Global firms in the race to be consultant for DFC project

Major international companies have evinced keen interest in the Railways' mega infrastructure project - Dedicated Freight Corridor (DFC).
16 international companies are expected to participate in expression of interest process for project management consultancy services contract for the second phase of the 402-km Eastern Dedicated Freight Corridor project from New Bhaupur to Mughalsarai, officials said.
The Project Management Consultant (PMC) will assist DFCCIL in review of preliminary, definitive design, contract management and construction supervision.
The PMC will also be involved in review of contractors' documents, Quality Assurance Plan, Contractor Safety Plan, Environmental Management Plan and assist in coordination with different agencies, management of interface as well as co-ordination with utility authorities.

The international companies from Germany, France, Spain, and Singapore among others have submitted their application for PMC contract. All these firms are in joint venture with leading Indian companies, a senior railway official with DFC project said.
Some of the firms are PS Digtech-HR, Systra SA, Bernard Engineers, Getinsa lngenieria S.L. Spain, Geodata Engineering, Meinhardt Singapor and, Tuv Sud South Asia, they said.

World Bank has agreed in principle to part finance the Eastern Corridor project from Mughalsarai to Ludhiana, which has been divided into three phases.
The total in-principle loan commitment is USD 2.725 billion, out of which the loan for the first phase to the tune of USD 975 million was sanctioned in May, 2011 and the loan agreement was signed in October 2011. The loan for the second phase is expected to be of the order of USD 1100 million.

DFCCIL is a Special Purpose Vehicle engaged in planning, construction, operation and maintenance of the dedicated freight corridors and in the first phase, the two corridors - Eastern Corridor from Ludhiana to Dankuni (1839 km) and the Western Corridor from Dadri to Jawaharlal Nehru Port (1499 km) are being constructed.
The entire Western Corridor is being funded by Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA), while the Eastern Corridor from Mughalsarai to Ludhiana is being funded by the World Bank.