STN: Afcons Infrastructure has secured a contract worth ₹1006.74 crore for constructing Package BH-05 of the Bhopal Metro Phase 1 project. This package is part of the 12.915 km Blue Line (Line-2), connecting Bhadbhada Chauraha to Ratnagiri Tiraha. The corridor will include 13 elevated metro stations and a ramp to the Subhash Nagar Depot. Bhopal Metro’s Blue Line is a vital part of phase 1 and will serve thousands of daily commuters. The Madhya Pradesh Metro Rail Corporation Ltd. (MPMRCL) awarded this project, which also includes building the viaduct and ensuring connectivity to the depot shared with the Orange Line.
Scope of Work for Bhopal Metro’s Blue Line
The contract requires the design and construction of:
- A viaduct stretching across 12.915 km for the Blue Line.
- Thirteen metro stations, including major stops like Bhadbhada Chauraha, Jawahar Chowk, Roshanpura Chauraha, and Ratnagiri Tiraha.
- A ramp providing access to the Subhash Nagar Depot, shared with the Orange Line.
This package excludes the Bogda Pul Station, which will serve as an interchange with the Orange Line. The construction of this station is being handled by URC Construction under a separate package.
Bidding Process and Financing
MPMRCL invited bids for the Blue Line in June 2023 with an estimated project cost of ₹1121.63 crore. The funding is supported by the European Investment Bank (EIB) through a €400 million loan.
The technical bids opened in October 2023 attracted seven bidders. After financial bids were opened in October 2024, Afcons Infrastructure emerged as the lowest bidder among four technically qualified companies.
Construction Timeline
The engineering, procurement, and construction (EPC) contract comes with a three-year deadline. Basic site preparation is expected to begin in January 2025, with full-scale construction slated for Q2 2025.
Key Features of the Blue Line
The Bhopal Metro’s Blue Line will feature:
- A seamless connection between Bhadbhada Chauraha and Ratnagiri Tiraha.
- Interchange facility at Bogda Pul Station, connecting it with the Orange Line.
- Shared depot facilities with the 14.99 km Orange Line, ensuring efficient train maintenance and stabling.
Current Status of Bhopal Metro Phase 1
With the award of Package BH-05, all major civil contracts for Bhopal Metro’s Phase 1 have been allocated. The project aims to improve urban mobility in the city, reducing congestion and offering a reliable public transportation system.
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