MRT 1 physical work may start after June '24
Pre-qualified contractors selected, tender for contract package 5 tomorrow
MUNIMA SULTANA | Monday, 13 November 2023
The authorities concerned have selected 'pre-qualified contractors' for all packages of MRT-1 construction work, with a hope to start its physical work after completing necessary tendering processes by June next.
The Dhaka Mass Transit Company Limited (DMTCL), the state-owned metro rail development company, is scheduled to float tenders tomorrow (Tuesday), inviting bids on contract package (CP)-5 from the selected contractors, officials said.
They said the tender processes of all the 12 CPs of the 31.24-kilometre underground and elevated structure from Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport (HSIA) to Kamlapur will be completed gradually by June 2024.
The CP5 meant for developing a 2.93km underground section and 0.43 km transition from Nadda station to Natun Bazar station.
After scrutinising the bids, the pre-qualified contractors will be invited to submit their technical and financial proposals for a final selection of the bid winners.
"We have shortlisted all pre-qualified contractors for our 12 other contract packages as we expect to complete the tender process by June next," said MRT 1 Project Director M Abdul Quasem Bhuiyan. He said the evaluation of both technical and financial proposals as well as final negotiations with the selected contractors would take time.
Officials said eight contractors, mostly Japanese companies with joint venture partners from India, France and Bangladesh, have been shortlisted for taking part in the bidding.
The Japan-led shortlisted companies are Penta Ocean Construction, Shimizu Corporation, Nishimatsu Construction Company, Tokyu Construction Company, Sumitomo Mitsui Construction, Kajima Corporation, Taisei Corporation and Obayashi Corporation.
Sources said the DMTCL has a target to float the next tender for CP6 - 5.18km underground structure including stations at HSIA, HSIA Terminal 3 and Khilkhet.
The DMTCL has taken the Tk 525.61 billion project under its plan to develop a metro rail network with six mass rapid transit lines (MRTs) by 2030.
Of these, the first metro rail - MRT 6 -already started its commercial operation this year. The MRT 1 will have an extension towards Purbachal new township with 19.87km underground and 11.36 km elevated line.
The entire work of the MRT 1 has been divided into 13 packages - one of which is developing the depot land. The DMTCL has already started its physical work after being formally inaugurated by Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina on February 02 last.