The Maharashtra government has sought an additional day to complete internal discussions on whether to re-tender the high-value infrastructure projects in Mumbai. This came after the Supreme Court asked the Mumbai Metropolitan Region Development Authority (MMRDA) to consider re-tendering while hearing a plea filed by Larsen and Toubro (L&T) challenging its disqualification.
The Supreme Court, in its previous hearing on Monday, said if they don’t reconsider the bidding, they could halt the entire process.
The court said it was hard to believe that a company like L&T, chosen for the Central Vista project, was technically unfit for the Mumbai projects. The project was awarded to the current L1 bidder, Megha Engineering & Infrastructure Ltd.
SC raises safety concerns, refers to Uttarakhand tunnel mishap
During Thursday’s hearing, Solicitor General Tushar Mehta, representing MMRDA, said, “I had a discussion with the executive… if this can be heard tomorrow.”
CJI Gavai highlighted the potential risks of ignoring technical competence. Referring to a recent infrastructure mishap, the Chief Justice said, “Just remember what happened to the Uttarakhand tunnel where 40 workers were trapped and then rescued. L&T is disqualified, and the person who is selected… you know…” To which L&T counsel Senior Advocate Abhishek Manu Singhvi responded, “Yes, enormous credentials.”
L&T argues that their bid prices were lower
L&T approached the Supreme Court after the Bombay High Court upheld its disqualification on May 20. Senior Advocate Abhishek Manu Singhvi, appearing for L&T, argued that the company’s financial bids were not even opened, and no disqualification reason was communicated.
He told the court that L&T’s bid for the Road Tunnel Project was Rs 2,521 crore lower than the selected bidder, Megha Engineering & Infrastructure Ltd, and Rs 609 crore lower in the Elevated Road Project — totalling a potential saving of over Rs 3,100 crore in public funds.
Singhvi said such a rejection without proper explanation raised serious transparency concerns in public procurement.
What are the two Mumbai infra projects in consideration?
The two projects are part of MMRDA’s major transport infrastructure expansion in the Mumbai Metropolitan Region:
- Elevated Road Project: A 9.8 km-long bridge over Vasai Creek, connecting Gaimukh in Thane to Bhayander, as part of the extended Mumbai Coastal Road.
- Road Tunnel Project: A 5-km twin tunnel with a 14.6-metre diameter under Thane’s Ghodbunder Road, from Gaimukh to Fountain Hotel Junction.