Legal tangle delaying Metro Rail

Nagpur: The work of Nagpur Metro Rail, which is otherwise proceeding at a fast pace, is getting delayed due to dispute over rejection of a bid by a joint venture. Now, the matter has reached Supreme Court with the successful bidder challenging the decision of Nagpur bench of Bombay high court.
The work on Sitabuldi-Hingna depot section of Metro Rail was slated to begin in April, but nothing has moved forward even now due to litigation between Nagpur Metro Rail Corporation Limited (NMRCL) and one of the bidders.The litigation started when NMRCL rejected the technical bid of joint venture (JV) between Tata Projects Limited (TPL) and Guangdong Yuantian Engineering Company (GYT). According to NMRCL, the JV had experience in construction of high speed rail but not of Metro Rail. The tender was awarded to Afcons, which had the required experience as per NMRCL.
The JV challenged the decision in Nagpur bench of Bombay high court, which directed the NMRCL to open its financial bid. Afcons has now challenged this order in the Supreme Court in the role of an intervener.
The length of the Sitabuldi-Hingna section is about 9 km. The estimated cost of the construction work is about Rs 440 crore. The geotechnical survey of this section has been done, but construction is yet to begin. Brijesh Dixit, managing director of NMRCL, refused to comment on the issue saying the matter is sub-judice. The NMRCL has floated the tender for construction of stations on this stretch. Bids have been received and they are being evaluated.
The agency has also sent tender for Sitabuldi-Wardhaman Nagar stretch to its prime lender KfW, a German financial institution, for vetting. Once it clears it, the tender will be floated.
Meanwhile, the work on Sitabuldi-Mihan stretch is going ahead. The first pre-stressed box girder near Hotel Pride was launched on Saturday. This span consists of nine segments, out of which two end segments are of 1.95 meter long and 7 mid-segments are 3 meter in length each. Overall length of the girder is 25 meters. Pre-stressing process is now over and it is ready for loading and track laying. Now, the ground support shall be removed and moved to the next span for further launching and process of pier protection shall begin.
Earlier, on August 13, the bhoomipujan of Khapri Metro station was performed. It is the first station on southern tip of the North-South corridor. It is based on Victorian style of architecture. The station will have two covered platforms of 70 meter length to receive 3-coach trains. These platforms will be connected by a subway. The station will have passenger amenities including WiFi. Entire station will be under CCTV surveillance, lady guards will be posted, separate ladies toilets, platform level at par with the train levels for easy access etc will also be ensured. Considering special requirements of physically challenged passengers, facilities such as ramps, elevators/escalators, wide toilet doors, special signage, indicative markings on floor for easy walk etc will also be ensured.
TIMELINE
The tale of delay of Sitabuldi-Hingna depot section
Tenders floated | January 2016
Work slated to begin | April
Tender of TPL-GYT rejected | March
TPL-GYT approached HC | April
HC decides in JV’s favour | July
Afcons approaches SC | August