Adani Group-backed Cemindia Projects Ltd, formerly ITD Cementation India, has emerged as the lowest bidder for a Rs 6.6561 billion (bn) civil works package under Bengaluru’s suburban rail project. The tender was floated by Rail Infrastructure Development Company (Karnataka) Ltd, known as K-RIDE, at an estimated Rs 6.7165 bn. Cemindia quoted Rs 6.6561 bn while Rail Vikas Nigam Ltd was the second-lowest at Rs 7.5905 bn. The contract carries a construction period of 24 months.

The package covers a seven point eight kilometre elevated viaduct including ramps along Corridor-2, the Mallige Line, between Benniganahalli and Chikkabanavara. A major component is a double-decker rail-cum-road flyover and a double-decker station at Mathikere, with a one point two kilometre double-decker structure planned along Mohan Kumar Road between Mathikere and Yeshwanthpur. K-RIDE said the design addresses limited right of way by placing suburban rail on the upper level and road traffic on the lower level.

The development follows Adani Enterprises Ltd emerging as the lowest bidder for both packages of a 16.75 kilometre tunnel road project between Central Silk Board and Hebbal in December, although those contracts have not yet been awarded. Adani Group chairman Gautam Adani met chief minister DK Shivakumar in Bengaluru on August 23, a meeting described as a courtesy visit by the chief minister.

In other work, RNS-GPL JV emerged as the sole bidder for Corridor-4, Kanaka Line, Package 1, quoting about Rs 3.42 bn for six point two kilometre of at-grade formation and three point six kilometre of elevated viaduct between Benniganahalli and Jakkur, with a 24-month deadline. K-RIDE is expected to open the tender for Corridor-4 Heelalige-Rajanukunte Package 2 covering 12.6 km and is expected to finalise a Rs 2 bn contract for rolling stock and a train maintenance depot. Two smaller packages worth Rs 596.1 mn and Rs 495.5 mn are also slated for finalisation.