2 cos in fray for Metro Phase 3 DPR, groundwork likely to begin in May

Nagpur: Tendering process for preparing the detailed project report (DPR) for Nagpur Metro's Phase 3 has entered the evaluation stage, with two firms participating in the bidding process, officials confirmed.With the tender now closed, MahaMetro has begun technical evaluation of the bids, a key step that will determine the eligibility and capability of the participating firms. "Once the technical scrutiny is completed, financial bids will be opened, following which the contract will be awarded to the selected agency," a MahaMetro official said.The DPR assumes significance as it will lay down the blueprint for Phase 3, which is proposed to be the largest expansion of Nagpur Metro so far, covering multiple new corridors, including the Inner Ring Road, Sitabuldi-Koradi, Butibori extension and the New Nagpur link.Officials indicated that once the consultant is appointed, on-ground DPR work is expected to begin in May. The exercise will include traffic and ridership surveys, origin-destination studies, topographical assessments and alignment planning, forming the basis for finalising the project's scope and structure.The DPR will also determine critical aspects such as stations, elevated and underground stretches, interchanges and integration with existing corridors. Once finalised, the DPR will be submitted to the state and subsequently to Union ministry of housing and urban affairs for further approvals.