Two firms bid for Track Work Contract for Nagpur Metro Phase 2 Project

Nagpur, India (Metro Rail Today): Rahee Infratech Ltd. and Texmaco Rail & Engineering Ltd. have officially submitted their bids to supply and install tracks for the Phase 2 expansion of Nagpur Metro. The bids, which were opened on Friday by Maharashtra Metro Rail Corporation Ltd. (Maha-Metro), pertain to Contract T-02, which covers the installation of both ballasted and ballastless tracks across multiple sections of the metro’s 43.8 km Phase 2 corridor.

The technical bids are now under evaluation, with Maha-Metro expected to take a couple of months to complete this process. Once the technical assessment is done, the financial bids of the qualified bidders will be opened, determining the contractor awarded the project.

Scope of Contract T-02

The T-02 package involves track installation across various key sections of Nagpur Metro’s Phase 2, specifically focusing on Reach 1A and Reach 2A of the Orange Line, as well as Reach 4A of the Aqua Line.

At-Grade Section of Reach 1A (Orange Line):

• The 1.746 km at-grade section connects Khapri to Butibori MIDC ESR.
• The scope includes installing ballasted tracks between chainage 19550 to 21296.917, linking two critical metro stations, Eco Park Station and Metro City Station.

Elevated Viaduct Sections (Orange and Aqua Lines): Ballastless tracks will be installed on the elevated sections of:

• Reach 2A of the Orange Line, which runs from Automotive Square to Lekha Nagar (6.92 km).
• Reach 4A of the Aqua Line, connecting Prajapati Square to Transport Nagar (5.33 km).

These elevated viaduct sections are integral to the city’s metro expansion and are expected to facilitate smoother and more efficient connectivity.

Key Players in the Race

Both Rahee Infratech Ltd. and Texmaco Rail and Engineering Ltd. are established names in the Indian infrastructure sector, particularly in rail and metro projects. Rahee Infratech, which was previously awarded the T-01 track work contract for Phase 2 of Nagpur Metro, is a strong contender for this new contract. In May 2024, Rahee Infratech was declared the lowest bidder for T-01, which includes the supply of ballasted tracks, 1080 grade head-hardened rails, track fasteners, and turnouts for Reach 1A.

Texmaco Rail, a division of the prominent Texmaco Group, is also a key player in railway infrastructure and has extensive experience in metro and rail projects across India.

Contract Overview and Timelines

The contract for Package T-02 was initially invited by Maha-Metro in March 2024, with an estimated cost of Rs. 185 crore and an installation timeline of 2.5 years. This timeline is essential to ensure that the track installation aligns with the overall schedule for the completion of the Phase 2 expansion of Nagpur Metro.

Maha-Metro’s brief scope for Package T-02 includes the design, supply, installation, testing, and commissioning of ballasted and ballastless tracks in both the at-grade and elevated sections. The completion of these works will be crucial for the timely delivery of the Phase 2 metro expansion, which aims to enhance urban mobility in Nagpur.

The Future of Nagpur Metro Phase 2

Nagpur Metro Phase 2 is a significant infrastructure project that will enhance the city’s public transportation network, providing seamless connectivity between key locations. With the opening of the technical bids for Contract T-02, Maha-Metro is one step closer to realizing this ambitious expansion, which will help ease traffic congestion and reduce environmental impact by promoting sustainable urban transport solutions.

The Road Ahead

After the technical evaluation, the next step will be to open the financial bids of the companies that meet the qualifications. The lowest bidder will be awarded the contract, likely to begin the process of installing tracks and ensuring the smooth and timely completion of the metro expansion. With both Rahee Infratech and Texmaco Rail vying for the contract, it remains to be seen which company will emerge as the most competitive bidder for this critical aspect of the Nagpur Metro Phase 2 project.

In the meantime, Rahee Infratech’s success in securing the T-01 contract for Reach 1A tracks further strengthens its position in the ongoing development of Nagpur’s metro system. The completion of both Phase 1 and Phase 2 of Nagpur Metro will be instrumental in reshaping urban transportation in one of India’s rapidly growing cities.

As the process moves forward, the Metro Phase 2 expansion is set to revolutionize how Nagpur’s residents travel, reducing congestion, improving efficiency, and contributing to a more sustainable, eco-friendly urban environment.