October 19th 2023.
The Mumbai Metropolitan Region Development Authority (MMRDA) has issued show cause notices to its Consultants and Officers of the Metro Systems Department for non-compliance of the Central Vigilance Commission’s (CVC) mandatory guidelines during the preparation of tenders for the Metro 6 Line. This line would have covered the distance from Swami Samarth Nagar to Kanjur Marg in Mumbai.
According to reliable sources, the tenders which had already been prepared for the tendering process were cancelled. Nevertheless, MMRDA is now planning to float new tenders with standard conditions in the next 10-15 days, which would not delay the Metro Line 6 project.
This move has caused serious concerns regarding the functioning of the internal departments of MMRDA. It was estimated that the project cost would be Rs 6700 Crores and multiple Consultants had been appointed for the tendering process. However, upon close scrutiny, the documents were found to be incomplete and not in line with CVC guidelines, international procurement standards, and the observations of the Commissioner of Metro Railway Safety.
To rectify this, MMRDA is now implementing a policy of transparency and clarity in the procurement process. Additionally, the Maharashtra government has urged the Central government to provide 15 hectares of land to MMRDA free of cost for the carshed at Kanjurmarg as part of the Metro 6 Line. This land is required to meet the safety requirements of the line.
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