Bangalore-Hosur Metro Feasibility Study Attracts 11 Bidders: A Step Towards Enhanced Connectivity”

Metro  Bangalore-Hosur : 11 Bidders vying to Prepare Feasibility Study Report

A Step Closer to Connecting Two Major Cities with a Seamless Metro Network

The proposed Bangalore-Hosur Metro line is poised to revolutionize inter-city travel, seamlessly connecting two major hubs of economic activity. In a significant development, 11 firms have submitted bids to Chennai Metro Rail Ltd. (CMRL) to prepare a detailed feasibility report (DFR) for this ambitious project.

The proposed 18 km long inter-state line, traversing NH-44, will traverse Attibelle, with 11.5 km falling within Karnataka and the remaining 6.5 km in Tamil Nadu. The appointed consultant will delve into the project’s intricacies, examining and recommending the optimal alignment, type of metro system (Metro, Metrolite, or Metro Neo), estimated ridership, location of stations and depot, and associated construction costs.

CMRL Invites Bids for Consultant Appointment

CMRL initiated the bidding process in August 2023, setting a 180-day deadline for completion. Technical bids were opened on September 30, revealing a competitive landscape with 11 vying firms:

1. Aarvee Associates Architects Engineers and Consultants Pvt. Ltd.

2. Almondz Global Infra-Consultant Ltd.

3. Balaji Railroad Systems Private Ltd.

4. Infrastructure Development Corporation Karnataka Ltd.

5. L&T Infrastructure Engineering Ltd.

6. Meinhardt EPCM (India) Private Ltd.

7. Rina Consulting SpA

8. RITES Ltd.

9. Srei Infrastructure Finance Ltd

10. SYSTRA MVA Consulting (India) Pvt. Ltd.

11. Tata Consulting Engineers Ltd.

Technical Evaluation Underway, Financial Bids to Follow

The bids are currently undergoing rigorous technical evaluation. Once completed, the financial bids of the technically qualified bidders will be unveiled, identifying the lowest bidder and most likely consultant.

Karnataka’s Reluctance and CMRL’s Leadership

Karnataka’s government has expressed reservations about the project, citing concerns over potential business losses. This reluctance has paved the way for CMRL to take the lead, raising questions about the Bangalore Metro Rail Corporation Limited’s (BMRCL) stance on CMRL’s involvement.

A Long Road Ahead: Feasibility Report and Detailed Project Report

The journey towards realizing the Bangalore-Hosur Metro line is still in its early stages. If the feasibility report receives approval, the next crucial step will be the creation of a Detailed Project Report (DPR).

Cost-Sharing Model: Tamil Nadu’s Potential Contribution

If the project materializes, the Tamil Nadu government is expected to shoulder a significant portion of the construction costs for the Karnataka segment, mirroring the approach adopted by the Uttar Pradesh and Haryana governments during the Delhi Metro’s expansion into Ghaziabad, Noida, Gurgaon, Bahadurgarh, and Faridabad.

Extension of Bangalore Metro’s Yellow Line: An Efficient Solution

Extending Bangalore Metro’s existing 19.143 km Yellow Line, rather than building a new line requiring interchange at Bommasandra, emerges as an efficient solution. A limited-stop line, with stations spaced every 2-3 km, would mirror the successful model implemented on Bangalore Metro Blue Line’s Airport section.

Conclusion

The bids for the Bangalore-Hosur metro project’s feasibility study have marked a crucial step towards enhanced connectivity between two dynamic cities. As 11 leading firms engage in the technical evaluation process, the project’s future looks promising. The outcome of this feasibility study will offer valuable insights into the project’s viability, potentially paving the way for the creation of a Detailed Project Report (DPR). Overcoming challenges and fostering cross-state cooperation are essential to bring this vision of enhanced connectivity to fruition. The collaboration between CMRL and BMRCL holds the promise of a more efficient and seamless metro system for the region’s residents.

Read the full article here  Bangalore – Hosur Metro: 11 Bidders for Feasibility Study Report

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