Bidders Compete for Bengaluru Suburban Rail’s Head-Hardened Rails Bid

05 Feb 2025 CW Team

Karnataka’s Rail Infrastructure Development Company (K-RIDE) has received bids from three firms for the supply of 19,000 MT of head-hardened rails for the 149.35 km Bengaluru Suburban Rail Project. The technical bids were opened on February 2, 2025.

The special tracks will be deployed along the 23.86 km Corridor 2 (Mallige Line) from Baiyyappanahalli to Chikkabanavara and the 46.88 km Corridor 4 (Kanaka Line) from Heelalige to Rajanukunte. The 60E1 – 1080 grade rails, manufactured as per Indian Railway Specification T-12-2009, undergo a special heat treatment to enhance strength, reduce residual stress, and extend track life.

Bidders for the contract:

ArcelorMittal Espana S.A
Mitsui & Co., Ltd.
Saarstahl Rail

K-RIDE had floated the tender in September 2024 with an estimated cost of Rs 1.35 billion and a one-year completion timeline. Surprisingly, Jindal Steel & Power Ltd. (JSPL), the only Indian firm capable of competing, did not submit a bid.

With the technical evaluation now underway, the financial bids of qualified firms will be opened in the coming months to determine the lowest bidder and most likely supplier.

This is the third track-related contract for the project to reach this stage.

Previous contracts included:

Corridor 2’s ballastless/ballasted track work (Benniganahalli to Chikkabanavara, including Soladevanahalli Depot).
Supply of 2,250 MT 60E1 880 Grade Rails, where JSPL was the sole bidder in November 2024.

(themetrorailguy)

Infrastructure Urban

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