Six Firms qualify for ₹1,160 crore Underground Tunnel Package of Jaipur Metro Rail Project

Jaipur, India (Rail & Metro Today): Jaipur Metro Rail Corporation Limited (JMRC) has shortlisted six infrastructure companies in the technical evaluation for a major underground construction package valued at ₹1,160.26 crore, marking a significant step forward in the development of Jaipur Metro’s underground corridor.

The technical evaluation, completed on October 14, 2026, covers tender package NCB 2C-02, which includes twin tunnels, an underground tunnel box, an underground ramp and two underground stations at Sanganer Police Station (PS) and Jaipur Airport. The package is a key component of efforts to strengthen metro connectivity in the Rajasthan capital and improve access to important transport destinations.

The six technically qualified bidders are -

• AFCONS Infrastructure Limited, a Shapoorji Pallonji Group company;
• Cemindia Projects Limited, a Adani Group company;
• J Kumar Infraprojects Limited;
• Larsen & Toubro Limited (L&T);
• SAM (India) Builtwell Private Limited;
• Tata Projects Limited

However, AKVIKSHA did not qualify in the technical evaluation.

With the technical assessment complete, the tender process will move to the financial evaluation stage. The final contract award remains pending, and the successful bidder will be determined through the subsequent procurement process.

Shield TBM Tunnelling and Underground Stations

The NCB 2C-02 package involves several technically demanding civil engineering works. A major component is the construction of twin underground tunnels using a Shield Tunnel Boring Machine (TBM), a mechanised tunnelling technology widely used for constructing underground rail infrastructure in urban environments.

TBM-based construction can help manage tunnelling operations in challenging ground conditions while reducing surface disruption compared with certain conventional excavation methods. Its application is particularly relevant in built-up urban areas, where construction activities must be carefully coordinated with existing roads, utilities, buildings and other infrastructure.

The package also includes a cut-and-cover tunnel box, an underground ramp and two underground stations at Sanganer PS and Jaipur Airport. These elements will require close coordination between tunnelling works, station construction, structural engineering and other associated infrastructure.

The planned airport station is particularly important from a connectivity perspective, as metro access can provide an alternative to road-based journeys for airport passengers, employees and visitors. The Sanganer PS station is also expected to improve access for commuters travelling through the surrounding urban area.

The execution of the package will depend on effective construction planning, ground-condition management, utility coordination and adherence to safety and quality requirements.

Leading Infrastructure Companies Compete for the Contract

The participation of six technically qualified companies highlights the competitive interest in India's urban rail construction sector. The shortlisted firms have experience across infrastructure development, including metro rail projects, tunnelling, civil engineering and complex urban construction.

AFCONS Infrastructure, Cemindia Projects, J Kumar Infraprojects, L&T, SAM (India) Builtwell and Tata Projects will proceed to the next stage in accordance with the tender conditions.

The financial evaluation will be an important step in determining the outcome of the procurement process. However, the contract award has not yet been announced, and the final outcome will depend on the applicable tender requirements and evaluation procedure.

The involvement of experienced infrastructure contractors is significant for underground metro construction, where project delivery requires specialised equipment, skilled personnel, rigorous safety management and coordination across multiple engineering disciplines.

Financial Evaluation to Determine the Next Stage

With the technical evaluation completed on October 14, 2026, attention now shifts to the financial stage of tender NCB 2C-02. The process will determine the next steps towards selecting a contractor for the ₹1,160.26 crore package.

The project represents another important opportunity for India's infrastructure construction industry, particularly in the specialised field of underground metro development. As cities seek to expand rail connectivity through densely developed areas, underground corridors can provide additional route options where elevated infrastructure may face space or planning constraints.

For Jaipur, the successful implementation of the package will depend on the timely completion of procurement, effective project mobilisation and careful management of construction activities. The proposed underground stations and tunnels are intended to strengthen the city's metro infrastructure and improve connectivity to key destinations, including Jaipur Airport.

The tender remains at the evaluation stage, with the contract award still awaited. Further progress will become clearer once the financial evaluation is completed and JMRC announces the outcome of the procurement process.