Consulting firms Aarvee Associates and Systra were announced as the winners of the tender to create the detailed project report (DPR) for phase 3 of Hyderabad's Metro network expansion. They were given the responsibility of submitting preliminary project reports (PPRs) within a timeframe of two months. Additionally, they were tasked with conducting traffic surveys, travel demand forecasts, ridership estimates, and the analysis of alternative transport options. Following this, the subsequent step involved the preparation of DPRs within three months. These DPRs were expected to provide intricate details regarding the Metro rail alignment, viaducts, stations, depots, and other relevant aspects for the extensive 278-kilometer project, which was estimated to cost Rs 100.69 million. Numerous agencies had submitted their bids for evaluation by the Hyderabad Airport Metro (HAML). After a comprehensive evaluation conducted by the HAML tender committee, Aarvee Associates emerged as the agency with the highest technical score and the lowest financial bids across all four packages. As a result, Aarvee Associates was awarded two packages, while the other two packages were granted to the next best firm, Systra, which matched the lowest financial bid. Details of the packages for which DPRs were to be prepared were as follows: Package I (Systra, Rs 20.55 million): This package comprised Metro lines extending from BHEL – Isnapur (13 km), L.B. Nagar – Pedda Amberpet (13 km), and ORR Patancheruvu Junction – ORR Narsingi Junction (22 km), totaling 48 km. Package II (Aarvee, Rs 30.05 million): Package II entailed Metro lines running from Shamshabad Junction Metro Station to Shadnagar (28 km), Shamshabad Airport Station to Kandukur Pharma City (26 km), and ORR Shamshabad Junction to ORR Pedda Amberpet Junction (40 km), covering a total distance of 94 km. Package III (Aarvee, Rs 20.53 million): This package included Metro lines from Uppal X Road to Bibinagar (25 km), Tarnaka X Road to ECIL X Road (8 km), and ORR Pedda Amberpet Junction to ORR Medchal Junction (45 km), amounting to a total of 78 km. Package IV (Systra, Rs 20.56 million): Package IV comprised double elevated flyovers/metro lines from JBS Metro Rail Station to Tumkunta (17 km), double elevated flyovers/metro lines from Paradise X Road to Kandlakoya (12 km), and ORR Medchal Junction to ORR Patancheruvu Junction (29 km). This package covered a total distance of 58 km. The selected agencies were given instructions to promptly commence field surveys. Also read:  India aims to lead as green fuel refuelling hub for shipping IREDA partners with Union Bank of India, BoB to boost RE growth