Major global firms to vie for PMC contract of the Dedicated Freight Corridor (DFC) project
The mega infrastructure project of the Indian Railways, the Dedicated Freight Corridor (DFC) project, is set to receive a major boost with major international companies evincing interest in it. As many as sixteen companies are expected to take part in the expression of interest process for the Project Management Consultancy (PMC) services contract. This is with regards to the second phase of the 402-km Eastern Dedicated Freight Corridor project extending from New Bhaupur to Mughalsarai.
Firm chosen as PMC to assist DFCCIL:
The company which is chosen as the Project Management Consultant (PMC) will provide assistance to the Dedicated Freight Corridor Corporation of India Ltd (DFCCIL). The company will assist DFCCIL in the review of the preliminary and definitive design, in contract management as well as in construction supervision. Besides, the PMC will also be engaged in the review of contractor’s documents, and in formulating the Quality Assurance Plan, the Contractor Safety Plan and the Environmental Management Plan. It will also be responsible for providing assistance with regards to coordinating with different agencies, managing the interface as well as coordinating with various utility authorities.
Participating firms involved in JVs with major Indian companies:
International companies from France, Spain, Germany and Singapore are among those who have submitted their application to take part in the expression of interest process for bagging a PMC contract. All the participating firms are involved in joint ventures with major Indian companies. Some of these firms include PS Digtech-HR, Systra SA, Bernard Engineers, Getinsa lngenieria S.L. Spain, Geodata Engineering, Meinhardt Singapor and Tuv Sud South Asia.
World Bank to finance Eastern Corridor project:
The Eastern Corridor project is divided into three phases, with the World Bank agreeing in principle to part finance the phase which runs between Mughalsarai and Ludhiana. The total loan commitment in-principle is $2.725 billion, with the loan for the first phase involving $975 million. This amount was sanctioned in May, 2011 and the agreement for the loan was signed in October, 2011. The loan for the second phase of the project is expected to be approximately $1,100 million.
JICA to finance Western Corridor project:
The DFCCIL is a Special Purpose Vehicle (SPV) which will engage in planning, construction, operation and maintenance of the dedicated frieght corridors. The first phase of the project involves the construction of two corridors namely the 1,839-km long Eastern Corridor from Ludhiana to Dankuni, and the 1,499-km Western corridor from Dadri to Jawaharlal Nehru Port. The entire Western Corridor of the DFC project is being financed by the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA).
