Six firms bid for DPR Consultancy for Chennai Metro's Koyambedu – Avadi Metro Line

Chennai, India (Metro Rail Today): In a significant development for Chennai’s urban transportation landscape, six prominent consulting firms have stepped into the arena, vying for the opportunity to prepare a Detailed Project Report (DPR) for a new metro corridor linking Koyambedu and Avadi in the north-western part of the city.

This proposed elevated corridor, stretching approximately 16.07 kilometers, is set to traverse through key localities including Thirumangalam, Mugappair, and Ambattur. Envisioned as an extension of Chennai Metro’s Line-5 (Madhavaram – Sholinganallur), currently under construction as part of the expansive 116.1-kilometer Chennai Metro Phase 2 project, this new corridor holds immense promise for enhancing connectivity and easing commuter woes.

The detailed feasibility report for the line, finalized by L&T Infrastructure Engineering in mid-2023, outlines a blueprint for its construction, estimating a total expenditure of Rs. 6376.18 crore. With tentative plans for 15 elevated stations, this corridor aims to revolutionize intra-city travel and bolster urban mobility infrastructure.

In a bid to expedite the project’s progress, the Chennai Metro Rail Limited (CMRL) invited bids in February 2024 for the DPR consultant contract, stipulating a 180-day timeline for submissions. 

The roster of bidders comprises esteemed names in the consulting domain:

• Aarvee Associates Architects Engineers and Consultants Pvt. Ltd.
• AECOM India Pvt. Ltd.
• Balaji Railroad Systems Pvt. Ltd. (BASRYL)
• RITES Ltd.
• SYSTRA MVA Consulting (India) Pvt. Ltd.
• Urban Mass Transit Company Ltd. (UMTC)

Following the submission of bids, the evaluation process for technical viability is currently underway and is expected to span several months. Once the technically qualified bidders are identified, the financial bids will be unveiled, shedding light on the most competitive contender.

The DPR holds the key to delineating crucial aspects of the project, including route composition, station locations, depot establishment, ridership projections, operational strategies, and overall project cost. Notably, CMRL's press release in September 2023 hinted at the potential extension of the line from Avadi to Pattabiram, contingent upon factors such as urban development trends and emerging growth corridors.

Should proceedings align with the prescribed timeline, the appointment of a consultant is anticipated by late Q2 (June), paving the way for the unveiling of the DPR's initial draft in Q1 2025 (January – March), should CMRL opt to share it with the public.

In parallel, CMRL has also initiated the bidding process for preparing a DPR to extend Chennai Metro’s Line-4 from Poonamallee Bypass to the forthcoming greenfield airport at Parandur, further underscoring the city’s commitment to enhancing its public transit network.

The intense competition among consulting firms underscores the significance of the Koyambedu – Avadi Metro Line project in Chennai's urban development landscape. With robust plans underway and esteemed firms vying for the opportunity, the project holds immense promise for transforming the city’s transportation infrastructure and fostering sustainable growth.