CMRS inspects driverless trainset for Bangalore Metro’s Yellow Line

Bangalore (Metro Rail News): Bangalore Metro progressed as the Commission of Railway Safety (CMRS) and team conducted a statutory inspection of the driverless train set delivered by China’s CRRC Corporation Ltd for the Yellow Line. This inspection is a mandatory requirement before seeking approval from the Railway Ministry for new rolling stock.

Following the CMRS report, BMRCL will formally request approval from the Railway Board for the deployment of new rolling stock and start the operations on the line very soon. 

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China’s CRRC Corporation Ltd. delivered the prototype train for the Yellow Line in February 2024 for the rolling stock contract of Bangalore Metro. 

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Bangalore Metro Rolling Stock Contract 

In February 2019, China’s CRRC Corporation Ltd was awarded the Bangalore Metro rolling stock contract worth Rs 1,578 crore in February 2019. The contract scope includes the supply of 216 coaches (36 train sets) for the Yellow and Purple Line of Bangalore Metro. 

However, CRRC was unable to fulfill the contract requirements and subsequently signed an MoU with Titagarh Rail System.

The MoU stated that CRRC would supply one prototype train for the Yellow Line and one prototype train for the Purple Line (12 Coaches in total), and Titagarh Rail System would manufacture and supply the remaining 34 train sets comprising 204 coaches. 

As per the contract, out of 216 coaches, 126 coaches ( 21 train sets) will be commissioned on the Purple Line, while the remaining 90 coaches (15 train sets) are planned to be deployed on the Yellow Line. 

Bangalore Metro’s Yellow Line 

The Yellow Line of Bengaluru Metro Phase 2 spans 19.143 km, connecting RV Road to Bommasandra via 16 stations. 

Station Names:

  •  Rashtreeya Vidyalaya Road (RV Road)
  •  Ragigudda
  • Jayadeva Hospital
  • BTM Layout
  • Central Silkboard
  • Bommanahalli (formerly HSR Layout)
  • Hongasandra (formerly Oxford College)
  •  Kudlu Gate (formerly Muneshwara Nagar)
  • Singasandra (formerly Chikkabegur)
  • Hosa Road (formerly Basapura Road)
  •  Beratena Agrahara (formerly Hosa Road)
  • Electronic City
  •  Infosys Foundation Konappana Agrahara (formerly Electronic City – II)
  • Huskur Road
  • Hebbagodi 
  •  Bommasandra

4 Firms Bid for Geotechnical Work for New Metro Lines in MP, Mumbai & Delhi 

Delhi (Metro Rail News): 4 Firms have submitted bids for a contract that entails conducting a geotechnical soil investigation for new metro lines including the Indore – Ujjain Metro, Mumbai Metro, and Delhi Metro. 

Delhi Metro Rail Corporation (DMRC) floated tender for this contract in December 2024 with a 12-month deadline. Furthermore, technical bids were opened on January 1, 2025, to reveal that 4 firms have submitted bids for this contract. 

Contract’s Scope of Work 

This contract involves surveying work for 139 km of new metro lines in India, covering 6 corridors to help prepare Detailed Project Reports (DPRs).

Project Length 
Mumbai Metro MRTS Lines30 km
Indore – Ujjain Metro46 km
Tughlakabad – Noida Sector 142 metro line15 km
Kundli – Sonipat metro line20 km
Samaypur Badli – Kundli metro line15 km
New Delhi Railway Station – New Ashok Nagar Metro Line 13 km

Bidders

  • CEG Test House And Research Centre Pvt. Ltd.
  • Cengrs Geotechnica Pvt Ltd.
  • Independent Consultants & Technocrates (ICT)
  • Techpro Engineers Pvt Ltd.

DMRC’s Brief Scope: Geo-Technical Investigation Works for Preparation of Detailed Project Reports (DPRs) for MRTS Projects. 

Geotechnical Activities to be Performed

  1. Drilling boreholes with a diameter of 150 mm in various soil types to a depth of up to 30 meters.
  2. Performing Standard Penetration Tests (SPT) at 1.5-meter intervals within the boreholes, following the relevant IS Code of Practice, along with other in-situ tests as specified in the schedule.
  3. Extracting undisturbed soil samples at every change in strata, with a minimum of two samples per borehole, in compliance with IS standards.
  4. Measuring and documenting the groundwater table level upon completion of boring.
  5. Executing borehole drilling up to specified depths, including a maximum of 5 meters in intact hard rock (RQD >50%), 10 meters in weathered rock (RQD up to 50%), or 30 meters in soil (up to N=100), using a hydraulic or calyx rig by the wash boring method, as per the Engineer-in-Charge’s directions and the technical specifications.
  6. Conducting in-situ permeability tests in rocky formations and laboratory permeability tests for other soil types.
  7. Extracting rock core samples from boreholes and recording Rock Quality Designation (RQD).
  8. Performing all required laboratory tests on collected samples, following the prescribed schedule and technical specifications.
  9. Surveying borehole locations, determining elevation levels, and accurately plotting them on the alignment plan

Jupiter Tatravagonka Railwheel Factory Secures ₹255 Crore Order from Braithwaite & Co.

Jupiter Tatravagonka Railwheel Factory Pvt. Ltd, the specialized wheelset manufacturing arm of Jupiter Wagons Limited (JWL), has been awarded a contract worth ₹255 crore from Braithwaite & Co. for the supply of 9,140 wheelsets of 840 mm diameter for 25-ton axle load applications on 27 February 2025. 

Jupiter Wagons Vision 

This order strengthens Jupiter’s position as a leading domestic manufacturer of high-performance railway wheelsets, contributing to India’s growing need for self-reliant and advanced mobility solutions. With this contract, the Company’s total order book now stands at ₹560 crore, reflecting the company’s growing influence in the railway infrastructure sector. As part of its strategic expansion plans, Jupiter is targeting ₹600 crore in revenue from its wheel business in FY26, nearly doubling its current contribution. This growth will be driven by increased production capacity, strong order inflows, and enhanced domestic manufacturing capabilities. 

To support this vision, Jupiter is executing a major expansion of its manufacturing capabilities. The company is setting up a world-class production facility in Odisha, which will increase its capacity from the current 20,000 forged wheels and axles annually to an impressive 1,00,000 forged wheelsets per year. The expansion is backed by a ₹2,500 crore investment, aligning with India’s vision to bolster domestic manufacturing and reduce reliance on imports.  

Jupiter Tatravagonka Railwheel Factory remains committed to driving innovation, strengthening India’s railway ecosystem, and contributing to the nation’s transportation growth through continued investments in advanced manufacturing.

Project Status 

The project is progressing as per the planned timeline, with the Commercial Operation Date (COD) for axle production expected by December 2026, while the complete wheel and axle production unit is targeted for completion by December 2027.

Commenting on the development, Mr. Vivek Lohia, Managing Director, Jupiter Wagons Limited said: This order from Braithwaite & Co. underscores the trust in Jupiter Tatravagonka Railwheel Factory’s manufacturing excellence and our ability to meet the evolving demands of India’s railway sector. With the rapid expansion of freight and passenger rail networks, there is a critical need for reliable, high-performance wheelsets produced domestically at scale. Our Odisha facility will be a game-changer in this space, ensuring India’s self-sufficiency in wheelset manufacturing while also positioning us as a global supplier. This milestone aligns with our commitment to strengthening the railway supply chain, reducing import dependency and driving innovation in railway mobility solutions”

In addition to its railway manufacturing expertise, Jupiter Electric Mobility Pvt. Ltd (JEM), the commercial EV arm of JWL, is gearing up for the commercial launch of JEM TEZ on March 3, 2025, in Indore. This marks a key step in the company’s broader strategy to diversify into sustainable and future-ready mobility solutions.

About Jupiter Wagons Ltd.

Jupiter Wagons Limited (JWL) is a provider of comprehensive mobility solutions, with diverse offerings across Freight Wagons, Locomotives, Commercial Vehicles, ISO Marine Containers, and products such as Couplers, Draft Gears, Bogies, CMS Crossings, Brake Disc, Brake Systems, Wheels, Axles and Wheelsets. JWL has manufacturing facilities located in Kolkata, Jamshedpur, Indore, Jabalpur and Aurangabad with full backward integration to its foundry operations. The Group has established partnerships with leading global companies such as Tatravagonka a.s.(Slovakia), DAKO-CZ (Czech Republic), Kovis d.o.o. (Slovenia), Talleres Alegria s.a. (Spain). 

With a rich legacy of over four decades, the Company has leveraged its deep technological capabilities and robust financial position to emerge as a one-stop shop for mobility solutions and reinforce its position as one of the fastest growing within the industry. Catering to industries such as Railways, Automobile, Transportation, Logistics, Construction Equipment, Municipalities, Healthcare, Energy, Mining and Infrastructure, the Company boasts a marquee client base including the Indian Railways, American Railroads, Indian Ministry of Defense, BEML, Alstom, Tata Motors, GE, Volvo Eicher Motors.

5th PSC Bridge Completed for Bullet Train Project

Surat (Metro Rail News): Mumbai -Ahmedabad Bullet Train Project (MAHSR) progressed as MG Contractors Pvt. Ltd. (MGCPL) completed the construction of the 260 m long PSC (Pre-stressed concrete) bridge over National Expressway- 4 near Kosamba, Surat district on the 22nd February 2025.  This development was achieved under Package (P1).

Key Features of the 5th PSC Bridge 

The bridge spans 260 m and is the 5th Pre-stressed concrete (PSC) bridge completed for the Mumbai-Ahmedabad Bullet Train Project. 

The bridge spans a configuration of  50m + 80m + 80m + 50m and features 104 precast segments. 

The bridge has been constructed using a Balanced Cantilever Method, which is suitable for larger spans. The bridge is located between Surat and Bharuch Bullet Train stations.

PSC Bridges for Bullet Train Project

Sr. No.Length of Bridge (m)Span ConfigurationBullet Train StationsDistrictLocationCompleted on
5th PSC Bridge26050m + 80m + 80m + 50mBetween Surat & BharuchSuratNational Expressway – 422nd February 2025
4th PSC Bridge21040m + 65m + 65m + 40mBetween Anand & AhmedabadKhedaNH-489th January 2025
3rd PSC Bridge21040m + 65m + 65m + 40mBetween Vapi & BilimoraValsadNH-482nd January 2025
2nd PSC Bridge21040m + 65m + 65m + 40mBetween Surat & BilimoraNavsariNH-481st October 2024
1st PSC Bridge26050m + 80m + 80m + 50mBetween Surat & BilimoraNavsariNH-4818th August 2024

TBM-4 Achieves Breakthrough at Delhi Metro’s IGNOU Station of Golden Line   

Delhi (Metro Rail News): Delhi Metro Phase 4 advanced as Larsen & Toubro (L&T) TBM DZ1124’s achieved a breakthrough at IGNOU Station of Golden Line (Line 10) spanning 23.622 km from Aerocity to Tughalakabad through 15 stations. 

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TBM DZ1124’s Journey in Delhi Metro

TBM DZ1124 is a 97m-long CRCHI Earth Pressure Balance (EPB) machine. TBM DZ1124 was deployed in December 2023 to construct down-line twin tunnels between Chhattarpur Mandir Station and IGNOU Stations. For this assignment, TBM built a 1479 m-long tunnel.

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This was TBM DZ1124’s first and overall 5th breakthrough for Delhi Metro Phase 4’s Package DC-09 spanning 6.51 km from Kishangarh to Saket G Block. 

TBM DZ1124 is one of the TBMs deployed for Package DC-09. The other deployed by L&T are DZ1122, DZ1123 and DZ1125.      

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Package DC-09

L&T bagged Package DC-09 of Delhi Metro from Delhi Metro Rail Corporation (DMRC) in March 2022 at Rs. 1428 crore with a 42-month- deadline.

The scope of work under Package DC-09 includes the construction of twin tunnels from Kishangarh station to the west of Saket G Block station. This section comprises 4 stations. 

Stations

  • Chhattarpur (interchange with Yellow Line), 
  • Chhattarpur Mandir, 
  • IGNOU 
  • Neb Sarai

Breakthroughs For Package DC-09

This was the 5th of 10 planned breakthroughs in Package DC-09. L&T’s TBM-3 (DZ1125) started before TBM-4 but is now a month behind. TBM 3’s breakthrough is expected in March.

Breakthroughs on Golden Line 

A total of 7 tunnel breakthroughs have been achieved so far on Line 10 under different packages which are mentioned below:

PackageContractorTunnel BreakthroughsAlignment
DC-07Afcons2East to West
DC-09L&T5East to West
DC-08J Kumar0East to West

IRCON Installs Open Web Girder for Katni Grade Separator Project

Katni (Metro Rail News): On February 22, 2025, IRCON successfully launched a 91.4-meter, 565-metric-ton open web girder for the Katni Grade Separator project using the side-slewing method. The girder was positioned over three operational Indian Railways tracks within 1 hour and 40 minutes, within the allotted 3-hour traffic and power block on existing running tracks.

IRCON Executes Girder Launch in Coordination with SECR

The IRCON’s team for the Katni Grade Separator project, in coordination with South East Central Railway’s Bilaspur division officials, successfully carried out the girder launching operation within the allotted block period. The process was executed smoothly while ensuring compliance with all safety protocols

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The completion of the open web girder installation is a crucial milestone for the Katni Grade Separator project. This project involves constructing a 15.85 km rail-on-rail viaduct, which is designed to separate train movements at different levels.

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The newly launched 91.4-meter open web girder serves as a crucial link between the east and west sections of the up-line viaduct. This connection allows trains to travel across Katni City without passing through the congested yards of Katni Junction. By creating a direct, uninterrupted route for passenger and freight trains, the grade separator is expected to enhance rail traffic flow in the region. The successful launch of this girder brings the project closer to completion.

TBM Adyar Records Breakthrough on Chennai Metro Line 3

Chennai (Metro Rail News): Chennai Metro advanced as Larsen & Toubro (L&T)’s TBM Adyaar (S-1326A) achieved its first breakthrough for Package TU-02 at Adyar Junction on Line 3 for Chennai Metro Phase 2 spanning 116.1 km. 

This is the fourth tunnel breakthrough in 12 km Package TU-02 which connects Kellys and Taramani Road Junction stations on Line 3. This entire corridor covers a 45.8 km distance through 49  stations (20 elevated & 29 underground). 

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TBM Adyar ( S-1326A) 

TBM S-1326A, nicknamed TBM Adyar is a 100m long Ø6.65m Herrenknecht earth pressure balance (EPB) machine. IN July 2022, TBM Adyar passed factory acceptance tests (FAT) at Herrenknecht’s Alinjivakkam facility. 

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Image credit: Debashis Tantubai 

For its first assignment (current), TBM Adyar was deployed at  Greenways Road Station in April 2023 and it constructed a 1218 m tunnel for the upline. 

The TBM achieved a breakthrough in 22 months due to difficult mixed geological conditions. TBM Adyar constructed an approx 300 m tunnel below the Adyar River. 

TBM Adyar is 1 of 8 machines commissioned by L&T for constructing twin tunnels from Kellys to Taramani Road Junction stations spanning 12 km ( total 24 km). 

Package TU-02 

L&T bagged Package TU-02 from Chennai Metro Rail Ltd. (CMRL) at  Rs. 2385 crore in May 2021 with a 42-month deadline.

The scope of work under this Package includes the construction of twin tunnels between Kellys and Taramani Road Junction. In addition, the contract also includes the construction of diaphragm walls, entry/exit structures of Chetpet Station, Royapettah Government Hospital Station, Thiruvanmiyu Station, and part diaphragm wall of Greenways Road Station, including launching and retrieval shafts at the above stations.

Chennai Metro Line-3 Tunnel Breakthroughs

With this breakthrough, a total of 10 breakthroughs have been achieved so far for Line 3.

South-Side (L&T – Package TU-02: Kellys to Taramani Road Junction)

Month & YearTBM Name (ID)Breakthrough LocationTunnel Length (m)
August 2024Siruvani (DZ1040)Sterling Road703
September 2024Kaveri (S-1327A)Adyar Junction1228
October 2024Palar (DZ1041)Sterling Road700
February 2025Adyar (S-1326A)Adyar Junction1218

North-Side (Tata Projects – Package TU-01: Madhavaram to Kellys)

Month & YearTBM Name (ID)Breakthrough LocationTunnel Length (m)
June 2023Anaimalai (S98)Venugopal Nagar415
August 2023Nilgiri (S96)Madhavaram High Road1400
September 2023Servarayan (S99)Venugopal Nagar415
November 2023Podhigai (S97)Madhavaram High Road1400
June 2024Anaimalai (S98)Otteri Station925
August 2024Kolli (S81B)Otteri Station903

L&T Bags Track Work Contract CA-168 of Mumbai Metro Line 4 

Mumbai (Metro Rail News): Mumbai Metro progressed as Mumbai Metropolitan Region Development Authority (MMRDA) has declared Larsen & Toubro ( L&T) as the lowest bidder for Package CA-168 which includes the supply and installation of ballastless track on Line 4 & 4A ( Green Line ) spanning 35.2 km connecting Wadala – Kasarvadavali – Gaimukh via 34 elevated stations. 

Bidding Process

In August 2024, MMRDA floated a tender for Package CA-168 with a 2-year contract period. 

In October 2024, technical bids were opened to reveal that 3 firms had submitted bids for this contract. 

Financial Bid Values

FirmBid (crore)
Larsen & Toubro (L&T)187.65
Rahee Infratech Ltd.195
IRCON International201

Contracts Scope of Work 

The scope of work under this package includes the installation of standard gauge tracks at Line 4 & 4A’s southern section spanning approximately 19.5 km from Bhakti Park (Wadala) to Mulund Fire Station.  

MMRDA’s Brief Scope: Ballastless trackwork in mainline from POB at Bhakti Park to Mulund Fire Station including siding tracks at POB of Bhakti Park Station and pocket track between Sonapur And Mulund Fire Station of Line 4.

Other Track Work Contract for Mumbai Metro’s Green Line

In September 2023, Apurvakriti Infrastructure secured a Package CA-161 at 121.55 crore from the Mumbai Metropolitan Region Development Authority (MMRDA) for the supply and installation of ballastless tracks. This project encompasses Mumbai Metro’s 32.32 km Line-4 and the 2.88 km Line-4A (Green Line), which will connect Wadala to Kasarvadavali and Gaimukh through a network of 34 elevated stations.

HCC – Tata JV Bags Package IN-05R of Indore Metro Yellow Line 

Indore (Metro Rail News): Madhya Pradesh Metro Rail Corporation Ltd (MPMRCL) announced Hindustan Construction Co. Ltd. – Tata Projects Ltd. (HCC – TPL Indore Metro JV) as the lowest bidder for the first and only underground Package IN-05R of the Indore Metro Phase 1’s Yellow Line. 

Bidding Process 

Initially, MPMRCL invited bids for Package IN-05 in February 2024. 

Later on, MPMRCL cancelled the tender and reinvited the bids for Package IN-05R at Rs. 2550 crore estimate and 4-year contract duration. 

In November 2024, technical bids were opened for this contract to reveal that 6 firms have submitted bids for this contract.

Out of 6 bids, Afcons – Sam India JV and ITD Cementation India were disqualified as their technical bids were substantially non-responsive to the tender’s conditions.

IN-05R’s Financial Bids

FirmBid (Rs. Crore)
HCC – TPL Indore Metro JV2190.91
Larsen and Toubro Ltd. (L&T)2268.00
J Kumar Infraprojects Ltd. (JKIL)2690.00
Gulermak Agir Sanayi Insaat Ve Taahhut A.S.2832.06

Contracts Details 

The 8.626 km underground Package IN-05R will run between a ramp east of Indore Railway Station and a ramp west of Devi Ahilya Bai Holkar Airport. It will have twin tunnels and seven underground stations at Indore Railway Station, Rajwada, Chota Ganpati, Bada Ganpati, Ramchandra Nagar, BSF/Kalani Nagar, and Airport.

MPMRCL’s Brief Scope: Design & Construction of Twin Tunnel (Up & Down by Shield TBM), Cut & Cover, Cross-passages with/without sump, Ramps, Seven (07) Underground Stations (Indore Railway station, Rajwada, Chota Ganpati, Bada Ganpati, Ramchandra Nagar, BSF/Kalani Nagar and Airport) including Architectural finishing, Plumbing (Water Supply, Sanitary Installation, Drainage facilities and other Plumbing work as directed by the Engineer) works in entire Underground Section from chainage 5+862 to 14+482.347~14+488 for Indore Metro Rail Project

Further Information 

The bid submitted by HCC – TPL Joint Venture, amounting to Rs. 2,190.91 crore, is 14.08% lower than the estimate provided by MPMRCL, which stands at Rs. 2,550 crore. Consequently, it is anticipated that a contract will be awarded in the forthcoming weeks without an extended financial bid evaluation period.

IRCON Bags Electrification & E&M Contract CA-239 of Mumbai Metro Line-5

Mumbai (Metro Rail News): Mumbai Metro progressed, as IRCON International emerged as the lowest bidder for the second major systems contract, CA-239, for Line 5 (Orange Line ), which spans 24.9 km and connects Thane, Bhiwandi, and Kalyan.

Bidding Process 

In February 2024, the Mumbai Metropolitan Region Development Authority (MMRDA) floated the tender for this contract with a Rs. 428 crore estimate. 

Technical bids were opened in November 2024 to reveal that 4 firms have submitted bids for the contract 

Furthermore,  Financial bids were opened on 17 February 2024 to reveal the lowest bidder for the contract. 

Financial Bid Values

FirmBid (Rs. Crore)
IRCON International494
Larsen & Toubro (L&T)644
Ashoka698
Rail Vikas Nigam Ltd (RVNL)765

About Contract

Funding: The contract CA-239 will be funded by the Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank (AIIB) through a USD 200 million loan which was approved in September 2024. 

Scope of Work 

The scope of work under Package 2 (CA-239) includes the commissioning of the Line-5 Phase 1 or Line-5A power supply & electrification system, electrical & mechanical (E&M) system, lifts, and escalators at its 7 elevated stations, and at Kasheli Depot.

MMRDA’s Brief Scope for Package-2 (CA-239): Design, Manufacture, Supply, Installation, Integration, Testing And Commissioning of 220 kV Receiving Substation Including 220 kV, 33kV & 25kV Cabling Work, Complete 25kV Overhead Catenary System Along with Switching Station, 33kV Auxiliary Power Distribution System including 33/0.415 kV Auxiliary Sub-Station (ASS) and Complete SCADA System, Electrical and Mechanical Works, Lift & Escalator Works for part of Main Line, Stations & Kasheli Depot of Mumbai Metro Rail Line 5 Project of MMRDA including 5 Years of Comprehensive Maintenance After 2 Years of Defect Liability And Maintenance Period

Note: The construction of Mumbai’s Line-5 is currently in progress along a 12.72 km section extending from Kapurbawdi to Dhamankar Naka. This project is being executed by Afcons Infrastructure, operating under civil Package CA-28.

Further Information 

IRCON submitted a bid of ₹494 crore, which is 15.42% above the MMRDA’s estimate of ₹428 crore. This situation presents an opportunity for negotiations and the potential award of the contract in the coming months. 

This contract marks IRCON’s third recent success in Mumbai. Last week, the company was recognized as the lowest bidder for similar contracts related to Line-4 (Package CA-236) and Line-6 (Package CA-233). These tenders are currently undergoing financial bid evaluation and negotiations.

TBM Kurinji Begins Tunneling for Chennai Metro’s Line 5 

Chennai ( Metro Rail News): Chennai Metro progressed as Tata Project Ltd.(TPL) commissioned their first TBM Kurinji for Package UG-06/RT-01’s of Line 5. This corridor spans 44.6 km from Madhavaram to Sholinganallur through 45 stations. 

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About TBM Kurinji 

TBM Kurinji (S120) is a Terratec Earth Pressure Balance (EPB) machine with a diameter of 6.61 meters. It is the first of four TBM machines to be deployed for the construction of underground twin tunnels under package UG-06/RT-01. This Package covers a total distance of  5.8 km connecting Kolathur and Nathamuni under 116 km long Chennai Metro Phase 2.

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Image Credit: Remant Kumar Jha

For its first assignment, TBM Kurinji has started tunneling from Kolathur Ramp toward Kolathur Station. It will construct a 246 m tunnel. Meanwhile, for its second assignment, TBM Kurinji will be retrieved and relaunched from the South Shaft to Srinivasa Nagar to construct a 1.06 km tunnel. 

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Image Credit: Remant Kumar Jha

Package UG-06/RT-01

Tata Projects bagged Package UG-06/RT-01 from Chennai Metro Rail Ltd. (CMRL) at  Rs. 1445,98 crore in September 2023 with a 3.8-year construction deadline.

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Image Credit: Remant Kumar Jha

The scope of work under this package includes the construction of twin tunnels and 5 underground stations 

Stations

  • Kolathur Junction 
  • Srinivasa Nagar
  • Villivakkam Suburban Station (Villivakkam)
  • Villivakkam Bus Terminus 
  • Nathamuni (Villivakkam MTH Road).
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Image Credit: Remant Kumar Jha

Future Projection 

The Tata Projects is planning to commission 4 TBMs ( Kurinji, Mullai, Marutham, and Neithal) for Package  UG-06/RT-01. As per the CMRL expectations, the second TBM (Mullai – Terratec S121) is expected to arrive in the city by March 2025. TBM Mullai will be the first TBM to be deployed to construct a 603m tunnel between Villivakkam Railway Station and Villivakkam Bus Terminus.

Bondana Engineering Gets Rs. 228 Crore LoA for Kavach System

(Metro Rail News): Bondana Engineering has received a LoA from South Central Railways for a contract worth Rs 228.17 crore for providing ground infrastructure for Kavach and 4G LTE-R. This is Bondana Engineering’s first contract in the Railway Sector.

Through this contract, Bondana Engineering has highlighted its expansion into railway technology. This shows the company’s commitment to innovation, safety, and initiatives towards the Indian Government’s Atmanirbhar Bharat. 

  • Contract Value: INR 228,17,57,713/-
  • Contract Deadline: 720 days

Contract’s Scope of Work 

The scope of work under this contract includes providing ground infrastructure to support the implementation of Kavach. It also includes installing a high-density 4G LTE-R network and constructing pile foundations for tower structures.

Other Contracts Related to the Kavach System 

IRCON International Limited has also received a Letter of Acceptance (LOA) from Central Railways for a contract worth approximately Rs. 194.45 crore. The contract includes the survey, design, supply, installation, testing, and commissioning of 665 towers for Kavach.

About Kavach System

Kavach is an Automatic Train Protection (ATP) system. It was engineered by RDSO in collaboration with Medha Servo Drives, Kernex Microsystems, and HBL Power Systems with an aim to prevent the collision of trains by automatically applying breaks in emergency situations.

NCC Secures Package C4B of Bengaluru Suburban Rail Project 

Bengaluru (Metro Rail News): The Bengaluru Suburban Rail Project (BSPR) progressed as Karnataka’s Rail Infrastructure Development Company (K-RIDE) has announced NCC as the lowest Bidder for Package C4B of Corridor 4 ( Kanaka Line). Line 4 spans 46.88 km from Heelalige to Rajanukunte through 19  stations. Meanwhile, the Package includes the construction of 9 stations on this line.  

BengaluruSuburbanRailRouteMap

Bidding Process 

NCC’s Bid Value: Rs. 649.15 crore

Karnataka’s Rail Infrastructure Development Company (K-RIDE) floated a tender for this contract at Rs. 528.05 crore estimate, with a 2-year deadline.

Furthermore, technical bids were opened in September to reveal that NCC and RVNL – Rithwik JV were the only 2 firms that have submitted the bids.  

Contracts Scope of Work 

The scope of work under Package C4B includes the civil construction of 9 stations of Corridor 4. 

Stations 

  • Channasandra
  • Horamavu
  • Hennur
  •  Thanisandra
  •  R. K. Hegdenagar
  • Jakkur
  • Yelahanka
  • Muddanahalli
  •  Rajankunte 

KRIDE’s Brief Scope: Design & Construction of Nine (9 Nos.) Stations i.e. Elevated (1 No.) and At-Grade (8 Nos.) BSRP Stations of Corridor-4B at Channasandra, Horamavu, Hennur, Thanisandra, R. K. Hegdenagar, Jakkur, Yelahanka, Muddanahalli, Rajankunte including Civil, Structural, Entry / Exit Structure, Steel FOB, Roof Structures, PEB works Architectural finishes and E&M Works and Detailed Design & Engineering (DDC) with all associated works for Bengaluru Suburban Rail Project (BSRP)

The scope also includes the systems installation work such as electrical & mechanical (E&M), pre-engineered building (PEB) roof, and architectural finishing on Corridor 4.  

Progress Ahead

NCC has submitted a bid amounting to Rs. 649.15 crore, which reflects a 22.93% increase over KRIDE’s estimated cost of Rs. 528.05 crore. This situation indicates that the contract is progressing to the negotiation stage.

RVNL Led JV Receives LOA for C4A

During the technical evaluation, The RVNL – Rithwik JV’s bid was disqualified as K-Ride has recently awarded LOA of Package C4A to the Joint Venture.  In November 2024, RVNL – Rithwik JV was declared as the lowest bidder for the package C4A. 

IRCON Secures Package CA-233 Of  Mumbai Metro Line-6

Mumbai ( Metro Rail News): The Mumbai Metropolitan Region Development Authority (MMRDA) has declared IRCON International the lowest bidder for Package CA-233of Mumbai Metro Line 6 ( Pink Line), which spans 15.18 km from Swami Samarth Nagar (Lokhandwala) to Vikhroli.

Bidding Process 

MMRDA floated a tender for this contract in January 2024 with a Rs. 587.86 crore estimate. 

In November 2024 technical bids were opened in November 2024 to reveal that 4 firms have submitted bids for the contract. 

Out of 4 bidders, 3 bidders qualified for the financial bid opening stage.

Financial Bid Values

FirmBid (Rs. Crore)
IRCON International627
Larsen & Toubro (L&T)834
Ashoka – PMPL – RVNL JV1080

Contracts scope of work 

The scope of work under this contract includes the commissioning of several systems for Line 6. 

  • Commissioning the line’s power supply & traction system,
  • Electrical & mechanical (E&M) system, 
  • Lifts and escalators at its 13 elevated stations.

MMRDA’s Brief Scope for Package-2 (CA-233): Design, Manufacture, Supply, Installation, Integration, Testing, and Commissioning of Power Supply and Traction, E&M, Lifts, and Escalators Including 5 Years of Comprehensive Maintenance After 2 Years of Defect Liability Maintenance Period of Line 6 [Swami Samarth Nagar to Vikhroli (EEH)] of Mumbai Metro Rail Project of MMRDA

Further Information 

IRCON placed a bid of Rs. 627 crore which was merely 6.71% above the MMRDA’s estimate of Rs. 587.86 crore. This indicates that the contract is expected to be awarded in the forthcoming weeks, without an extended financial bid evaluation period.