Three firms bid for supply of Head-Hardened Rails for Bengaluru Suburban Rail Project

Bengaluru, India (Metro Rail Today): Three leading firms have submitted bids to supply 19,000 metric tons of head-hardened rails for the Bengaluru Suburban Rail Project, after Karnataka’s Rail Infrastructure Development Company (K-RIDE) opened the technical bids on Friday. The specially designed rails will be used in two key corridors of the project, part of a major expansion to improve Bengaluru’s transport infrastructure.

The rail segments will be installed on Corridor 2 (the Mallige Line), which covers 23.86 kilometers from Baiyyappanahalli to Chikkabanavara, and Corridor 4 (the Kanaka Line), spanning 46.88 kilometers between Heelalige and Rajanukunte. These head-hardened rails, manufactured with special heat treatment, offer enhanced strength, longer lifespan, and lower maintenance requirements.

The technical specifications for the rails are based on the 60E1 – 1080 grade standard, in line with Indian Railway Specification T-12-2009. This specialized treatment process improves the rails' durability by reducing residual stress, thus extending track life and minimizing ongoing upkeep costs.

K-RIDE had issued a tender for the supply of these rails in September 2024, with an estimated value of Rs. 135.30 crore and a project completion deadline of one year. The bidding process has attracted three international contenders:

• ArcelorMittal Espana S.A.
• Mitsui & Co., Ltd.
• Saarstahl Rail, France

Interestingly, Jindal Steel & Power Ltd. (JSPL), a prominent Indian manufacturer, did not participate in the bidding process despite being one of the few Indian companies capable of fulfilling this tender. Analysts speculate that the return on investment (ROI) may not have been attractive enough for JSPL to bid.

With the technical bids now under evaluation, the process will take a couple of months before a final decision is made. Once the technical review is complete, K-RIDE will open the financial bids of the qualified bidders to determine the most cost-effective supplier.

This marks the third track-related contract for the Bengaluru Suburban Rail Project to reach the technical bid stage. Other contracts that have recently progressed include:

• Corridor 2's track work between Benniganahalli and Chikkabanavara, including the Soladevanahalli Depot, which received four bids in October 2024.
• The supply of 2,250 MT of 60E1 880 grade rails, where JSPL was the sole bidder in November 2024.

As the Bengaluru Suburban Rail Project moves forward, the successful completion of these contracts is expected to significantly enhance the city’s transportation network, bringing vital infrastructure improvements to the region.