Three firms bid for ₹4,132 crore construction contract for Mumbai Metro Line 12

Mumbai, India (Metro Rail Today): In a significant development for Mumbai's expanding metro network, the Mumbai Metropolitan Region Development Authority (MMRDA) has witnessed the submission of bids from three prominent firms for the civil construction of Mumbai Metro's Line-12, also known as the Orange Line. This critical line is poised to connect Kalyan, Dombivali, and Amandoot (Taloja). The technical bids, a crucial step in the selection process, were opened today, showcasing the competitive spirit among the contenders.

Line-12 is designed as a 22.17 km southern elevated extension, encompassing 19 elevated stations. This extension is a strategic addition to the partially under-construction Line-5, covering the Thane-Bhiwandi-Kalyan route. The estimated cost for Line-12's construction stands at a substantial Rs 4,132 crore, emphasizing the scale and importance of this metro expansion initiative.

The journey to select the right contractor for Line 12 has seen its fair share of twists and turns. MMRDA initially invited bids in February 2023 through two civil packages, CA-185 and CA-186, featuring 17 stations. However, a significant shift in scope prompted the cancellation of the tendering process in June, creating the need for a revised approach.

The re-invitation of bids materialized through Package CA-240 in December 2023, incorporating an estimated cost of Rs. 1877.88 crore and a 30-month deadline for project completion. Notably, this revised contract scope now includes two additional stations, Kalyan and APMC Kalyan, originally planned as part of Line 5.

Key Bidders

The competition is fierce, with three reputed firms vying for the coveted contract:

1. Gawar Constructions Ltd.
2. J Kumar Infraprojects Ltd.
3. Welspun Enterprises Ltd.

Scope of the Work

The selected contractor will be responsible for the design and construction of an elevated viaduct and the 19 elevated stations. The stations include strategically positioned stops such as Ganesh Nagar, Dombivli MIDC, Sagaon, Sonarpada, Manpada, Turbhe, and more. The scope also covers the connecting line to the depot, emphasizing the comprehensive nature of the project.

The submitted bids are now undergoing rigorous technical evaluation, a phase that typically spans a couple of months. Once this evaluation is complete, the financial bids of the technically qualified bidders will be unveiled. This crucial step will reveal the lowest bidder, paving the way for the likely contractor entrusted with the ambitious Line-12 project.

If construction commences as anticipated, Mumbai's Package CA-240, spanning 22.17 km, will etch its name in history as the longest Engineering, Procurement, and Construction (EPC) package in India's metro construction landscape. To put this into perspective, the current record-holder is Bangalore Metro Phase 2B's 15 km Package 3, currently under construction by NCC.

As Mumbai Metro's Line-12 inches closer to becoming a reality, the city anticipates a transformative impact on its commuting landscape. The journey from bid submissions to the final selection of the contractor marks a critical juncture in the realization of this infrastructural marvel. Stay tuned for further updates as Line-12 charts its course towards reshaping Mumbai's metro connectivity.