At least 12 major international players are in fray for supply of rolling stocks (rakes) either directly or through local Indian partners for the Rs 16,375-crore Hyderabad Metro Rail Ltd, being implemented by L&T Ltd, the concessionaire.

Siemens, Mitsubishi, Kawasaki, Alstom, Bombardier, BEML with its global venture partner, are among those in the race to clinch the deal to supply 200 rakes. The value of the contract is estimated to be about Rs 1,800-2,000 crore, according to Mr N.V.S. Reddy, Managing Director of HMRL.

Speaking at the inaugural session of a ‘Seminar on Contracts Management' organised by Tata Projects Ltd., and Consulting Engineers Association of India (CEAI), Mr Reddy said that the developer would be finalised by November.

The order is for 200 rakes and the supplier is expected to deliver them within two years after award of the contract.

“We expect the coaches to come in by November 2013. They will be tested before the final rollout of the project. The work on metro has already begun in parts of the three major corridors spanning 72 km,” he said.

“We hope to commission the project within four years. Land acquisition for the project is going through smoothly with a compensation package of Rs 45,000 to Rs 50,000 per sq.yard for those losing their property. The right of way is also through for majority of the project,” he said.

The developers are likely to invest up to Rs 20 crore on each metro station making it not just a station but a hub for various activities including shopping and entertainment. Of the 130-plus metro projects fully implemented across the world, some 20 of them are seen as model ones. Best practices adopted by these metros would be implemented in Hyderabad too, he said.

The Executive Director of Tata Projects, Mr A.K. Misra, said contracts management has emerged a new stream of opportunity for companies that prefer to outsource their entire work. As more companies prefer to focus on their core business, the opportunities for contract management are set to go up.