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The Mumbai Metropolitan Region Development Authority (MMRDA) has declared Rithwik Projects Pvt. Ltd. as the lowest bidder for the civil construction of the Kasheli Depot (Package CA-151) of the Mumbai Metro Orange Line (Line-5).
This depot, also known as a car shed, is planned to be built on a 27.13-hectare land parcel just south of the Kastheli metro station, which is currently under construction by Afcons Infrastructure.
The Kasheli Depot is an essential component of the Mumbai Metro Rail Project, which is aimed at improving public transportation in the Mumbai metropolitan region.
The depot will be used for storing and maintaining metro trains running on the Orange Line, which is expected to ease traffic congestion and reduce travel time for commuters.
Scope of the Project
The Kasheli Depot will comprise administrative buildings, a 690-meter-long test track, a stabling shed (SBL) with 30 lines, a workshop shed (WSL) area with 3 lines, and an inspection shed (IBL) area with 4 lines.
In addition, it will also include infrastructure for an operation control center, maintenance and workshop buildings, an auxiliary substation, finishing, plumbing, earthworks for land development, a compound wall, a road, an approach bridge, underground utility duct works, drainage, rainwater harvesting, and staff quarters.
The project is expected to be completed within 36 months of the contract being awarded.
Tender Process
The MMRDA invited tenders for the construction of the Kasheli Depot in October 2022, with an estimated cost of Rs. 472.02 crores.
The technical bids were opened in January 2023, revealing four bidders. The financial bid values for the project were as follows:
• Rithwik Projects Pvt. Ltd.: Rs. 597.56 crore
• NCC Ltd.: Rs. 608.98 crore
• Vishwa Samudra Engineering Pvt. Ltd.: Rs. 612.74 crore
• Montecarlo – YFC Projects JV: Disqualified
Rithwik Projects Pvt. Ltd.’s bid was 26.59% higher than MMRDA’s estimated cost, which means that the project is likely to head to the negotiation table for contract finalization.
Challenges Ahead
While Rithwik Projects Pvt. Ltd. has emerged as the lowest bidder, there are still a few challenges that need to be addressed before the construction work can begin.
Firstly, the site is surrounded by mangroves, which means that the MMRDA needs to obtain forest clearance before proceeding with the project.
Additionally, the MMRDA is currently in the process of appointing a consultant to help them obtain the necessary clearance.