Taichung MRT Blue Line's BC11 project successfully opens bidding after budget increase

After three unsuccessful attempts, the bidding process for the BC11 project, an elevated section of the Taichung MRT Blue Line, has finally seen a bid submitted. The Taichung Mass Rapid Transit Bureau announced the successful opening of the bid on June 30, marking a significant step forward for the long-awaited infrastructure development.

The BC11 project, which encompasses three elevated stations, faced considerable delays. The initial budget of NT$9.92 billion was raised to NT$11.96 billion, an increase of NT$2.037 billion. This adjustment was attributed to escalating raw material costs, exacerbated by factors such as equivalent tariffs and the US-Iran war.

Despite the increased budget, a previous tender resulted in only one bidder, leading to its failure. In response, the bureau initiated a public tender following the third failed bid. The successful submission on June 30 offers renewed hope for the project's progression.

The bureau is now set to convene a review committee to evaluate the submitted bid. The goal is to swiftly identify the most advantageous bidder, which is a prerequisite for finalizing the contract. If all proceeds smoothly, the bureau is working towards a construction start date in August.

The Taichung MRT Blue Line is a comprehensive project spanning 24.8 kilometers, with 8 elevated stations and 12 underground stations. The bidding for the BC12 elevated section, comprising five stations, is also underway, with tenders open from June 5 to July 14 and a bid opening scheduled for July 15.