PM Modi to Launch First Vande Bharat Train for Kashmir on 6 June

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PM Modi to Launch First Vande Bharat Train for Kashmir on 6 June

The Vande Bharat Trains are set to enter the Kashmir region as the Prime Minister of India will launch the Vande Bharat Train Services on the Katra-Srinagar route on 6 June 2025. This development will connect the Kashmir Valley with the rest of the country.

Prime Minister, Narendra Modi, will launch the 2 Vande Bharat Trains with one operating between Katra and Srinagar and the other servicing the route from Srinagar to Katra. Currently, railway services are in operation between Baramulla, Srinagar, and Sangaldan within the Kashmir Valley. With the recent connectivity established between Sangaldan and Katra via train services, it is now possible to facilitate train travel between Jammu and Kashmir.

Delay in the Inauguration 

The initial plan was to inaugurate the 272-kilometre Udhampur-Srinagar-Baramulla Rail Link (USBRL) project on April 19. However, the ceremony was postponed due to adverse weather conditions. Additionally, the attack in Pahalgam on April 22 necessitated further delays in the inauguration.

Vande Bharat Trains to Pass Through Engineering Marvels

The Vande Bharat trains on this new route will traverse through the world’s highest railway bridge  Chenab Bridge, which stands 359 meters above sea level. This bridge is part of the USBRL project, which is worth Rs 40,000 crore.  The Vande Bharat train will also pass through the Anji Khad bridge, which represents India’s first cable-stayed bridge. Supported by 96 cables, the 725-meter-long bridge stands 331 meters above mean sea level. This structure is supported by 96 cables and extends 725 meters in length, rising to an impressive height of 331 meters above mean sea level.

Amenities in Vande Bharat Trains Designed for the Kashmir Region 

The Vande Bharat Express operating in the Kashmir region has been specially designed to withstand extreme weather conditions while ensuring passenger comfort and operational efficiency. 

Key Climate-Specific Features:

Advanced Heating Systems: The coaches are equipped with modern heating systems to maintain a comfortable ambient temperature for passengers during the harsh winter months.

Heated Driver’s Front Lookout Glass: The windshield features embedded heating elements to prevent fogging and frosting, for clear visibility in snowy or icy conditions.

Cold Climate Operational Technologies:

Silicone Heating Pads: These pads have been installed in water and bio-toilet tanks to prevent water from freezing. They ensure safe and uninterrupted functionality in zero or sub-zero temperatures.

Heated Plumbing Pipelines: Self-regulating heating cables run along the plumbing lines to prevent freezing, maintaining water flow in all weather conditions.

Auto-Draining Mechanism: This system automatically drains water from pipelines when the train is stationary for extended periods, preventing freezing and blockage in the plumbing systems.

JMD Consultants Receives LoA for Ticket Vending Services contract of Delhi Metro

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JMD Consultants Receives LoA for Ticket Vending Services contract of Delhi Metro

Delhi (Metro Rail News): JMD Consultants has received a Letter of Acceptance ( LoA) from Delhi Metro Rail Corporation (DMRC) for the Ticket Vending Services contract for various stations of Delhi Metro.

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Bidding Process 

DMRC floated tender for this contract with a 1460-day deadline. On 25 March 2025, technical bids were opened to reveal that 5 firms had submitted bids for the contract.

On 30 April 2025 technical evaluation of the submitted bids took place. However, 4 out of 5 firms were rejected in the technical stage. 

On 30 April 2025, financial bids were opened. Financial evaluation took place on 3 June 2025, revealing that JMD Consultants is the lowest bidder for the contract. 

On 3 June 2025, JMD Consultants received LoA for the contract. 

Contract Details 

  • JMD Consultants Bid Value:  ₹ 151.4 Cr
  • Contract Period: 1460 Days

DMRC Brief Scope: Provision of Ticket Vending Services at Various Metro Stations of Line- 1, 6, 7 (West), 8 and Other Locations.

Chennai Metro: Tamil Nadu Govt Approves Phase 2’s Line 4 Extension

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Chennai Metro: Tamil Nadu Govt Approves Phase 2’s Line 4 Extension

Chennai (Metro Rail News): The Chennai Metro Project progressed as the Tamil Nadu Government has granted formal approval for the construction of Phase 2’s Line 4 Extension, which spans 52.94 km connecting Poonamallee – Sunguvarchatram -Parandur. The project has been estimated to cost ₹15,906 crore. Line 4 of Phase 2 spans 26.1 km from Lighthouse to Poonamallee Bypass. 

As per the consultant’s recommendation, who carried out the Detailed Project Report (DPR), the project will be implemented in two phases — from Poonamallee to Sunguvarchatram in Phase I and from Sunguvarchatram to Parandur in Phase II.

Approval For Poonamallee to Sunguvarchatram Stretch  

The Tamil Nadu Government has also approved the “first phase implementation” of this corridor, which spans 27.9 km from Poonamallee to Sunguvarchatram. This section is estimated to cost  ₹8,779 crore. As per the official from CMRL, this section will feature 14 stations. 

Stations 

  • Nazarathpet
  • Chembarambakkam 
  • Kuthambakkam Bus Terminus 
  • Samathuvapuram
  • Chettipedu
  • Thandalam
  • SIPCOT Irungattukottai
  • Pennalur
  • Sriperumbudur
  • Pattunool Chatram
  • Irungulam Industrial Area
  • Mambakkam
  • Thirumangalam
  • Sunguvarchatram

Future Projection 

The Detailed Project Report (DPR) of this section will be forwarded to the Centre for its approval. 

E to E Operations and Maintenance Wins PSD Maintenance Contract for Chennai Metro

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E to E Operations and Maintenance Wins PSD Maintenance Contract for Chennai Metro

Chennai (Metro Rail News): Chennai Metro Rail Limited ( CMRL) has announced E to E Operations and Maintenance Private Limited as the lowest Bidder for the contract of Providing Maintenance Services for the Platform Screen Door Systems of Chennai Metro’s Corridor 1 & 2. 

Bidding Process 

Chennai Metro Rail Limited (CMRL) floated tender for this contract. Technical bids were opened on 27 May 2025, revealing that 4 firms have submitted bids for the contract. 

On 30 May 2025, the technical evaluation of the submitted bids took place. Financial Bids were opened on 30 May 2025, revealing that E to E Operations and Maintenance is the lowest bidder for the contract. 

Financial Bid Value 

Firms Value 
E to E Operations and Maintenance Private Limited₹ 14.7 Cr
Asa Bhanu Technical Services Limited₹ 17.6 Cr
Pioneer Fil-Med Limited₹ 22.8 Cr
St Engineering Electronics Ltd ₹ 17 Cr

Contract’s Scope of Work: Providing Maintenance Services for Platform Screen Door Systems at Stations and other related premises of CMRL-Corridor 1 & Corridor 2.”

Further Updates 

On 2 June 2025, CMRL successfully erected the country’s first-ever 33.33-meter-long U-Girder at Ramapuram as part of Phase 2, Corridor 5 (ECV-02).

India’s First 33.33m U-Girder Erected by CMRL in Chennai Metro Phase 2

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India’s First 33.33m U-Girder Erected by CMRL in Chennai Metro Phase 2

On 2 June 2025, ​in a landmark moment for Indian infrastructure, Chennai Metro Rail Limited (CMRL), in collaboration with General Consultant AEON and contractor L&T, successfully erected the country’s first-ever 33.33-meter-long U-Girder at Ramapuram as part of Phase 2, Corridor 5 (ECV-02). This landmark engineering feat by CMRL is a first in the history of Indian metro rail projects.

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​Thiru. T. Archunan, Director Projects, CMRL, along with AGM-EC Thiru. C. Murali Manoharan, DGM-Civil Thiru. A.Ramakrishnan, Tmt. K. Bhavani – EVP & IC Head/Heavy Civil Infra, Thiru. K. Krishna Prabhakar – Project Incharge/L&T, senior officials from CMRL and L&T were present during the occasion.

​Weighing 225 metric tonnes, this pioneering girder marks a significant engineering achievement and a testament to the technical prowess, innovation, and execution capabilities of the team involved.

​The work was executed successfully on three spans, two girders on each span. Total of 6 U-Girders of 33.33 meters each —demonstrating remarkable agility and design excellence.

​The girder was transported using specialised 6+6 axle multi-axle trailers powered by a Volvo FH 520 HP puller.

​The casting process involved intricate reinforcement, pre-tensioning, and adherence to the highest standards of quality control. Transporting the massive girder from the casting yard to the erection site required detailed logistical planning and flawless coordination.

Japan Initiates Train Trial for India’s First Bullet Train Project

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Japan Initiates Train Trial for India’s First Bullet Train Project

The Mumbai-Ahmedabad High-Speed Rail (MAHSR) project has achieved a major milestone with the entry of the first Shinkansen bullet train into the trial phase in Japan. 

https://twitter.com/IndianTechGuide/status/1928300591530324457

In 2016, India and Japan signed an agreement to collaborate on the high-speed rail project, which is primarily funded through low-interest yen loans from Japan, covering approximately 80% of the total project cost.

As part of the Indo-Japanese partnership, Japan will provide two Shinkansen train sets—one from the E5 series and one from the E3 series—for initial inspection and performance testing. 

These trains are designed to operate at speeds of up to 320 km/h and are expected to be delivered to India in early 2026. Upon arrival, they will undergo comprehensive testing to assess their performance in India’s specific terrain and climate conditions. 

About the Trial Runs for Bullet Train Project

The trial trains are equipped with advanced inspection systems to evaluate driving conditions, temperature resilience, and dust resistance.

The data gathered during this phase is intended to inform the future operations of the bullet train corridor. Additionally, this data will assist in the eventual production of the next-generation E10 series Shinkansen trains under the “Make in India” initiative.

Bids Invited for Viaduct Construction in Thane Metro Project

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Bids Invited for Viaduct Construction in Thane Metro Project

Thane (Metro Rail News): The Thane Metro project progressed as Maha-Metro has issued bids to carry out the construction work of a 20 km Viaduct for the Thane Integral Ring Metro Project. 

Tender Details 

Opening Date30 May 2025
Closing Date10 Jul 2025
Tender Id2025_MMRCL_1185576_1
Tender NoT1-015/C-01/2025
Pre Bid Meeting 12-06-2025 
Bid Security ( EMD) Rs. 7.12 Crores 

Contract Details 

Contract Amount: Rs. 1422 Crores ( Approx) 

Contract Duration: 30 Months 

Scope of Work: Design and Construction of Elevated Metro Viaduct Of Length 20.527 km between Ug Ramp and Balkum Naka, including Depot Approach Viaduct And Three Special Spans For the Thane Integral Ring Metro Project.

About the Thane Integral Ring Metro Project 

The Thane Metro project is set to establish a 29-kilometre corridor along the western periphery of Thane city, which will include 22 stations. The Project is estimated to cost  ₹ 12,200.10 crore,. The Project will be financed with equal equity from the Government of India (GOI) and the Government of Maharashtra (GoM), as well as part-funding from bilateral agencies. The project is expected to become operational by 2029. 

GMRL Floats Tender for Geotechnical Survey of Gurgaon Metro Phase 2

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GMRL Floats Tender for Geotechnical Survey of Gurgaon Metro Phase 2

Gurgaon (Metro Rail News): Following the tendering of Phase 1, Gurgaon Metro Rail Limited (GMRL) has now floated a tender for conducting a geotechnical survey for Phase 2 of the Gurgaon Metro project. This signals the beginning of preparatory work for the upcoming extension of the metro network.

Gurgaon Metro Phase 2: Project Overview

The second phase of the Gurgaon Metro project will span approximately 16 kilometres, connecting Sector 9 Metro Station to Cyber City. In addition will include 14 stations. This route will strengthen urban mobility across key commercial and residential hubs in the city. 

Geotechnical Work Tender Details

The tender for the geotechnical investigation has been issued with an estimated cost of ₹71.25 lakh. The appointed contractor will be required to complete the survey within 60 days from the date of work allotment. 

Bid Submission Deadline: 12 June 2025.

Scope of Work

The geotechnical survey aims to provide a comprehensive understanding of subsurface conditions for the design of the elevated metro corridor. The brief scope of work includes:

  • Preparation of a comprehensive report summarising soil and rock classifications.
  • Analysis of laboratory and in-situ test data.
  • Recommendations on the type of foundations to be adopted, supported by design calculations
  • Highlighting the design criteria, methodology, and categorisation of soil strata encountered

Methodology and Field Investigations

As part of the scope, the appointed geotechnical consultant will carry out a number of field investigations, including:

  • Drilling boreholes through soil and rock layers
  • Conducting Standard Penetration Tests (SPT)
  • Collecting soil and rock samples for laboratory testing
  • Monitoring and recording groundwater levels along the proposed route

These detailed investigations will be carried out at one-kilometre intervals along the corridor to ensure accurate assessment of ground conditions for engineering design and construction planning.

Gurgaon Metro Extension ( Millennium City Centre – Cyber City)

This new corridor of the Gurgaon Metro will connect the Millennium City Centre Metro Station with the Cyber City Metro Station. This new Line will span about 28.8 km and feature 27 stations. 

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Further Update on Gurgaon Metro Project


Recently, GMRL received bids from 8 firms under package CC-01. This package entails the construction of a viaduct and 14 elevated metro stations along the corridor from Millennium City Centre to Sector 9 (inclusive). The alignment extends from chainage (-)594 metres to 12,603 metres, forming the core of Phase 1 of the Gurgaon Metro.

In addition to the main alignment, the package includes:

  • A 1.85 km long spur connecting to the Dwarka Expressway
  • A ramp leading to the depot at Sector 33

PM Modi Inaugurates Indore Metro’s Super Priority Corridor on Yellow Line

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PM Modi Inaugurates Indore Metro’s Super Priority Corridor on Yellow Line

Indore (Metro Rail News): Indore city achieved a major milestone in its urban transport development with the commencement of metro services. On May 31, Prime Minister Narendra Modi launched the Super Priority Corridor. The Super Priority Corridor is a part of Indore Metro’s Yellow Line. This 6-kilometre stretch features five stations and signals the beginning of passenger operations on the network.

Inaugurated Stretch and Stations

The inaugurated corridor includes five stations:

  • Gandhi Nagar
  • Super Corridor 6
  • Super Corridor 5
  • Super Corridor 4
  • Super Corridor 3
    Passenger services will start from the Gandhi Nagar station. Alstom has already delivered 13 metro coaches to the depot in preparation for operations.
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Indore Metro’s Yellow Line

The Yellow Line of the Indore Metro will span a total of 31.32 kilometres, including:

  • 22.62 km of elevated track
  • 8.7 km of underground sections
  • 28 stations across the corridor

The project is being developed at an estimated cost of ₹7,500 crore. The Super Priority Corridor alone accounts for approximately ₹1,520 crore of the total project cost.

PM’s Visit and Associated Events

The inauguration took place during Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to Madhya Pradesh. On the same day, he participated in the Mahila Sashaktikaran Maha Sammelan in Bhopal, which was organised to commemorate the 300th birth anniversary of Queen Ahilyabai Holkar. During the visit, the Prime Minister also laid the foundation stone for several development projects in the state.

Kanpur Metro: PM Modi Flags off Services on Line 1, Moti Jheel- Kanpur Central Stretch 

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Kanpur Metro: PM Modi Flags off Services on Line 1, Moti Jheel- Kanpur Central Stretch 

Kanpur (Metro Rail News): The Kanpur Metro Project progressed as Hon’ble Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi inaugurated the 7 km section of Line 1, which connects Moti Jheel and Kanpur Central Station. The Regular metro operations on this route will commence from 31st May 2025.

https://twitter.com/OfficialUPMetro/status/1928357719800791135
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Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi flagged off the Line 1’s new underground stretch between the Moti Jheel and  Kanpur Central Station. This section features 5 stations. 

Stations 

  • Chunniganj 
  • Naveen Market
  • Bada Chauraha
  • Nayaganj 
  • Kanpur Central 

The entire Line 1 of Kanpur Metro spans 23.785 km from IIT Kanpur to Naubasta through 22 stations. Currently, Line 1 is operational from IIT to Moti-Jheel. 

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The Commissioner of Metro Rail Safety (CMRS) approved this stretch in May 2025. The CMRS inspection was conducted in March 2025. 

In December 2024, the first trial runs were commenced on this section by Alstom’s supplied trainset.  The trials were conducted for both upline and downline. 

M/S Sterling Wilson Receives LoA for Electrification Contract of Nagpur Metro Phase 2 

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M/S Sterling Wilson Receives LoA for Electrification Contract of Nagpur Metro Phase 2 

Nagpur (Metro Rail News): M/S Sterling Wilson Pvt Ltd has received a Letter of Acceptance (LoA) from Maha-Metro for the electrification contract of Nagpur Metro Phase 2. 

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Bidding Process 

In 2024, Maha-Metro invited bids for this contract with a 1260-day deadline.

Technical bids were opened on 9 August 2024, revealing that 6 firms have submitted bids for the contract. 

The technical evaluation of the submitted bids took place on 30 September 2024. 

On 1 October 2024, financial bids were opened, and the financial evaluation took place on 29  May 2025. 5 firms out of 6 got rejected during the financial evaluation. 

After the financial evaluation, M/S Sterling Wilson Pvt Ltd was declared the lowest bidder for the contract. 

On 29 May 2025, M/S Sterling Wilson Pvt Ltd received the LoA for the contract. 

Financial Bid Values 

Firms Bid Value 
M/S Sterling Wilson Pvt Ltd₹ 389.9 Cr 
BNC Power Projects Limited₹ 388.9 Cr 
Ircon International Limited₹ 508 Cr 
KEC International Limited₹ 397.8 Cr 
Larsen and Toubro Limited₹ 508 Cr 
Siemens Ltd₹ 413.5 Cr 

Contract Details 

M/S Sterling Wilson Bid Value: ₹ 389.9 Cr

Contract Duration:1260 Days

Scope of Work: Design, Supply, Installation, Testing & Commissioning of Receiving Cum Auxiliary Main Cum Traction Sub Stations Including EHV Connection From Grid Substation, 33 kV Cable Network, ASS & SCADA System For Nagpur Metro Rail Phase-2 Project.

Siemens Receives LoA for Telecommunication System Contract Of Nagpur Metro Phase 2

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Siemens Receives LoA for Telecommunication System Contract Of Nagpur Metro Phase 2

Nagpur (Metro Rail News): Siemens Limited has received a Letter of Acceptance (LoA) from Maha-Metro for the telecommunication system contract for Nagpur Metro Phase 2. 

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Bidding Process 

In 2024, Maha-Metro invited bids for this contract with a 994-day deadline. 

Technical bids were opened on 19 September 2024, revealing that 2 firms, Siemens Limited and L&T Technology Services Limited, have submitted bids for the contract. 

The technical evaluation of the submitted bids took place on 24 October 2024. 

On 25 October 2024, financial bids were opened, and the financial evaluation took place on 29  May 2025. During the financial evaluation, the L&T Technology Services Limited bid of ₹ 204.9 Cr got rejected. 

After the financial evaluation, Siemens Limited was declared the lowest bidder for the contract. On 29 May 2025, Siemens Limited received the Letter of Acceptance (LoA) for the telecommunication system contract for Nagpur Metro Phase 2. 

Contract Details 

Siemen Bid Value: ₹ 197.9 Cr

Contract Duration: 994 Days

Scope of Work: Design, Supply, Installation, Testing & Commissioning of Telecommunication System For Nagpur Metro Rail Project Phase-2.

ADB President Visits India’s First Namo Bharat Corridor

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ADB President Visits India’s First Namo Bharat Corridor

New Delhi (Metro Rail News): On 29 May 2025, Mr. Masato Kanda, President of the Asian Development Bank (ADB), visited India’s first Namo Bharat Corridor during his first official visit to the country. He was hosted by a senior delegation of NCRTC led by Mr. Shalabh Goel, Managing Director of NCRTC, and other senior officials.

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About the ADB President’s Visit to Delhi-Meerut RRTS 

During the visit, the ADB President travelled on the Namo Bharat train from Sahibabad to Duhai Depot Station, experiencing first-hand the speed, comfort, and commuter-centric features of this next-generation regional rail system. He appreciated the inclusive design of the train and stations, and commended the use of cutting-edge technologies.

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At Duhai Depot, NCRTC showcased several community development initiatives undertaken under the Japan Fund for Prosperous and Resilient Asia and the Pacific (JFPR). As part of these efforts, President Kanda distributed assistive aids — including smart canes, wheelchairs, crutches, and hearing aids — to specially-abled individuals. Certificates were also presented to women who had completed employability training programs facilitated through the JFPR Grant. Further, women students who received self-defence and life skills training under the initiative shared their personal journeys with the visiting delegation. These initiatives reflect NCRTC’s commitment to inclusive growth, with ADB’s support, by empowering local communities and advancing gender equity through targeted skilling and outreach programs

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Official Statement from NCRTC MD 

On the occasion, Shri Shalabh Goel stated that, “the partnership with ADB has been of immense benefit to NCRTC in bringing in innovative technologies into the system”. Mr Kanda appreciated the team NCRTC and stated that, “we are committed to further strengthen ADB’s partnership with NCRTC”.

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ADB President’s Visit to NCRTC’s Centre of Innovation.

The delegation later visited ‘Aparimit’ — NCRTC’s Centre of Innovation. Officials demonstrated the use of advanced technologies such as Virtual Reality (VR), Augmented Reality (AR), and Building Information Modelling (BIM) for project implementation, operational efficiency, and immersive training. With ADB’s support, these digital solutions have helped NCRTC build a future-ready team and set global standards in project execution.

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He was also briefed on NCRTC’s gender-inclusive operational model and interacted with women train operators and station controllers, who form a significant part of the workforce. The initiative reflects the commitment to the Hon’ble Prime Minister’s vision of women-led development, making Namo Bharat not only a technological benchmark but also a symbol of equitable public transport.

ADB’s Role in Delhi – Meerut RRTS 

ADB is the lead multilateral funding partner for the Delhi-Ghaziabad-Meerut Namo Bharat corridor, contributing approximately USD 1 billion. The corridor is India’s first semi-high-speed regional rail system aimed at transforming regional connectivity and promoting sustainable urbanisation across the National Capital Region.

Bids Invited for the Preparation of AAR & DPR of New Metro Corridors in Pune

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Bids Invited for the Preparation of AAR & DPR of New Metro Corridors in Pune

Pune ( Metro Rail News): Maha-Metro has invited bids for the Consultancy Services for Preparation of Alternative Analysis Report & Detailed Project Report for new metro corridors in Pune, which will connect Pune Airport, Lohgoan and Kondhwa/ Yewalewadi /Undri Area. 

Tender Details 

Tender Id
P2-DPR-02/2025(NCB) Dated: 23.05.2025
Tender NoP2-DPR-02/2025(NCB)
Tender Opening Date23 May 2025
Tender Closing Date24 Jun 2025
EMD
₹ 2,18,000
Pre-Bid Meeting 10-06-2025 

Contract Details 

Contract Duration: 6 Months from the date of Issue of LoA 

Contracts Scope of Work: Consultancy Services For Preparation Of Alternative Analysis Report (aar) & Detailed Project Report (dpr) For New Corridors Providing Connectivity To Pune Airport, Lohgoan) And Kondhwa/ Yewalewadi /undri Area

Further Updates 

Recently, Maha-Metro also invited bids for the Detailed Design Consultancy Services for 14 Elevated Stations of Pune Metro Phase 2’s Line 5.

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