Aarvee Associates Emerges As Lowest Bidder To Prepare DPR For Madurai Metro Rail

The work contract for preparing the detailed project report (DPR) for Madurai Metro Rail is expected to be awarded to Aarvee Associates.

The Chennai Metro Rail Limited (CMRL) in February 2023 had floated tender for the selection of consultant for preparation of DPR for mass rapid transit system (MRTS) in Madurai.

Last week, Aarvee Associates emerged as the lowest bidder for the project with a bid price of Rs 1.35 crore, which is way below CMRL’s budgeted estimate (Rs 3 crore), and hence the contract should be awarded in the coming weeks without a long financial bid evaluation period.

Among other things, the DPR will identify the exact locations and number of stations on the project and will also clearly lay out whether a heavy-rail metro system or a 'metro-lite' light-rail transit (LRT) system should be built.

Budget 2023-24

Earlier on 20 March, while presenting Tamil Nadu’s Budget for the financial year 2023-24, Finance Minister Palanivel Thiaga Rajan announced implementation of metro rail project for Madurai at an estimated cost of Rs 8,500 crore.

Constructed underground through the central parts of the town, the metro rail will connect Thirumangalam to Othakadai.

The project’s detailed feasibility report (DFR) suggested building a 31 km transit line between Thirumangalam and Othakadai with 20 stations and a train maintenance depot on a 45 acre site at Thirumangalam, as reported by the MetroRailGuy.

The metro network in Madurai will transform the ever lively and vibrant city as an engine of development for the southern region.

Timeline

The consultant will have to complete the DPR by June after it which will be sent to the Union government for approval.

The state government is expected to start the work on the Madurai Metro Rail project with funding from external agencies after taking necessary approval from Union government.