In a major development, the Mumbai Metropolitan Region Development Authority (MMRDA) has scrapped the ₹14,000 crore road construction tender following sharp remarks from the Supreme Court over the disqualification of engineering giant Larsen & Toubro (L&T). The Maharashtra government is now set to decide the next steps, according to a CNBC-TV18 report.
The move comes after the apex court expressed serious concern over L&T’s plea, challenging the Bombay High Court’s refusal to stay the financial bid opening for the mega infrastructure project. The project included a 5 km twin underground road tunnel between Gaimukh and Fountain Hotel Junction, part of a larger 15 km coastal road expansion valued at ₹14,000 crore.
L&T alleged it was unfairly left uninformed about the rejection of its technical bid and excluded from the financial bid process, unlike other bidders. The company termed this conduct discriminatory and a breach of transparency.
During the recent hearing, Chief Justice B.R. Gavai underscored the magnitude of public funds involved and warned that the court would stay proceedings if clarity wasn’t provided.
The Maharashtra government’s decision to cancel the tender ahead of the next scheduled Supreme Court hearing suggests a reassessment of the bidding process in light of these concerns.
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