Four major infrastructure giants have thrown their hats in the ring for one of Bengaluru's most ambitious infrastructure projects - the ₹17,800 crore tunnel road initiative aimed at solving the city's perennial traffic congestion problems. The bidding process saw participation from some of India's biggest names in infrastructure development.
Major Players in the Fray
The Bengaluru tunnel road project has attracted significant interest from prominent infrastructure companies. According to officials from the Bangalore Mobility Management Authority (BMMA), four companies have submitted technical bids for this massive undertaking. The interested parties include Adani Enterprises, Rail Vikas Nigam Limited (RVNL), NCC Limited, and a consortium of Montecarlo Limited and DRA Infracon.
The bidding process reached a crucial milestone on June 27, 2024, when technical bids were officially opened. This marks a significant step forward for the project that promises to revolutionize transportation in India's silicon valley. The project's substantial budget of ₹17,800 crore underscores its importance and scale.
Project Scope and Timeline
This ambitious infrastructure initiative involves constructing a four-lane signal-free corridor stretching approximately 18 kilometers across key areas of Bengaluru. The proposed tunnel road will connect Hebbal to Central Silk Board Junction, two of the city's most critical and congested traffic points.
The project timeline indicates that the successful bidder will be required to complete construction within 42 months from the date of receiving the work order. This aggressive schedule reflects the urgency of addressing Bengaluru's worsening traffic situation. The project will be executed on a design, build, finance, operate, and transfer (DBFOT) basis, with the winning concessionaire responsible for maintaining the tunnel road for 15 years post-construction.
Technical Evaluation and Next Steps
With technical bids now opened, the Bangalore Mobility Management Authority will proceed with a thorough evaluation process. Officials have confirmed that the technical evaluation is expected to take approximately 21 days. This careful assessment will ensure that only qualified bidders with the requisite technical expertise and financial capability move to the next stage.
Following the technical evaluation, qualified bidders will be invited to submit their financial bids. The entire selection process is being conducted through the Quality and Cost Based Selection (QCBS) method, which considers both technical merit and financial proposal in determining the successful bidder.
The substantial interest from major infrastructure companies demonstrates the significance of this project and its potential to transform Bengaluru's urban mobility landscape. As the evaluation process moves forward, city residents and commuters await what could be one of the most impactful infrastructure developments in Bengaluru's recent history.
