Nagpur: After reducing the cost of Phase-I of Nagpur Metro, MahaMetro has lowered the price of Phase-II by about Rs1,850 crore using the techniques employed in the under construction project.
A MahaMetro official said, “The cost of Phase-I is Rs8,680 crore while the length is 38.5 kilometres. The cost per km comes to Rs225.45 crore. This was calculated as per 2014 current schedule of rates (CSR). Every year, the CSR — the price of raw material and labour — increases by about 5%.
The cost of Phase-II was calculated as per 2018 CSR. So, the rates were 20% higher. If the escalation and length of Phase-II (48.3km) is multiplied by cost per km of Phase-I, then the figure is Rs13,067 crore. However, our estimate is Rs11,216 crore, which is Rs1,851 crore less.”
Explaining the methods used to reduce the cost, the official said, “These are the same ones, which we employed to reduce the cost of Phase-I beyond that estimated by Delhi Metro Rail Corporation (DMRC) in the detailed project report (DPR).” DMRC had recommended a heavy and wide viaduct. MahaMetro reduced the width and weight of viaduct. This also reduced the strength of pillars upholding it.
The cost of viaduct is less by 15% than that if DMRC’s specifications were adopted. The reduced size will not compromise with safety and stability of the structure.
DMRC had designed the platforms for six coaches. MahaMetro reckons that it will take some years before six coach trains are required in Nagpur. So the length of the platforms has been reduced.
MahaMetro has decided not to construct separate depots for Phase-II. The ones in Mihan and Hingna Road will be used. The coaches used for Phase I will be used for Phase II too and the number of extra coaches needed has been reduced.
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