The project has been divided into three separate packages to speed up the completion of the long-delayed Bengaluru Suburban Rail project. | Photo credit: SUDHAKARA JAIN
Rail Infrastructure Development Company (Karnataka) Ltd. (K-RIDE) has invited a fresh tender for balancing the construction work of Corridor-2, also known as Mallige Line, between Benniganahalli and Chikkabanavara.
The project has been divided into three separate packages to expedite the completion of the long-delayed Bengaluru Suburban Rail Project (BSRP).
The decision comes in the wake of what was termed as “unilateral and illegal” termination of contracts for Corridor-2 (Mallige Line) and Corridor-4 (Kanaka Line) by Larsen and Toubro (L&T), which was the original contractor for the two corridors.
According to K-RIDE officials, the company has now re-invited tenders to complete the ongoing work on Corridor-2 following the termination by L&T.
Three packages
Under Package 1, the tender is for the design and construction of an elevated viaduct, including ramps, for the 7.795 km stretch between Benniganahalli and Shettihalli. It also includes the design and construction of a double-decker viaduct with flyover at Level 1 and BSRP tracks at Level 2, spanning 1.20 km between Lottegollahalli and Yeshwanthpur. This package includes Mathikere station and station at Benniganahalli with a completion date of 24 months.
According to officials, Package 2 includes the design and construction of an at-grade section of 11,569 km between Benniganahalli–Banaswadi and Banaswadi–Hebbal. It includes station boxes at Nagavara and Kanakanagar, along with the construction of major and minor bridges, road underbridges (RUBs) and retaining walls. This package has a completion target of 18 months.
Meanwhile, Package 3 focuses on the 5.8 km stretch between Yeshwanthpur and Chikkabanavara. It includes a 185-metre elevated section of the viaduct and has also been given a deadline of 18 months.
Decision at the board meeting
The decision to call for fresh tenders was taken during the K-RIDE board meeting chaired by the Chief Secretary of Karnataka in October. The General Secretary also serves as the Chairman of K-RIDE. The Board has directed the CEO to initiate the tender process to ensure that work on the commuter rail project continues without further delay.
The official said, “The decision follows the advice of the Advocate General of Karnataka, who has recommended calling for fresh tenders even as the arbitration proceedings between K-RIDE and L&T continue.”
L&T initially signed contracts with K-RIDE for Corridor-2 on 26 August 2022 and for Corridor-4 on 30 December 2023. The companies were extended the completion dates to September 2026 and October 2026, respectively. However, disputes arose over project execution, which recently led to L&T’s unilateral withdrawal.
Published – 04 Nov 2025 20:47 IST
