Three firms bid for construction of Dongri Depot of Mumbai Metro Rail Project

The proposed depot will be equipped with various essential components, including an Operations Control Centre (OCC), a 690-meter long test track with platforms, a stabling shed (SBL) with 20 lines (expandable to 38 lines), a workshop shed (WSL) with 3 lines, an inspection shed (IBL) with 4 lines, a receiving substation (RSS), and two auxiliary substations (ASS).

The MMRDA invited bids for the construction of the depot in February 2024, setting the project budget at Rs. 626.69 crore and a construction timeline of 52 months (4.3 years). The relatively extended duration of the project is attributed to the challenging terrain of the site, which currently includes a hill that will need to be leveled as part of the land development process.

The Bidders

The three firms that have submitted bids for the project are:

1. KPC Projects Ltd.
2. NCC Ltd.
3. Ritwik Projects Pvt. Ltd.

These companies are competing for the comprehensive contract that includes depot land development, construction of stabling yards, operational control centers, administrative buildings, maintenance and inspection buildings, auxiliary substations, roads, underground utility ducts, drainage systems, and rainwater harvesting infrastructure. The scope of work also covers architectural finishing, plumbing, and pre-engineered building (PEB) works for the CAR Depot at Dongri.

The bids are currently under technical evaluation, a process that can take several months to complete. Once the technical evaluation is finalized, the financial bids of the technically qualified bidders will be opened to determine the lowest bidder, who is likely to be awarded the contract.One of the significant challenges of the Dongri Depot project is the extensive land development required. This includes cutting, filling, preparatory works, tree transplantation, and soil stabilization. The depot's access will necessitate a 4.9 km extension of Line-9 along Uttan Road from Subhash Chandra Bose Ground Station. The alignment of this extension was prepared by Line-9’s Detailed Design Consultant (DDC) Archom – Veritas – LKT Engineering JV in June 2023.

In September 2023, the MMRDA submitted an application to obtain Coastal Regulation Zone (CRZ) clearance for the construction of this extension. This extension will feature two new elevated stations at Murdha and Rai Goan, with a tender notice for their construction pending.

Upon completion, the Dongri Depot will become the primary maintenance and stabling facility for all Red Line BEML train sets. Currently, these trains are stabled and maintained at Line-2’s operational Charkop Depot and the under-construction Mandale Depot. The transition of these operations to Dongri Depot will enhance the efficiency and reliability of the Mumbai Metro network.

The Dongri Depot project represents a significant step forward in the development of Mumbai’s metro infrastructure, promising improved connectivity and operational efficiency for the city's burgeoning public transport system. As the project progresses through its evaluation and construction phases, it will be closely watched by stakeholders and commuters alike, eager to see the benefits of this major infrastructure investment unfold.