11 tenders issued for Kolkata Metro projects

For several metro projects in Kolkata, the railways has reportedly floated 11 tenders. The tenders have been floated for those related to construction of preliminary infrastructure, for the maintenance depot of the Joka-Esplanade corridor, and laying of tracks and installation of electrical and signal telecommunication systems for the Noapara-Dakshineswar project.

At present, all the land-related issues in metro projects have been reportedly resolved. Therefore, the Rail Vikas Nigam (RVNL) is expected to start the last-lap work for some of the projects and will be completing some projects in parts. Besides, RVNL will be reportedly implementing agency for all metro projects.

A temporary level crossing for cranes and vehicles to access the site area has been created by the railways. Reportedly, the construction of the viaduct for the Noapara-Dakshineswar project over the stretch is almost complete. The RVNL has floated tenders for laying the tracks, and installation of electrical, signal and telecommunication systems. The work is expected to be completed in a year. The tenders are valued at Rs 1.5 billion.

In the Noapara-Dakshineswar project, work on a stretch that falls in the area under Kamarhati Municipality was reportedly stalled for years due to 352 illegal shanties, which formed Rajiv Nagar Colony. The shanties were removed in 2017 following the state government’s intervention. RVNL, however, could not start work right away in the absence of a road to access the stretch.

Rs 660 million contract for filling up land and construction of the boundary wall for the maintenance depot at Joka has been reportedly awarded for the Joka Esplanade project. Also, nearly 80 per cent of the 25 hectare has been acquired to build the depot.

Reportedly, contracts have been finalised for the maintenance yard of New Garia Airport project. That said, a global tender has been reportedly floated for laying of tracks across 40 km in a number of projects, while another tender has been floated for completing work at seven stations in the New Garia-Airport project between City Centre II and Novotel Hotel in New Town.