'No infirmity in contract for Metro trains for phase III'

Work on Delhi Metro's ambitious Phase III project is expected to pick up speed with the project clearing all legal hurdles related to the procurement of 81 trains.

Work on Delhi Metro's ambitious Phase III project is expected to pick up speed with the project clearing all legal hurdles related to the procurement of 81 trains.

HT Image

Phase III of the Metro corridor, spanning 100km, will connect areas on the outskirts with central Delhi.

The Delhi High Court on Wednesday dismissed a petition filed by Siemens and Alstom, challenging the award of contract by Delhi Metro Railway Corporation (DMRC) to South Korean firm Hyundai ROTEM for the purchase of 81 trains for DMRC's phase III project.

Alleging irregularities and serious non-compliance with various tender conditions while awarding the contract, the petitioners had claimed that the South Korean firm was declared the lowest bidder based on "misrepresented facts".

However, on Wednesday, imposing a cost of Rs. 10,000 each on the petitioners, a bench concluded that there was no infirmity in the contract awarded to the South Korean firm.

DMRC had in March 2012 invited tenders for design, manufacture and training of 486 standard gauge cars for 81 trains of six cars each at a cost of Rs. 3,500 crore. Eight bidders had submitted their bids.

In April this year DMRC awarded the tender to Hyundai ROTEM. The Union urban development ministry on April 30 had constituted a two-member panel to inquire into the charges that the tender process was "arbitrary, non-transparent and unfair."

The will submit its report in a month.