RITES Ltd has emerged as the lowest bidder for the Detailed Project Report (DPR) contract concerning the proposed metro corridor linking Koyambedu and Avadi in the north-western region of Chennai.

This forthcoming elevated metro line, spanning approximately 16.07 kilometers, is slated to traverse through key areas including Thirumangalam, Mugappair, and Ambattur. Envisioned as an extension of Chennai Metro's Line-5 (Madhavaram Sholinganallur), which forms a crucial segment of the ongoing 116.1 km Chennai Metro Phase 2 initiative, the project aims to enhance connectivity and facilitate smoother commuting for residents.

The detailed feasibility report for the line, meticulously crafted by L&T Infrastructure Engineering in mid-2023, outlines an estimated construction cost of approximately 6,376.18 crore, encompassing the construction of 15 tentative elevated stations along the route.

The Chennai Metro Rail Limited (CMRL), in February 2024, initiated the bidding process for the DPR consultant contract, setting a deadline of 180 days for submission, with the estimated project cost undisclosed at the time.

Following the closure of the technical bid submissions in April 2024, scrutiny revealed the participation of six bidders. However, the bid submitted by AECOM India - URS Scott Wilson India JV was deemed non-compliant with the tender conditions, leading to its disqualification.