URC Construction wins ₹596.4 crore Civil Contract for Bhopal Metro Rail Project

Bhopal, India (Metro Rail Today): In a significant development, URC Construction (URCC) has clinched the coveted civil construction contract for Package BH-03, an integral part of the Bhopal Metro Phase 1 project. The Madhya Pradesh Metro Rail Corporation Ltd. (MPMRCL) announced URCC as the lowest bidder for the 27.87 km elevated package, comprising six strategically located stations.

Project Overview

The BH-03 package, a crucial segment of Bhopal Metro's Orange Line, spans approximately 5.34 km and features two disjointed viaducts. This elevated section is complemented by underground Package BH-04 (Sindhi Colony – Aish Bagh), where the technical bid evaluation is currently in progress.

Package BH-03 Sections

1. Southern Section (Approx. 1.62 km): Subhash Nagar Underpass Station to Aishbagh Ramp, encompassing Pul Bogda (interchange with 12.9 km Blue Line) and Aishbagh stations.
2. Northern Section (Approx. 3.72 km): Sindhi Colony Ramp to Karond, hosting stations at Sindhi Colony, DIG Bungalow, Krishi Upaj Mandi, and Karond.

Tender Details

MPMRCL initiated the tender process for Package BH-03 in April 2023, estimating a cost of Rs. 647.47 crores and setting a 1092-day (3-year) deadline. Eight bidders participated, but bids from Ceigall India, DRA Infracon, and Sam India were deemed non-compliant and subsequently disqualified during the technical bid evaluation in August.

Financial Bid Values

• URC Construction: Rs 596.40 crore
• Rail Vikas Nigam Ltd. (RVNL): Rs 610.15 crore
• J Kumar Infraprojects Ltd: Rs 627.28 crore
• Afcons Infrastructure Ltd.: Rs 714.06 crore
• Ranjit Buildcon Ltd.: Rs 795.00 crore

The winning bid from URCC was significantly below MPMRCL's estimate, paving the way for the expeditious awarding of the contract without a prolonged financial bid evaluation period.

URCC's Track Record

This marks URCC's second triumph in Bhopal, following its success with Package BH-02 in 2021. Package BH-02 involves the construction of eight elevated stations on Bhopal Metro's Priority Corridor, connecting AIIMS to Subhash Nagar.

Future Projections

With URCC's latest win, groundwork is expected to commence in Q2 2024, progressing to full-fledged construction activities in Q3 2024. As we anticipate the unfolding of this crucial infrastructure project, only two civil packages of Phase 1 remain, requiring MPMRCL's technical evaluation and the subsequent opening of financial bids:

• Package BH-04: Encompassing a 3.39 km underground section with two stations (6 bids received in October).
• Package BH-05: Covering a 12.91 km elevated section with 13 stations (7 bids received in October).

URCC's successful bid for Package BH-03 signifies a positive stride towards the realization of Bhopal Metro Phase 1. The corporation's proven expertise and strategic approach position it as a key player in shaping Bhopal's metro landscape.