Ahmedabad: The Gujarat Metro Rail Corporation (GMRC) has invited tenders for the construction of an elevated metro corridor and three stations between GIFT City and Shahpur Circle under Phase 2B of the Ahmedabad Metro Rail Project. The estimated project cost is ₹290.33 crore, excluding taxes.

The proposed package involves the construction of a 3.33-km elevated viaduct along with three metro stations. As per the tender conditions, the selected contractor will be required to complete the project within 18 months.

This comes a few weeks after a Union Cabinet meeting, chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, approved ₹1,017 crore for Phase 2B of the Ahmedabad Metro project.

Notably, the existing metro station at GIFT City is located away from its primary activity zone, which houses key office complexes, GIFT City Club, GIFT City House, banks, the SEZ area, and several financial institutions. The proposed extension will align the metro corridor closer to this core hub while also improving connectivity to upcoming destinations such as Gujarat Biotechnology University and Shahpur.

According to the tender specifications, the scope of work also covers architectural finishing, roofing, signage, electrical and mechanical (E&M), and public health engineering (PHE), i.e., water supply, sanitation, and hygiene infrastructure works. In addition, the contract includes the complete execution of station buildings and associated infrastructure such as platforms, platform coverings, concourses, and parking facilities.

The contractor will be responsible for providing all labour, materials, equipment, tools, and machinery necessary for execution. The project will also include water supply and drainage systems, landscaping, station electrical and mechanical services (including power distribution, illumination, ventilation, fire detection and suppression systems), traffic integration, utility shifting and relocation (including uncharted utilities, if required), and the construction of transition spans on either side of stations for track-supporting viaduct structures.

The last date for submission of online bids is May 22. GMRC has mandated the use of Building Information Modeling (BIM) technology for project planning and coordination. Given that certain sections of the construction will reach heights of up to 72 metres, contractors will be required to adhere to stringent safety protocols and deploy experienced engineering teams. DeshGujarat