The Maharashtra Metro Rail Corporation Limited has advanced planning for Nagpur Metro Phase Three as the tender process to prepare the detailed project report has reached the evaluation stage.

Two companies submitted bids for the consultancy assignment and officials have begun reviewing their technical proposals.

Once the technical evaluation is completed the financial bids will be opened and the final contract will be awarded to the selected consultant who will prepare the detailed project report.

The detailed project report will serve as a comprehensive blueprint for Phase Three and will set out design parameters, implementation steps and cost estimates.

Phase Three is anticipated to be the largest expansion of the Nagpur Metro to date and will encompass several new corridors, including the Inner Ring Road corridor and the Sitabuldi to Koradi stretch.

Proposals also envisage an extension towards Butibori and enhanced connectivity to the New Nagpur region to improve urban mobility.

After the consultant is appointed groundwork for the detailed project report is likely to begin in May and will include traffic and ridership surveys, origin destination analysis and topographical studies.

Route alignment planning will be undertaken to determine whether sections should be elevated or underground and to finalise station locations.

These preparatory studies will inform design choices and assessments of environmental and land acquisition requirements.

Upon completion the report will be submitted to the state government and subsequently to the central government for approval before detailed design and tendering proceed.

Officials expect the study to provide clarity on interchange integration, construction phasing and estimated costs which will guide decision making.

The evaluation of bids at this stage marks a step forward in planning for the city's transport future.