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The Mumbai Metropolitan Region Development Authority (MMRDA) has scrapped the INR 90 crore tender for a foot overbridge at Vikhroli after allegations of cartelisation and bid rigging were raised by Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Anil Parab. An internal review found irregularities in the bidding process, leading to the cancellation and possible forfeiture of deposits. The issue has also drawn attention to similar concerns in other infrastructure projects handled by the authority. Officials have maintained that the move will not impact the progress of Metro Line 6.
The Mumbai Metropolitan Region Development Authority (MMRDA) has cancelled the tender for the proposed foot overbridge at Vikhroli, valued at around INR 90 crore, after concerns were raised about the fairness of the bidding process. The decision came after allegations of cartelisation and bid rigging were flagged by Shiv Sena (UBT) MLC Anil Parab. Advertisement
Following the complaint, the authority appointed a one-member committee to review the tender process. The committee identified irregularities, after which MMRDA decided to scrap the entire tender. Officials indicated that earnest money deposits submitted by bidders who withdrew during the process are likely to be forfeited, and further action may be taken as per tender rules.
Parab had earlier written to the MMRDA commissioner stating that several firms were allegedly forced to withdraw from the bidding process. He pointed out that although multiple companies had initially shown interest, only a limited number remained at later stages, which raised concerns about reduced competition. He also suggested that there were indications a particular bidder was being favoured before the process was cancelled.
He stated that the authority’s decision to cancel the tender supports the concerns raised, but added that stricter steps such as blacklisting of companies involved in such practices should be considered. He also highlighted that such patterns, where participation reduces sharply during the process, have been seen in other tenders as well.
The concerns were not limited to the Vikhroli project. Similar issues were raised regarding projects such as the Bandra-Kurla Complex (BKC) to Chunabhatti connector and works related to fibre optic infrastructure on the Atal Setu. In these cases, repeated deadline extensions and limited competition were flagged as potential concerns, raising questions about tender management practices.
MMRDA officials also cited practical reasons for cancelling the tender at this stage. They noted that beginning construction work on the busy Jogeshwari–Vikhroli Link Road stretch just before the monsoon could have led to execution challenges, traffic disruption, and possible delays. Re-tendering the project at a later stage is expected to attract wider participation and ensure a more competitive process.
The authority has clarified that the cancellation will not affect the timeline of Metro Line 6, which is expected to become operational in 2027. The foot overbridge is planned as part of supporting infrastructure for the corridor, aimed at improving pedestrian connectivity near the metro station.
The development comes at a time when several large infrastructure projects are underway in the Mumbai Metropolitan Region, making transparency in tendering processes an important aspect for smooth execution and public trust.
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