, MIDC KEC, and MIDC ESR. The bidding process for their construction is currently underway via Package C-09, with technical bids scheduled to be opened on July 4. This meticulous planning and phased approach reflect the project’s complexity and the strategic importance of each segment in the overall metro network.

Earlier, in April, Enia Design was declared the lowest bidder for the Detailed Design Consultant (DDC) contract DDC-03, which underscores the project's forward momentum. The role of the DDC is critical, as it involves the detailed planning and design of the metro system, ensuring that all components are seamlessly integrated and meet the highest standards of safety and efficiency.

The Nagpur Metro Phase 2 project is a testament to the city's commitment to modernizing its public transportation infrastructure. It aims to provide a reliable, efficient, and sustainable mode of transport for its residents. By reducing traffic congestion and lowering pollution levels, the metro system is expected to significantly enhance the quality of life in Nagpur.