Latest regarding the underground section of Metro rail phase-2 in Chennai!!
Posted on: 19/Jul/2022 9:58:52 AM
The delay in the tender process would push the construction of the underground section of metro rail phase-2 works by about 9 months. It is known that the initial deadline for the underground section was December 2025.
In December 2021, tenders for construction of a portion of an underground section and some underground stations were cancelled. The tenders are not yet re-floated.
It is important to note that phase-2 project covers 118.9km with 128 stations that would include a 43 km underground section with 48 stations. It was later mentioned by an officer from CMRL that the tender for construction of an underground section from Kolathur to Nathamuni covering 5.6km on corridor 5 was cancelled. When compared to CMRLs estimate, the bids made were higher.
Point is that due to conditions of JICA there was a poor response for the Kolathur- Nathamuni stretch. As per JICA, purchase must be made from Japan based companies or Indian companies or JV of Indian and Japanese companies. It is true that many Indian companies that are in the construction work are all foreign based and registered. The officer from CMRL highlighted that clearance would be got soon. The underground section construction has been pushed by 8 to 9 months.
Information is that JICA is providing funds for a 52km stretch in the phase-2 Madhavaram to Sholinganallur on corridor 3 and Madhavaram to CMBT on corridor5. He later spoke about how the elevated corridor from Power House to Poonamallee would also get delayed by 4 to 5 months.
In December 2021, CMRL cancelled 5 other tenders too namely construction of an underground station between Madhavaram and Perumbur, Ayanavaram and Kellys, KMC to Royapettah, R.K. Salai to Adyar junction and Adyar depot to Taramani link road. For the construction of twin tunnels from Madhavaram to Kellys and from Kellys to Taramani, 2 contracts have been awarded.
