"We have recommended Chungsuk Engineering Company after studying the technical and financial proposals from Scott Wilson of India, Systra FA of France and this company. [break]
We have also prepared a draft agreement to be signed between the Ministry of Physical Planning and Works (MoPPW) and the firm soon," Ram Kumar Lamsal, who is heading the seven-member recommendation panel told the Republica on Sunday.
The agreement would include date of completion, mode of payment, number of stations, bridges to be covered by the railway line, dispute settlement process, among others.
Around Rs 320 million would be paid to the consultancy firms for DPR of the 136-km section of the proposed east-west electrical railway project. The DPR would be completed within one year.
"The MoPPW will issue a Letter of Intent (LoI) - a go-ahead for conducting the study - once it decides to appoint the firm as the consultant for DPR," said Lamsal, who is also the director general of Department of Railway.
The proposed 1,100-odd km east-west railway network was pushed in a bid to narrow down travel time for long-haul passengers and make their journeys more comfortable.
Sixteen companies had submitted expressions of interest (EoI) in preparing the DPR for Bardibas-Simra-Birgunj section of Mechi-Mahakali railway line.
Similarly, the committee is engaged in final negotiations with the same Korean firm (Chungsuk Engineering Company) to finalize the contract agreement after evaluating its technical and financial proposals for the feasibility study of metro railway - a Mass Rapid Transit (underground and elevated railway) system for the capital.
The government pushed for a Mass Rapid Transit system in the valley about two years ago in a bid to manage the worsening traffic conditions in the capital due to unchecked rise in the number of vehicles and poor transport infrastructure. An estimated Rs 80 million is needed to complete the feasibility of the Metro railway line.
Chungsuk Engineering Company of Korea, RITES Limited (India), Systra FA of France and TEAM Consulting Engineering and Management of Thailand were short-listed and asked to submit their financial and technical proposals for the study.
The proposed railway network is expected to cover almost all major bus stops and connect the city with the outskirts, making commuter movement easier and faster.
Similarly, 16 companies had registered their EoI in conducting feasibility study for the metro that envisages a railway line within the core area of the valley and laying down of 75 km of railway track including 27 km along the Ring Road.
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