For the 10.13 km Sholinganallur Lake – SIPCOT 2 section of Chennai Metro Line-3 (Package C3-ECV-01/RT-01), involving an investment of 957.50 crore, Rail Vikas Nigam Ltd (RVNL) has come out on top as the lowest bidder. A 10 km stretch of an elevated viaduct with nine elevated metro stations at Sholinganallur Lake.
Ponniamman Temple, Sathyabama University, Semmancheri, Gandhi Nagar, Navalur, Siruseri, SIPCOT 1 and SIPCOT 2 as well as a stabling viaduct at SIPCOT are included in the scope of work. L&T has already been given the contract to build the northern elevated section of the line, which connects Nehru Nagar and Sholinganallur and contains ten stations.
Rail Vikas Nigam Limited (RVNL), a prominent public sector enterprise specializing in rail infrastructure development, has been awarded a significant contract by Chennai Metro Rail Limited (CMRL) for the construction of a 10.13 km elevated section on Line-3 of Chennai’s Metro Phase 2 project. This contract, valued at ₹957.50 crore, encompasses the development of nine elevated stations along the Sholinganallur Lake to SIPCOT 2 stretch.
Scope of Work
The awarded contract, designated as Package C3-ECV-01/RT-01, involves the construction of an elevated viaduct spanning approximately 10.13 km. The nine stations to be developed under this package are:
- Sholinganallur Lake
- Ponniamman Temple
- Sathyabama University
- Semmencheri
- Gandhi Nagar
- Navalur
- Siruseri
- SIPCOT 1
- SIPCOT 2
Additionally, the project includes the construction of a stabling viaduct at SIPCOT.
Strategic Importance
This segment forms a crucial part of the 45.81 km Line-3, which aims to connect Madhavaram Milk Colony in the north to SIPCOT 2 in the south, traversing through 49 stations. The development of this corridor is expected to enhance urban mobility, reduce traffic congestion, and provide a sustainable transportation alternative for Chennai’s residents.
Project Timeline and Funding
The contract stipulates a completion period of 1,065 days from the date of commencement, indicating a strategic plan to expedite the project’s delivery. Funding for this initiative is secured under the Asian Development Bank (ADB) Loan Agreement No. 4273, reflecting a collaborative effort to bolster urban infrastructure.
RVNL’s Expanding Portfolio
This contract adds to RVNL’s growing portfolio of metro rail projects across India. In recent developments, RVNL has secured multiple contracts under Chennai Metro’s Phase 2 expansion:
- May 2023: RVNL was declared the lowest bidder for three underground station packages (UG-03/RT-01, UG-04/RT-01, UG-05/RT-01) on Line-3, covering 16 stations between KMC and Taramani Road Junction. themetrorailguy.com
- September 2023: CMRL awarded RVNL a contract valued at ₹4,058.20 crore for the construction of 12 full underground metro stations and additional work on four stations, spanning from Kilpauk Metro to Taramani.
The acquisition of these substantial contracts has positively influenced RVNL’s financial standing. The company’s consolidated net profit witnessed a 36.5% increase, reaching ₹381.22 crore in the September quarter of FY23. This surge is attributed to a 21.9% rise in net sales, amounting to ₹4,908.90 crore, compared to the same period in the previous fiscal year.
RVNL’s involvement in Chennai Metro’s Phase 2 project underscores its commitment to enhancing urban transportation infrastructure in India. The successful execution of these projects is poised to significantly improve Chennai’s public transit system, offering residents a more efficient and sustainable mode of transportation.
Group Media Publication
Construction, Infrastructure and Mining
General News Platforms – IHTLive.com
Entertainment News Platforms – https://anyflix.in/
Legal and Laws News Platforms – https://legalmatters.in/
Podcast Platforms – https://anyfm.in/