Kanpur (Metro Rail News): In a significant development for the Kanpur Metro Phase 1 project, Kalpataru Projects International Ltd. (KPIL) in a joint venture with Gulermak has secured the contract for the underground tunneling and construction work of Package KNPCC-11 on Kanpur Metro Line-2. The contract, valued at Rs. 762.50 crore, involves the design and construction of a 4.08 km section connecting Agriculture Depot to Double Pullia Ramp through twin tunnels and featuring three underground stations at Rawatpur, Kakadeo, and Double Pullia.
This marks the third underground package of the extensive 32.38 km Kanpur Metro Phase 1 project, following Line-1’s KNPCC-05 (Chunniganj – Nayaganj) and KNPCC-06 (Nayaganj – Transport Nagar).
The Uttar Pradesh Metro Rail Corporation (UPMRC) had invited bids for this contract in February 2023, estimating the project cost at Rs. 1025 crore with a 30-month deadline. After the opening of technical bids in July, KPIL – Gulermak JV emerged as the lowest bidder during the financial bid opening in October.
The scope of the contract encompasses the design and construction of TBM tunnel, cut and cover tunnel, ramp after Double Pullia, ramps in Agriculture Depot for mainline and depot connections, and the three underground metro stations – Rawatpur, Kakadeo, and Double Pullia. The architectural finishes and other related works are also part of the project.
This significant infrastructure development will be financed by the European Investment Bank (EIB) through a €650 million loan, approved in July 2020.
Looking ahead, the commencement of basic groundwork and pre-construction activities is anticipated in Q1 2024, with the actual construction work beginning in early Q2 2024. Tunneling works are projected to commence in mid-2025.
The KPIL – Gulermak JV, having secured this contract, is expected to utilize at least two tunnel boring machines (TBMs) for the construction of six tunnels. There is speculation that Gulermak might reuse their Terratec machines TBM Tatya (S92) and TBM Nana (S93) from Package KNPCC-05 (Permat Ramp – Nayaganj), where they each have one final tunneling assignment left. Confirmation on this is expected by mid-2024.
This milestone project is a crucial step forward for the Kanpur Metro, enhancing the city’s connectivity and reinforcing its position as a rapidly developing urban center.
