What is the story about?
The National High-Speed Rail Corporation Limited (NHSRCL) has invited online bids to carry out pre-construction activities for the proposed Chennai-Bengaluru high-speed rail corridor. This marks another step in the development of India's second major
bullet train project after the Mumbai-Ahmedabad line.
The tender covers surveys, engineering studies and design updates required before construction begins. Interested firms can submit bids through the Central Public Procurement Portal (CPPP).
What is the tender for?
The contract involves several pre-construction activities, including:
According to NHSRCL, the selected contractor will complete the assignment within 150 days.
Project size
The planned 306-km Chennai-Bengalurubullet train project will start at Baiyappanahalli and end at the Tamil Nadu capital. The corridor will have six stations – Kodihalli, Whitefield, Kolar, Chittoor, Parandoor and Poonamalle – in between the starting and terminating destinations. The Bengaluru section of the corridor will also have a 14.32-km underground stretch.
The Centre had marked this project as a priority in the Union Budget 2026.
ALSO READ | India may soon get second bullet train on Chennai-Bengaluru-Mysuru route
Deadline
The deadline to submit bids is August 13, and the tenders will be opened the next day. The work will likely take 150 days, authorities said.
Minimum eligibility criteria
To qualify, bidders must have completed or substantially completed at least one contract in the past seven years involving final alignment design, aerial LiDAR surveys and data processing for a minimum 100-km high-speed rail project or feasibility/Detailed Project Report (DPR) study in India, executed as the main contractor for NHSRCL, either individually or as part of a joint venture or consortium.
NHSRCL will also consider projects that are at least 80% complete, provided the aerial LiDAR survey, data processing and final alignment design, including horizontal and vertical alignment and plan-profile design, have been fully completed. For joint ventures or consortiums, work experience will be assessed based on each member's share of work and responsibilities, supported by client certification.
Tender fee and security
The tender document costs ₹23,600 (including GST) and is non-refundable.
Bidders are also required to submit a tender security of ₹14.5 lakh, valid until December 12. Registered Micro and Small Enterprises (MSEs) and recognised startups are exempt from paying the tender fee and tender security, subject to eligibility conditions.
How to Apply
Interested bidders must submit applications online through the Central Public Procurement Portal (CPPP). The application process includes:
The tender covers surveys, engineering studies and design updates required before construction begins. Interested firms can submit bids through the Central Public Procurement Portal (CPPP).
What is the tender for?
The contract involves several pre-construction activities, including:
- Updating the Detailed Project Report (DPR).
- Alignment modifications and alignment design.
- Hydrology surveys.
- Drone and aerial surveys.
- Geotechnical investigations.
- Preparation of General Arrangement Drawings (GADs) for river, railway and road crossings.
- Design work for tunnels and both elevated and underground stations.
According to NHSRCL, the selected contractor will complete the assignment within 150 days.
Project size
The planned 306-km Chennai-Bengalurubullet train project will start at Baiyappanahalli and end at the Tamil Nadu capital. The corridor will have six stations – Kodihalli, Whitefield, Kolar, Chittoor, Parandoor and Poonamalle – in between the starting and terminating destinations. The Bengaluru section of the corridor will also have a 14.32-km underground stretch.
The Centre had marked this project as a priority in the Union Budget 2026.
ALSO READ | India may soon get second bullet train on Chennai-Bengaluru-Mysuru route
Deadline
The deadline to submit bids is August 13, and the tenders will be opened the next day. The work will likely take 150 days, authorities said.
Minimum eligibility criteria
To qualify, bidders must have completed or substantially completed at least one contract in the past seven years involving final alignment design, aerial LiDAR surveys and data processing for a minimum 100-km high-speed rail project or feasibility/Detailed Project Report (DPR) study in India, executed as the main contractor for NHSRCL, either individually or as part of a joint venture or consortium.
NHSRCL will also consider projects that are at least 80% complete, provided the aerial LiDAR survey, data processing and final alignment design, including horizontal and vertical alignment and plan-profile design, have been fully completed. For joint ventures or consortiums, work experience will be assessed based on each member's share of work and responsibilities, supported by client certification.
Tender fee and security
The tender document costs ₹23,600 (including GST) and is non-refundable.
Bidders are also required to submit a tender security of ₹14.5 lakh, valid until December 12. Registered Micro and Small Enterprises (MSEs) and recognised startups are exempt from paying the tender fee and tender security, subject to eligibility conditions.
How to Apply
Interested bidders must submit applications online through the Central Public Procurement Portal (CPPP). The application process includes:
- Register on the Central Public Procurement Portal (CPPP) at https://etenders.gov.in/eprocure/app.
- Download the tender documents from the portal.
- Upload the required bid documents in the prescribed format.
- Pay the tender fee and tender security, wherever applicable.
- Submit the bid online using a valid Class III Digital Signature Certificate (DSC) before the deadline.
