L&T wins Rs 2,447-cr tunnel contract in Kolkata

Larsen & Toubro (L&T) has emerged as the lowest bidder for the construction of the 5-km long underground section of the Joka-Esplanade Metro corridor. The contract, valued at Rs 2,447 crore, is awaiting final evaluation and approval from the project's financiers, after which it will be awarded to L&T. Last year in July, Rail Vikas Nigam Ltd (RVNL) had floated tenders worth Rs 2,571.3 crore for the underground section between Mominpore and Esplanade. L&T, along with Afcons and IT'D, was among the three bidders, with L&T's bid being 4.8% below RVNL's estimate.

The underground section will encompass twin tunnels passing through the Army-owned Maidan area. Despite the project being announced approximately 12 years ago, permission from the defense ministry was granted only in February of last year. The selected lowest bidder will be responsible for the design and construction of the ramp from the elevated Mominpore station, as well as the underground railway works. The contract includes the construction of four underground stations—Kidderpore, Victoria, Park Street, and Esplanade—along with tunnel excavation, architectural finishing work, and track laying.