The ORR-Metro becoming a reality despite Centre’s delay

By Nirmala G

Despite the Centre’s inordinate delay over the ORR-Metro line, Karnataka chief minister BS Yediyurappa permitted the opening of the bids for the ORR Metro line yesterday (Oct 13). This is a crucial development as cries are getting more hoarse about Bangalore lacking a proper public transportation system. Their concerns are understandable as this Metro project by the Bangalore Metro Rail Corporation Limited (BMRCL) was announced in 2016. However, Metro sources contend that the project will be cleared soon as every eventuality is being looked into for a speedy resolution.

Afcons & Shankaranarayana beat the likes of L&T and China State Construction Engineering Corporation

Two contractors were found to be the lowest bidders for the revised Rs 5,300 crore project (not including the ramps and loops of the 2.8-km silk board flyover). However, the bids will only be rewarded if the construction firms clear the financial evaluation round. Mumbai-based Afcons Infrastructure Ltd and Bangalore-based Shankaranarayana Constructions Pvt Ltd were found to be the lowest bidders for the two lines. They beat the likes of L&T and China State Construction Engineering Corporation. Tenders from two companies with joint ventures were disqualified for both the packages.

While Afcons, part of Shapoorji Pallonji group, is over 150 years old, Shankaranarayana is only 60 years old. Many residents are raising questions on the latter’s credibility for executing a project of this magnitude and sensitivity. Some people preferred that the contract should have been awarded to someone more competent like L&T. However, the tendering process only prefers contractors with the lowest quote.

However, such an approach by BMRCL has failed in the past. Take Infrastructure Leasing & Financial Services (IL&FS), the firm with the lowest bid for all the lines of this Metro project. As they were financially in the red, their bids had to be cancelled, and the Metro project was back to square one. This delay cost the taxpayer Rs 1,102 crore as the project cost went up from Rs 4,202 crore to Rs 5,300 crore. Besides, the Metro that was supposed to be operational by 2021 is now pushed back to 2024-25. This again is dependent on the Centre’s final approval, which is expected soon.

If they win the bids in the financial evaluation round, Afcons will be building the 9.8-km elevated corridor connecting six stations (Central Silk Board Junction, HSR Layout, Agara Junction, Iblur Junction, Bellandur, and Kadubeesanahalli) and also constructing the 2.8-km flyover at Central Silk Board. Afcons have agreed to do this for Rs 785-crore.

The Bangalore-based Shankaranarayana could be building the second stretch of 9.7-km connecting seven stations Kodibisanhalli, Marathahalli, ISRO Layout, Doddanekkundi, DRDO Sports Complex, Saraswathi Nagar and KR Puram. Besides, they will be building a 2-km link line to the Byappanahalli depot. The contractor bid this for Rs 623 crore. If you want to deep dive into the Metro rail saga, perhaps you could check out this detailed chronology by The Metro Rail Guy. For BMRCL’s detailed project report, you could click here.