The first phase of Jinan Metro Line 9, with a total investment of over 12.2 billion yuan, has reached a critical milestone, and the winning candidates for its mechanical and electrical installation and decoration projects have been officially announced. A fierce competition that lasted for eight months and attracted the participation of nine large domestic construction giants has settled, but the result was unexpected: the industry-leading enterprise that reported the lowest price in all three sections failed to win the championship, while the consortium under China Railway Construction and China Power Construction successfully won the bid. This result clearly reveals that in major project bidding, relying solely on price advantage is no longer a winning strategy, and technical strength, comprehensive corporate credit, and past performance are becoming decisive evaluation criteria.

After eight months of competition, the third section of Hualuo Railway Construction and Power Construction

This bidding will be launched on June 4, 2025, spanning years, and will be announced on February 6, 2026. The project is divided into three independent sections, implementing the principle of simultaneous investment rather than simultaneous selection, to ensure the participation of more outstanding enterprises.

After strict evaluation, the first section was awarded to the joint venture of Jiangsu CRRC Mechanical and Electrical Engineering and China Railway 11th Bureau Electrical Engineering, with a quotation of approximately 235 million yuan. The second section was obtained by the consortium of China Railway Construction Investment Group and China Water Resources and Hydropower Fourth Engineering Bureau, with a quotation of approximately 252 million yuan. The third section is a joint venture between China Railway 14th Bureau Electrification Project and Jinan Huanghe Road and Bridge Construction Group, with a quotation of approximately 235 million yuan. It is worth noting that although China Construction Eighth Engineering Division Second Construction Co., Ltd. has the lowest quotation in all three sections, it ranks second among the candidates. China Railway Tunnel Group Electromechanical Engineering Co., Ltd. was unfortunately eliminated in the preliminary evaluation.

Low price is not unique, technology and credit determine success or failure

The results of this bidding vividly demonstrate the importance placed on comprehensive strength in modern engineering bidding. According to the evaluation criteria, bidding is usually determined by a comprehensive evaluation of multiple dimensions such as quotation, technical proposal, and corporate credit. Although China Construction Eighth Engineering Division achieved a high score close to full marks in the quotation process, its scores in technical solutions and other aspects were significantly lower than those of other leading enterprises, which directly affected its final ranking.

The analysis points out that this gap is mainly reflected in several core levels: firstly, the professional installation and deep integration capabilities of key electromechanical systems such as platform door systems, electric flood control devices, and comprehensive dispatch systems, which require profound technical accumulation and project experience. Secondly, whether there are successful and reliable achievements in the installation of mechanical and electrical systems in the subway lines that have been opened and operated in the past as endorsement. Moreover, the feasibility, progressiveness and perfection of the technical scheme itself, including detailed construction organization design, targeted key technical processes and thorough safety assurance measures, are the key points of the review. Finally, the comprehensive credit status of a company, such as financial stability, market credit rating, and important awards received, constitutes the cornerstone of evaluating the company's long-term performance ability.

Assisting the northward expansion of cities, the project enters a new stage

The first phase of Jinan Metro Line 9 has a total length of approximately 15.3 kilometers and a total investment of 12.285 billion yuan. It is planned to be completed in January 2027. As an important transportation artery connecting the northeast of Jinan and crossing the Yellow River, this line has crucial strategic significance for improving the urban rail transit network, strengthening the connection between the north and south banks of the Yellow River, and promoting the development of the starting area for the transformation of old and new kinetic energy. Keywords: latest traffic news, traffic news and information

The announcement of the winning bid for the electromechanical installation and decoration project marks a shift in the focus of the construction of Line 9 Phase I from the main civil engineering construction to more precise and complex electromechanical system integration, equipment installation, and station interior decoration stages. The smooth progress of this post construction project is a prerequisite for ensuring the high-quality operation and realization of various design functions of the line as scheduled in the future. Although China Construction Eighth Engineering Division failed to win in this round of bidding, its active participation and highly competitive offer also reflect the sustained efforts and fierce market competition of domestic construction state-owned enterprises in expanding diversified business areas and entering the high-end professional market of urban rail transit. With the comprehensive implementation of subsequent work by the winning bidder, the construction of Jinan Rail Transit Line 9 will enter a new era of technology intensive and system integration.Editor/Gao Xue