SYSTRA S.A. – SYSTRA MVA Consulting (India) Pvt. Ltd. JV on Monday was appointed as the General Consultant (GC) for Kochi Metro’s Phase 2 project.SYSTRA’s scope of work includes Project Management including evaluation of design proposals submitted by detailed design consultants and contractors, while ensuring quality and safety standards are adhered in construction works.KMRL shortly re-invited tenders in April with a Rs. 31 crore estimate and and contract duration of 1095 days (3 years). Technical bids were opened on May 29 to reveal 5 bidders while financial bids were opened on June 14.Brief Scope: General Consultant (GC) for Phase- II Corridor from JLN Stadium to Infopark via Kakkanad of Kochi Metro Rail ProjectPink Line’s 11 stations will come up at Jawaharlal Nehru (JLN) Stadium (new station box next to Blue Line), Palarivattom Junction, Palarivattom Bypass, Chembumukku, Vazhakkala, Padamughal (formerly Kunnumpuram), Kakkanad Junction, Cochin SEZ (Special Economic Zone), Chittethukara, KINFRA (formerly Rajagiri), and InfoPark / Smart City (connected to Kochi Water Metro).The tendering process for Phase 2 of the Kochi Metro project is currently underway. The project, which has an estimated cost of Rs 2,310 crore, will involve the construction of a new 11.2 km elevated corridor, named Pink Line, with 11 stations connecting JLN Stadium – Kakkanad – Infopark (Smart City).The following tendering activities have been completed so far:In January 2023, Kochi Metro Rail Ltd (KMRL) invited tenders for the Detailed Design Consultant (DDC) contract for the Pink Line's electrification system. Three firms submitted bids for the contract, and SYSTRA was declared the lowest bidder.In February 2023, KMRL invited tenders for the DDC contract for the Pink Line's station components. Six firms submitted bids for the contract, and Egis Rail was declared the lowest bidder.In March 2023, KMRL invited tenders for the General Consultant (GC) contract for Phase 2 of the project. Five firms submitted bids for the contract, and SYSTRA S.A. – SYSTRA MVA Consulting (India) Pvt. Ltd. JV was declared the preferred bidder. However, the tender was later cancelled as SYSTRA's bid was significantly higher than KMRL's estimate.In May 2023, KMRL re-invited tenders for the GC contract. Five firms have submitted bids for the contract, and the evaluation process is currently underway.The next tendering activity is expected to be the construction tender for the Pink Line. KMRL is expected to invite bids for the construction tender in the coming months.The completion of Phase 2 of the Kochi Metro project is expected to improve connectivity in the city and boost economic development. The project is also expected to create jobs and generate revenue for the government.